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Title: Brown, Frances Elizabeth. Letters, 1866-1867
Creator: Brown, Frances Elizabeth
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 7 letters from Brown to Abigail L. and Caroline E. Slade (both VC Special Students from 1866-1867) at Fall River, Massachusetts. The letters discuss housing, upperclassman recitations, social news, Founder's Day and faculty, including Henry Van Ingen and his wife. Brown details changes to the scheduled prayers, chapel sessions, and Bible studies that were made after the Slades had left Vassar. She mentions to Caroline (March 1867) a male correspondent's complaints against the workers on a pla...
Show more7 letters from Brown to Abigail L. and Caroline E. Slade (both VC Special Students from 1866-1867) at Fall River, Massachusetts. The letters discuss housing, upperclassman recitations, social news, Founder's Day and faculty, including Henry Van Ingen and his wife. Brown details changes to the scheduled prayers, chapel sessions, and Bible studies that were made after the Slades had left Vassar. She mentions to Caroline (March 1867) a male correspondent's complaints against the workers on a plantation near New Orleans, and complains frequently about the strict behavior of the Lady Principal, Hannah Lyman.
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Date: 1866-1867

Title: Stephenson, Mary (Sheldon). Letters, 1884-1888
Creator: Stephenson, Mary (Sheldon)
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel, Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 3 letters from Stephenson to her friend “Sate” concerning her experiences at Vassar between 1884 and 1888. Stephenson details Vassar’s election festivities of 1884, during which Republican students held a procession for Blaine, whom they assumed to be victorious, while the Democrat students dressed in mourning for Cleveland and served oysters to the Republicans. In 1885, the Vassar Republicans held a patriotic oyster reception for the Vassar Democrats, in recognition of their mistake in pred...
Show more3 letters from Stephenson to her friend “Sate” concerning her experiences at Vassar between 1884 and 1888. Stephenson details Vassar’s election festivities of 1884, during which Republican students held a procession for Blaine, whom they assumed to be victorious, while the Democrat students dressed in mourning for Cleveland and served oysters to the Republicans. In 1885, the Vassar Republicans held a patriotic oyster reception for the Vassar Democrats, in recognition of their mistake in predicting the 1884 presidential election. Stephenson discusses the letters she has received from a “Prohibitionist Republican” acquaintance at Alfred College. Stephenson also describes Vassar traditions, such as the invitation of the freshmen to the senior parlor and sophomore party, the Philalethean play, and the Philharmonic concerts.
VC 1888
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Title: [unknown], Gert. Letter, 1918
Creator: [unknown], Gert
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 1 letter, dated 13 Feb 1918, from “Gert” to her family about the fire at Vassar College. Marking the letter as from “Vassar College (What’s left of it!)” Gert provides an eyewitness account of the fire at Main Building as viewed from an upper floor of Strong. She also describes the observations of other students, the students’ relief effort to house Main residents and recover belongings, VC President Henry Noble MacCracken’s meeting with the school, the newspapers’ false reports of casualties...
Show more1 letter, dated 13 Feb 1918, from “Gert” to her family about the fire at Vassar College. Marking the letter as from “Vassar College (What’s left of it!)” Gert provides an eyewitness account of the fire at Main Building as viewed from an upper floor of Strong. She also describes the observations of other students, the students’ relief effort to house Main residents and recover belongings, VC President Henry Noble MacCracken’s meeting with the school, the newspapers’ false reports of casualties, and the armed soldiers who patrolled the grounds after the fire. Gert closes with a suggestion that her father’s business address the lack of fire hydrants in the area.
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Date: 13 Feb 1918
Text: Wed. A.M. Feb. 13, 1918. Vassar College. (what’s left of it!) Dearest Fambly: - Well, talk about excitement! We’ve sure had it during the last twelve hours. The back of Main has burned! Tuesday & Thursday nights we are allowed to go to other halls for dinner, and I happened to be Helen Coddington’s guest in Strong (that’s the nearest dormitory to Main). After dinner all the girls were standing around the hall waiting for someone to play for them to dance. All of a sudden all the girls...
Show moreWed. A.M. Feb. 13, 1918. Vassar College. (what’s left of it!) Dearest Fambly: - Well, talk about excitement! We’ve sure had it during the last twelve hours. The back of Main has burned! Tuesday & Thursday nights we are allowed to go to other halls for dinner, and I happened to be Helen Coddington’s guest in Strong (that’s the nearest dormitory to Main). After dinner all the girls were standing around the hall waiting for someone to play for them to dance. All of a sudden all the girls tore in one mass toward the south door (facing Main) and it was said they all decided to go over to Main to dance in “J” (the room on 2nd floor which is used for dancing). Then it turned to excitement and rumors of “Fire in Main” began to fly, and the girls were crying “No, don’t go there; it will cause too much congestion. They don’t want you to go!!” Helen & I tore up to fourth floor and looked out the end hall window - (Oh dear! there are 5 girls in here & we’re all talking at once! I’ll have to wait.) Wed. P.M. Mercy! everything’s so different. But I must continue my story and get this in the mail in a few minutes. When we got to the hall window in Strong we could see the flames from the back part of Main - about the Assembly Hall as nearly as we could figure. Engines came shrieking up and sirens blew till it was almost deafening. In less than no time all Arlington and the greater part of the population of Pokeepsie were forming a semi-circle around the north & back sides of Main. Helen and I went out too.It was very mild, and only a gentle breeze blowing - thank goodness! Everything was terribly slushy all around but no one seemed to notice how he was wading around. We watched from the north side for awhile then stood on the steps to the Infirmary. For awhhile we thought the men might just as well have been turning streams of kerosene on the flames for all the effect it had. We watched the roof of the Assembly Hall cave in and everyone stood there stricken when several of the firemen called: “Chief! Chief! man buried under there!” I don’t know what happened then, but we have heard since that about five men were carried away in ambulances. While watching from the infirmary Eleanor Emerson ([Marge’s?] sister) and one or two of her roommates who live on the fourth floor 2. far from the middle came over and this is what she had to say about it. She said that at a little while after five she was riding up in the elevator and called out: “4th” for the elevator boy to stop, but two men in the “L” said, “go on straight up to 5th, don’t stop!” Then she heard them say some more about where they had smelled smoke. A maid had told me before that when they were eating their dinner at 5 o’clock they smelled smoke & sent some men to find out the cause, but they didn’t see anything, so they concluded it must be from the funny smell they sometimes smelled from the burning of the coal. Then Eleanor went on to say that just as they were finishing their desert in the dining room the fire bell rang. (She and the girls in the back of the dining room didn’t hear it on account of all the noise from the girls talking.) But all the girls put up their hands (a sign for silence) and then they all rose in silence and started marching out of the dining room. The girls though it was just a fire drill, and those who hadn’t heard the bell expected to hear them start singing some national anthem to celebrate Lincoln’s Birthday (the only sign of recognition it might receive here!) But everyone calmly walked out and then began the fun. We tried to help the stream of girls carrying valuable books, papers, furniture, clothing - everything.They got ‘most everything out of the book store and treasury and doctor’s office and post office. The rooms of Strong were flooded with girls’ stuff and detectives and others went thru the girls’ rooms in the north transverse, throwing everything out the windows. They did them up in rugs and sheets and carted them to a distance. The gym was finally opened to drop things at Rocky. While the Infirm was filled to overflowing. Still the fire raged and the crowd was riveted to the sopr. There were two other fires in Po. we heard of & one of the firemen said, “Thank God, there comes engine no. _, now we can fight it!” The roof of Assembly Hall went first then [thru?] the fourth floor and then third. You could hear the dishes on the tables clatter as things fell in on them. Then back of the Assembly hall there are several turrets and lots of maids’ rooms and they all went. I don’t know whether they got much out of the grocery store or not but if they didn’t everything probably ruined with water, for all this morning they were still playing big streams and there was about two feet of water standing anywhere - where there was a floor left. 3. All the Main girls had to report to Strong to “sign up” and from there they were appointed to different rooms around campus for the night. Eleanor Emerson slept with Marge & we had another girl on our extra cot. We eat meals in relays & the poor maids are worked overtime. I never saw such efficiency tho! for when we returned from watching fire (we were sent home!) about 9 o’clock - here our extra cot had been made up with clean sheets all ready waiting. The maids did it, I suppose. And at the doors down stairs girls stood hearing everyone sign up whether or not every bit of bed space was being used in their room. - During the night, after we finally did get asleep a wind came up and being a bit excited anyway, we all thought how lucky it hadn’t come earlier - Still in our [semi?]-conscious state & mingled with terrifying dreams we had visions of the flames sweeping the whole building. This morning we had no first hour class but the whole college met in chapel. Prexy spoke to us for a few min. & told us that last night he was in N.Y. when someone telephoned him saying: “Main is in flames!” He took the train immediately and felt like pushing to get here, and said he heaved a sigh of relief when from the station the sky was not all lighted up. He congratulated us many times over & expressed his amazement (!) at our efficiency - said we had already done things when he thought of them. One [of] the faculty also gave us a little talk and told us some of the many funny - absolutely crazy - things that had happened. Then the Students Pres. gave out some instructions and we adjourned. I didn’t miss any classes as I didn’t have any until 4th hour - But of course no one had any work done. The post office is now in the gym! Main girls get their mail from Students` Building & the other girls have their mai come to their rooms. We’ll probably have guests for all night for a couple of nights longer, then they’ll ^let those living in the wings (which were untouched) go in. We were quite disappointed this morning to find no headlines in the N.Y. Times but it had gone to press too early. We heard that there was an extra in N.Y. saying: “Main Building of Vassar College swept by flames - 50 killed!” You can imagine the jam in Strong sending telegrams (That’s where the Messenger Room is now). Parents are pouring in, but they find all their children safe and sound. 2:; ."‘ 1 4. It was a beautiful sight and I wouldn’t have missed it for worlds. Since I have started this lengthy epistle, I have rec’d a big letter from you, Mother, and a nice big one from Daddy. I’ve taken so long and written so much. I don’t see how I can comment on everything now. There are so many funny things we’ve heard which keep coming to my mind to tell you, but I mustn’t take the time. I’m wondering if Chicago will take any notice of it in the papers. Soldiers with muskets patrolled the quadrangle a good part of the night & then - when we were trying to get to sleep we heard a bugle call repeated over & over again, so I suppose they were going then. We heard that all were searched before being allowed to leave the grounds & after a certain time in the morning they wouldn’t let any more on campus to see it, so that some girls off-campus had a hard time getting back. Mr Emerson is going to be in Po. for a few hours Friday & I’m almost as excited and glad as if he were my father. It’s funny, but for several days I’ve been pining for something exciting & different to happen! Believe me! we got it & it really is fun to have the regular routine so upset. The wires are all disconnected so the bells can’t be rung, so men have to ring the huge bell on top of Main to indicate the times for classes to begin &c. The heating system is affected somehow, so that certain buildings whose big [mains?] run thru Main will probably be heatless (Thank goodness for the mild weather!) The [mains?] are flooded. Which reminds me, the enclosed clipping is for Daddy; I meant to send it some time ago. I think he’ll see the significance. Also I’ve been noting the scarcity of fire hydrants around campus & I bet this would be a swell time for Daddy to do some business here. Also I’ve planned to spend spring vacation with Daddy in N.Y (he working [in?] a business trip). I need so many clothes I can’t get here - shoes especially. Please I need the toe-slip badly. Thank you both heaps again for the nice letters - yours was beautifully fat Mother - let them come as often as possible. I’ll answer them individually soon. Good-bye, dears & Happy Valentine’s Day [crossed out] [Th?]day - Love - Gert.
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Title: McAndrew, Marjorie. Letters, 1916-1917
Creator: McAndrew, Marjorie
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: VC Ex 1920
11 letters to McAndrew (VC Ex 1920) from friends and family, dated between 1916 and 1917. The longer letters from McAndrew’s family discuss social and family news, Vassar activities, naval exercises, correspondence and gifts from other family members, and promised clothing. A letter from Hazel A. Ware (VC 1913) advises McAndrew on academic and social opportunities at Vassar, describes Ware’s experiences teaching school, and expresses sympathy for McAndrew following the death of her ...
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11 letters to McAndrew (VC Ex 1920) from friends and family, dated between 1916 and 1917. The longer letters from McAndrew’s family discuss social and family news, Vassar activities, naval exercises, correspondence and gifts from other family members, and promised clothing. A letter from Hazel A. Ware (VC 1913) advises McAndrew on academic and social opportunities at Vassar, describes Ware’s experiences teaching school, and expresses sympathy for McAndrew following the death of her father. Shorter letters include an acknowledgement of a sympathy card, a tennis invitation, a Bible class reminder and reading assignment, a brief response to a letter McAndrew had sent, and a change of Thanksgiving travel plans.
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Title: [unknown], Hannah. Letter, 1866
Creator: [unknown], Hannah
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: VC Class Year Unknown
1 letter, dated 18 Oct 1866, from “Hannah” to her brother. Hannah describes the arrangement of her room and corridor at Vassar College, rigorous music classes, the popularity of boating, and the fruit given to her by a classmate.

Title: Pratt, Mary (Morris). Letters, 1874, 1877-1880
Creator: Pratt, Mary (Morris)
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel, Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 8 letters from Mary Pratt to her mother, one dated Nov. 1874 and the remaining seven between April 1877 and May 1880. The 1874 letter recounts making molasses with her classmates at Vassar. Remaining letters describe making chicken costumes for the Philalethean entertainment, the junior class playing Halloween pranks on the seniors, making a speech of thanks on behalf of the junior class to the seniors for inviting them to a parlor party rather than taking revenge for the Halloween pranks, ...
Show more8 letters from Mary Pratt to her mother, one dated Nov. 1874 and the remaining seven between April 1877 and May 1880. The 1874 letter recounts making molasses with her classmates at Vassar. Remaining letters describe making chicken costumes for the Philalethean entertainment, the junior class playing Halloween pranks on the seniors, making a speech of thanks on behalf of the junior class to the seniors for inviting them to a parlor party rather than taking revenge for the Halloween pranks, skating, a debate and operetta performed by Vassar students, her election as student association president, and the Shakespeare Club yacht party and visit to the historic Montgomery house. Highlights of Pratt’s senior year include social visits, the opening of the senior parlor and reception for the freshmen, the April 1880 dedication of the new laboratory by Matthew Vassar, Jr. and President Caldwell, and Pratt’s Founders’ Day speech as student association president. Pratt encloses the Class Day program in which she is listed as M. S. Morris.
VC 1880
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Title: Anderson, Irene. Letters, 1866
Creator: Anderson, Irene
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: VC Spec 1866-1867
1 letter, dated 10 Oct 1866, from Anderson (VC spec 1866-1867) to her brother Norton B. Anderson. Anderson promises to write every week and keep a daily journal of her experiences at Vassar College. She describes the geology walks led by Professor Tennyson, provides a comprehensive outline of the daily schedule, and mentions extracurriculars in music, gymnastics, and horseback riding.

Title: Washburn, Lucy M. Letter, 1871
Creator: Washburn, Lucy M
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 1 letter from Washburn to her friend Alvah from Ann Arbor, who is also away at college. Washburn describes the reaction among the Vassar students to the death of their Lady Principal, the strict visionary [Hannah Lyman]. She congratulates Alvah on her 22nd birthday. Washburn discusses popular reaction to the admission of women to universities, claiming that Alvah's school has twenty female medical students for every female law student. Washburn speculates that her mother would like her to bec...
Show more1 letter from Washburn to her friend Alvah from Ann Arbor, who is also away at college. Washburn describes the reaction among the Vassar students to the death of their Lady Principal, the strict visionary [Hannah Lyman]. She congratulates Alvah on her 22nd birthday. Washburn discusses popular reaction to the admission of women to universities, claiming that Alvah's school has twenty female medical students for every female law student. Washburn speculates that her mother would like her to become a physician. She discusses their mutual acquaintances and expresses interest in visiting Alvah at some point during vacation or after commencement.
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Date: Feb 23 1871

Title: Pease, Julia M. Letters, 1870-1875
Creator: Pease, Julia M.
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel, Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 221 letters from Julia Pease, mostly to her parents and sister Caroline, concerning her experiences at Vassar between 1870 and 1875. Pease discusses social visits, family news, fashion trends, and academic experience. She describes Christmas festivities and theatricals at Vassar (Cara, Dec 1872) and a sketching expedition to Matthew Vassar’s former home (Car, May 1871). Pease reflects on the death of a classmate and of Hannah Lyman in her Feb 1875 letter to her parents. She frequently contem...
Show more221 letters from Julia Pease, mostly to her parents and sister Caroline, concerning her experiences at Vassar between 1870 and 1875. Pease discusses social visits, family news, fashion trends, and academic experience. She describes Christmas festivities and theatricals at Vassar (Cara, Dec 1872) and a sketching expedition to Matthew Vassar’s former home (Car, May 1871). Pease reflects on the death of a classmate and of Hannah Lyman in her Feb 1875 letter to her parents. She frequently contemplates the religious sermons given by various visiting speakers. Pease condemns the racist sentiments expressed by several students in reaction to the prospective arrival of the Japanese princesses (Carrie, Jan 1872).
VC 1875
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Title: Tappan, Eva March. Letters, 1874
Creator: Tappan, Eva March
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel, Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 7 letters from Tappan to her mother about her semester at Vassar in the spring of 1874. Tappan discusses visiting arrangements for vacations, fashion trends, and the partiality that Poughkeepsie shopkeepers showed to Vassar customers. She evaluates various preachers and describes several faculty members. Tappan also describes a walk to Cedar Ridge, the kindness of her classmates in reading her lessons aloud to her while she was suffering a temporary eye ailment, the mailbox system, her work...
Show more7 letters from Tappan to her mother about her semester at Vassar in the spring of 1874. Tappan discusses visiting arrangements for vacations, fashion trends, and the partiality that Poughkeepsie shopkeepers showed to Vassar customers. She evaluates various preachers and describes several faculty members. Tappan also describes a walk to Cedar Ridge, the kindness of her classmates in reading her lessons aloud to her while she was suffering a temporary eye ailment, the mailbox system, her work for the Vassar Miscellany, and her senior room.
VC 1875
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Title: [unknown], Mary. Letter, 1872
Creator: [unknown], Mary
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 1 letter, dated 24 Nov 1872, from “Mary” to her sister “Mollie.” Mary describes a typical Sunday routine at Vassar College, beginning with Bible class and chapel. Mary explains that after dinner and while still dressed in their Sunday finery, the students would promenade in the park. She also details meeting Dr. Alida Avery during a brief stay in the Infirmary. Mary discusses her desire to be less “selfish” and live according to her religious faith.
VC Class Year Unknown

Title: Moore, Lulu L. Letter, 1878
Creator: Moore, Lulu L.
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: VC Spec 1878-1879
1 letter, dated Dec 31 1878, from Moore (VC spec 1878-1879) to her father, John Adams Moore. Moore reports having received her father’s two letters and requests family news. She describes a New Year’s party given by the assistant lady principal, student visits to their professor, and a sermon in Society Hall. Moore closes by discussing her education and career plans.

Title: Greer, Florence. Letter, 1899
Creator: Greer, Florence
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 1 letter from Greer to Mary A. Mineah (VC 1870) about her social and academic experiences during her fall semester at Vassar. Mentions acquaintances, a lecturer, English classes, and German classes.
Date: Nov 1895

Title: Hatcher, Orie Latham. Letters, 1887
Creator: Hatcher, Orie Latham
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 2 letters from Hatcher to Mr. Pace, Nov. 1887 on her intent to submit her impressions of Vassar student life to his magazine.
Date: 1887

Title: Worthing, Margaret (Fletcher). Letters, 1907-1911
Creator: Worthing, Margaret (Fletcher)
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: VC Ex 1910
Letters from Worthing to family, dated between 5 May 1907 and 19 Mar 1911. Worthing mentions various Vassar College traditions, such as tree ceremonies, commencement, the Vassarion, the senior boat ride, a stunt party, choral club, and a sermon by Lyman Abbott. She also makes reference to Latin class, music recitals, the new chemical laboratory, senior picture sale, and VC's response to the Consumer’s League. Many of the letters were written while Worthing was visiting New York and ...
Show moreVC Ex 1910
Letters from Worthing to family, dated between 5 May 1907 and 19 Mar 1911. Worthing mentions various Vassar College traditions, such as tree ceremonies, commencement, the Vassarion, the senior boat ride, a stunt party, choral club, and a sermon by Lyman Abbott. She also makes reference to Latin class, music recitals, the new chemical laboratory, senior picture sale, and VC's response to the Consumer’s League. Many of the letters were written while Worthing was visiting New York and New Jersey with friends and VC classmates, so she often discusses family and social news, presents received from and purchased for her family, and seeing performances by famous actors such as Sothern and Marlowe.
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Title: Jones, Martha (Boyd). Letter, 1882
Creator: Jones, Martha (Boyd)
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 1 letter, dated 19 Mar 1882, from Jones (VC 1883) to her mother. Jones writes about the dedication of the organ in the Vassar College Chapel and an organ recital by Walter [Damrosch]. She also discusses the insensitivity of addressing sickness and death in a sermon after the death of Professor Dwight’s baby. Jones closes with a description of social visits in the residence hall, and a request for money to spend on clothing.
VC 1883

Title: [unknown], Jeannette. Letter, n.d.
Creator: [unknown], Jeannette
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: VC Class Year Unknown
1 letter, dated Sept. 22nd 1869, from “Jeannette” to Mary P. Ashbridge. “Jeannette” describes the beginning of a semester at Vassar College, including the “Classification” of the four hundred students, activities such as boating and walking, the meals served, her residential parlor and parlor-mates, the grounds, and the abundance of pianos. She also exchanges social news and requests letters.

Title: Cole, Elizabeth (Curtis). Letter, 1870
Creator: Cole, Elizabeth Curtis
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel, Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter, dated June 15 1870, from Cole (VC 1870) to her friend “Mattie.” Cole invites Mattie to Class Day at Vassar College and instructs her on how to meet Cole and find a seat. She also encloses an invitation to the Class Day exercises on June 21st, 1870. The letter and invitation are stamped with the seal of the Vassar College class of 1870: the letters VC interlinked with the number 70.
VC 1870

Title: Fitt, Harriet (Bradley). Letters, 1910
Creator: Fitt, Harriet (Bradley)
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: VC 1913
31 letters, dated between 13 Jan and 8 Apr 1910, from Fitt (VC 1913) to her family. Fitt discusses a spring semester at Vassar College. She describes coursework, lectures, and exams in subjects such as geometry, Latin, medieval history, and Renaissance history. Fitt also discusses features of VC administration such as faculty members, administrators, elections for class officers, class meetings, the course sequence in English, the prohibition of phonographs, and administrative changes ...
Show moreVC 1913
31 letters, dated between 13 Jan and 8 Apr 1910, from Fitt (VC 1913) to her family. Fitt discusses a spring semester at Vassar College. She describes coursework, lectures, and exams in subjects such as geometry, Latin, medieval history, and Renaissance history. Fitt also discusses features of VC administration such as faculty members, administrators, elections for class officers, class meetings, the course sequence in English, the prohibition of phonographs, and administrative changes to the chapel cut system. She mentions athletic activities such as tobogganing, skating, and esthetic dancing. Traditions referenced by Fitt include the Maid’s [Goodfellowship] Club, the third hall play, the Shakespearean fourth hall play, senior parlor, and the ice carnival. Fitt reports having her theme published in the Vassar Miscellany and serving on the committee to organize the Founder’s Day dance. Because of her Annapolis family’s connection to the U.S. navy, Fitt often mentions students and social events at military academies such as West Point.
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Title: Eaton, Esther. Letter, 1905
Creator: Eaton, Esther
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 1 letter, dated Apr 27 1905, in which Eaton (VC 1905) thanks “Miss Shipp” for the gift of a book. Miss Shipp is the sister of Eaton’s Vassar College classmate Margaret "Peggy" M. Shipp (VC 1905). Eaton expresses happiness that she lives close to Peggy and hopes that Miss Shipp will come to Commencement. Includes envelope.
VC 1905

Title: Johnson, Caroline (Curtiss). Letter, 1878
Creator: Johnson, Caroline (Curtiss)
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 1 letter, dated 16 Oct 1878, to Johnson (VC 1883) from her father Abijah Curtiss. Curtiss writes that he cannot bring Johnson home from Vassar College for vacation the following week, remonstrating that “life is not all pleasure” and that she has already visited Hyde Park without his permission. He instructs her to endorse an enclosed check to pay for her music lessons, keep an account of her expenses in the enclosed memo books, and learn the value of money.
VC 1883

Title: Kirkland, Winifred. Letters, 1893-1895
Creator: Kirkland, Winifred
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 3 letters from Kirkland to her friend Jennie S. Liebman. Kirkland describes her experiences at Vassar College between transferring there in the fall of 1893 to her junior year in the fall of 1895. She mentions new friends, academics, nostalgia for the "Packer" school and the Dakota, professors, rooms, social visits, and acquaintances' engagements.
Date: 1893-1895

Title: Quigley, Elizabeth. Letter, n.d.
Creator: Quigley, Elizabeth
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 1 letter from Quigley (VC 1918) to her family members “Papa” and “Margery.” Quigley reports that organizations are attempting to sell Liberty Bonds at Vassar College, despite the unlikelihood of students being able to purchase fifty-dollar bonds. She also mentions studying for a written exam in psychology, having her picture taken for the Vassarion, inviting another student to Senior Parlor, and reading “cowboy stories” for geology.
VC 1918

Title: Duncan, Doris (Bullard). Letter, 1914
Creator: Duncan, Doris (Bullard)
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 1 letter, dated Dec 2 1914, from Duncan (VC 1917) to Mrs. Charles Culver, mother of Mary (Culver) Pollock (VC 1917). Duncan thanks Mrs. Culver for hosting her on Sunday night, as well as Dr. Culver for carrying her “heavy” suitcase to the station. Duncan reports rumors that the President’s House at Vassar College is being renovated for a new president, complains about the smell of the “unhealthy” cheese that Mary keeps in the food-chest, shares an anecdote of the pastor missing his own servic...
Show more1 letter, dated Dec 2 1914, from Duncan (VC 1917) to Mrs. Charles Culver, mother of Mary (Culver) Pollock (VC 1917). Duncan thanks Mrs. Culver for hosting her on Sunday night, as well as Dr. Culver for carrying her “heavy” suitcase to the station. Duncan reports rumors that the President’s House at Vassar College is being renovated for a new president, complains about the smell of the “unhealthy” cheese that Mary keeps in the food-chest, shares an anecdote of the pastor missing his own service in the chapel, and sends Dr. Culver a joke related to the war. Includes envelope.
VC 1917
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Title: Thompson, Mary (Coe). Letter, 1865
Creator: Thompson, Mary (Coe)
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 1 letter, dated Nov 18 1865, from Thompson (VC Prep 1865-Feb 1866) to Mrs. Boynton, her Bible class teacher and pastor’s wife. Thompson writes formally. She details several features of life at Vassar College, such as shopping in Poughkeepsie, President Raymond, the professors, and the college library. Thompson explains that while she misses taking Boynton’s Bible classes at home, she attends the chapel services and Bible classes offered at Vassar. Written on lined paper with a black-and-white...
Show more1 letter, dated Nov 18 1865, from Thompson (VC Prep 1865-Feb 1866) to Mrs. Boynton, her Bible class teacher and pastor’s wife. Thompson writes formally. She details several features of life at Vassar College, such as shopping in Poughkeepsie, President Raymond, the professors, and the college library. Thompson explains that while she misses taking Boynton’s Bible classes at home, she attends the chapel services and Bible classes offered at Vassar. Written on lined paper with a black-and-white image captioned “Vassar Female College.” 1 card from S. Ella Boynton, dated Oct 6 1915, gifting Thompson’s letter to Vassar.
VC Prep 1865-1866
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Title: [unknown]. Letter, 1866
Creator: Unidentified
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: VC Class Year Unknown
1 letter from an unidentified sender to Mary C. “Lettie” Gauntlett. The letter is marked as sent from Vassar College on Sunday, September 22nd and is estimated as having been sent in 1866. The writer describes how she and “Mary” journeyed to Poughkeepsie, took preliminary exams, and were placed in particular classes. She provides detailed descriptions of the Sunday schedule at Vassar College, the food served at a recent dinner, and an afternoon walk with two other student...
Show moreVC Class Year Unknown
1 letter from an unidentified sender to Mary C. “Lettie” Gauntlett. The letter is marked as sent from Vassar College on Sunday, September 22nd and is estimated as having been sent in 1866. The writer describes how she and “Mary” journeyed to Poughkeepsie, took preliminary exams, and were placed in particular classes. She provides detailed descriptions of the Sunday schedule at Vassar College, the food served at a recent dinner, and an afternoon walk with two other student. The writer mentions the VC regulations for visiting the city.
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Title: Thompson, Addie (Adda). Letters, n.d., 1875-1876
Creator: Thompson, Addie (Adda)
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel, Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 13 letters from Thompson to her family about her experiences at Vassar from the fall of 1875 to the spring of 1876. Thompson describes her arrival, entrance examinations, the difficulty of having her first name registered in the catalogue, her freshman room, initial homesickness, and Christmas festivities. In her letters from the following semester, Thompson details the type of dress she would like to have made for her, social news, and accounts of the religious revival at Amherst College. ...
Show more13 letters from Thompson to her family about her experiences at Vassar from the fall of 1875 to the spring of 1876. Thompson describes her arrival, entrance examinations, the difficulty of having her first name registered in the catalogue, her freshman room, initial homesickness, and Christmas festivities. In her letters from the following semester, Thompson details the type of dress she would like to have made for her, social news, and accounts of the religious revival at Amherst College. Thompson reflects on the death of a classmate from rheumatic fever.
VC Prep 1875-1876. Some items consist of transcripts with reduced-sized photocopied originals; other items are photocopies of originals, which have been provided for contrast (original items may be too faint to read).
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Title: Holtz, Eliza. Letters, 1865-1866
Creator: Holtz, Eliza
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 3 letters from Holtz to her brother and mother between 1865 and 1866. Holtz wishes her family a happy new year and describes the Christmas festivities at Vassar. Later letters describe her algebra field trip to Rhinebeck, her visit to the home of a trustee, and meeting a well-known missionary. There is also an undated letter to her brother with an extensive description of Vassar College.
Date: 1865-1866

Title: Mineah, Mary A. Letters, 1869-1870
Creator: Mineah, Mary A.
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 2 letters, from Mary A. Mineah to her mother, about her spring semesters at Vassar in 1869 and 1870. In the first letter, Mineah describes lectures by Vassar astronomy professor Maria Mitchell, Yale professor Silliman, missionary in Brazil J.L. Fletcher, and Vassar religion professor Farrar. In the second, Mineah reflects on her political beliefs and academic goals, describing herself as influential and respected. She also recounts her experience observing the night sky from the Observator...
Show more2 letters, from Mary A. Mineah to her mother, about her spring semesters at Vassar in 1869 and 1870. In the first letter, Mineah describes lectures by Vassar astronomy professor Maria Mitchell, Yale professor Silliman, missionary in Brazil J.L. Fletcher, and Vassar religion professor Farrar. In the second, Mineah reflects on her political beliefs and academic goals, describing herself as influential and respected. She also recounts her experience observing the night sky from the Observatory. Mineah closes each letter with reference to family news.
VC 1870
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Title: Jackson, Helen (Basfield). Letters, 1875-1877
Creator: Jackson, Helen (Basfield)
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 2 letters from Jackson to her cousin Ann Scholfield in April 1875 and Dec 1877. She shares family news, plans visits, and discusses the logistics of feeding Vassar's 400 students. In the later letter she describes winter visits, the Philalethean Anniversary, and the departure of Lady Principal Terry.
Date: 1875-1877

Title: Vance, Gertrude (Pratt). Letters, 1913-197
Creator: Vance, Gertrude (Pratt)
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 12 letters from Vance (VC Ex 1917) to her family, and 3 letters to Pratt. Vance’s letters, written during her freshman year at Vassar College, often reply to letters, telegrams, and telephone calls from her family. In most of her letters, Vance describes her classes in German, English, Latin, French, and geometry. She includes diagrams from geometry, textbook expenditures, and a schedule for the final exams. Traditions mentioned by Vance include the “maids’" club [Good Fellowship Club], the s...
Show more12 letters from Vance (VC Ex 1917) to her family, and 3 letters to Pratt. Vance’s letters, written during her freshman year at Vassar College, often reply to letters, telegrams, and telephone calls from her family. In most of her letters, Vance describes her classes in German, English, Latin, French, and geometry. She includes diagrams from geometry, textbook expenditures, and a schedule for the final exams. Traditions mentioned by Vance include the “maids’" club [Good Fellowship Club], the serenade on the steps of Strong, singing with the Juniors at Sunset Lake, and Alumnae Prom. She explains that at a class meeting, the Freshman class attempted to select an infant as their class mascot, but rejected the infant because of his race (Nov 20). Vance also discusses news, social visits, temperance activism (Nov 20), cooking, making crafts, shopping for Christmas presents, sharing cake, swimming, and watching hockey games. She provides diagrams of clothing, furniture, and her room. The letters from “Rosa,” Vance’s brother Don, and Vance’s mother share social and family news, express affection, and discuss Vance’s coursework. Vance’s brother also mentions moving pictures, sports and fraternity news, writing for the newspaper, and Vance’s studies in German.
VC Ex 1917
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Title: Richards, Ellen H. (Swallow). Letter, 1869
Creator: Richards, Ellen H. (Ellen Henrietta), 1842-1911
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel, Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter, dated 9 Apr 1869, from Ellen (Swallow) Richards to her mother. Richards describes finding the “first” spring flowers near Vassar College. She recounts giving flowers to VC Lady Principal Hannah Lyman during Lyman’s illness, and to her classmates and instructors. According to Richards, VC President John Raymond also heard of the flowers. The remainder of the letter is devoted to a lecture by Rev. Thompson on his travels in Russia. The letter is long but incomplete.
Date: 9 Apr 1869
Text: 1 1869 Friday night. Apr. 9 - Dear mother - I am so happy tonight and I hope you are. I’d like to [pop?] in & see [what?] you have - & to give you my first flowers - for I have had the great priviledge of finding the first spring flowers he white [Hepatica’s?] - Miss Folsom & I went off a long way, about 2 miles, & I saw the first blossom [there?] [we] gathered quite a little quantity & we were so delighted we were gone only 1 hour from the college - we sent a delicate...
Show more1 1869 Friday night. Apr. 9 - Dear mother - I am so happy tonight and I hope you are. I’d like to [pop?] in & see [what?] you have - & to give you my first flowers - for I have had the great priviledge of finding the first spring flowers he white [Hepatica’s?] - Miss Folsom & I went off a long way, about 2 miles, & I saw the first blossom [there?] [we] gathered quite a little quantity & we were so delighted we were gone only 1 hour from the college - we sent a delicate boquet to your old Prof Mitchel who wil never see the spring flowers again & I carried a cluster to Miss Avery who was pleased & to Miss Lyman who is sick - I unwittingly got into her presence & she was as delighted as a child. & thanked us very much - she was in bed but better - Miss Shattuck said “It was so sweet of you to remember me” Miss Small said she should be as proud as a queen and kissed me for them -- so I think I’ve made a good many hearts happy today consequently feel happy myself. The frogs are peeping - the yellow & blue crocus in bloom the hillsides green. Yesterday I thought of dear old New England. Later Miss Folsom & I were quite noted once in our lives - the President heard of our treasures before 2 hours - as I learned from his daughters & now you must have a fair sketch of the closing delights of the day - Rev J.P. Thompson lecture on Moscow - I can’t hope to do it justice. First I was quite charmed with the man - He reminds me much of [...] Harwood - with - a fully developed head & minus the [abrupt?] murmur - His voice was to say the least perfectly agreeable. I would [attract?]. He had an easy air of assurance, which I like - did not rise with apologies or expressions of embarrassment at appearing before us as so many of our lecturers have done - but his first words were “[To?] be dropped into Moscow in mid winter gives a curious sensation” & he went on in the most modest way I ever heard any [traveller?] speak in - he kept himself in the back ground & only now & then did he speak of himself & then often when he was in a ridiculous fix - Everything impressed me favorably & I was completely satisfied with one lecture at least - In other cities of Europe you see something familiar in some department - a sign over a shop or a rail way or something to remind of home but in Moscow all is strange - at times you fancy it is Damascus now Constantinople now you never saw the like - no streets are straight all kinds of buildings are mingled If you could see it of a clear winter morning ^as I did with the [innumerable?] domes & spires & the magnificent buildings stretching to the hills all on the background of glistening snow - you must wait till you get to the New Jerusalem before your eyes, behold another [crossed out: sight] picture so bewitching so lovely & withall so strange - you see strange houses strange women & stranger men till you feel a stranger to yourself - you see a sign “bath.” you think it is some enterprising American but the h turns out to be the Russian n - & its no bath - even the sun seems strange rising so late & running so low - the language is strange I called a conveyance late one night to take me to my Hotel. I knew but one word of Russian - Gostentsi meaning Hotel - & the name of the landlord Billo - so I said Gostentsi Billo & away we whirld soon I saw we were crossing the foot of the street I knew the Hotel was on - I rose up & seizing the driver by the shoulder shouted “Gostentsi Billo” - He turned & drove rapidly in another direction - again I shouted repeatedly Gostentsi Billo as I saw we were approaching a dangerous part of the city - I saw a lantern of a watchman & I stopped the driver & tried the effect of my magical words on him - he soon set my driver right - it seems he was a peasant who had come into the city for the winter & knew the city no better than I did - but he charged me 3 [fares?] forthe ride - Moscow is the typical city of Russia Petersburg is European next next to Paris & Vienna in in magnificence the grand place is more imposing than the Place de la Concord in Paris 5 wide streets miles long radiate from it - Moscow although three times burned is the crystalizing center of the Empire - she is naturally jealous of Petersburg - the coronation ceremony is still held in Moscow & an attempt to place [that?] at Petersburg would cause a revolution. Russia is 10 000 by 2500 miles in extent contains 8000 miles [...] coast - 9000 land [...arder?] 80 millions people - The cabin that Peter the Great built with his own hands on a little island in the river is still standing protected by an enclosing building - the table at which he sat & wrote his [...es?] I could look out upon the Capital & glory of his empire - there is not the great display of other [...] the Cathedral where all the sovereigns are buried has only plain marble steps with only the words “Peter” “Ann” “Katherine” & c The Russians took to the religious when it was introduced as a part of their duty to the government. A scene is described by one of the histories - a whole city were baptized at once some [...] in 5 the water - some sitting on the stones while the priest read the mass for all - that was the way Christianity was introduced in Russia - the Emperor recognizes not power above him - so he always kneeling by the altar places the crown upon his own head - then passing behind the screen takes the holy bread & wine - no Archbishop is worthy to crown an Emperor of Russia. The Russians have a great deal of religiosity - if I may use that word - at the main entrance to the Kremlin hangs the celebrated picture that winked or nodded or did something that sent away the French & no matter what the [temperature?] all must enter bare headed I tried it at 20° below zero - even the Emperor would not dare to wear his hat - Moscow is a city of churches - by actual count look which way you will - you see 100 domes without turning - the bells are many of them very fine in tune on the eve of Good Friday all of them are silent till Easter morning - when as a signal fire is lighted all the innumerable bells ring out in merry chime & every one as they hurry thro the streets to the early High Mass is at liberty to salute whoever he meetswith the holy kiss & the salutation “Christ is risen” on an evening of the year perhaps corresponding to our Hallow Eve the young ladies gather in a room at night and [then?] [...] on the floor a ring in the dark. each has a dish with a few grains of corn in it. - after a time spent in silent meditation a rooster who has been kept some time without food is introduced and after taking a little time to recover himself as other bipeds do under similar circumstances - he advances & helps himself to the corn - from whose dish he first picks will surely be married. The riding school is the largest building in the world without [obstructions?] or pillars of any kind - 960x160 - 2 regiments can [maneuver?] with ease - Tea is the universal beverage - sugar or lemon or milk at the little eating places - tea with the inevitable piece of lemon by the cup - Of all places in winter a Russian House is the most comfortable you are sure of being warm - a servant ushers you into an ante room where all outer garments are laid aside they never [...] [...] with them on - The inside of a russian house is charming no display but much comfort -- Many ladies are acquainted with 4 languages - one I visited conversed with me in English concerning our war as intelligently as if she had been here - turned to my companion & spoke in his native tongue German of the war just [closed?] - chatted with a French lady - gave her orders to servants in Russian - with no [affectation?] or hesitancy - But one thing you would notice that strikes one painfully is the free use of the name of God - they do not mean to swear it is a native habit = to say as this lady did “God how little tea you take.” “Lord how you Americans travel” - She did not mean any more than young ladies outside the walls of Vassar College do when they say “goodness,” “gracious” [&c?]. I was once told by a French teacher in New York - who was teaching in a boarding school when she first came here of an [experience?] of hers in this [...] - This you know was not a College only a boarding school - The Principal was a very [dignified] lady - & the French Mademoiselle was picking up all the English she could & one day when she wished the Principal to stop speaking she said “goodness gracious hold your tongue” the horrified lady demanded where in the world she got such language - the poor teacher had heard one of the young ladies use it - & supposed it was good English: this is a [bad?] [...] & - They have great churches no seats ⅔ are men no female voices in the choir no instruments - men’s voices very fine & when they are on a low key effect is weird thrilling - All go togeth the country people in sheep skin, filthy as possible, side my side with the rich furs. I said to my wife who was with me - what a pity that we must come to despotic Russia to find all [warshing?] together I was making what I thought a very effective reflection - my wife interrupted me as we were passing the steps - with “If you know the Russians for [...] I wish youd step in and get one [me?] the [close?] [...] was rather [suggest…?] - For a 1000 years Russia has been steadily advancing [never?] going back - its policy is persisting devotion to one idea - Russia will never own the world - America will never be the ruler - happily they [strike?] hands & go on together in our darkest day when those we expected to be our friends failed Russia was by us - the Czar has just purchased a [picture?] a [y...arra...n…?] to be hung with Russia’s heros showing the undying hundred of heroic souls” Thi is a very poor sketch but perhaps you will get a few ideas ---
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Title: Griffis, Katharine (Stanton). Letters, 1877
Creator: Griffis, Katharine (Stanton)
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 4 letters from Griffis to Mary Grace Toll Hill between Jul 1874 and Nov 1875. Griffis discusses news of her family and friends, homesickness, and the excitement of student life. She describes the grounds and rooms at Vassar, her new classmates, social gatherings, clubs, and the Philalethean entertainment.
Date: 1877

Title: Stem, Sarah M. Letters, 1866-1871
Creator: Stem, Sarah M.
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel, Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 9 letters from Stem to her family, written between 1866 and 1871. Stem describes Vassar fashions, her roommate and other acquaintances, the solemn observance of Washington’s birthday, lectures by Prof. Silliman of Yale and South American missionary Mr. Fletcher, social news, Founders’ Day, social news and scandals, a missionary lecture on the “Cherokee nation,” the Philalethean entertainment, and Parton’s infamous lecture on “Who are the Vulgar?"
VC 1872

Title: Gallup, Lillie (Taylor). Letters, 1865-1867
Creator: Gallup, Lillie (Taylor)
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 2 letters from Gallup to her parents, in Jun 1867. Gallup sends the tuition bill and considers attending Vassar for a further two years. She reports on social events and her election as Recording Secretary of Chapter Alpha of the Philalethean Society.
Date: 1865-1867

Title: Wood, Fanny E. Letter, 1866
Creator: Wood, Fanny E
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 1 letter from Wood to her Aunt Villa. Wood thanks her aunt and uncle for the shoes, pin, and buttons that they had sent her and promises to visit them during the following week's vacation from classes. She praises the view from her room, describes how easily she has made friends within her two weeks at school, lists her academic classes, criticizes the available musical instruction, considers hiring a piano on which to practice during her time at Vassar, and praises the meals.
Date: Mar. 24th 1866

Title: Aaron, Fannie. Letters, 1919-1923.
Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: VC 1923
Fannie Aaron (VC 1923) attended Vassar from 1919-1923. Her letters are of particular interest to researchers and students because Aaron was one of the only Jewish students on campus, and her letters detail the social, cultural, and religious challenges she faced while here. She wrote more than 750 letters (totaling approximately 1500 pages) in four years. The Fannie Aaron letters were donated by Judith and Louis Friedman in 2014, and their digitization was made possible by a generou...
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Fannie Aaron (VC 1923) attended Vassar from 1919-1923. Her letters are of particular interest to researchers and students because Aaron was one of the only Jewish students on campus, and her letters detail the social, cultural, and religious challenges she faced while here. She wrote more than 750 letters (totaling approximately 1500 pages) in four years. The Fannie Aaron letters were donated by Judith and Louis Friedman in 2014, and their digitization was made possible by a generous grant from Dr. Georgette Bennett in honor of Dr. Leonard Polonsky CBE. We are grateful to Dr. Bennett, the Friedmans, and the rest of Fannie Aaron's family for their support.
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Title: Thompson, Mary (Thaw). Letters, 1873-1876
Creator: Thompson, Mary (Thaw)
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel, Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 4 letters from Thompson to her father about her experiences at Vassar from 1873 to 1876. Thompson reports social news and her performance on the entrance examinations, requests more money for school books, and repents accidental overspending on a dress to wear to an acquaintance’s wedding. Thompson provides an overview of her courses for the fall semester of 1876. She describes her interactions with faculty and staff, a sermon, theatrical events, commencement festivities, and the post-gradu...
Show more4 letters from Thompson to her father about her experiences at Vassar from 1873 to 1876. Thompson reports social news and her performance on the entrance examinations, requests more money for school books, and repents accidental overspending on a dress to wear to an acquaintance’s wedding. Thompson provides an overview of her courses for the fall semester of 1876. She describes her interactions with faculty and staff, a sermon, theatrical events, commencement festivities, and the post-graduation plans of her peers.
VC 1877
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Title: Marshall, Katherine (Manson). Letter, 1910
Creator: Marshall, Katherine (Manson)
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 1 postcard, postmarked 11 Feb 1910, from Marshall (VC 1910) to Emma Stewart. Referring to the image of the Vassar College campus on the back of the postcard, Marshall asks Stewart how many of the depicted buildings she could identify. Marshall explains that she is too busy at Vassar to write to Stewart every week, as she had at home. The image of Vassar College is credited to W.T. Little and Co. In the foreground of the image, the row of houses and large lake are encircled by trees and divide...
Show more1 postcard, postmarked 11 Feb 1910, from Marshall (VC 1910) to Emma Stewart. Referring to the image of the Vassar College campus on the back of the postcard, Marshall asks Stewart how many of the depicted buildings she could identify. Marshall explains that she is too busy at Vassar to write to Stewart every week, as she had at home. The image of Vassar College is credited to W.T. Little and Co. In the foreground of the image, the row of houses and large lake are encircled by trees and divided from the rest of the campus by Raymond Avenue. Several boats are visible on the lake, a horse-drawn carriage on the road, and people on the campus sidewalks. The right side of the image includes the Chapel, the President’s House, and a building with chimneys. The center includes a road leading from the main gate to Main Building. The right side includes the Thompson Memorial Library; Rockefeller Hall; and residence halls Raymond House, Davidson House, Jewett House (then known as “North”), Lathrop House, and Strong House. Ely Hall, Swift Hall, and the Maria Mitchell Observatory are visible near Main Building.
VC 1910
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Title: Slade, Abigail and Caroline Slade. Letters, 1866
Creator: Slade, Abigail, Slade, Caroline
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: Many letters in this collection are written by Abigail L. Slade or Caroline S. Slade, and noted accordingly; when letters were co-written, this is also specified. For some letters, it is impossible to determine which person wrote the letter, noted by "Slade, Abigail L. or Slade, Caroline S." 18 letters, each written by either or both of the Slade sisters to family members, about their 1866 experiences as special students at Vassar. The Slades discuss their studies in music, Hannah Lyman’s ...
Show moreMany letters in this collection are written by Abigail L. Slade or Caroline S. Slade, and noted accordingly; when letters were co-written, this is also specified. For some letters, it is impossible to determine which person wrote the letter, noted by "Slade, Abigail L. or Slade, Caroline S." 18 letters, each written by either or both of the Slade sisters to family members, about their 1866 experiences as special students at Vassar. The Slades discuss their studies in music, Hannah Lyman’s discipline, construction of the riding school and gymnasium, chapel requirements, and their experiences as Quakers at Vassar (Mar 18 1866). Abigail Slade describes the planned reception for Matthew Vassar, fashion, and social news. Caroline Slade describes her poor health, which she attributes to the climate. She also discusses family news and compositions. Several letters (April 11 1866, April 14 1866, May 20 1866) imply that the Slade family was involved in establishing a school for the “contraband” individuals who escaped slavery during the Civil War.
VC Spec 1865-1866
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Title: [unknown], Nellie. Letters, 1868
Creator: [unknown], Nellie
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 2 letters, dated 10 Nov and 15 Nov 1868, from “Nellie” to her mother and father. Nellie describes her favorable impressions of Vassar College. Citing her family’s probable interest, Nellie details a lecture by Professor Farrar on the history of rifle manufacture, including two diagrams. She includes a sketched floor plan of her hallway at Vassar. In the Nov 15 letter, Nellie requests and comments on family news, discusses the dates of classes ending, reports her expenses, describes Professor ...
Show more2 letters, dated 10 Nov and 15 Nov 1868, from “Nellie” to her mother and father. Nellie describes her favorable impressions of Vassar College. Citing her family’s probable interest, Nellie details a lecture by Professor Farrar on the history of rifle manufacture, including two diagrams. She includes a sketched floor plan of her hallway at Vassar. In the Nov 15 letter, Nellie requests and comments on family news, discusses the dates of classes ending, reports her expenses, describes Professor Farrar, and claims to be exercising and eating heartily. She closes the letter by explaining that the students who were not “well” [a reference to the influenza epidemic reported by New York papers] had returned home, so the students who remained at Vassar were healthy. Written on lined paper with a black-and-white image captioned “Vassar College.”
VC Class Year Unknown
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Title: [unknown], Mary. Letter, 1870
Creator: [unknown], Mary
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 1 letter, dated 5 Mar 1870, from “Mary” to her mother. Mary describes her experiences at Vassar College, including needing permission from VC Lady Principal Hannah Lyman to go to Poughkeepsie, and attending a memorable lecture. She mentions an enclosed photograph of herself and some dentist appointments. Mary requests that her parents send her family news and the items that she lists in the letter.
Date: 5 Mar 1870
Text: Vassar College, March 5, 1870. My dear Mother; I enclose a "Rembrandt" which I had taken last Saturday when I had to go down to a dentist. How do you like it? I ordered half a dozen, but if you think this good, I will send for six more; my parlormates all like them except Miss Cornell who thinks they do not look like me at all. My teeth troubled me so that it was necessary to have them filled; but the dentist did not have time to finish the work, and I must go down next Saturday;...
Show moreVassar College, March 5, 1870. My dear Mother; I enclose a "Rembrandt" which I had taken last Saturday when I had to go down to a dentist. How do you like it? I ordered half a dozen, but if you think this good, I will send for six more; my parlormates all like them except Miss Cornell who thinks they do not look like me at all. My teeth troubled me so that it was necessary to have them filled; but the dentist did not have time to finish the work, and I must go down next Saturday; Annie wants to go also, and as I know the way perfectly, and as it is entirely proper for us to go alone, please send us permission to do so; there are always students going to town on Saturday, and it is entirely safe for us to go alone; but as we are under age, Miss Lyman will not let us go without your permission. We don't want either the bother or the expense of a teacher. Please send by mail, a copy of "Anthon's Cicero" which you will find, I think in my book-closet. Also a piece of black alpaca from my piece-bag, like my over-skirt; I want enough to face a placet-hole. The book is for Annie, and is wanted right-away. If convenient, I should like a check for twenty or thirty dollars, and I should also like to have father write to Dr. Wood to have a brace ready to be fitted to me when I go home; then I could come back a day or two in advance, and stop inNew York to have them put on. Is not my plan a good one? I must have a new brace in the Spring, for the one I am wearing is worn and soiled. I cannot write to the doctor myself, for I don’t ^know what arrangement father may make with him. Perhaps father will see the doctor sometime when he is in New York. I hear from Mary Sanford that the bride is, or has been at your house; and that Rufus has been down Annie Lord writes. How fortunate for me, that my friends tell me about the doings of my relations! We had a delightful lecture last night from Donald G. Mitchell (Ike Marvel) on the subject, "How to make Home beautiful." He threw out some very good hints, and all given in a charming style. He does not believe in "best rooms" shut up,nor in books locked in libraries. Are you all tired out with company? What are you going to do for a minister? Who plays the organ when Mary is sick? Please write me and answer all the questions the first of the week. Love to all, not forgetting the girls and Miss Doten. Your affectionate daughter, Mary.
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Title: Wood, Harriet A. Letter, 1892
Creator: Wood, Harriet A
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 1 letter from Wood to her friend Nettie (Brand) Dewitt (VC Ex 1896). Wood congratulates Dewitt on having decided to come to college at Vassar, advising her on how to move in. Wood suggests that Dewitt room with the younger sister of an 1890 alumna and the sister's friend. Wood has already befriended the alumna and younger sister during the Vassar Glee Club's performance in New York.
Date: Apr 17 1892

Title: Adams, Ruth. Letters, 1900-1902
Creator: Adams, Ruth
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 85 letters from Adams to family, written between 1900 and 1902, and 1 letter from Flora A. Clarke to Ida, April 1901. Some of the letters are very brief notes or postcards. Adams’ longer letters contain evocative landscape descriptions, references to student activities, orders for new clothing, and references to class examinations. She mentions preparations for the Washington’s Birthday pageant, visits to Williams and West Point, and a skating carnival. She also speaks of the presidential...
Show more85 letters from Adams to family, written between 1900 and 1902, and 1 letter from Flora A. Clarke to Ida, April 1901. Some of the letters are very brief notes or postcards. Adams’ longer letters contain evocative landscape descriptions, references to student activities, orders for new clothing, and references to class examinations. She mentions preparations for the Washington’s Birthday pageant, visits to Williams and West Point, and a skating carnival. She also speaks of the presidential election between McKinley and Bryan.
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Date: 1865

Title: Wyman, Anne (Southworth). Letters, 1882
Creator: Wyman, Anne (Southworth)
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: VC 1882
14 letters to Wyman (VC 1882) from her mother Mary C. Southworth, written while Wyman was attending Vassar College. In several letters, Mary C. Southworth describes buying dress materials and making mittens for Wyman. She also discusses Wyman’s travel arrangements for visiting extended family over vacation. Southworth also reports social and family news, local bankruptcies affecting the family business (Nov 25), boarding teachers overnight, and extreme weather destroying a dam (Sep 25)...
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14 letters to Wyman (VC 1882) from her mother Mary C. Southworth, written while Wyman was attending Vassar College. In several letters, Mary C. Southworth describes buying dress materials and making mittens for Wyman. She also discusses Wyman’s travel arrangements for visiting extended family over vacation. Southworth also reports social and family news, local bankruptcies affecting the family business (Nov 25), boarding teachers overnight, and extreme weather destroying a dam (Sep 25). She encloses a hair ointment advertisement requested by Wyman’s friend.
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Title: Finley, Charlotte (Deming). Letter, 1886
Creator: Finley, Charlotte (Deming)
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 1 letter, dated “Thanksgiving Night 1886,” from Finley (VC 1889) to her cousin “Effie.” Finley writes that an excellent Thanksgiving dinner was served at Vassar College, during which the students costumed themselves as English ladies and gentlemen. She describes the events after dinner as including meeting faculty in the parlor, dancing, listening to an organ and voice recital in the chapel, and unpacking boxes from home. Finley mentions that some of the students planned trips to New York Cit...
Show more1 letter, dated “Thanksgiving Night 1886,” from Finley (VC 1889) to her cousin “Effie.” Finley writes that an excellent Thanksgiving dinner was served at Vassar College, during which the students costumed themselves as English ladies and gentlemen. She describes the events after dinner as including meeting faculty in the parlor, dancing, listening to an organ and voice recital in the chapel, and unpacking boxes from home. Finley mentions that some of the students planned trips to New York City for winter recess, and that the play "Pygmalion and Galatea" was performed at Vassar. She closes the letter with news of family and mutual friends.
VC 1889
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Title: Hoyt, Emma L. Letters, 1872
Creator: Hoyt, Emma L.
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 1 letter from Hoyt to Mrs. Reed accompanied by a later letter from Susan Crampton to her friend Amy, concerning the discovery of Hoyt's letter. The Apr 1872 letter to Mrs. Reed discusses the historic election of a woman to Montpelier's school committee, meeting the famous author Gail Hamilton, and religious denominations. Hoyt then describes her room, roommates, and Matthew Vassar's bootjack souvenirs of the founding of Vassar. In the undated letter, Susan Crampton asks Amy to forward Hoyt's ...
Show more1 letter from Hoyt to Mrs. Reed accompanied by a later letter from Susan Crampton to her friend Amy, concerning the discovery of Hoyt's letter. The Apr 1872 letter to Mrs. Reed discusses the historic election of a woman to Montpelier's school committee, meeting the famous author Gail Hamilton, and religious denominations. Hoyt then describes her room, roommates, and Matthew Vassar's bootjack souvenirs of the founding of Vassar. In the undated letter, Susan Crampton asks Amy to forward Hoyt's letter to a committee on Vassar's early days.
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Date: 1872

Title: Frantz, Edna (Bachman). Letters, 1912-1916
Creator: Frantz, Edna (Bachman)
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 10 letters, dated between 18 Oct 1912 and Feb 14 1916, from Frantz (VC 1916) to her friend Rosemarie. Franz provides detailed descriptions of her four years at Vassar College. Frantz discusses her academic experiences, including exams and final papers at the end of each semester, lectures, visiting her English instructor (5 Nov 1912), and transferring to a more advanced Latin class (5 Nov 1912). She mentions music and theater at Vassar in every letter, describing hall plays, glee club, an ope...
Show more10 letters, dated between 18 Oct 1912 and Feb 14 1916, from Frantz (VC 1916) to her friend Rosemarie. Franz provides detailed descriptions of her four years at Vassar College. Frantz discusses her academic experiences, including exams and final papers at the end of each semester, lectures, visiting her English instructor (5 Nov 1912), and transferring to a more advanced Latin class (5 Nov 1912). She mentions music and theater at Vassar in every letter, describing hall plays, glee club, an operetta, concerts, and choir. Frantz portrays the performing arts as connecting Vassar to the outside world, such as in her description of watching a movie starring Mary Pickford, using a phonograph, participating in a joint concert given by Euterpe club of Pough and choir (17 Feb 1915), and meeting an opera singer and a ballerina. In addition to vividly describing the buildings and grounds of Vassar (18 Oct 1912), Frantz recounts taking an eight-mile walk near the college (7 Dec 1912), walking along the Hudson River (5 Oct 1913), visiting the historic home of Governor George Clinton, visiting New York City (17 Feb 1915), spending junior week at Colgate (2 Jun 1915), and visiting West Point in 1916. She refers to athletic activities such as hockey, soccer, the mock Yale-Harvard football game staged by Vassar students, (24 Nov 1912), basketball, and ice skating. Frantz discusses her social relationships with her classmates, noting social invitations, visiting, and the departure of many students from the class of 1914 who marry (Oct 5 1913). Vassar traditions described by Frantz include the parties organized by each class, costumed “stunt parties” and the Masquerade ball (Feb 14 16), class elections, Halloween pranks, the “Maid’s” [Goodfellowship] Club, Founders’ Week, Field Day, the Sophomore Tree Ceremonies Slabsides, dressing dolls for charity, Thanksgiving dinner, prom, the ice carnival (30 Jan 1916), Valentine’s Day, and the class mascot (Feb 14 16).
VC 1916
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Title: [unknown], Mary. Letter, 1876
Creator: [unknown], Mary
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 1 letter, dated 18 Jun 1876, from “Mary” to her mother “Mithery.” In the letter, Mary reports recent events at Vassar College. She describes the excitement over the impending visit of an important guest to Vassar, a theatrical performance, the sermon of a visiting pastor, and the text of college songs.
VC Class Year Unknown

Title: Stewart, Helen W. Letter, 1867
Creator: Stewart, Helen W.
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: VC Spec 1865-1869
1 letter, dated 3 Nov 1867, from an unidentified sender to her sister “Mary.” The writer comments on missing her sister, studying, receiving flowers, planning social invitations, and listening to a sermon at Vassar College.

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