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Creator: Gallup, Lillie (Taylor)
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Date: 1865-1867

Creator: [Bagg, Sophia D.], [Burnham, Sophia R.]
Date: n.d.
Text: "Silent Time". Saturday morning. Dear Annie* I want to thank you for the essay which you read last evening in chapter meeting. I had been making myself very unhappy all the after- noon* and was quite sure that my "doll was stuffed with sawdust". There were words in your essay which made me feel better fc happier & for them I thank you. Yours with love Sophie B. (Possibly Sophia D. Bagg, <69 or Sophia R. Burnham, '69, To Annie (Glidden) Houts, >69Annie M....
Show more"Silent Time". Saturday morning. Dear Annie* I want to thank you for the essay which you read last evening in chapter meeting. I had been making myself very unhappy all the after- noon* and was quite sure that my "doll was stuffed with sawdust". There were words in your essay which made me feel better fc happier & for them I thank you. Yours with love Sophie B. (Possibly Sophia D. Bagg, <69 or Sophia R. Burnham, '69, To Annie (Glidden) Houts, >69Annie M. Glidden
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Creator: Holtz, Eliza
Date: n.d.
Text: My dear brothers, As I owe you both a letter and as this it to be a descriptive letter I thought you would not care if I wrote you on the same sheet. George told me you did not know anything at all about the College. I suppose you know where Poughkeepsie is do you not? but to be sure it is a city on the east bank of the Hudson half way between Albany and New York. is is not very large nor yet very small. some 2 1/2 miles at the south east - you come to the red fence that marks the college...
Show moreMy dear brothers, As I owe you both a letter and as this it to be a descriptive letter I thought you would not care if I wrote you on the same sheet. George told me you did not know anything at all about the College. I suppose you know where Poughkeepsie is do you not? but to be sure it is a city on the east bank of the Hudson half way between Albany and New York. is is not very large nor yet very small. some 2 1/2 miles at the south east - you come to the red fence that marks the college grounds you know how the College looks by the picture. I have sent home the distance from the gate house is house is quite as far as from the south gate to the bridge by Mr. Thompsons and the corridors are as long as from the front door to Mr. Thompsons they are an eighth of a mile long, three times round the College out-doors is a mile. you can think how large it is. There are a hundred study parlors, two public parlors and eight or then private parlors with out counting all the bedrooms, recitation rooms of which there are I do now know how many the begin with letter A and end with T inclusive, then there are all the professor's houses there are four of them + the Presidents house the dining 2nd floor dining room the first floor kitchens, the 1st floor laundry, cellar bakery, the 2nd floor chapel, 2nd and 4th music rooms, the 3rd library, and 4th art gallery, + the 5th cabinet the numbers over the names denote which floor they are.Boys think of it there over four hundred persons in our family (as Mrs. Syman calls it) we use a barrel and a half of flour in white bread every day. we have an oven a brick oven that will hold 500 of Jules largest loves of bread, and it is filled every day with white and brown bread. then it fills the over full when we have pies the oven if full. we keep two men at work all the time. there is a cook (a man) and six of so women assistants, some twenty waitresses, 20 or 30 in the laundry, and about fifteen or twenty chambermaids each of those have there respective heads. The library is open all the time ,it has over twenty five hundred volumes and new ones coming all the time. The art gallery is not open all the time or any of the ? for that matter to any but the art students, the collection is said to be very fine indeed. I forgot to say that there are threelibrarians. the bookkeeper is one, he does very little about it, one of the teachers and a pupil teacher are the other two. we can draw books twice a week for one hour in the day, but we can not keep them over one week. I do not know very much about the cabinet but i think the collection is very fine. The chapel is on the third floor. it is a good deal larger than our church. It is two stories high and seats some what over five hundred galleries and all the dining rooms is almost as large though it is not so high it is the same every other way. it seats 300 now, but can seat 500. There are five professors houses + presidents house. one office a store and I guess thats all. There are no parlors for study do not have at least two bedrooms off of themlibrarians. the bookkeeper is one, he does very little about it, one of the teachers and a pupil teacher are the other two. we can draw books twice a week for one hour in the day, but we can not keep them over one week. I do not know very much about the cabinet but i think the collection is very fine. The chapel is on the third floor. it is a good deal larger than our church. It is two stories high and seats some what over five hundred galleries and all the dining rooms is almost as large though it is not so high it is the same every other way. it seats 300 now, but can seat 500. There are five professors houses + presidents house. one office a store and I guess thats all. There are no parlors for study do not have at least two bedrooms off of themP.S. Tell Nora that Doctor Ray Monds address is J.H. Raymond S.S.D. Vassar College Pougkeepsie, N.Y. Poughkeepsie is in Dutchess Co.
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Creator: DeCaindry-Corson, Ida
Date: n.d.
Text: Vassar. Sunday afternoon. (Probably Nov. or Dec. 1871?) My dear Helen: As I have but one postage stamp left, and have no money to buy any more, I need not write but this one letter, although I have several to answer. I spent all of yesterday afternoon directing invitations for the Philalethean entertainment, which takes place on the Sth of Dec. ff I don't get any money soon I cannot write any more letters, for this one takes my last stamp, but happily for me I expect to receivesome of...
Show moreVassar. Sunday afternoon. (Probably Nov. or Dec. 1871?) My dear Helen: As I have but one postage stamp left, and have no money to buy any more, I need not write but this one letter, although I have several to answer. I spent all of yesterday afternoon directing invitations for the Philalethean entertainment, which takes place on the Sth of Dec. ff I don't get any money soon I cannot write any more letters, for this one takes my last stamp, but happily for me I expect to receivesome of the necessary article very soon. I have sent in my request at least. Thee will do me a great favor by going to the nr iddle drawer of the side board in the square entry & finding there two compositions of mine, one entitled "Clouds" & the other "They Builded better than they Knew." I want them very much for some particular purpose & wish thee would send them to me. Please do notiforget them. If they are not in that drawer please look in my drawer in Marcus' room. I hope thee can find them for I am anxious to have them before Christmas. I had a dreadful letter from Uncle George a few days since on my manner of letter writing. It has made me more particular in my letters to him. I have fallen into the habit of writing short letters dealing in generalities alone it not enter- ing into particulars and he does not like that, so I immediately sat down fc wrote him a long letter dealing in particulars as much as possible. (Probably Nov. or Dec. 1871?) - 2 Does thee think will stay at our house another year ? I hope so don't thee? It will seem so strange for me not to come back here next year. I am sure I shall feel very sorry not to be able to do so. It seems hardly possible that it is so near time to come home for the Christmas vacation, but I am glad I am coming home. I have had a sort ofimpression that uncle George was going to advise me to remain here till June, but he seems in favor of my coming home. Has thee come to any further decision about thy art studies ? Has thee decided to stay with Prof. F. J.W. ? Uncle George was perfectly when I asked him if I could get the class ring. He told me to let him know when I wanted the money & he wouiit send it, but I do not want to ask for any more for a while. I had some questions to ask thee about my dresses but I believe I cannot think of them now. Has thee heard anything further in regard to the sewing machine ? I presume not. I have two dresses now that are too short in the skirt, but I am going to leave them unaltered till I come home. Has thee had any new dresses lately? I presume that question is a perfect mockery, but still there is nothing like asking to find out.Tell Marcus that I would like to hear from him oftener even if I do not answer his letters always- Do write soon It tell me all the news- (Frobably Nov. or Dec. 1871?) - 3 With love to all I remain thy loving Sister Ida- Ida (Corson) DeCaindry, '72
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Creator: Foster, Frances (Harmon) Miller
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Date: 1864-1866

Creator: Knefler, Frederick, 1824-1901
Date: September 14, 1864
Text: ‘ many others, who must leave wives be- 1lOflGr 0- ‘Al ’ . . an Ae?,l,Pb.’,,§’=.3l7aff,_,:.§_~Q,~i& ’ -' '5?» I.‘ §§"£3z‘1't”’l11:-¢19§,,: p , A few ﬂjse 4 Miller, Asst. Ad’jtGenernl, was klled in a ﬁ;_;ht on the 2d inst., south of Jones- boro, Ur.‘-.l.. Capt. Miller was a brave and accomplished young officer, and none truer have drawn the sword in defense of their country. He fell nobly and he-._ 1‘0lC.‘vI.ll_\,’ doing his duty, and his death” will long be mourned by...
Show more‘ many others, who must leave wives be- 1lOflGr 0- ‘Al ’ . . an Ae?,l,Pb.’,,§’=.3l7aff,_,:.§_~Q,~i& ’ -' '5?» I.‘ §§"£3z‘1't”’l11:-¢19§,,: p , A few ﬂjse 4 Miller, Asst. Ad’jtGenernl, was klled in a ﬁ;_;ht on the 2d inst., south of Jones- boro, Ur.‘-.l.. Capt. Miller was a brave and accomplished young officer, and none truer have drawn the sword in defense of their country. He fell nobly and he-._ 1‘0lC.‘vI.ll_\,’ doing his duty, and his death” will long be mourned by hundreds of l warni friends here, who know him best and loved him most. His remains are daily expected to ar- rive at this place for burial. ..,’; erty, ‘Fr; , . . At” seven 9 ‘V’ . V ~ . united with the Baptist church, where his cheerful faith was shown by his works; while thus devoted to the religious duties consequent upon his position, he mani- fested the liberal spirit which recognizes the greater brotherhood in Christ, unit- ing all heaven——seeking souls into one family". As a civilian, he was true to ev- ery trust, remaining for seven years with one mercantile ﬁrm, a member of which pronounced his business talents to be of the first order. He was frank, yet always courteous, winning the esteem of all who knew hi;.u well. In April, 1861 he €1‘1l-ch ti as a private. When relating the tact L\..— .« friend, he said smiling: “1s it i" right? I never knew hefore how much I loved my country! I can go better than hindp. lvn,_l8f‘33;ihe was made "A_.mA__.\Ge.n., a ‘ E 1.” mi. ' is mhe ‘vi 7 :1. . r.‘ _, "2 -i W ii.‘ i‘- . 3; ‘H A ' d’ _ . :. 'L‘}3.l\ . ‘V. - ‘*5 A reached this place tl'1itt Captain _. , .21 0’ g _ _ . “ ' , p i V ‘ll;-con:ie ' fbr good! I am happies“ er expected to be, and I look forward to a very happy life.” He was killed Sept. 2d, l864. A dis- tinguished oflicer writes from the field, “None have fallen more gloriously; his heart was pure, his character noble, and mellowed by the sweet inﬂuences of Christianity. He did not permit the strifes which grow out of the necessi- ties and ambitions of life to drag him down from those sublime conceptions and intuitions of goodness which Deity designed we should cultivate until they would raise us above the reach of tempt- ation. W'lie-ii he fell. numbers who ad- mired his brmrery, said. ‘ 0, if I were on- ly as well fitted in <ii~.-- as Captain Miller I would be (‘.Ol’lI+‘I!i with any fate.” His inﬂuence was felt for the right by all with whom he acted. His zealous and efficient serviors in this great war were conspicuous and acknowledged. Gen. VVood said to me, “Captain Miller was a gallant oﬁicer. and he was the soul of his B1-_Aiga.\s~. His Brigade commander said to me... “It seems to my mind that ‘the Brigade will not be worth anything without Captain Miller. The whole com‘ maul loved amt respected him, and his loss effects all our hearts; his character seemed noble, perfect, and his bravery was never excelled.” I saw him afew hours before he was borne from the ﬁeld of battle; no one was nearer the foe than he, and no one was offering an example more worthy of emulation. The ﬁres of his soul were all ablaze, as he motion- ed the troops to “Come on! He died for a qause inferior only to that of heaven. Frhm brother-ofﬁcers and from privates, the same unvarying testimony assures us tlmt. he was in the camp and on the bat- tle. field the christian patriot and soldier. and the competent faithful officer. |_.A L'\h—d$-4 r\')»_4 Er‘ MAD.&M:—Owing to’ a severe acciden ' to one of my eyes, I have not been able sooner to communicate to you the cir- cumstances attending the death of Cap-1 tain Miller. On the 2d of September towards evening, the Brigade was order- ed to assault the rebel works. It became necessary for me to go on the skirmish, line to reconnoitre the position; the Cap- tain accompanied as usual, the rebel works being in close proximity, the fire was very severe. Taking position behind a log for pro- tection to make the necessary observe», tions, the Captain and Lieut. Colclazer, another officer of the staff‘, were in the rear of me. lwas just turning around to speak to the Captain, when the fatal bullet struck him passing through his head, and severely wounding Lieut. Col- clazer who was behind the Captain. I__ bent down over him to hear any words he might utter, but he was unconscious; after a few long drawn breaths he expired, and I had his body conveyed to the rear, This most unhappy accident has cast a deep gloom over all. No man was more universally loved and respected. While his fate may at any time be our own, I had fondly hoped that he would survive all perils, and that it would never be my sad duty to inform you of his death:-— I had the pleasure of knowing the Cap- tain intimately; we have been in friendly! or oﬂicial intercourse almost daily for the lasttwo years, and I had many opportuni- ties to appreciate his virtues as a man and soldier, he was the most conscien tious man in the discharge of his many arduous duties, untiring in his zeal, con- ‘ spicuously brave and gallant, and most gentlemanly and kind in his deportment Amidst all temptations riﬁce of such precio in vain. Allow me to tender you, and his fami- ly, in behslf.of oﬁicers, and soldiers, who loved him, the deepest felt sympathy in your grievous loss and sad aﬂliction. Believe me madam, with my sincerest regards, Your obedient servt., FRED KNEFLER, Col. 79th Indiana Vols.,
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Creator: Greer, Florence
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Date: Nov 1895

Creator: Arnzen, Laura Earl
Date: 1865

Creator: Holtz, Eliza
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Date: 1865-1866

Creator: Fales, Helen Augusta
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1865 [TS]

Creator: Gaston, Mary E.
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1865

Creator: Adams, Ruth
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Date: 1865

Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: September 22, 1865
Text: Vassar College Sept. 22nd [1865?] My dear father, I am more than satisfied with my new school - everything Is on the grandest scale. I wish you could see the Library Art Gallery Geological rooms fee. I spent the morning - most of it - looking at some beautiful books of engravings you can amuse yourself here any way you please, and there are some very nice girls here - I should think It would take two weeks to classify the girls and get them settled - I had an introduction to Mr Vassar who was...
Show moreVassar College Sept. 22nd [1865?] My dear father, I am more than satisfied with my new school - everything Is on the grandest scale. I wish you could see the Library Art Gallery Geological rooms fee. I spent the morning - most of it - looking at some beautiful books of engravings you can amuse yourself here any way you please, and there are some very nice girls here - I should think It would take two weeks to classify the girls and get them settled - I had an introduction to Mr Vassar who was very kind indeed to me. He took dinner here to-day and we had ice-cream for dessert. They furnish a good many things here that you were obliged to buy at Utica - so in the end It will probably be no higher - The weather is delightful here now and the grounds look very prettily. They have a real post office with boxes and a boy to tend it In the building- I shall have to get me a gymnasium dress for they require all the girls to have one, and will you please a end me the stamps that Henry neglected to get- I don't want to buy any more of them here than I can help- I have one of my schoolmates at Utica here - Clara Spauldlng and her Mother found some acquaintance a here Mr Chandler and family and came with them to the college to our room and In the course of their conversation they asked where I was from and on learning that I was from Brockport said that they lived there thirteen years ago - and knew you. Libby Anderson says she would like to have me meet any one who did not know some one that I knew This gentleman was a minister - of what denomination I do not know- Mr Weaver stopped at Mr. Eastman's the Commercial College Men and introduced me to his brother for the Mr Eastman was not at home. He came to the carriage and talked a few minutes to us- Altogether I have had a delightful time since I have been here. I must close so as to send my letter to-day. Mr Weaver gave Mr Vassar a check for they have to pay upon entering for the half year. Please send the money to Mr Weaver at 162 State St Albany - Write soon and tell me how the house is getting along- Your affectionate daughter Helen. Geo S. Weaver [in another hand]
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: September 22, [1865?]
Text: Vassar College Sept 22nd [1865?] My dear Mother I arrived safely at Albany Tuesday night. On arriving at Utica I met Libby Anderson who got on there to go to Vassar College.- Netta met me at the depot with her new carriage. Mr. Weaver could not go Wednesday and so we took a ride and visited - I was glad to have a rest before I went on to school, for I was very tired- We had a very pleasant journey from Albany and found Mr Vassar here at the College. He was very kind and told me when- ever I...
Show moreVassar College Sept 22nd [1865?] My dear Mother I arrived safely at Albany Tuesday night. On arriving at Utica I met Libby Anderson who got on there to go to Vassar College.- Netta met me at the depot with her new carriage. Mr. Weaver could not go Wednesday and so we took a ride and visited - I was glad to have a rest before I went on to school, for I was very tired- We had a very pleasant journey from Albany and found Mr Vassar here at the College. He was very kind and told me when- ever I wanted a favour and met him In the halls to speak to him- I had an Introduction also to a nephew of Mr Vassar about twenty- A girl from Utica who attended Miss Kelly's School Introduced us to him. Her name is Florence Hart- There are seven girls here who attended school at Utica when I did. Our room was engaged by Libbie's cousin in Poughkeepsie some time ago and is one of the best. I have not had a touch of homesickness yet- everything is so pleasant here I do not see how I can. Our room is about eleven feet high - We have a sitting room and bedroom There are three bedrooms to our sitting room. Every-thing is just as nice as anything can be. We visited the Library - Art Gallery - Geological rooms and Astronomical observatory with Mr It Mrs Weaver They were both delighted with everything (as everybody is) and Mr Weaver thought he should certainly send Kitty and Liszle here when they were old enough. Mr Mitchell was in the observatory and explained the telescope and gave us quite a little lecture on Astronomy - The teachers are all very kind indeed, and the lady principal has all Miss Kelly's good traits without her formality, and unapproachableness - We can see College Hill Military school from our sitting room window. The whole building seems more like a large elegant Hotel than a school. There are three hundred and fifty girls here already and I have made quite a number of acquaintances already - The building is much pleasanter than I thought it would be and though the pieces [sic] of cake are decidedly small and the preserves are minus the fare is very good. The bill is high enough father will find to warrant a good school. One gentleman from Brooklyn has seven daughters here - It will cost him something from $2500 to $3000 - I hope you are not working yourself to death. Have you any help? Write to me soon and tell me the town news. I am very anxious to hear from home. Your affectionate daughter Ella
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: September 26, [1865?]
Text: Vassar College Sept 26th [11865?] My dear Mother I am expecting a letter from home but still thought I would commence a letter as I had now time. I have left your letter to-day as I had to be examined and having now passed through that ordeal I am able to finish my letter. I received James1 letter to-day and was rather surprised to find you had not received mine. It is strange to see how contented the girls are here. I hear of very few eases of homesickness. They have to get Gymnasiumdresses...
Show moreVassar College Sept 26th [11865?] My dear Mother I am expecting a letter from home but still thought I would commence a letter as I had now time. I have left your letter to-day as I had to be examined and having now passed through that ordeal I am able to finish my letter. I received James1 letter to-day and was rather surprised to find you had not received mine. It is strange to see how contented the girls are here. I hear of very few eases of homesickness. They have to get Gymnasiumdresses here and I have engaged mine with some of the rest of the girls. The gymnastic teacher gets them. There is a dress and trousers of gray flannel and it costs about $12 or fourteen dollars and will do for a bathing dress when I get through with gymnastics I have paid $7. towards it and would like to have father send me enough to pay the rest and something for school books- I am enjoying myself very much and have two old schoolmates at Utica to room with me beside Libby Anderson. Write soon to me. I did not see Sophie at Rome when I looked out of the window. Please ask father to send that soon for I want to pay the teacher. Please, answer soon and tell Henry I shall expect him to write first as he owes me so many letters Give him my love- Your affectionate daughter Ella.
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: October 11, 1865
Text: Vassar College - Oct 11th 1865. My dear father, I received your very welcome letter and also the money which was very acceptable indeed- I had begun to think you had forgotten my existence at home I had not received a letter in so long a time. I will try and not send for any more money in a long time but if Mother and James do not answer my letters I will not answer theirs very soon, and Henry must write to me first for 1 have a long list against him of unanswered letters. It is very pleasant...
Show moreVassar College - Oct 11th 1865. My dear father, I received your very welcome letter and also the money which was very acceptable indeed- I had begun to think you had forgotten my existence at home I had not received a letter in so long a time. I will try and not send for any more money in a long time but if Mother and James do not answer my letters I will not answer theirs very soon, and Henry must write to me first for 1 have a long list against him of unanswered letters. It is very pleasant indeed here and I like the School more and more. Two more girls from Miss Kelley's School came here yesterday, the Osborn girls and there are now eleven girls who attended that School. We have not had many rules made yet so we can have about as much liberty about the grounds as we wish- Rev. Thomas K. Bircher of Elmira is going to preach in the College Chapel next Sunday- President Raymond usually preaches and we like him very well- I have become a little acquainted with Emma Helmer cousin Henrietta's "daughter" and like her appearance very much - We have a very fine french teacher here Professor Knapp- We use his grammar and reading book- He was professor of languages in Madison University New York- I am so glad that the house Is getting on well and that you are having gas put in. I wish I could see it. You must write me all about the arrangements very particularly and how it looks. Have you had the Balustrade made yet? I am writing under difficulties- There are some girls in our room and they are talking with all their might so I get somewhat con- fused in my sentences. I hope you will write soon for my correspondence this year is rather limited on account of the rules here. It Is very late now and I must close and If I have not written a long letter I have made the most of my space - I will write just as often as I receive any- Is Henry going to go to Albany or not. And is he going to come this way this fall? Please write soon and till all the others to write to me. Your affectionate daughter Ella. P.S. Dont forget the postage stamps in the next letter.
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Creator: Foster, Frances (Harmon) Miller
Date: October 14, 1865
Text: Vassar College. September 18- 1865 My dear Jen, Very often have my thoughts traveled towards "the setting of the sun" since I have taken up my abode in Vassar but this Saturday is the first day 1 have found to write you* I need not tell you that your card had a hearty welcome from Jane - that you may always know. And now where can I "begin to commence" to "send forth" for your edification, — 1 am again a school-girl in name and truth under law and order as in the...
Show moreVassar College. September 18- 1865 My dear Jen, Very often have my thoughts traveled towards "the setting of the sun" since I have taken up my abode in Vassar but this Saturday is the first day 1 have found to write you* I need not tell you that your card had a hearty welcome from Jane - that you may always know. And now where can I "begin to commence" to "send forth" for your edification, — 1 am again a school-girl in name and truth under law and order as in the days we used to know - but how changed! - Yet Jen I am so contented here - so satisfied - there is not that uneasy restless feeling in my heart which I have before felt ever since s year ago when the object of my life was taken from me. X find in close study and new thoughts the refuge from sadness which X longed for. The first few days X was lonely and strange enough but now X am acquainted with so many and find such good friends among the students and teachers that I am with them at home. X have been here three weeks and over. The last few weeks at home were full of business - until the starting day came on. A concourse of people followed me to the depot consisting of the near friends, Amelia, &c. The train abounded in Warren people so we were not without company as far as Cleveland. We came around by Albany. The ride down the Hudson was perfectly charming. The day was especially beautiful and the scenery along the wayfilled my heart with peacefulness. The hills are as friends to me In their grandeur. 1 went to New York and stayed over night with Marcia at Mr a. Brown's. Wednesday night that was. On Thursday we went out to Central Park and enjoyed exceedingly the many beauties there. We spent four hours there. I was completely lost in admiration but you know Its attractions. On Thursday at three o'clock I left the city and was all alone found myself a stranger among a traveling world with a new future before me. At seven I was put dowa la Poughkeepsie but it being too late for admittance Into the College I helped fill up the Hotel and waited for the morning's light with anxiety. At 8 on Thursday the omnibus appeared marked "Vassar College" and "Mrs. Miller" patronised It. We are two miles from the city so about half past eight I found myself facing the elephant with a fluttering heart. I gave my ducted up four flights of stairs to my sanctum which had been assigned me. Aloae and away from home, no Jen or Amelia around, how desolate for awhile until the Saratoga came, then I had plenty to do unpacking what mother had carefully stowed away. The first day two hundred arrived and they have been coming ever since until now our family numbers three hundred and thirty - excepting Professors, Teachers and their families - There are 340 students accepted for this year. The building is very extensive and fine beautiful within in newness. Our rooms consist ol a Parlor containing a round center table, a "what-not", chairs, with walls of hand finish and wood dark. These Parlors are our study rooms. OH from them are two, three, and sometimes four rooms - for bed chambers. These are nicely furnished with oak furniture - a cottage bedstead, wash-stand, bureau, wardrobe, and a chair - no carpet on the floor, except a strip in front of the bed like the Parlor one. We have a good mattress and plenty of nice accompaniments - are warmed with steam and lighted by gas. We have bathrooms on every floor, also warm and cold water. The College looks so nicely now while new. On the First Floor are the Post-office, chemical rooms and in the back part the kitchens, so well arranged in everything. The second floor. The Parlors, furnished with green and rose colored covered chairs and sofas, marble tops, fee. also the dining room, President's rooms. The Third Floor has the Chapel, Library, Principals Rooms. The Fourth, the Art Gallery and Filth the Cabinets. Then in every floor in each side of the halls are the recitation rooms, more parlors, and the Teachers' rooms. On our Corridor is the Infirmary - in cafe (ol) a Lady Physician, Dr. Avery. I wish I could conduct you, and your very appreciative Father and Mother through our home here. The Art Gallery, Cabinet, and Library are splendid - so complete In beauty and elegance. I could spend hours there studying the new delights - such line paintings and hundreds of specimens. Prof. Tenney, whose Geology we studied is Prof, of Natural History. He is very fine looking sad pleasant, and has given us one lecture. There is a Prof, at the head of each department - and under them lady assistants. Prof. Knappof Madison University is "Captain" of languages. There is one French lady Teacher, Madame Spartan, who has only been imported four months. I am in her class. Miss Lyman is very lovely. She is our Principal, is rather old, her hair is grey, but she has a young lovely face and heart. Pres. Raymond is all that is good and noble. We admire him very much, he is so very high minded - and intelligent * He conducts the chapel services morning and evening, also preaches to us on Sabbath afternoons - Sabbath mornings we have our Bible Classes. I am in Prof. Farrar*s class. They allow those who are communicants to go to the city on Communion Day only - and whenever we go to the city we are not allowed to go without a Teacher. We arise at six and retire at ten - breakfast at seven, dinner, noon, tea, six, an hour allowed for each. We have excellent fare and plenty of every- thing. The tables look nicely with white cloths, silver and white dishes. We are seated at round tables, twelve at a table, and on,e, Teacher. We are to have an organ in the Chapel, back of this are a great many rooms containing each one piano for our practicing - they are very good ones. We make our own beds. Servants do everything else. Every Monday morning we meet our Corridor Teacher and are all obliged to give an analysis of the sermon heard the day before. Other mornings we meet Miss Lyman in the Chapel for twenty minutes, after Chapel service. I am studying French, Chemistry, Rhetoric, Music, and think I shall take writing lessons. Then we are required to practice gymnastics. I have a costume - as allhave * wool dress, hose, waist and bloomers like the dress. X shall not take singing lessons. There Is a skating pond near. We are not in sight of the Hudson, which I regret so much. The Observatory is very fine indeed. They have next to the best telescope in the world. Miss Mitchell Is Prof, of Astronomy. X take it next year. I like her very much and In so many of the Teachers have found warm friends. The scenery around is delightful - hills and mountains. The forests are turning into a deep scarlet and russet brown. I have an east window in my room. The sunsets are glorious here. X have a room- mate from N. York, Miss Helen Phillips - she is pretty, smart, tall, quiet, but very warm hearted. There are three other young ladies in our Parlor whom X like very much. One Is a lame girl, another very beautiful - she commences the regular course, while the third is quiet and good. They are all good, though not professing christians. I am fortunate In being thrown among those whom I can love - but I must not forgot to tell you about tho examinations which were the higher you know. Oct. 14, 1865 - 6 The first week or two was taken up in that delightful way. We all went to Pres. Raymond first. He gave us a list of what we must be examined in. I was pounded in Arlth., Gram., Geog., History, Rhetoric, spelling, also French, and we were obliged to write an essay and hand to the Prof, of English Literature. Well this was all delightful you know. I was so excited and anxious - but X had reviewed my common branches before coming away and I am happy to tell you that I came out of the mill alive and sane. The highest mark was 10. After the examination, Pres. R. read off a long list of names, under mediocrity, and said opposite thosenames was put not fit to enter "Vassar College". He gave them the privilege of being examined over again or of going into Grammar & arlth. on the spot. I was not one of those under the line for which I know you will congratulate me. I succeeded beyond my anticipations in not missing. I am very busy indeed. I fear I will not have much time to write or read but do keep me supplied with letters. I shall see Lou and Will in the winter. I do hope you can go to Warren this winter though you cannot imagine how badly I would feel not to be there. Give so much love to all and I am your ever loving Franc Frances Harmon Miller to Jennie Elizabeth Clark.
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Creator: Houts (Glidden), Annie
Date: October 17, 1865
Text: Vassar College, Thurs. Oct. 17, 1865. My dear Brother, I came in yesterday, from my class, at the time the letters are distributed, and looked anxiously around for one. Not see- ing any, X was just about to "resign my-self to my fate," when I heard my room-mate say "You hateful girl, you, to get three letters." I was quite astonished, myself, especially, when 1 found one was from you. It was quite refreshing to hear from you, and I hope you will favor me often in that way,...
Show moreVassar College, Thurs. Oct. 17, 1865. My dear Brother, I came in yesterday, from my class, at the time the letters are distributed, and looked anxiously around for one. Not see- ing any, X was just about to "resign my-self to my fate," when I heard my room-mate say "You hateful girl, you, to get three letters." I was quite astonished, myself, especially, when 1 found one was from you. It was quite refreshing to hear from you, and I hope you will favor me often in that way, for it will be a great favor to me. You speak of being very anxious to know what year I will enter. That will probably not be known until the catalogue is made out. But I think, if I take the regular course, I am in for three years anyway and maybe four. In Latin, I am reading "Cicero," in Mathe- matics I am in the highest class in the college But don't imagine from that that it is very high, for we are studying Geometry. They will have no juniors nor seniors this year. There goes the dinnerbell and I must leave you.French of course I am beginning, and my other study is English Grammar, not having passed the examination in that. But we have the chance to be examined every Sat. morning and when we get nine, on a scale of ten, we can be excused from the class. X have been to Poughkeepsie but once, since I've been here, and then I had a dress fit and got a few things, managed to spend all my money, any-way, though I didn't get much. But my books have cost quite a little sum. I should say ten or twelve dollars, and I still owe a dollar seventy-five for my French grammar. I'll have to get me a hood for winter, Oct. 11. 1868 - 568 a pair of shoes, and X want to get some delaine and have a warm dressing- gown made to wear evenings, also we want to get an easy chair, lounge, drop-light, and a few other things to make our room look more homelike, and be more comfortable, so the conclusion of this long rigmarole is, that I would like you to send me some money, if you please. We have very good eating here, everything is well-cooked and there is plenty of it. My room- mate is Helen Thomas of Utica. She is a very pleasant girl, and is just aswitty as she can be. She makes fun for all of us; some evenings here, we have some real gay times. She is talking of leaving the room, but I will try and tease her to stay, but if she does go I am going to ask Miss Lyman to let me keep my room alone, but I dont expect she will, for it is a double room. The professors have parts of the building set apart fro themselves, and they are as much to them-selves, as if they were in a private house. Miss Mitchell has charge of the Observatory and teaches Astronomy. The advantages here are so good for that study I think I shall pursue it, though not at present. They have a laboratory and complete apparatus for Chemistry and Natural Philosophy, a fine cabinet for Geology, and a great many stuffed and other specimens for Natural History. Are you staying at Mr. Bell's now? I thought you spoke as though you were. I was very glad to hear he had arrived safely at home. W ell, I don't think 1 can spare any more time from my studies, so I guess I will say good-evening to you. Give my love ever so much to Mary, and keep a good share for your-self. Now do write soon to me. Your aff Nov. 15, 1874 - 569 sister - Annie Friday morning. Dear John, I've nothing more particular to say, but I had a little spare time to write, and so thought I would finish out this page. They have a very good library here, but I dont expect to have much time to read. I will have time vacation. By the way, they are going to char £ ,e seven dollars and a half a week for those who stay here vacation. I have been surprised at myself, how little home-sick I have been, but I guess the secret of it is, I dont have time. I have not seen a paper since here I've been. Johnson and all his cabinet might be assassinated and Washington burned, and I dont believe we would hear of it. A Cin. or Ports, paper, would be very acceptable, if you would send them. The time for rising is six, but we almost always arise at six, so as to have an hour to study before breakfast. That meal is now ready, so I will again say good-bye. Your loving sister, Annie M. Glidden (Annie (Glidden) Houts, '69,
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Creator: Arnzen, Laura Earl
Date: Oct. 22, 1865
Text: Vassar Oct. 22nd 1865. My Dear Carrie and Abbie, I received your long-expected and welcome letter only yesterday and hasten to answer it hoping you will not be long in writing next time for I think you ought to be good to pay me for my writing to you so often last winter - so be good in future my dear children and your reward shall be great. But honestly girls I want you to think about it and decide to come back. Write me after Christmas. I know you would like the school and X am sure If you...
Show moreVassar Oct. 22nd 1865. My Dear Carrie and Abbie, I received your long-expected and welcome letter only yesterday and hasten to answer it hoping you will not be long in writing next time for I think you ought to be good to pay me for my writing to you so often last winter - so be good in future my dear children and your reward shall be great. But honestly girls I want you to think about it and decide to come back. Write me after Christmas. I know you would like the school and X am sure If you Intend to go away to school you ought to go this winter, just think of waiting a whole year longer and then going away for a year. Just think you won't get out of school In time to take any comfort at all. I feel now so old to be coming to school and as though I should be too old to do anything but knit stockings on account of the falling eyesight that comes on with age. I do so wish you would decide to come back with me. I think you would enjoy it although of course It Is very quiet but all the girls, or at least the greater part are very pleasant indeed and I have made so many pleasant acquaintances. The only time I really wish I was at home is rainy Sundays and I get letters telling of some grand time just passed or else la process of preparing. I don't doubt you had a nice time over to Dartmouth. I should like to have been with you much. I having been once or twice on similar festivities can judge something what kind of a time you had but how could you be so harsh as to tell me that Fred Gentleman Fred was lost to me at least forever, and that without one word of preparation. It was cruel and I have barely rallied from the shock and there is bat little left of me. (by the way I was weighed a day or two ago and weighed 123£ lbs. which Is six and a half pounds more than I ever weighed before in my life.) how you could have been so inconsiderate I can't Imagine. I never would have been so harsh if it had been your case. last imagine my disappointment. Oh well - let as be patient these severe afflictions sometimes prove to be our greatest blessing and it may be so la this case. Bat I can readily account for the you behaved fact that you behave better on your Smiths Mills Expedition because I was not there which mast have produced a good effect. Long life to sofa - and a long and oh a sad farewell to the same. Weddings still continue to be the rage la F.R. it seems. How I pity those poor girls who not succeeding in catching a beau were obliged to go away to school in order to conceal their despair. I can sympathize deeply with them. Did you know by the way that Will Hooper won't go to Mary Hathaway's wedding. Libbie was one of the bridesmaids and I should think that they might have had H. for her attendant. Perhaps they did but I did not hear so. And so Mr. Bateman and his gray horse have again appeared upon the stage of activities. What blissful emotions you must have experienced when you saw him la the dim distance gradually drawing nearer and nearer - and a friend, too. I don't believe you properly appreciate the honor conferred upon you. My studies now are fairly under way. I have taken French, German, Algebra and am for the present reviewing Arithmetic. and not a day passes without there being more or less visitors. Then too a good many young gentlemen come to walk over the grounds, young ones, and we flirt horridly with them. Although today has been the Sabbath there has been a busy time in that time and I've sat by the window, bowed, waved my handkerchief fee till I was positively tired and retired from the window more than satisfied by my day's work. I have not been down into Poughkeepsie since I have been here because we can't go without a teacher and as I have had a chance to send down for anything I wanted and could only go by having a teacher trot around with me I did not feel very particular about it - I mean to try it however in a week or two and see if I can't get lost from the teacher some of the gidiare so [unfortunate] sometimes and well when they get lost of course they try to enjoy themselves as much as possible under the circumstances. They are not to blame for that of course. How do you like the idea of Hubby coming - how I see you all hiding your diminished heads. I don't see how you came to consent to It. I had no idea she would teach Mary again - I hope you will both bear up under the trouble bravely and I must say that I fully coincide with the conclusion expressed in your final sentence. I don't care if she does have more attention from some people I don't think it is worth the minding. Don't I wish I was over the river with you. I should not be surprised if we could manage to enjoy ourselves passably well and also think it possible that we might find something to talk about for the space of five minutes at least. By the way in my last letter did I describe my room and the College also to you if not I will in my next letter for I want you to have some idea of how I am situated but I was not sure whether I had done so or not and I thought It would be rather uninteresting for you if I should describe it for your benefit twice over. As for my letters you need not fear their reading them, they don't have time nor an opportunity to do it for we get the mail as soon as it comes In direct from the Office. We go off on long walks, nutting and after apples. We can go to such places without having a teacher trotting around with us, and then we play Croquet a good deal but not with nice partners as X have played with no gentry and for some reason or other it was not so much fun. Strange wasn't it. Can you imagine any reason for the fact. I hope you will write me very soon again and I hope you will excuse this uninteresting letter but we have scarce any news out of the College and that isn't interesting for you but do tell me all the news. I shall be grateful even if I cannot repay it. With much love to you both and to your Mother Mary also. I remain your affectionate friend Laura Arnzen [continued from page 4, "reviewing Arithmetic…"] I was not obliged by my examination to take up the latter study but I did not want to leave school without a mere thorough knowledge of some parts than I possess but my teacher does not wish me to continue It She says it is a mere waste of time and thinks I had better take another study in its place. Whether I shall or not I have not yet quite decided. The lessons in all the studies are generally very long and there is some complaint but not much. And the girls like all the teachers very much. There are over thirty teachers and Professors. We can scarcely move without running into one - but among all the Professors there is not a marriageable man, every one is married. They have put us out of the way of temptation quite thoroughly but as the college is a new one there is a great deal of curiosity felt about it among people [Laura Earl Arnsen* spec. '65-66, To Caroline E. and Abigail L« Slade, both spec. '65-66.]
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: October 24, 1865
Text: Vassar College Oct 24th 1865 My dear father I suppose you are very busy just now finishing up the house and preparing to commence at the furnace. I do wish you would hurry off Henry to Norfolk. I am afraid he will not go till Christmas if you do not. It is just as pleasant as can be here except on Sundays when we have to stay at the college and listen to a Sermon from president Raymond. I do wish there could be some way provided for us to go to Poughkeepsie to Church, but we have to pay 40...
Show moreVassar College Oct 24th 1865 My dear father I suppose you are very busy just now finishing up the house and preparing to commence at the furnace. I do wish you would hurry off Henry to Norfolk. I am afraid he will not go till Christmas if you do not. It is just as pleasant as can be here except on Sundays when we have to stay at the college and listen to a Sermon from president Raymond. I do wish there could be some way provided for us to go to Poughkeepsie to Church, but we have to pay 40 cents if we go in the "bus" and cannot often get permissionto go on any condition. Indeed it is very impossible to get permission. I have not been since I have been here. We have heard Mr Beecher (T.K.). My roommate Clare Spaulding is one of his congregation in Elmira and so went to take tea with him- He stayed at Prof Farrars, one of the professors. The salaries of the teachers &cd perhaps you would be interested in knowing I found them out by one of the professors. President Raymond has six thousand dollars. Miss Lyman the lady principal has three thousand, each of the professors 2 thousand and the assistants $450. It is the best place here to learn languages I ever was in. I am studying French German Geology and Zoology and Music. I wish I could just step in upon you and see the house and the gas. It Is so nice here to have gas. We have it In our bedroom as well as in our sitting room. I am sure I do not know what we have to use Shakespeare and Milton for, but I suppose they will come in time into use. The examination was what I dreaded most and that I have passed through and fortunately do not have to take geography arithmetic Gram- mar Algebra or Rhetoric, which some do, rather to their disgust. There are so many girls here it is a long time before we get acquainted with them. They are here from everywhere - almost. Some from Kansas and one from California - San Francisco. A good many come from New York and Brooklyn. Next room to us is Mary Cornell daughter of Ezra Cornell who is Union candidate for State Senator and who has given five hundred thousand dollars to build an agricultural College. Miss Robinson daughter of Prof Robinson the Mathematician is here, and there is a young widow here. She is only 22 though those are all the very distinguished characters here. Mr Vassar has three neices at school here. Two from Poughkeepsie one from Auburn. I am quite lost without my usual correspondents I hardly get a letter in two weeks now. I am so very busy I do not miss them as much as I did now. Two of my roommates have gone since I wrote the first part of my letter. Clara Spauldings father has been here to-day and she has gone with him to New York to see her sister who Is at school there. Libby Anderson has gone to Poughkeepsie to visit. This is the second time she has been. Mary Woodruff and Sarah Lawson are here though, but it made me feel very homesick to think I could not go too. I wish I could see you all. Tell me how you are getting along. Your affectionate daughter Helen.
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: October 27, [1865?]
Text: Vassar College - Poughkeepsle Oct 27th [1865?] My dear Mother I have not received a letter from you since I have been here. I suppose the reason is that you have not written and I suppose you have no time to write. I do hope you will not try and do some of your wonderful days work. Have you no girl yet? I wish I was at home to see how you are getting along and help, and more than all to go to church Sunday at home. It is perfectly forlorn here Sundays. We have to go to Bible class in the...
Show moreVassar College - Poughkeepsle Oct 27th [1865?] My dear Mother I have not received a letter from you since I have been here. I suppose the reason is that you have not written and I suppose you have no time to write. I do hope you will not try and do some of your wonderful days work. Have you no girl yet? I wish I was at home to see how you are getting along and help, and more than all to go to church Sunday at home. It is perfectly forlorn here Sundays. We have to go to Bible class in the morning that is pleasant for we have such a nice teacher - Prof Tenney. Inthe afternoon we go into the Chapel to listen to a Sermon from president Raymond, and he is generally rather dry. Mr Corning who writes for the Independent, preaches at the Congregational church in Poughkeepsie. I think they will have to make some provision before the year is over so the girls can go to church for they are so dissatisfied. Wont you tell Henry and Father not to forget to send me the Republic. It is almost as good as a letter for it comes from home and it is so little trouble to send it. When is Henry going to Norfolk? I wish I could go with him. He is only going to stay a little while I suppose, and it would do me so much good. I mean it would make me feel better, and the trouble is when will I go if I do not go now? It will not be much out of school. However if you do not wish me to go I wish you would have Henry stop when he comes and when he goes home. James has given me quite a graphic description of the way in which you have fixed the rooms that are finished. Have you got a minister yet? Have they succeeded in getting Mr Brown? I expect you will have a minister when I return. They are building a riding school and Gymnasium here I do not think it will be done very soon though. They say it will be done in sixty days as they can use it when the walls are up and the roof on. You must remember me to Mrs Walker and Mr & Mrs Norton and Fanny. If Mrs Walker is going to Albany I will call on her Thanksgiving when I go there. They are entirely too strict here about the girls writing letters receiving calls and visiting their friends in Poughkeepsie. All the girls are dis- satisfied with them and I do not think they can be so strict long. Miss Lyman is from Montreal and is very "English" in her notions. Tell Henry if he wants me to finish the remainder of his afghan he must bring me some money to buy the worsted when he comes to see me. I will get it at New York. Clara Spaulding one of my roommates is makinga beautiful one. I am making mine after the same style. Do write to me soon and tell me what you are doing. Your affectionate daughter Ella
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: November 5, 1865
Text: Vassar College Nov 5th 1865- Dear Mother I received your letter and was very glad indeed to get it. I am very busy and have very little time to write or even keep up my acquaintance with the few friends I have made here in the College. How X should like to see the house now; it must look very nicely. I suppose you have put the furniture in and arranged it. If I had not such splendid girls for roommates I should be dreadfully homesick here sometimes. They are mostly girls that you like better...
Show moreVassar College Nov 5th 1865- Dear Mother I received your letter and was very glad indeed to get it. I am very busy and have very little time to write or even keep up my acquaintance with the few friends I have made here in the College. How X should like to see the house now; it must look very nicely. I suppose you have put the furniture in and arranged it. If I had not such splendid girls for roommates I should be dreadfully homesick here sometimes. They are mostly girls that you like better every day you know them. I wish I could be certain about Henry's going to Norfolk, but I never knew him to start for a place in less than a week after he said he would. You don't know the perfect dreariness of a day even spent here with all you arrangements made to go and everyone else going about you. Do have him start two or three days in advance. My roommates are all going away to stay from Thanksgiving till the next Monday and I do not fancy staying here in my room all alone. Llbby Anderson has been a way twice to Poughkeepsie and stayed from Friday night till Monday morning and Clara Spauldlng went to New York and stayed till Monday. One of the times they were both away together and it was perfectly dreary. I had no idea that two would make such a difference and what I should do if I had to stay here alone I do not know. I should think I might go away Thanksgiving as long as I am to be alone. If the girls were to be here I should not care so much but a disappointment here is quite a different thing from one at home. If Henry has any objections to my going to Albany I would like to have him write to me and state them and I will see if they are worth consideration. I do not think it is an unreasonable request for you said I might go there often while I was here. To-day I went to church in Poughkeepsie and it is the first time I have been out of the College grounds since 1 have been here and I probably shall not go out again unless X go to Albany or New York. Netta has invited me and I have not answered her yet. I have been very well so far, but am very tired at night. I never saw such a place for long lessons and there are some very smart girls here too. I shall be very glad indeed to have the barrel of apples. We do not have any apples here, but we can send down town and buy them at the rate of $5. dollars a bushel, and it takes my money too much to do that much. Do not put any russets in I never liked them but put in Spitzenbergs. I have no room in my closet but I have got permission to put them in one of the empty rooms of the Professors houses, In our wing of the College and in order to get them to the right place, direct to "Charles F. Farrar". Vassar College, Poughkeepsie. Be sure and send them the girls in our room are delighted at the thought of having them. We do not have any at all and they will taste very nice. I am so afraid you will overwork yourself. Why dont you get some one to help you till Christmas? I do not know when the vacation will begin but will write as soon as I find out. Henry cannot be too expeditious in settling up his business however I believe we are to have as much as two weeks. Write soon to me Give my love to Henry and Father. Has cousin Mary Anne moved? I wrote to Lizzie but have not received an answer. Your affectionate daughter Ella.
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: November 9, 1865
Text: Vassar College - Nov 9th 1865. My dear Father I was so glad to receive your letter a few days ago and then afterwards to get the papers. It must be very uncomfortable to be without carpets this cold weather but you will soon have them down probably. You say you have had snow at home. We have only seen a few flakes floating In the air. It has been cold enough to freeze ice half an inch thick though. I would give a good deal to help arrange things at home but can comfort myself with the thought...
Show moreVassar College - Nov 9th 1865. My dear Father I was so glad to receive your letter a few days ago and then afterwards to get the papers. It must be very uncomfortable to be without carpets this cold weather but you will soon have them down probably. You say you have had snow at home. We have only seen a few flakes floating In the air. It has been cold enough to freeze ice half an inch thick though. I would give a good deal to help arrange things at home but can comfort myself with the thought that I am improving here. I hope to know French and German very well by next Summer. In our Geology class we are collecting specimens of all the rocks. To-day we got a quartz specimen or rather Prof. Tenney got it for us. I expect to come home with a great box of rocks. I am glad James got such splendid paper for his room, he wrote to me about it. I have a suggestion to make. As you have to wait for Henry every night cannot you spend the time in writing to me? It would amount to a good deal every night. I am very glad you had resolved upon a long letter, it was fortunate for me. Has James been home since he has been at Rochester? He comes home often as usual I suppose. How nice it must be. Have they succeeded in getting Mr Brown? I do hope they will have some one before I get home. James wrote they had mostly agents to preach lately. There are about 325 scholars here. Some have gone home from sickness and some were unable to come at all. They had accepted 350 but of course things happened to prevent some from coming. President Raymond had a "reception" for the teachers a day or two ago. Emma Wehner is expecting her father here to-day. I am glad Mr Kimball has received so good a call. I suppose his objections to a city church are removed. I see Henry is sacrificing himself to the good of his country. I am glad election is over before Christmas or I should not expect to see him as soon as I do. School closes on the 18th of Dec. so we are to have two weeks vacation I hear, and Henry must come on the 17th that is Monday in just about six weeks, or a little over five. He must hurry if he expects to get ready by that time and I am afraid he never will get ready to start on Monday but he must. You say your letter was getting very old. It was just as good for all that. Do you sit in the tower room any? I must close now for I have already encroached on my study hour to write to you. I send James a picture of the College for his album which he will probably show you. Will you please write a note to Pres. Raymond and send it to me asking him to let me go and stay in New York from Friday night to Monday morning? so I can give it to him? If you and Mother are willing I should like it so much instead of going away Thanksgiving. I mean the Friday after Thanksgiving. Write soon and please send me the Independent as well as the other papers. I noticed there was a speech of Gov. Seymour's in the World. Your affectionate daughter Helen.
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: November 9, 1865
Text: Poughkeepsie Nov. |1865, Dear Mother I will add a few words to you this time. Wont you please make me a pr of drawers and a chemise and send them by Henry when he comes? Our washing never comes up to us in less than two weeks after we send it down and so we have to have two suits in the wash and two suits out to wear till we get them again and as I have only three suits I sometimes have to...
Show morePoughkeepsie Nov. |1865, Dear Mother I will add a few words to you this time. Wont you please make me a pr of drawers and a chemise and send them by Henry when he comes? Our washing never comes up to us in less than two weeks after we send it down and so we have to have two suits in the wash and two suits out to wear till we get them again and as I have only three suits I sometimes have to wear my clothes two weeks without changing. Please make them and I will trim them when they get here. There is such a very large wash they cannot get them up any sooner. Lizzie Squler has written to me I send you the letter. If you will write and tell me that I can go some time before Christmas I will be very glad, for I want to get my wrappers and woolen stockings and go away from here once beside. Clara Spaulding is going to have a letter from her parents asking permission for her to go to New York once a month to see her sister who is at school there. I wish I could have father write a note to President Raymond asking if I could go down Thanksgiving or on Friday night and stay till Monday. They do not have vacation but the girls say they are going to write for permission to go away then. I am sorry to hear you are working very hard. 1 am sorry I did not stay at home till the house was put in order If you are going to work so. Your affectionate daughter Ella.  
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Creator: Houts (Glidden), Annie
Date: November 13, 1865
Text: Vassar College, Nov. 13, 1865. My dear brother John, Have you forgotten that you have a sister, at Vassar, has the advent of that wonderful "tenpounder," sent every idea out of your head, or why Is it you don't write to me ? I wrote to you some time ago, and looked for an answer right away, but I have looked and longed in vain, in that direction. To-day, X had made up my mind, if I did'nt hear from you, to write a real hateful, scoldjng letter that wuuld provoke you to...
Show moreVassar College, Nov. 13, 1865. My dear brother John, Have you forgotten that you have a sister, at Vassar, has the advent of that wonderful "tenpounder," sent every idea out of your head, or why Is it you don't write to me ? I wrote to you some time ago, and looked for an answer right away, but I have looked and longed in vain, in that direction. To-day, X had made up my mind, if I did'nt hear from you, to write a real hateful, scoldjng letter that wuuld provoke you to make some reply, and I had got up some real ugly things to say; but on second thought I concluded I would not, especially as Pres. Raymond gave us a lec- ture on the subject of correspondence, this morning, saying among other things, that, any-thing once written could never be recalled. So as I am afraid, if I should write such a letter, I would say some-thing I would be sorry for, I will try and prevail on you to write, by simply reminding you that I am here, if you have forgotten the direction, I'll forward it, and I should be most happy to hear from you. Now, honestly, laying aside all joking, John, I think you might write to me often, long letters if you can, but I would be very thankful for short ones, and I would wonderfully relish the rnmmmmmmmm mmmmmmmmmmmmmrn sight of a Cin. or Ports, paper, if you can spare the time to direct it, ink, stamp fee. And now, I am in need of money. I am owing a dress-maker's bill, and there are several things I need for winter, also I want to get some things to make my room more comfortable. I believe I enumerated, in my last letter, and it is useless to repeat, but I suppose I shall want as much as Nov. 13, 1865 -2 fifty dollars ($50.00). It is nearly bed-time, and I am greatly hurried to get to write this much to you. But I guess It does not matter much, for judging you by myself, which Is fair you don't care to hear from me. For, if I want to hear from folks I write to them. I am very busy here, but I always answer your letters as soon as they are received. But I am afraid I am doing what I did not intend to, so I will desist. Now, I shall look for a reply to this very soon, and if I do not get one, I can't answer for the result. As a "dernier resort," I will have to get real mad, and write you a letter you will remember for some time. But you won't provoke me to that, will you? Now, do write soon, and tell me all about "the baby" Have you named it? who does it resemble be. fcc. Give my love to Mary, and Charlie, and kiss the child. Ever your loving sister, Annie. (Annie (Glidden) Houts, '69, P.3. Please write immediately, and send the money*—
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Creator: Arnzen, Laura Earl
Date: Nov. 14, 1865
Text: Vassar. Nov. 14, 1865. My Dearest Friends, You cant think how perfectly delighted I was upon reading the decision which your letter contained and I lost no time in handing your letter to the President. He read it and asked me if they were nice girls. You perhaps can imagine what I told him. And he said there was no doubt of your competency and as there were several vacancies you might consider yourselves accepted. All required was an examination in the ordinary English branches. Arithmetic...
Show moreVassar. Nov. 14, 1865. My Dearest Friends, You cant think how perfectly delighted I was upon reading the decision which your letter contained and I lost no time in handing your letter to the President. He read it and asked me if they were nice girls. You perhaps can imagine what I told him. And he said there was no doubt of your competency and as there were several vacancies you might consider yourselves accepted. All required was an examination in the ordinary English branches. Arithmetic Grammar & Geography. And you would be classified according to your examinations. You need feel no fear if the examination you have to pass through is like the one I had. Some examples in Compound fc Complex one in percentage and one in interest was all in Arithmetic. The examination in Grammar was nothing only what is Grammar Into what four topics or branches is it divided fc definitions of V each. Number of parts of speech fc definitions Exercises in correcting sentences fc but very little parsing, that was all. Then the Examination in Geography consisted of the primary definition, upon all the map questions. The only thing I judge you will require any study upon is looking over frac- tions and the map questions. Then you send in the list of studies you desire to pursue - and you are assigned to your classes. Some of the girls were assigned to classes or rather studies they did not wish to take and in such cases the President has without any exceptlans and many such cases have come to my knowledge changed it when they had good reasons to offer. And Nov. 14, 1865 -2 now all you will have to do is to come back with me Christmas. Oh won't it be splendid. I am so delighted I can hardly keep hold of my pen- Of course it won't be so gay as you were accustomed to at Providence but I think one can get along nicer with their studies. I never got along so fast before - and it so pleasant here and all the girls are so nice. And I mean to speak with Miss Lyman before I go home about putting us in a parlor together. I presume you will want a double room and I'll speak to her about it if you would like for me to do so. And I'll get her to give me a single room opening into the same parlor. Wont It be grand. And as for my staying four years* I don't intend to stay but one although I know my father is anxious for me to do so but I'll talk him out of that notion at Christmas. I must close now or the letter won't go to-day. Write me real soon and tell me all the news. Your loving old friend Laura- iLaura Earl Arnaen* spec. '65-66,P.S. I feared your decision to stay until June only would go against you but he F resident Raymond said as there were two of you he would make an exception to the general rule of admitting pupils only for a year. To Abigail L. and Caroline Slade, both spec* '65-66.
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Creator: Sylvester-Seymour, Helen
Date: November 17, 1865
Text: Poughkeepsie Nov 17- 1865. My dear Mother I have been waiting for a reply to my last letter but have concluded to wait no longer. I was very glad to get your letter and was glad it was so long. I think it is very fortunate the plastering and paint does not dry sooner for you will not have so good an opportunity to make yourself sick. I am glad on two accounts that Henry is going sooner to Norfolk. One is that you will have some help sooner and another that I shall see Henry sooner. Write to...
Show morePoughkeepsie Nov 17- 1865. My dear Mother I have been waiting for a reply to my last letter but have concluded to wait no longer. I was very glad to get your letter and was glad it was so long. I think it is very fortunate the plastering and paint does not dry sooner for you will not have so good an opportunity to make yourself sick. I am glad on two accounts that Henry is going sooner to Norfolk. One is that you will have some help sooner and another that I shall see Henry sooner. Write to me in your next when he is coming. There are about fifteen or more girls in school who live in New York or Brooklyn and my roommate is going so I am certain of having plenty of company. I shall have two weeks vacation at Christmas perhaps three so I shall have a good time in New York. There will be no trouble about keeping the apples from freezing or being eaten by others. They say apples are sixteen dollars a bushel in Poughkeepsie, are they high in Brockport? Mr Helmer has been here and wished to be remembered to me Emma said. The restriction on our correspondence is taken away now and we can write to whom we please. Your description of the house is very discouraging. It seems just as it did before I left - still I would like to see whether you are hurting yourself with work. Henry is coming to see me is he not when he goes to Norfolk? We have had our Indian summer for the last few days and I have spent a few hours outdoors every day walking about and studying. We have the most magnificent sunsets here I ever saw or imagined. They are actually beyond description and we have so many of them too. I believe this locality is famous for its sunsets and sunrises. Dr. Raymond our principal is a very fine reader and reads Shakespeare so that father would enjoy it I am sure. I hope they will have a reading class. Last Sunday Dr Magoon from Albany preached here. I enjoyed his sermon very much. He is a very original man, they say, and says very odd things. He was the one of whom they bought the Art gallery. He collected the most of it himself In Europe and many of the pictures have very interest- ing histories and are very valuable indeed. He has a neice here at school, she is in my German class. I do like Prof Tenney the professor of Nat History so much. We have splendid advantages for studying Geology and visit the cabinet once a week in groups of ten at a time so we have a good chance to learn to know the different rocks and minerals. They have quite a collection of stuffed animals and shells too. James has not written to me in more than two weeks When he comes home I wish you would give him a scolding on the subject. Give my love to father and Henry and James Write soon to your affectionate daughter Ella.
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Creator: Thompson, Mary (Coe)
Date: 18 Nov 1865
Text: VASSAR FEMALE COLLEGE, Poughkeepsie, N.T. November 18^th 1865. My dear Mrs. Boynton, As I have been quite busily engaged in my studies since I came to Vassar College, this is the first opportunity I have had to fulfill the promise I made when I bade you good-bye and it is with pleasure that I now attempt to write to you although I am fearful that my letter may prove uninteresting as I am obliged to write in considerable confusion, and that is something which I cannot now do very well - but...
Show moreVASSAR FEMALE COLLEGE, Poughkeepsie, N.T. November 18^th 1865. My dear Mrs. Boynton, As I have been quite busily engaged in my studies since I came to Vassar College, this is the first opportunity I have had to fulfill the promise I made when I bade you good-bye and it is with pleasure that I now attempt to write to you although I am fearful that my letter may prove uninteresting as I am obliged to write in considerable confusion, and that is something which I cannot now do very well - but think that in the course of a few months I shall become more accustomed to it and perhaps can then succeed better in writing letters while others are talking than now. I really hope that such may be the case. Saturday is a holiday at Vassar College the same as at other schools - and the young ladies try to improve and enjoy every moment of the time by visiting each other at their different rooms, walking, or writing letters- Quite a number go to Poughkeepsie every Saturday to do shopping. We are two miles from the City, consequently can seldom go excepting on Saturday. I like the College very much - and think that it is a superior boarding school - nearly every thing that could be done is done for the students. We all like President Raymond very much. He seems so well adapted for the position he occupies here- And so it is in regard to the Professors - They are all superior men There are about thirty five lady teachers in the College. I am acquainted with nearly all. Most of them are very pleasant, and with out doubt all are well educated - for President Raymond elected the thirty five from two hundred after a strict examination——— I have already become acquainted with a large number of the students here - some I like very much indeed- My parlor-mates are quite pleasant young ladies and we get along very nicely together. I am much better contented than I ever expected to be away from home - especially at a boarding school- On the Sabbath I miss our Bible Class so much - I always think of you then Mrs. Boynton, and often wish that I might spend my Sabbath at home and week days here- I belong to Prof’ Tenneys Bible Class in the College. He is quite an interesting teacher - but it seems so different from my class at home. There are about fifty members I should think in the division to which I belong- We are now studying in Isaiah. The class meets immediately after chaple services in the morning - at 10'oclock. We have preaching only once on the Sabbath. The students all attend ^at the Chaple President Raymond or Prof. Buckham preaches - when no Minister from the city comes.- The first Sabbath I spent here I listened to Rev Thomas Beecher- He was very interesting- But one could soon tell that he is a relative of Miss Harriet Beecher Stowe. Once Rev. Mr. Magoon of Albany preached at the Chaple - at another time Rev. Mr Babcock of Poughkeepsie- We have prayer-meeting in the evening - and sometimes the young ladies go into the Chaple and pass the remainder of the evening in singing.. I think it is quite pleasant and almost always attend. We are in hopes that the College Library will soon be opened. It contains some excellent books. Then we will have something suitable to read on the Sabbath ——— Mother writes that Amelia Enos and Mary Van Alstine has joined your class. Please give my love to all of the girls. I think of them very often.— I should love dearly to receive a letter from you Mrs. Boynton - as soon as you can conveniently write to me — Please direct to Vassar College, Poughkeepsie N.Y. No 69. My love to Mr. Boynton - Louise and Ella - And with very much love to yourself - I am Respectfully Yours - Mary A. Coe. Mary (Coe) Thompson, ’65-Feb.’66308 West End Avenue New York, N.Y. October 6, 1915. Dean of Vassar College. Poughkeepsie, N.Y. My dear Miss Caleb: I enclose the letter, written by Mary A. Coe of [Watertown?] Wisconsin, from Vassar College in 1865 to her pastor's wife and Bible class teacher.You are welcome to keep it for the college files. Yours very truly - with best wishes for the anniversary days. S. Ella Boynton.
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Creator: Fales, Helen Augusta
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
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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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: November 22, 1865
Text: Poughkeepsie Nov 22nd 1865. My dear father, If you conclude to send a note requesting permission for me to go to New York as I hope you will please send me some more money as I have but a little remaining. I have spent but very little excepting for my school books. I paid for my gymnasium dress $14 and have bought apples a few times with my roommates. When books - some of them - cost $2.50 it counts up. My roommate Clara Spaulding has written home for a note to request permission to spend...
Show morePoughkeepsie Nov 22nd 1865. My dear father, If you conclude to send a note requesting permission for me to go to New York as I hope you will please send me some more money as I have but a little remaining. I have spent but very little excepting for my school books. I paid for my gymnasium dress $14 and have bought apples a few times with my roommates. When books - some of them - cost $2.50 it counts up. My roommate Clara Spaulding has written home for a note to request permission to spend Sunday with her sister who is at school in N.Y. and Miss Lyman said if she had a note from home she could go. The note is required as a sort of guarantee that your parents are willing. Do let me go, Clara wants me to go with her. If you will please write next mail. Your affectionate daughter Helen
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: December 2, 1865
Text: Vassar College Dec 2nd 1865 My dear father I did not mean to let your letter go so long without an answer when I received it; on the contrary I had quite an idea of answering it at once in spite of my lessons which claimed my attention at the time. I was so glad and thankful that you wrote that note for me for it accomplished the desired object and Friday morning found me on the way to New York with Clara Spaulding. I arrived just before the streets became crowded with the New York...
Show moreVassar College Dec 2nd 1865 My dear father I did not mean to let your letter go so long without an answer when I received it; on the contrary I had quite an idea of answering it at once in spite of my lessons which claimed my attention at the time. I was so glad and thankful that you wrote that note for me for it accomplished the desired object and Friday morning found me on the way to New York with Clara Spaulding. I arrived just before the streets became crowded with the New York regiments who were on parade, it being "evacuation day" I saw the 7&in their new uniforms. They were were quite surprised to see me for I had just written that I did not think I could get away. On Saturday I went to a matinee at the Opera. I went at half past eleven and staid till after four. I enjoyed it very much. It did not seem to be more than an hour in length. I heard all the prominent New York singers - It was fortunate I went then for It was the close of the season till after New Years. I got dreadfully tired in New York, we have so far to walk if we go anywhere. On Sunday I went to church once. But I was so surprised to see Henry in New York. He came to the college the same day I left. Seeing him made me wish to come home very much, we have two weeks holidays. I came back to Poughkeepsie on Tuesday not because I wanted to but I knew Miss Lyman would be very much provoked if I staid longer. I am very glad the house is getting along so nicely. You say you are lonesome and I suppose Mother is too. How would you like to have me come home for the holidays I should like it much better than going anywhere else. They want me to come to New York but I got so very tired and worn out the last time I was there I did not think it did me much good. Besides they make a good many presents Christmas and would expect the same from me and I have no time to make anything and no money to buy anything and on the whole I think it would be pleasanter for me and cheaper for you. I shall be very glad to come. I am so much obliged for the drink of cider you say you took on my account. We have to eat by gaslight here now and enjoy our breakfast better than any other meal for we have very nice breakfasts. They are going to have a very fine dinner Thanksgiving and tell James they are going to have tableaux by the celebrated Madame Castrina! the heroine of the "pure gold thread!"I must confess I am rather astonished. Dr Anderson of Rochester was here yesterday. They are putting up the Organ in the Chapel and the Gymnasium will be finished soon if the weather remains pleasant. Really Father you are getting to be my principal correspondent and you must not say you do not write uninteresting letters any more. I afraid there is no hopes of reformation in Henry in respect to letterwriting. Do write soon to Your affectionate daughter Helen - P.S. Love to all.
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Creator: Houts (Glidden), Annie
Date: December 04, 1865
Text: Vassar College, Mon. Dec. 4, 1865 My Dear Brother, I received your nice long letter last Friday, and was very much gratified to hear from you. I wrote to you last week on rec't of the dft. you had forwarded to me. I also read a paper Sat. the direction of which looked much as though it might have been written by Mary. Am much obliged for the same, aad for all your kindnesses to me. I don't care about taking the Forts, paper, but if you would send me one once in a...
Show moreVassar College, Mon. Dec. 4, 1865 My Dear Brother, I received your nice long letter last Friday, and was very much gratified to hear from you. I wrote to you last week on rec't of the dft. you had forwarded to me. I also read a paper Sat. the direction of which looked much as though it might have been written by Mary. Am much obliged for the same, aad for all your kindnesses to me. I don't care about taking the Forts, paper, but if you would send me one once in a while, I shall be very willing to accept. You are very kind to me indeed and don't think because I don't say much about it, I do not appreciate it. What I say or write always seems so stiff, that I sometimes think I would do better to leave it unsaid. I will try and keep an account of money, as you wished, drawing from the Bank here. I shall have to see Mr. Vassar, the treasurer about it. I wish you would write a note to him about it} you can send it to me, and I will give it to him. X am afraid he might think there was some mistake in it. You know there are so many girls here, and they've nothing to trust to but appearances. So if you will do that, I will be ever-so-much obliged to you, I went to the city Sat. and came home, nicely tired out. X have a Job on hand X am greatly dreading and that is to have some teeth fixed. They have a dentist come out here every Sat. and I guess I'll take my turn next Sat. The sooner over, the better. X think you have given your boy a beautiful name. I always like "Robert,"— I suppose it is "Bobby" for short—and hope he may prove as Dec. 4, 1865 - 2 good a man as his name-sake. I am sorry to hear that Mary suffered so severely* and very much rejoiced to know she Is improving. The bell has rung, and 1 must go to gymnastics, will finish this evening. I am glad you are getting along nicely with your house, but you must not be in too great a hurry and take your family—ahem—into it before it is sufficiently dry. Better live crowded a little while. I scarcely know what to write to you about, there is nobody here you know any-thing of, but my-self, and I must either talk about that interesting personage, or imagine you know every- body, as well as I do. Guess I'll adopt the latter method as I've no desire to b become egotistical. One of our teachers Dr. Avery, received sad news a few days suice, namely, the death of her father. Ol what a loas it is to lose a father) One never knows how precious the relation is until the dear one has gone, never more to be seen on this earth, never more to mingle in the paths of men. The more I think of our dear father, the more I lament his departure. I, some-times, when I hear other girls speaking of father or mother, and looking forward with such happy anticipations to the time, when they will meet one or both, think it is very hard, that I should have, so early, been deprived of both. But when I think how much better off I am than many a poor orphan, how good God has been to me In giving me, brothers, aunts and many kind friends to care for me, when I so little deserve any, I am rebuked, and ready to fall to the dust with shame for daring to quarrel with such gaacious Providence. Dec. 4# 1365 - 3 The girls sre ell studying, perhaps I should be doing the same. One of them just remarked "Why, Gild, have you got all your lessons for tomorrow11? I guess I will have to look over them a little yet this evening, but there's glenty of time. We are taking pretty long lessons in Cicero now, as we want to finish this oration before Christmas. What do you say to my coming here four years ? I don't know yet how the course will be arranged, but I have a desire to take the regular course. However, I think probably I can accomplish my work in three, and I guess I will be willing to leave school, by that time. Though I am so much accustomed to school-life, X don't know hardly how I'll conduct myself, when I am free from &TAch fetters. I guess I will always stay at "Vassar", and perhaps some-day attain the honor of "lady-principal-ship." No, I have no such ambition, but really. If I ever should teach, I would like to teach here. The teachers all have nice salaries, and don't any of them, teach more than four hours a day. Then Prof. Knapp has a class in German for the teachers so they can pursue that study. Our ink is getting pretty thick, and I cannot see the lines of this paper, so you see I am laboring under difficulties. In two weeks is vacation and the girls all go away. One of my parlor-mates is going to stay. I sm going to spend my time reading, writing, and skating if there is any ice. There is a poor show for it now. The weather is unusually warm. You say yod^eard from Carlos. I wish he would favor me in a like manner. I wrote to him a few days after I first came here, but never a scratch of thepen have I had from him. I think I*U have to do, as I did with you, keep writing until I get some response. I am much pleased to hear the "Spader" is to prove successful, for both of your accounts. I should like to see you all tonight, and the baby; most of all. I am very anxious to get a peep at it. Sallle wrote me it looked just like our mother's babies, fit it looks like Cora or George, I know it is pretty; but I can't say about the rest. Well, I must look at my lessons a little, though I think I've about mastered them. Give love to Mary, Charlie, the baby, and last but not least, in stature or in love, your own self. Wishing you a happy good-night, I remain, Your loving sister Annie. (Annie (Glidden) Houts, '69, P.S. I will take back what X said in my last, and ask you to write soon, often, and as much as you can. Yours fcc. Annie.
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: December 10, 1865
Text: Poughkeepsie Dec 10th 1865 My dear Mother I suppose you have received my letter announcing my intention to spend the holidays at home. I have waited and waited for news from home but have not had a letter in more than two weeks, and am homesick and afraid there is something the matter because you don't write. Wont you please ask father to send me some money to come home with? I am afraid he has forgotten that I will need some. And I would like about five more to get a hat. I have had my...
Show morePoughkeepsie Dec 10th 1865 My dear Mother I suppose you have received my letter announcing my intention to spend the holidays at home. I have waited and waited for news from home but have not had a letter in more than two weeks, and am homesick and afraid there is something the matter because you don't write. Wont you please ask father to send me some money to come home with? I am afraid he has forgotten that I will need some. And I would like about five more to get a hat. I have had my feather dyed green in New York. It was very much faded. How is James? I have been afraid he was very sick for I have not heard from him in five weeks. We had a very good time here Thanksgiving — considering. We all concluded to stay, mostly because we did not believe we could get permission to go away. Our old french teacher in Utica is teaching in Poughkeepsie and came up here to see us last Saturday. I shall not care if the house is not in order when I come home, but I want to come - awfully. I'shall start either Wednesday night or Thursday morning- I have not found out about the trains yet, but am coming on a train that will go through without changing to Rochester. I was afraid to stay in New York longer than Tuesday for fear Miss Lyman would scold and I could not get anything out of Henry about home. I have not very much to write about. On Thanksgiving day we had a very good dinner. All the Vassars were here to dinner. We had Tableaux in the evening, some by Madame Castina and others by the teachers. We passed part of the day pleasantly, but by fits and starts we were homesick, and thought of home a good deal and that made it seem rather forlorn. Are you well still? I should think you would need some help in your work. I hope Henry will come home before Christmas. All the Rochester girls are going home and Emma Helmer and her friend from Lockport are going too. Has James gone back to Rochester yet? I have not received the letter he promised me. I cannot find anything of interest to tell you so I will close with love to father & James. Your affectionate daughter Helen Seymour
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: December 13, 1865
Text: Vassar College Dec 13th 1865 My dear father I have concluded to start for home on Wednesday morning and will arrive home at about 10 o'clock at night. I go then because I can have company to Rochester and do not have to travel alone. All my roommates are going then too. School closes at noon on that day. I am just crazy to go home if you will excuse the extravagance of the expression. It is Wednesday the 31st of Dec. that I shall arrive upon so do not forget the day. Some one or all of...
Show moreVassar College Dec 13th 1865 My dear father I have concluded to start for home on Wednesday morning and will arrive home at about 10 o'clock at night. I go then because I can have company to Rochester and do not have to travel alone. All my roommates are going then too. School closes at noon on that day. I am just crazy to go home if you will excuse the extravagance of the expression. It is Wednesday the 31st of Dec. that I shall arrive upon so do not forget the day. Some one or all of you please meet me at the [blank]depot or if James is well enough I should like to have him meet me at Rochester. Perhaps it will be better for him to just meet me at Brockport for I shall probably have company all the way home. Only just a week from to-night I shall be at home. I would not miss it for anything. There is no train beside the one I am coming on that I can come on so I can do nothing but come when I do. Give my love to James and Mother and Henry if he is at home- Send me some money just as soon as possible. Your affectionate daughter Helen
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Creator: Holtz, Eliza
Date: December 25, 1865
Text: Vassar College Dec. 25th 1865. My dear Mother I wish you a very "happy new year". I have caught you on that If you did catch me on Merry Christmas. Mother, we are ever! and ever! fit ever.'.'.' so much obliged to you for the box we no more expected one than we did to see you or Aunty come Into the house. We never knew a thing about it till last evening and then we found It on the Christmas tree. We had a splendid tree and all the children on the place came. Miss Avery...
Show moreVassar College Dec. 25th 1865. My dear Mother I wish you a very "happy new year". I have caught you on that If you did catch me on Merry Christmas. Mother, we are ever! and ever! fit ever.'.'.' so much obliged to you for the box we no more expected one than we did to see you or Aunty come Into the house. We never knew a thing about it till last evening and then we found It on the Christmas tree. We had a splendid tree and all the children on the place came. Miss Avery, Miss Dickinson, Alice, Mr* Wheeler fit myselftrimmed it every thing went off splendidly. Dr. Raymond and Prof. Farrar read the names fit inscriptions while Miss Avery, Miss Dickinson and Alice handed them the things. When almost all the things had been taken from the tree Dr. Raymond took the cover of the box and held it up In the air fit read the names on it as Misses Alice Hubbard fit Elisa Holt fit passed the cover to Alice, she took it, k began looking around to see where it came from fit found the box and because she looked so surprised the president called out soled.1 Mother I am so tired and hot that my hand is all in a tremble and I have not yet learned how to manage my new pen so you must excuse the looks of this letter. I am very much obliged to all for my nice things, tell George I was looking at a paper cutter last time I was down town just like the one he sent me but thought I would not buy one that time. I thank Charlie for the book very much fc you for the pen and Uncle for the knife fc Auntie for the picture. I gave Miss Avery the picture you sent she was very much pleased with it and said she had been looking for one of that style but could not find one half as handsome in New York. Give my love to Julia fc thank her for the cake for me please.As the desk or the apron had no mark on them 1 took possession of them but do not know who to thank for them. Give my love fc a Merry Christmas fc Happy New Year to Grandma fc Father fc all my friends, kiss the children for me, fc with love to yourself let me say goodby perhaps for this year, from your loving daughter Eliaa Holt. P, S. I bought a splendid pair of skates the last time I was in Po'keepsle with ankle supporters on them for five dollars and I spent four more on presents fc seven seventy five in paying for books, paper, and extra washing fc other things so I shall have hardly enough to pay my board with. Goodby again from your daughter.
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Creator: Blatchley, Sarah Louise
Date: December 28, 1865
Text: New Haven. Dec 28th 1865. Dear Bell. I am afraid my letter is begun, so near the last hour, that it will hardly reach the College much before I do, still mindful of my promise I will commence now this stormy evening. We had a very disagreable ride down to the boat that night we started - there were eighteen inside the omnibus, beside at least three on top - I was not feeling well, and the motion made me sick and you may be sure was very glad when "at long last" we reached the...
Show moreNew Haven. Dec 28th 1865. Dear Bell. I am afraid my letter is begun, so near the last hour, that it will hardly reach the College much before I do, still mindful of my promise I will commence now this stormy evening. We had a very disagreable ride down to the boat that night we started - there were eighteen inside the omnibus, beside at least three on top - I was not feeling well, and the motion made me sick and you may be sure was very glad when "at long last" we reached the landing. The boat had not yet come and we were obliged to wait a half hour I should think, in the office where there was a great scarcity of chairs. Mr Swan saw us safely onboard the boat, I think he was very kind. We had a safe and prosperous voyage down the Hudson notwithstanding it was such a gloomy night; sat up in the saloon talking with Miss [Mitchell] and eating crackers and walnuts until past ten, of course we had a good time; Sarah and I had the bridal chamber, so she said, at least it was a very pleasant little state room with only one berth in it and that a broad one so that we were quite comfortable ~ except for the linen sheets, unless you have been between a pair of them in the winter time you can-not possibly realize our sensations. We did not sleep so very well, Sarah, of course, had made the most of her opportunities to take cold and had the neuralgia in the stomach - one of the Chidseys next door was sea sick and Miss[Mitchell] was in to see her, about three oclock in the morning. At four, the pumping, end splashing and shaking, and scraping ceased and we knew by that, that we were in New York; still Sarah could not be induced to get up for another half hour, saying that we should be tired enough before the day was finished anyway. We started from the boat at about six and had a long walk through the streets of New York before daylight * and a long ride just at dawn, to the New Haven depot. Miss [Mitchell], I do love so much, it will always be one of my happy memories that she kissed me good bye - when I had reached home at last - of course it was a very ordinary thing - but then I did not expect it from herShe would have done it to any of her class of course as she did to me. Sarah took good care of me all the way - you may be assured - bought my ticket checked my trunk - and saw to me generally - I think she enjoyed it, I am sure I did - "the lame and the lazy" — you know "are always well cared for." There was no one waiting at the depot for me - Charlie was making his "maiden speech" and Father had gone to hear him - besides the New York papers said the Hudson was closed up, so that they did not much expect me till afternoon. I laughed all the way home as I walked once more along the familiar streets but when I reached there, I cried I could not help it. I wish you could look in upon our little circle tonight - fromwhich I am so soon to be separated again. I have a very quiet time quieter than any of you girls would imagine - but just what I knew my Christmas would be - for we are very quiet people; still I have not been at home an evening Dec. 28, 1865 - 3 before this week since Monday that is - I have spent two away, and that will probably be all - before I go back to College again. Of course it is happiness to be at home. I called upon Carrie Galpin the other morning - she stopped over night in Brooklyn at her cousin Rienzi's, had a safe journey and like my own I suppose without incidents. Father just now looked up from his book and asked what I was writing - "a letter to Bell" I answered - he made some remark about Belle lettre - and of course after that speech, has subsided into his book 1 again. Clara is playing in the parlor "Ever be Happy" - there is some- thing very sweet about that piece I think dont you? Mother sits sewing by my side in my new brown merino, in which I expect to appear next term. By the way what awful weather it has been, this is the fifth stormy day this week - I long for a beam of sunshine. It Is well I have torn off this half sheet or I might run on indefinitely longer - as it is my space being finished I must say good night to the friendly face that I have called up in imagination before me, hoping that when the real eyes see this scrawl of mine, they will not "view it with a critic's eye but pass by the imperfec- tions of both the pens I have tried to write it with I really dont know which of them to make the most excuses for. Remember me to all the girls at the College that I know - and tell Miss Hubbard from me that if she wants to find true and lasting happiness, she must remember and be a good girl Keep up your spirits Bell and the credit of room sixty-one I think that is good advice Yours with love Iiouise To Belle Treadwell
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Creator: Brown, Frances Elizabeth
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Date: 1866-1867

Creator: Sawyer, Kitty
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1866

Creator: G., Nellie
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1866

Creator: Cornell, Mary Emma
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1866

Creator: Camp, Annetta Hortense
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1866

Creator: Houts, Annie (Glidden)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Date: 1866-1874

Creator: Wood, Fanny E
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Date: Mar. 24th 1866

Creator: Badgley, Mary M
Date: 1866-1867

Creator: Neef, Nora
Date: 1866

Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: January 8, 1866
Text: Albany Jan 8—1866 - My dear Mother I arrived here safely and in time Saturday afternoon and found them waiting for me at the depot. The train was on time at Albany though it was behind time at Brockport- It was very comfort- able in the cars and I had a seat to myself nearly the whole way so I had a very pleasant ride. It has been very cold here. Yesterday and the thermometer stood at 14 degrees below zero in the evening and this morning it was 17 degrees below zero so of course I cannot...
Show moreAlbany Jan 8—1866 - My dear Mother I arrived here safely and in time Saturday afternoon and found them waiting for me at the depot. The train was on time at Albany though it was behind time at Brockport- It was very comfort- able in the cars and I had a seat to myself nearly the whole way so I had a very pleasant ride. It has been very cold here. Yesterday and the thermometer stood at 14 degrees below zero in the evening and this morning it was 17 degrees below zero so of course I cannot start away from here in such weather. I am having a very pleasant visit and Netta declares I shall not go away in a week but I shall go as soon as the weather moderates for the Hudson river road is such a cold road I should almost perish in such weather My watch keeps very good time indeed. Tell Henry not to forget my hoop skirt covers and when he goes to Rochester to get them. I hope James has not tried to go to Rochester in this weather. It is so dreadfully cold. Tell Mrs Thatcher Netta was very much pleased with the quilts and they came just in time for the cold weather. I hope Henry did not get hurt in jumping from the train when it left Brockport. I was so afraid he would it was going so fast. How isJames' cold? I think we will go to-night and hear Blind Tom the celebrated Negro pianist. This is his third evening. How are your darkies? I pity Frank if it is as cold at home as it Is here this morning when he goes after the milk- I have no particular news to tell so will close my letter. My love to father Henry and James and tell them to write immediately to me at Vassar College. Your affectionate daughter Hellen—
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Creator: Slade, Abigail L., Slade, Caroline E., Slade, Abigail L., Slade, Caroline E.
Date: January 14, 1866
Text: Vassar College Feb. 4, 1866 My Own Dear Wifey I don't believe but what I could hug you so that you would cry for mercy if I could only get the chance as for writing it is almost impossible for I have enough to fill six sheets and the time would be altogether too short let me tell my numerous Sunday griefs for what is for one is for all In the beginning you cannot sleep any longer than any other morning every single morning we have to dress by gas light right alter breakfast private...
Show moreVassar College Feb. 4, 1866 My Own Dear Wifey I don't believe but what I could hug you so that you would cry for mercy if I could only get the chance as for writing it is almost impossible for I have enough to fill six sheets and the time would be altogether too short let me tell my numerous Sunday griefs for what is for one is for all In the beginning you cannot sleep any longer than any other morning every single morning we have to dress by gas light right alter breakfast private devotions next chapel then Bible Class by that time it is most eleven from then until one is our own after dinner Chapel (hour and a hall sermon)then supper then chapel and devotions again alter the girls have prayer meetings "but dis yar chile dont aee dem ar" X always did like to go to church twice Sunday but where it is continual \ from early morn to dewy eve it destroys my equilibrium so just as soon as I attempt to write away I have to go We have just come up from afternoon service and we have a half hour until tea time It has been a splendid day but is growing colder to night we have had very moderate weather so far we thought this morning that we would give a considerable to have been home to breakfast (and the rest of the day) they have very good fare here indeed we have very nice coffee in the morning and as much milk at tea time as we want nice bread & butter and everything very nice for a boarding school but of course not like home (prize your cream)I wish you Father & mother and Mamie could be here one day just to see how things are carried on it is wonderful how such an immense establishment can be carried on the way that it is every thing goes on with perfect harmony and regularity Miss Lyman says that she has not taught school twenty years for nothing and I believe it she is about fifty I should think tall, quite handsome, wears short grey curls in front and dresses elegantly it is wonderful how she hears of everything that is done wrong throughout the entire school and in the evening forthwith comes a lecture on various and sundry themes The examination was not so terrible one Professor questioned us in History & Grammar then Miss Scott commenced to examine us in Arithmetic and Geography some one called her away and she said that she would callfor us another time she never has and I doubt if she ever will Dr Raymond said he thought she must have forgotten and I hope she will continue to as it will make no difference to our studies we are going to study English Literature, Rhetoric, Geology and Music we are going in for recitations tomorrow morning for the first time they give very long lessons here but then I don't care we want something to keep us busy There goes the tea bell Well here I am back from Chapel once more and the bell has rung for devotions and I am going to devote the time to you. We haven't a parlor with Laura but we are on the same corridor quite near we have an outside room and all the fault I find with it is that it is rather small but then it is so much better than a corridor room those only have a window opening Into the corridor There are two other girls besides ourselves in the parlor with us one is real nice her name Brown the other is always in a fever about something she hardly ever comes Into the room without she opens the window I never heard of having the windows open in winter that is all the time so we generally retire* to our room... (Abigail L. or Caroline £. Slade
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Creator: Warner, Harriette A.
Date: January 20, 1866
Text: Vassar College Jan. 20th, 1866. My dear dear Mother: It is just four months today since we arrived here. It seems longer than that to me. I think likely the next five months will seem much shorter. How do you all do? Mattle received a letter from Helen yesterday and one from Carrie also, the day before she had one from Sara. The poor child is having a pretty hard time with her face. The pain lasted hard for three days, & for the last two it has been very badly swollen. Not as badly as...
Show moreVassar College Jan. 20th, 1866. My dear dear Mother: It is just four months today since we arrived here. It seems longer than that to me. I think likely the next five months will seem much shorter. How do you all do? Mattle received a letter from Helen yesterday and one from Carrie also, the day before she had one from Sara. The poor child is having a pretty hard time with her face. The pain lasted hard for three days, & for the last two it has been very badly swollen. Not as badly as last year though still she is far from comfortable. I hope that the worst of it is over with. Indeed I suppose of course that it is. I am very glad to hear that our letters arrived at last. Did you ever receive the one I wrote from Brooklyn? The weather is very warm for winter & it is of course muddy, rainy and un pleasant generally. How do you prosper in all your numerous undertakings for missionaryboxes, Ellen Keith, &c.? Oh.' Mother you don't know how much I want to see you. Won't we all be glad when summer comes and we go home. Don't think that I am at all homesick for I am not. I enjoy the life here very much. There is a great charm in it. This whole devotion of energies & plans to study. You don't know what pleasant people Prof. and Mrs. Tenney are. They live next door to us, and Mrs. Tenney has been so kind since Mattie has had her sore face. Mrs. Tenney has had me come into her kitchen and make [hop poultices] for her & twice has sent her in some floating island for her dinner. They are just as good as they can be. I want you should please give Helen & Willie the conundrum, "Spell from head to foot with two letters"? We have been having a great deal of fun with conundrums lately. Do you know this one, "If Solomon was the son of David and Joab was the son of Jermiah, what relation was Jermiah to Joab? " Also when was Ruth cruel to Boaz. Ask Father why the Wall St. brokers in the crisis 1857 were like Pharaoh's daughter? Did you like Gough's new lecture ? I hope that you will hear Anna Dickinson. We have had more fun that a little over our remarkable time going to hear her. I like Miss Avery very much indeed. When you wrote to us about her was before we knew her hardly at all. She is a very fine woman intellectually, morally, & physically. She is very pleasant, especi ally after you know her. She has lately given the school Physiological lectures and her manner is the pleasantest of any woman whom I ever heard speak to an assembly. Has Father gone to Washington. I hope that his journey will be a safe one when it is made. I don't owe anyone a letter. Don't you congratulate me? Our Greek class has not recited yet this term, Prof. Knapp owing to the change in teachers has been so busy, & I have been improving my extra leisure time in writing letters and other things that ordinarily I have little time for. We begin next week I rather think.How are all the good people in our church? I wish the walking was going to be good and I would walk to church tomorrow. Those girls from Buffalo that Helen spoke of in her letter to Mattie are nothing remarkable. I am sorry they are discontented. They are back here, but I believe only stay until the end of the half year. Miss Allen is a pretty good scholar & quite a nice girl but nothing wonderful. Cassie Howard is from [B.] also. She is quite young & has a great admiration for Minnie & is a nice little thing. There was a Miss Douglass here from New London Conn. that I think likely is related to us. She is not here this term. She lost a sister in vacation. Auntie told me that we had cousins by that name & that Aunt Eatie went to see them. She is a very nice girl. Cousin Emma had a letter from Aunt Martha a few days ago. She sent her love to us. I told Emma not to give any message from us no reply, & not to say anything about us. She said that she would not of course give messages if we did not send anybut she would say what she was a mind to. that won't be anything uncomplimentary, I assure you. Aunt Martha wants to know if the standard here is as high as at Holyoke. Cousin E. says she is going to praise the College to the skies. I like Emma very much indeed. I hope she will stop to see you on her way west in the Spring. Love to all, Good by With a heart full of love your Hattie Minnie & Mattie send love. I sup- pose Mrs. Dickin- son has been to see you before this.
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Creator: Slade, Abigail L., Slade, Caroline E., Slade, Abigail L., Slade, Caroline E.
Date: January 21 1866
Text: Vassar College Jan. 21* 1866. My Dear Father & Mother, Here it is about eleven o clock and I have been to breakfast, private devotion Chapel service, and Bible Class and am now sitting in Laura's room, as from now to dinner time I am at my own disposal. Professor Farrey is our Bible Class teacher, and our lesson was very very interesting but it was so immensely long an hour and a quarter, we are well as usual, Laura has been slightly sick with a cold but is nearly well to-day. Maria...
Show moreVassar College Jan. 21* 1866. My Dear Father & Mother, Here it is about eleven o clock and I have been to breakfast, private devotion Chapel service, and Bible Class and am now sitting in Laura's room, as from now to dinner time I am at my own disposal. Professor Farrey is our Bible Class teacher, and our lesson was very very interesting but it was so immensely long an hour and a quarter, we are well as usual, Laura has been slightly sick with a cold but is nearly well to-day. Maria Mitchell came up to our room the evening, she is very pleasant, her father enquired particularly about all our family and asked him you if Father did not teach once, and after I told him that you had not, would hardly give up the idea but what you had, it seems quite like home, to go over there, they are so pleasant and social. We have to go out to walk every day, which is sometimes a great nuisance as we do not always feel like going, but if we have no greater cross than that, I think shall get along swimminglyOur Music progresses as speedly as possible considering the dullest of the schoolers, although there are about forty Pianos in the establishment, there are so many of the students that take lessons, we cannot have now but an hour a day for practise, but going to have time soon. I like my other studies very much indeed and am getting along very rapidly, and like my teachers very much. Mother, thee need not worry about our room ever being In disorder, for we have no chance to let it be so, as the house keepers goes round every once in a while, and if any thing is out of place, woe be unto us, as she gives us an untidy mark and immediately reports to Miss Lyman, we have four bureau draws, a clothes press and our room is quite convenient, notwithstanding it is rather small. I am quite certain I am growing fleshy and very anxious to be weighed. Miss Lyman's lectures on etiquette, which are given after evening Chapel service are I suppose instructive, but sometimes are quite terrific, we are not to sit in the Board window or sills as it is not lady like, we are not do this or that or the other only twenty two more Sundays and only one hundred and fifty six more days (so one of students says). Hurrah!We have become acquainted with several right pleasant young ladies, we have a new parlor-mate, which makes it very more lively she is quite the lady, she came from New York, she lived in Madison \Avenue, and dresses very handsomely, some of the girls here dress splendidly, especially Sundays, one young lady I noticed particularly, she had on a very heavey crimson silk skirt and an elegant black velvet waist with ribbons to match her skirt, but enough of this nonsense, I don't see the good of dressing so much we often wear our morning dresses all day, many of the girls do among three hundred it matters little what one has on. I fear this letter will not be very acceptable but part of the time I have been standing, (because I was tired of sitting) I must now draw it to a close as it is most dinner time and I have more letters to write, give our love to enquiring people, not forgetting to keep a goodly share for selves, Mary's letter was extremely acceptable, to say nothing of Shovey's Any thing in the shape of a letter is received with great joy. There goes the dinner bell. I have just come up from dinner, we had namely,Chicken, Potatoes, White bread, Tea, and Mince pie the pie would have been better, had they not used pepper instead of brandy. I have another letter to write and I have but an hour before afternoon Chapel service, so must bid you an affectionate good bye do write soon and do not let anyone see this scrawl I will try to do better next love to grandmother and every one of the family in general and now I remain your affectionate daughter. Abbie L. Slade (Spec. '65-66, Direct Vassar College Poughkeepsie N.Y. Sunday evening Dear Sister I did not want to let this go without one word. We had about despaired of getting a letter we did not get it until Thursday I hope you will write often, any thing will be interesting to us to remember I hope that dimple will be visible by the time we get home the next time I am going to write you so I hope you will be encouraged to write often. How are you getting along in your National Arithmetic How long did Uncle R. stay I have written to Rebecca Mitchell today Write soon Carrie (Caroline E. Slade, spec. '65-66,
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Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Date: January 25, 1866
Text: Vassar College - Jan 25th 1866. My dear father I received your letter to-day and it was so welcome I thought it deserved an answer as soon as I could find time to write one. So to-night I have finished my studies as they were not very difficult to-day and have an hour to write in. I suppose you want the complete history of the time that has elapsed since I left home so I will try and do my best in giving it - I rode all day very pleasantly to Albany and had a seat to myself as there were very...
Show moreVassar College - Jan 25th 1866. My dear father I received your letter to-day and it was so welcome I thought it deserved an answer as soon as I could find time to write one. So to-night I have finished my studies as they were not very difficult to-day and have an hour to write in. I suppose you want the complete history of the time that has elapsed since I left home so I will try and do my best in giving it - I rode all day very pleasantly to Albany and had a seat to myself as there were very few in the cars. When I got to Albany I found them awaiting me at the train and I passed a very pleasant visit there, Sunday in some places in Albany the thermometer was 20 degrees below zero and Monday and Teusday [sic] were so piercing cold that I was obliged to stay. Wednesday the weather was a little warmer so Thursday morning I started in spite of everything and everybody- When I got to the college I found our room so cold we could not sit in it yet and was very glad I was not here In the worst of it. Since I came back I have taken up a new study and am consequently very busy - To-day is the first day since I came back that I could say I was sure of having time enough to learn my lessons for the next day.very acceptable and will do quite well if letters cannot possibly be written. Tell James he is a magnificent correspondent. If his time lies heavy on his hands as it did when I was at home he can write a letter every day and feel none the worse. You were so careful to keep from telling any news I expect your next letter will be perfectly crammed, so do write soon and do'nt omit anything on any account. About twenty of us think of taking a sleigh ride to-morrow and of course expect ever so much fun. We have only had one opportunity for a ride since we came back before this there has been so little snow- I am sorry the colored persons are so demoralized that they cannot be reduced to order -The skating pond has been very pleasant. About one hundred girls skate and others are learning. Some of them skate beautifully. Gerty Frothingham of Rochester is the finest skate. She is just as much at home on skates as she is on her feet. She can cut any flourishes that any one can. The pond is kept cleaned off and a man is usually down at the pond to assist in putting on skates &c - They have been cutting ice for the ice house. It Is about a foot thick and very clear. Mr Vassar's nephew the Secretary was down on the ice the other day for a while- He is a very good skater - I have but a few minutes longer to write and must hurry- The Brockport Papers were The second night we went to hear "Blind Tom" the pianist Mr Weaver went to Mr Rice's next door and asked Miss Conklln from Elmira visiting there and Mr and Mrs Rice to go. I walked down with Mr & Mrs Rice and Mr Rice said he hardly thought he should be dragged into hearing "Blind Tom." He is a brother of Gen. Rice and a very strong democrat. But he was very much surprised to see what the drake could do, and said he did not believe he was nearly an idiot as was represented but was a very smart nigger and not blind either. My time is more than passed for closing and so I must close abruptly. Give my love to Mother and Henry and James and tell Henry I think we have some business to settle and I wish he would write. I will write every Saturday if you will and answer anyone who writes. Your affectionate daughter Helen
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