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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: Teegarden, Mary Treat. Letter, 1867
Creator: Teegarden, Mary Treat
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Teegarden to her cousin Mary A. Starr. She describes her experience staying at Vassar over the Christmas holiday and the daily activities of the students during the break. On Christmas, she writes about attending a service at Christ Church in the City and hosting a Christmas party for students and faculty. Attendees included the Lady Principal (Miss Lyman), the resident physician, and Matthew Vassar. She writes glowingly about her impressions of the school, course of study, facu...
Show more1 letter from Teegarden to her cousin Mary A. Starr. She describes her experience staying at Vassar over the Christmas holiday and the daily activities of the students during the break. On Christmas, she writes about attending a service at Christ Church in the City and hosting a Christmas party for students and faculty. Attendees included the Lady Principal (Miss Lyman), the resident physician, and Matthew Vassar. She writes glowingly about her impressions of the school, course of study, faculty, her classmates, the students' health, and her social life.
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Date: 1867

Title: McGraw, Maria (Dickinson). Letters, 1866-1867
Creator: McGraw, Maria (Dickinson)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from McGraw to her [future] husband Thomas S. McGraw, 1 from McGraw to her friends Harriette Warner, Helen Warner, and Martha Warner. The letter to her future husband includes details about Commencement, most notably her winning the Salutatory. She also describes a photographer on campus and details about faculty. To her friends, McGraw writes about Christmas, her social life, and a sleigh ride.
VC 1867

Title: Banfield, Edith C. Letters, 1888-1891
Creator: Banfield, Edith C.
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Banfield to her friend (or relative) Mary Banfield, and 2 letters from Banfield to her family. The letter to Mary Banfield contains information about a visiting Episcopal minister, a prayer meeting, academics (including a brief mention of Professor Salmon), and social news about acquaintances and student life. One letter to her family contains a detailed description of a mock duel between two of her friends. The other describes elections for student government and Philaletheis, ...
Show more1 letter from Banfield to her friend (or relative) Mary Banfield, and 2 letters from Banfield to her family. The letter to Mary Banfield contains information about a visiting Episcopal minister, a prayer meeting, academics (including a brief mention of Professor Salmon), and social news about acquaintances and student life. One letter to her family contains a detailed description of a mock duel between two of her friends. The other describes elections for student government and Philaletheis, dinner at a professor’s house, and events leading up to Commencement and the associated issue of the Miscellany.
VC 1892
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Title: Barus, Annie Howes. Letter, 1869
Creator: Barus, Annie Howes
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Barus to Edith. Includes detailed descriptions of her entrance examinations, housing situations and furnishings, roommates, daily routine, meals, and classes. Also relates an account of her meeting the president to be accepted after the examination.
Date: 1869

Title: Faust, Frances (Patterson). Letter, 1888
Creator: Faust, Frances (Patterson)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Faust to her brother George M. Patterson. Faust relates her participation in a play, which was deemed "immoral" by a faculty member and had to be rewritten by the cast before they performed. She also describes a spelling competition between the class societies of 1888 and 1889. She concludes with an anecdote about her friend receiving flowers from a male suitor.
Date: 1888

Title: Sawyer, Kitty. Letter, 1866
Creator: Sawyer, Kitty
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Sawyer to Belle Greene Sawyer. A short letter saying goodbye to Belle, who is going home while Kitty remains at Vassar.
Date: 1866

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: DeWitt, Nettie (Brand). Letters, 1892-1894
Creator: DeWitt, Nettie (Brand)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 12 letters from DeWitt (VC Ex 1896) to her mother, 3 to both parents, 2 to her brother, 2 to her father, and 3 addressed to the whole family. The letters describe finances, healthcare and the Infirmary, social life and organizations, academics, and religion & bible study. She describes some traditions like Founder’s Day, Class Day, Commencement, and Daisy Chain. Notably, she writes about Valentine’s Day and associated smashing (to mother, Feb. 16, 1893). She also includes some social issues, ...
Show more12 letters from DeWitt (VC Ex 1896) to her mother, 3 to both parents, 2 to her brother, 2 to her father, and 3 addressed to the whole family. The letters describe finances, healthcare and the Infirmary, social life and organizations, academics, and religion & bible study. She describes some traditions like Founder’s Day, Class Day, Commencement, and Daisy Chain. Notably, she writes about Valentine’s Day and associated smashing (to mother, Feb. 16, 1893). She also includes some social issues, like a debate between the campus Republicans and Democrats about the campaign (to mother, October 1892), missionary work, a lecture from Jane Addams (to mother, Feb. 16, 1893), famous trials like the Lizzie Borden case (to brother), and events with the YWCA ( to mother Dec. 10, 1892). In particular, the letters to her mother include detailed descriptions of romantic relationships on campus (through events with male guests like Founder’s Day and dances), fashion and shopping trips to New York City, and food (along with updates about her weight). Throughout, she discusses her motivations to drop out of Vassar.
VC Ex 1896
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Title: Noyes, Emma (Hartman). Letter, n.d.
Creator: Noyes, Emma (Hartman), Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Noyes to H. Rachel Swan. Noyes explains that due to attending a concert at Bull's Head the night before, she is choosing not to attend her classes. She asks Swan to bring her notes from physiology class.
Date: [Sept. 1876-Jun. 1880]

Title: Ladd-Franklin, Christine. Letter, 1869
Creator: Ladd-Franklin, Christine
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Ladd-Franklin to May Harry. Ladd-Franklin describes getting her teeth filled, writing an essay for Commencement Day, and an accident with the gas that almost caused an explosion.
Date: 1869

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: G., Nellie. Letter, 1866
Creator: G., Nellie
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Nellie G. to Isabel Treadwell Towne. Nellie G. reflects on Towne's absence from Vassar as well as other friends who did not return, expressing her loneliness. Nellie also shares concerns about her own health. She relates news from Vassar, including information about their friends' housing, events for the new students, and Miss Hanah Lyman.
Date: 1866

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: Cornell, Mary Emma. Letter, 1866
Creator: Cornell, Mary Emma
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Cornell to her father. She asks for information about a men's college that her father is involved with. She gives a detailed and favorable impression of the morality of Vassar, concluding that most of the students are Christian and become closer to their faith during their time at the college. She also describes the importance of her Christianity and her own growing connection with religion. Cornell relates an accident with the scaffolding of the Gymnasium, badly injuring four w...
Show more1 letter from Cornell to her father. She asks for information about a men's college that her father is involved with. She gives a detailed and favorable impression of the morality of Vassar, concluding that most of the students are Christian and become closer to their faith during their time at the college. She also describes the importance of her Christianity and her own growing connection with religion. Cornell relates an accident with the scaffolding of the Gymnasium, badly injuring four workers.
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Date: 1866

Title: Robinson, Mary B. Letter, 1872
Creator: Robinson, Mary B.
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Robinson to Pres John H. Raymond, including a brief reply. Robinson inquires about adding a class, but Raymond does not allow it.
Date: 1872

Title: Bagg, Sophia D. or Sophia R. Burnham. Letter, n.d.
Creator: Bagg, Sophia D., Burnham, Sophia R.
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 brief thank you note to Annie Glidden Houts, possibly from Sophia D. Bagg or Sophia R. Burnham. All three were VC 1869.
VC 1869
Date: n.d.

Title: Camp, Annetta Hortense. Letter, 1866
Creator: Camp, Annetta Hortense
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Camp to her friend Abigail L. Slade (VC Spec 1866-1867) including gossip about their social set, as well as happenings at the college.
Date: 1866

Title: Moore, Felicia E. Letter, 1870
Creator: Moore, Felicia E.
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Moore to her sister. Moore gives a detailed description of Thanksgiving dinner at Vassar, which included both students and faculty. In particular, she focuses on the fashion, the food, and the setting of the dinner. She also lists a number of arts performances given that week, including several Shakespeare readings and a Stereopticon.
Date: 1870

Title: Chase, Almira (Cowles). Letter, 1868
Creator: Chase, Almira (Cowles)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Chase to her mother. She describes a walk with a teacher and six other girls (all wearing "gymnastics dresses"). She also relates information about her health and discusses possibly bringing a friend home with her over Christmas vacation. She attaches an article in the Eagle by president Raymond calming fears of a typhoid epidemic at Vassar.
Date: 1868

Title: Fogg, Annie. Letter, 1870
Creator: Fogg, Annie
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Fogg to "friend Annie." Fogg describes her entrance examinations for Vassar, along with her settling in at the college.
Date: 1870

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: Strong, Eliza (McCreery). Letter, [1888]
Creator: Strong, Eliza (McCreery)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Strong to her brother. She describes the Great Blizzard of 1888, including the college's lack of provisions and professors' inability to hold classes. Strong also includes measurements of the snowfall, its impact on the grounds, and the novelty of cutting paths through the drifts on campus as well as sightseeing in sleighs.
Date: [1888]

Title: Warner, Harriette A. Letters, 1866
Creator: Warner, Harriette A.
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 11 letters from Warner to her mother. Includes details of the birthday celebration for Matthew Vassar in 1866, comparisons with Kalamazoo College and Mount Holyoke, and school events and lectures. She writes her opinion of faculty (particularly Professor and Mrs. Tenney, Professor Knapp, Professor Mitchell, and Miss Lyman) and academics. She also reports on student life, such as the Philalethean Society, which she refers to as the Literary Society at first. The letters also include significan...
Show more11 letters from Warner to her mother. Includes details of the birthday celebration for Matthew Vassar in 1866, comparisons with Kalamazoo College and Mount Holyoke, and school events and lectures. She writes her opinion of faculty (particularly Professor and Mrs. Tenney, Professor Knapp, Professor Mitchell, and Miss Lyman) and academics. She also reports on student life, such as the Philalethean Society, which she refers to as the Literary Society at first. The letters also include significant family news, such as her father running for election as a representative from Michigan. Sister of Helen F. Warner and Martha S. Warner.
VC 1867
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Title: Houts, Annie (Glidden). Letters, 1866-1874
Creator: Houts, Annie (Glidden)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from classmates Abby F. Goodsell and [Emma], 2 letters from Houts to her fiancé Frank, and 27 letters from Houts to her brother John Glidden. Houts' letters to her brother include discussions of extracurriculars (e.g. her participation in a baseball club and drama productions), Founder's Day, Commencement, academics and lectures (e.g. history, chemistry, German, calculus, astronomy, physical education etc.), her perspective on her time at Vassar and paths for her life after Vassar (e...
Show more1 letter from classmates Abby F. Goodsell and [Emma], 2 letters from Houts to her fiancé Frank, and 27 letters from Houts to her brother John Glidden. Houts' letters to her brother include discussions of extracurriculars (e.g. her participation in a baseball club and drama productions), Founder's Day, Commencement, academics and lectures (e.g. history, chemistry, German, calculus, astronomy, physical education etc.), her perspective on her time at Vassar and paths for her life after Vassar (e.g. teaching), detailed discussions of family life such as the death of their parents and conflict with her brother over his character and debts. She also writes about religion at Vassar. See the December 1866 for a summary of sermons throughout her correspondence. In her later letters to Frank, Houts discusses a visit back to Vassar including events like a party thrown by the Lady Principal and Maria Mitchell's annual Dome Party.
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Date: 1866-1874

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: Warner, Martha S. Letters, 1865-1868
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Warner to her sister Helen Warner, 1 letter to Soror, 7 letters to her brother Will, 2 letters to her father, 60 letters to her mother, 1 letter to both parents, 11 letters to her sister. She writes about her academics (including astronomy, gymnastics, botany, and archery) and the faculty (particularly Professor Tenney, Professor Knapp, the President, and Miss Lyman). She discusses her involvement in the Literary Society (the Philalethean Society), forming a class government, an...
Show more1 letter from Warner to her sister Helen Warner, 1 letter to Soror, 7 letters to her brother Will, 2 letters to her father, 60 letters to her mother, 1 letter to both parents, 11 letters to her sister. She writes about her academics (including astronomy, gymnastics, botany, and archery) and the faculty (particularly Professor Tenney, Professor Knapp, the President, and Miss Lyman). She discusses her involvement in the Literary Society (the Philalethean Society), forming a class government, and preparations for Founder’s Day. She mentions lectures (including one by Ralph Waldo Emerson) and details about going to church in Poughkeepsie. Her November 1866 letter to her brother includes her longing to vote and her April 1868 and February 1866 letters to her mother gives her opinions on temperance, slavery, and other political issues. Sister of Helen F. Warner and Harriette A. Warner.
VC 1868
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Date: 1865-1868

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: 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: Fales, Helen Augusta. Letter, 1865
Creator: Fales, Helen Augusta
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Fales to "dear Aunt Susan." Fales complains about Vassar's strictness, particularly compared to the freedom afforded to students at men's colleges. She gives a detailed account of the faculty and staff at Vassar, including Dr. Raymond and Miss Lyman. She explains how meals are conducted and the food that is served. She also describes housing, the different areas of Main building, and the furnishings.
Date: 1865 [TS]

Title: Woodworth, Mary (Parker). Letters, 1867-1869
Creator: Woodworth, Mary (Parker)
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel, Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 38 letters from Woodworth to her family about her experiences at Vassar from 1867 to 1869. Woodworth evaluates and requests news periodicals, comments on political news, and describes lectures by the abolitionists Wendell Phillips and Anna Dickinson. She references fashion trends, social and family news, President Raymond's Shakespearean readings, and concerts in Poughkeepsie. Woodworth also describes her music and riding lessons, her elections as class sibyl and “first critic,” her room, a...
Show more38 letters from Woodworth to her family about her experiences at Vassar from 1867 to 1869. Woodworth evaluates and requests news periodicals, comments on political news, and describes lectures by the abolitionists Wendell Phillips and Anna Dickinson. She references fashion trends, social and family news, President Raymond's Shakespearean readings, and concerts in Poughkeepsie. Woodworth also describes her music and riding lessons, her elections as class sibyl and “first critic,” her room, and her professors.
VC 1870
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Title: Hollingworth, Ruth (Mann). Letter, 1895
Creator: Hollingsworth, Ruth (Mann)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Hollingworth to her friend Alice M. Howland. The letter begins with a description of dinner at Strong Hall. She resumes with details about the end of the year, including campus preparations and decorations, a Baccalaureate service, Class Day, a burial service, a concert by the Glee Club, Commencement Exercises, and Alumnae luncheon. She also describes her journey home to New York and the results of final exams.
VC 1896
Date: 1895

Title: Stockton, Madeleine (Traver). Letter, [Feb. 1894?]
Creator: Stockton, Madeleine (Traver)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter recipient unknown. Stockton describes her Latin, Greek, Mathematics, and English classes along with her opinions of each professor, and asks for a specific book for her Greek class. Stockton writes positively about the girls she is meeting and her friendships. She also discusses auditioning for the Glee Club.
Date: [Feb. 1894?]

Title: Williams, Ellen (Boardman). Letters, 1865-1866
Creator: Williams, Ellen (Boardman)
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel, Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 49 letters from Williams to her family about her two semesters at Vassar from 1865 to 1866. Williams discusses her enjoyment of her geology and zoology classes with Professor Tenney, for which she collects butterflies and moths from the Vassar grounds (Jun 1866, letter to her mother September 1865). She explains that religious and spiritual communities are her main link to society outside Vassar, as even the notoriously-strict Lady Principal Hannah Lyman encourages her interactions with pas...
Show more49 letters from Williams to her family about her two semesters at Vassar from 1865 to 1866. Williams discusses her enjoyment of her geology and zoology classes with Professor Tenney, for which she collects butterflies and moths from the Vassar grounds (Jun 1866, letter to her mother September 1865). She explains that religious and spiritual communities are her main link to society outside Vassar, as even the notoriously-strict Lady Principal Hannah Lyman encourages her interactions with pastors and missionaries (letter to father Sep 1865, Feb 1866). Williams provides detailed information on trends in dress and room decoration. Williams briefly references the establishment of several Vassar traditions, such as Founders’ Day (letter to her mother, April 1866), Matthew Vassar’s invitation of all the students to his house for a formal reception (February 1866), and a literary society chapter at Vassar.
VC Spec 1865-1866
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Title: Warner, Helen F. Letters, n.d., 1867, 1868
Creator: Warner, Helen F.
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 2 letters from Warner to her mother, 2 to her brother Will, 1 to unknown. She writes about her classes, boating, joining the floral society, and social news like weddings. In particular, her October 9th letter to her brother includes information about her gym costume and Poughkeepsie residents’ opinions of them. Her letters also reference her planned missionary work after graduating. Sister of Harriette A. Warner and Martha S. Warner.
VC 1868

Title: Taylor, Kate (Huntington). Letter, 1869
Creator: Taylor, Kate (Huntington)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Taylor to Sue, relationship unknown. She describes her frustration with Miss Lyman, who is immoveable when in opposition to students (unlike more malleable faculty like Dr. Raymond) and will not allow her to drop Latin and take German instead. Miss Lyman also prevents her from walking to a church service in Poughkeepsie (Taylor took an omnibus instead). Taylor is too afraid of Miss Lyman to accept an offer to stay with acquaintances she sees at church for that night, but instead...
Show more1 letter from Taylor to Sue, relationship unknown. She describes her frustration with Miss Lyman, who is immoveable when in opposition to students (unlike more malleable faculty like Dr. Raymond) and will not allow her to drop Latin and take German instead. Miss Lyman also prevents her from walking to a church service in Poughkeepsie (Taylor took an omnibus instead). Taylor is too afraid of Miss Lyman to accept an offer to stay with acquaintances she sees at church for that night, but instead decides to make the visit the following week on Washington's birthday (a holiday).
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Date: 1869

Title: Hawes, Edith K. Letter, 1904
Creator: Hawes, Edith K.
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter, from Hawes to her sick friend Ruth M. Adams. Hawes discusses history class, minor events on campus, and a lecture in the chapel.
Date: 1904

Title: Neef, Nora. Letter, 1866
Creator: Neef, Nora
Description: 1 letter from Neef to Abbie Farwell (VC 1872). Neef discusses the death of a mutual acquaintance, explains her busy academic schedule, and discusses news from friends and family (particularly regarding cholera).
Date: 1866

Title: G., Nellie. Letter, 1866
Creator: G., Nellie
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Nellie G. to Isabel Treadwell Towne. Nellie G. reflects on Towne's absence from Vassar as well as other friends who did not return, expressing her loneliness. Nellie also shares concerns about her own health. She relates news from Vassar, including information about their friends' housing, events for the new students, and Miss Hanah Lyman.
VC Spec 1865-1866

Title: Slocum, Harriet (Palmer). Letter, 1869
Creator: Slocum, Harriet (Palmer)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Slocum to Mollie (Mary) A. Parker. Slocum describes her activities during an unexpected vacation granted to the students. For one day, she and twelve other students proposed a trip to West Point with a professor, but Miss Lyman forbid them to go as the trustees would not approve and the girls' names might be published in the paper. She reports on her friends' lives in detail and briefly mentions Founder's Day. She also discusses Mr. Mitchell's death, its impact on the Vassar com...
Show more1 letter from Slocum to Mollie (Mary) A. Parker. Slocum describes her activities during an unexpected vacation granted to the students. For one day, she and twelve other students proposed a trip to West Point with a professor, but Miss Lyman forbid them to go as the trustees would not approve and the girls' names might be published in the paper. She reports on her friends' lives in detail and briefly mentions Founder's Day. She also discusses Mr. Mitchell's death, its impact on the Vassar community, and Matthew Vassar's legacy from the perspective of the students.
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Date: 1869

Title: Fales, Helen Augusta -- to "dear Aunt Susan," Nov. 18, 1865 [TS]
Creator: Fales, Helen Augusta
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter, from Fales to “dear Aunt Susan.” Fales complains about Vassar’s strictness, particularly compared to the freedom afforded to students at men’s colleges. She gives a detailed account of the faculty and staff at Vassar, including Dr. Raymond and Miss Lyman. She explains how meals are conducted and the food that is served. She also describes housing, the different areas of Main building, and the furnishings.
Date: November 18, 1865
Text: Vassar College Poughkeepsie Nov. 18 th 1865 My dear Aunt Susan, As you well know how little 1 have been away from home, and the little acquaintance X have with school life, you can realise somewhat, how very strange all seems to me here. All duties must be performed at the specified time. Walks are restricted to certain limits, and 'thus far, but no farther" the rule of college life. Young men's college life is much freer, than this, they are not so bound and fettered by this...
Show moreVassar College Poughkeepsie Nov. 18 th 1865 My dear Aunt Susan, As you well know how little 1 have been away from home, and the little acquaintance X have with school life, you can realise somewhat, how very strange all seems to me here. All duties must be performed at the specified time. Walks are restricted to certain limits, and 'thus far, but no farther" the rule of college life. Young men's college life is much freer, than this, they are not so bound and fettered by this and that rule. I would like to know if young ladies cant be relied upon, as well as young gentlemen. But notwithstanding all this, life here is pleasant and improving, though one is not exempt from the "blues", by any means, occasionally. The parlors and bedrooms are very pleasant, affording us a far greater degree of privacy, than is usually enjoyed at boarding schools, these rooms may be made to look as homelike as one desires, with pictures, plants, rocking chairs and so on, and some look very prettily. The preaident. Dr. Raymond has a family, who live entirely apart from the school family. He has three daughters aad a son, the eldest daughter is twenty-two or three. Then there are three professors with families, each keeping house too, and having little children of various ages. Besides these there are other professors, and all the assistant teachers, who eat with the scholars. Then there are the housekeeper, and steward, carpenter and about sixty servants. This may give you some ideaof the great number of people under one roof. The chapel and dining room are in the central part of the building. An organ is now being put up in the chapel, quite a large one. The aisles and platform are carpeted, and the seats furnished with magenta cushions. There are twenty-five or thirty tables in the dining hall, each seating thirteen persons, and a teacher presiding at each, as far as the number will go. The bell strikes for any meal, we go and stand behind our chairs. Miss Lyman gives the signal for sitting, by doing so herself. She sits at the head of the first central table. Then when quiet reigns, she strikes a bell for a moment's silent prayer, and eating follows. From breakfast we may be excused at any time, but not from dinner or tea, we usually sit at those meals forty or forty-five minutes. We have very good bread generally, biscuit, coffee and tea, remarkably nice milk, corn bread sometimes, usually meat and potatoes for breakfast, and soup and meat, or meat and pudding or pie for dinner. Good butter and white sugar are freely supplied, and as you may Judge, used. So much for eating. I said something about teachers in Aunt E's letter. Miss Lyman, our Lady Principal, is a lady in every sense of that word, and earnestly seeks the welfare of those com- mitted to her care. She dresses a great deal, wears grey curls each side of her face, and white caps more than black, trimmed with bright colors and ends each side either of ribbon or lace trimmed. Mrs. Medcalf anassistant taacher here taught with Prof. George Fisher in Worcester about fourteen years ago and sends her love and regards to him if you think worth while deliver them to his sister. X dont know her maiden name. Walter and I can compare notes In regard to college life. The end of my sheet brings me to the end of my letter. Is the baby named? What are the people doing In Wrentham. X s the Episcopal church flourishing. Mrs. Vassar was dressed In black not In mourning wore a white straw trimmed with black. It is a lovely day. Do write soon to me auntie please and with much love to all X am Yours affectionately, Augusta This blot came auntie since my letter was finished and In some mysterious manner please excuse it.
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Title: Gaston, Mary E. Letters, 1874-1878
Creator: Gaston, Mary E.
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 17 letters from Gaston to her mother. She describes academics and examinations, fashion (including the gymnastics suits) and shopping, religious life, faculty, and housing. Regarding her social life, she relates a freshman-sophomore dance, the Philalethean Society performing The Merchant of Venice and other Shakespeare productions, and concerts by the Cecilia Society. She also includes descriptions of numerous lectures on campus. She mentions the departure of Lady Principal Terry.
Date: 1865

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