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Title: Taylor, Lea D. -- to mother, Nov. 21, 1900:
Creator: Taylor, Lea D.
Description: VC 1904
Date: November 21, 1900
Text: Tuesday evening. [Nov. 21, 1900] Dear mama— I just received your letter this morning and will hurry to answer it, though this will hardly be long enough to be considered a letter I'm afraid. First for my measurements. From just below just the band to the floor in front is 40.5/8 inches. In the back it is 42 inches. My waist measure is just 23. That Is all you asked for, is it not. I think that a brown chinot will be very pretty. I think I would like it fully as long as the blue which is...
Show moreTuesday evening. [Nov. 21, 1900] Dear mama— I just received your letter this morning and will hurry to answer it, though this will hardly be long enough to be considered a letter I'm afraid. First for my measurements. From just below just the band to the floor in front is 40.5/8 inches. In the back it is 42 inches. My waist measure is just 23. That Is all you asked for, is it not. I think that a brown chinot will be very pretty. I think I would like it fully as long as the blue which is 39 1/2 In front. I haven't gotten any shoes yet. I think I can wear my low ones a little longer. I shall have to get gymnasium shoes however and I think they will cost about $ 1.50 - If I get goad durable ones - & Miss Ballintine seems to think It will pay to get them. The common rubber soled tennis slippers wear out quickly she says. I have just today had to break into my $10 check, so I hardly think I will need any more before Thanksgiving. I had a letter from Aunt Mame this morning tailing me about trains. If I could only leave at 1.50 I would get there at 3.00 o'clock. But I have an afternoon recitation - so I cant leave until 3.55 and then have to go to Hudson and go from there to Catskill. They are very strict about letting you out of a recitation before a vacation - so I dont think I shall try to get out. Today started off so nicely for I got five letters - really six counting both yours and papas - one from Graham, Aunt Mame Julia Genos & a postal from Aunt Kate. Than besides that I got that set of photographs of the cottage & the house which Graham promised me. Julia didn't say much of anything except that she was working hard. Went to Mrs. Hills to dinner last night & had fine dinner - Mrs. Hill is vary wealthy - and everything was served in style - This was the menu — Oysters on the half shell Crackers & celery Bouillion with whipped cream Turkey Mashed Potatoes Peas Cranberry sauce Olives- Rolls. Ice cream Chocolate cake Coffee- Candy- Wasn't that a feast, a regular Thanksgiving dinner. Two of the Miss Woodwards were there to meet us. They seem like very nice people. One was about my age - the other about Helen's. They are coming up to call. They said that Mrs. Barry wanted me to come and see her as she was not able to get around very much - but was coming up sometime. Mr. Hill is a funny little man - with black hair and a hook nose. He seemed quite nice. Altogether we had a very nice time of it. You dont know how anxious I am for Thanksgiving to come - Just think next week at this time I shall be in Catskill - how I wish it were Chicago - but then Catskill is better than staying here over vacation - by a great deal- Now I must stop and get some of my studying done— Oh - Gym commenced today & I think I shall like it very much - but it takes so much time - though really only an hour - yet it breaks in But I must really stop - though I have lots more I could say- So good night mother - dear- Give my love to all & keep lots for yourself- From your loving - Lea- [Lea D. Taylor, '04] I will send the gloves with this letter.
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Title: Thompson, Addie -- to parents, Nov. 1875:
Creator: Thompson (Adda), Addie
Description: VC Prep 1875-1876
Date: November 28, 1875
Text: Vassar Not. 28, 1675 Sunday. 5 p.m. My dear father and Mother, Here I am again writing you from school, and since I last wrote have seen you. It does seem as though I was never so happy as while I was at Saratoga. Did you receive my postal? I did not have an opportunity to mail it at the depot and so gave it to a man on the car to mail for me. I changed at Troy. The car was there for passengers to get right in but it did not start in over half an hour. Had to change again at Greenbush and...
Show moreVassar Not. 28, 1675 Sunday. 5 p.m. My dear father and Mother, Here I am again writing you from school, and since I last wrote have seen you. It does seem as though I was never so happy as while I was at Saratoga. Did you receive my postal? I did not have an opportunity to mail it at the depot and so gave it to a man on the car to mail for me. I changed at Troy. The car was there for passengers to get right in but it did not start in over half an hour. Had to change again at Greenbush and wait some fifteen minutes for the train. It rained hard all the time and I was so lonesomeI could hardly keep from crying. There was an old gentleman acquainted with one of the girls here that I sat with from G and he carried my baggage for me from the cars across the depot into the street car and so I could not wait to mail the postal. Do not know how I could have gotten along without his assistance it rained so hard, I wished myself back in Saratoga all the time I was riding out to the college. It rained harder than ever when I got I here, and I would have been soaking if I had not had an umbrella. When I got into the hall the janitor saw me and carried my baggage up for me, or I do not know how I could ever have gotten up with it, it was so heavy. Thegirls think my dress is lovely and well they may. Got here about half an hour before supper. Went down, but was too lonesome to eat hardly anything. Helen went over to the Gymnasium to see them dance and I regulated my bureau drawers and folded my dress and laid it in the bottom part of my trunk, then I got all ready for bed. I had plenty of lessons to get for the next day and worried over them but was so homesick I could not study. I kept up as long as I could and then gave up and cried as hard as I could for about an hour. Saturday morning I felt pretty bad, but got through my lessons very well. I wished when I got back here I had not gone away at all. I was so homesickbut now do not feel so, as I am all over it and shall be more contented than though I had not gone at all. Hope I won't be homesick, but presume I shall after you leave me. We had a splendid dinner to-day; cold turkey, potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, celery, pickles, dressing and gravy, mince- pie, cheese, and apples. Just wrote a letter to Ben, and while I was writing Nellie Preston came in and said she would write a note to him so wrote, "Having become acquainted with you through your picture, almost feel as though I know you through Addie---- Addie's friend, Nellie." Wonder what he will say. I am tired out studying. I do not want to drop my French and yet we go so fast do not learn much, and I want to take music lessons. I don't know what to do. Dr. Webster says the girls are studying all together toohard and so they have fitted up that room, where we went to see Miss Terry, with easy chairs, tables, plants and games of all kinds. But what is the use of their doing all that when our lessons are so hard and we have to study just so much and then can not half learn them. I do not have any time to spend in the reading-room, library or art- gallery. I am afraid they will not allow me to have but two studies and music as that is something only allowed pupils very far advanced in music to do. Prof Raymond preached to-day in Law, and said when we studied so hard and did not take recreation and sufficient excercise we were weakening our mind and violating law. I am not doing as much as many cf the girls and do not understand why it is so hard for me. I have always been able to do as much as any of the girls &sometimes more studying and it never hurt me, but here it seems as though I can not do as much as when I was at home. My head gets so tired I can not study. I have worn my plumbcolored all day to- day. Do not care for dress here, but I tell you I am glad I have got my silk far Friday night. The girls will dress so elegantly. Have bought my collation-ticket. It was $.50 and gives me my supper, the excercises in the chapel are free. There is no school all day you know. If Ben was in Troy it would be very nice. The girls can and do invite young gentlemen. Most of the girls invite some gentleman I will write some more tomorrow. Good night dear papa and mama. Do not think I am homesick now, but I do wish I was with you.Tuesday afternoon. I believe you said you would be in S_ to-morrow, so will finish up this letter and send it to-day. It is very cold here, the wind blows hard all the time and it seems colder than it does in Winona. I have had my lessons pretty well since I came back for I have studied easier than befor I went, I do not have a spare moment though. Ma, I think you better leave that silk handerchief with me, for I want it for every day and you get a new one. Give my love to Aunt Sarah, Archie, Uncle Hiram and all the friends. I find those mittens just the thing. Write very soon and tell me about your visits Your affectionate daughter How about the cloak? Addie Thompson
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Title: Aaron, Fannie -- to Mother and Father, n.d. [postmarked June 6, 1923]
Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: n.d. [postmarked 1923-06-06]
Text: [Addressed to Gale0Hall, Weneisville, PA. postmarked 6 June 1923] Dear Mother and Father: I didn't get your letter with the addresses in time to write to Bedford, but there is nothing to tell you anyhow. I played golf yesterday afternoon, and enjoyed it a lot, although it was hot as blazes. Spent all yesterday morning going through my old papers. Last night we enjoyed Sunset, the lakes, etc.--and were bitten to pieces by the mosquitoes. Spent all morning today doddling over my packing....
Show more[Addressed to Gale0Hall, Weneisville, PA. postmarked 6 June 1923] Dear Mother and Father: I didn't get your letter with the addresses in time to write to Bedford, but there is nothing to tell you anyhow. I played golf yesterday afternoon, and enjoyed it a lot, although it was hot as blazes. Spent all yesterday morning going through my old papers. Last night we enjoyed Sunset, the lakes, etc.--and were bitten to pieces by the mosquitoes. Spent all morning today doddling over my packing. I'm so used to being rushed that I don't know how to accomplish anything when i have plenty of time. We have Commencement rehearsal at 4:30 Friday and class-day rehearsal in the outdoor theater at 7:30 Friday, so if you arrive at those times go straight to Mrs. Green's, 18 Legrange Ave., and telephone word that you are here and I'll come over as soon as I can. Or come to my room if you prefer. Sam's room is Mullaly's. Mullaly said they have chauffeurs at the house every year, and mrs. Geen couldn't get him a room. The car will be kept at the garage of the house you stay in. Hope you enjoy your trip. Love, Fannie
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Title: Shipp, Margaret M. -- to Father, 8 October 1901
Creator: Shipp, Margaret M.
Description: VC 1905
Date: 8 October 1901

Title: Shipp, Margaret M. -- to Sister, 7 March 1904
Creator: Shipp, Margaret M.
Description: VC 1905
Date: 7 March 1904

Title: Shipp, Margaret M. -- to Sister, circa 10 February 1905
Creator: Shipp, Margaret M.
Description: VC 1905
Date: circa 10 February 1905

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

Title: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour) -- to father, Sep. 22, 1865:
Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Description: VC Spec 1865-1866
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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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to mother, Nov. 1865:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
Date: November 17, 1865
Text: Vassar Nov. 17./65 My darling dear Mother, What a dear good woman you are to write to me so often. You are worth half a dozen Helen's in that branch of the fine arts. Not that she is at all to be slighted - but I don't believe she has injured her eyes sitting up at night to write. However Nellie "its very good what there is of it." I should like to see Mrs. Taylor - Did she tell any news worth hearing? Anything about the Peases or Catlins? I suppose she has material for...
Show moreVassar Nov. 17./65 My darling dear Mother, What a dear good woman you are to write to me so often. You are worth half a dozen Helen's in that branch of the fine arts. Not that she is at all to be slighted - but I don't believe she has injured her eyes sitting up at night to write. However Nellie "its very good what there is of it." I should like to see Mrs. Taylor - Did she tell any news worth hearing? Anything about the Peases or Catlins? I suppose she has material for conversation sufficient to last at least one year. I should enjoy hearing her talk. By the way where's Miss Seger? Please remember us to her. Also to her Mother. Miss Grant that was, Mrs. Ban-ister that is, is visiting Miss Lyman. She is a very remarkable looking woman. We haven't been to see her yet, but are going tomorrow morning. Miss Lyman told her about us, and she expressed a strong desire to see us. She spoke very highly of Mother to Miss Gilbert. I was delighted with her appearance as far as I saw at chapel. She is as tall as Miss Lyman, and I had always imagined her short. I wish I could pass myself off on her as Miss Morrison. By the way I am going to send home for our family Bible in order to prove satisfactorily to myself and the world at large, that my name is Martha Spooner Warner, and not Morrison. On the whole I have decided not put my eyes out looking for Father. I have concluded that he will be visible to the naked eye when he does arrive. Bridget must be a useful member of society since her two wakes. I wouldn'twake a man that died drunk seems to me. "But every one to their taste as the old woman." I read that chapter. It is very beautiful. They are building the organ in the chapel, so that we can't have our half hours with Miss Lyman. I am sorry for she wanted Mrs. Banister to address us. Prehaps however the organ will be finished before she leaves, as I believe she is going to stay some time. Minnie had a letter from Maggie a day or two ago, in which she said "Mrs. Powel has just returned from Elba. Mrs. Town is ill, she has but one opinion in regard to her sickness - consumption." Won't it be dreadful if we never see her again. Only four weeks more to Christmas! Does it seem possible? Has Aunt Rebecca written anything more about our coming there? I believe I should prefer Vermont on some accounts. Aunt Mary is very anxious we should come and see her. I should like to I think. Who is the "little minister" at Mr. Eldrige's church? I thought Dr. Eels was there.Tell Father I am extremely obliged to him for putting "Knickbocker" in with our books. For that matter the girls feel their obligation equally with me. I read out loud in it last night, to the great edification of all present. I had no idea it was such a keen satire. Mill Gilbert sends much love. Hattie and Minnie are considering the subject. O Mother! You can't imagine how much I want to see you, and have you see us, and how comfortable and happy we are here. I do believe that we three girls are as contented a trio as can be found in the college. Every says when they come in here, "Oh! what a pleasant room! only two bedrooms, how's that? Just you three, why how happy you must be! All I want to make me "perfectly happy" is, some sweet apples. I want you to see Miss Starr, she is lovely - Tell Nellie that a letter that came from her would be highly acceptable - But I know the dear child is very busy - Remember us to every body - kiss Mary Colburn's baby for me. Tell Mrs. Raymond that the President's little Nellie reminds meme extremely on her little Hattie. Give my love to every body and tell them I want very much to see them - We have begun to practise in the labratory. I like it very much. If I hadn't anything else to do - I think I should stay there all day long — I do love Prof. Farrar dearly - There's chapel bell Good bye my dear dear Mother - Your loving daughter Mattie Dr. Magoon of Albany preached for us Sunday. We liked him very much.
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Title: Aaron, Fannie -- to Mother, n.d. [postmarked March 4, 1921]
Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: n.d. [postmarked 1921-03-04]
Text: Dear Mother: - continued. I don't know just where I left off, so you'll have to excuse repetition. Lucy said the only unfavorable criticism passed on me was that I presented my statistics boringly , but somebody promptly [sat] on that and tried to disprove it. Rachel Higgins, chairman of Junior debate this year, was strong in [wegnig] making me a speaker. But they finally decided on Margaret Ray ('22) on the strength of her previous experience. Frances Kellogg is the only...
Show moreDear Mother: - continued. I don't know just where I left off, so you'll have to excuse repetition. Lucy said the only unfavorable criticism passed on me was that I presented my statistics boringly , but somebody promptly [sat] on that and tried to disprove it. Rachel Higgins, chairman of Junior debate this year, was strong in [wegnig] making me a speaker. But they finally decided on Margaret Ray ('22) on the strength of her previous experience. Frances Kellogg is the only sophomore on. She has the first affirmative speech. I don't begrudge it to her - the only thing that makes me feel at all dissatisfied is that I put much more time on it than she did and had many more facts - much more material her speeches are mostly bluff, but they wanted some of that this year, because they found at Barnard last year that the judges were more pleased with the sob stuff of <[Barnard]> than with the cold facts of Vassar. She is a very pretty girl with an exceedingly magnetic personality and an un-usually pleasing voice and manner of speaking. I think those things have more weight for that particular speech than material. However, I suppose it is part of the game to be a good looser! And I have two years ahead of me yet, and Margaret Ray has only one, so it is fair that she got it. P.S. Kellogg is president of our class this semester, is on the class basketball and hockey teams. Very brainy in classes, and third speaker of '23 in class debate. Did I say that I was <[first]> alternate for the affirmative - here at Vassar? That means that if any of the speakers are sick or do something desperate suddenly, I will speak. but they are all strong as horses! They first had me booked for Wellesley, but decided that in view of my visit to the infirmary that it was best for the sake of Vassar and of me to keep me at home. They thought the trip would be too hard for me - you see it means getting there about midnight Friday night and getting back here one o'clock Monday morning. It would be hard and terribly exciting - but I did so want to go! Darn that health! On the other hand I am trying to be sensible enough to realize that it might bring on another experience like this one next month. I am feeling well again, but not strong yet. I felt too sick to eat anything except some rolls + boullion from noon Sunday to noon Wednesday, so naturally the compination fo that and three days in bed made me weak. I got up after lunch and have been in the parlor of the inform writing letters all afternoon. Dr. T. maskes the morning rounds, and she told me [this] morning not to dare [leave] this bld'g until Dr. B. saw me! Today is Dr. B's day off, so that means she won't be around till tomorrow evening. However, I had Miss Hendon call up Dr. B, and she said I could go to classes tomorrow if the wather is all right. It was damp + rainy today, so the extra <rest> didn't hurt any. I must get to work now - I haven't done any since Monday. < > you aren't disappointed about debate. Love, Fannie
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Title: Gaston, Mary E. -- to mother, May. 1875:
Creator: Gaston, Mary E.
Description: VC Ex 1878
Date: May 2, 1875
Text: The long poem ia the Miscellany is the one Miss Brlgham recited on Phllalethean night. Dont read this to Pappa, it Is so long. May 2, 1875. My dear Mother, X wonder if half of this sheet will hold all I have to say, If not my last postage stamp will go. Of course the grand and indeed the only event of the week was our holiday, on Thursday. Annie came about eleven from New York, and from that time until dinner, we raced about seeing the girls and every thing that was to be soon, dlraetly after...
Show moreThe long poem ia the Miscellany is the one Miss Brlgham recited on Phllalethean night. Dont read this to Pappa, it Is so long. May 2, 1875. My dear Mother, X wonder if half of this sheet will hold all I have to say, If not my last postage stamp will go. Of course the grand and indeed the only event of the week was our holiday, on Thursday. Annie came about eleven from New York, and from that time until dinner, we raced about seeing the girls and every thing that was to be soon, dlraetly after dinner Z had to rush and draas, lor Miss Mtersa had askad ma to be usher nt the concert, and I discovered Just before dinner that we ought to bo In the Chapel at quatar past two to receive the first comers: I had Just about twelve minutes, but with Aanla*s assistance succeedod In making myself presentable, and mshsd up stnlrs: of course not a soul came until almost three, and I might Just as well have taken my time. Annie fixed that beautiful lace yon sant, and that with iny now gloves, and black silk made me quite fine: tha concert was a grant success which was fortunate, as tharo warn n grant many strangara present^, but I should have enjoyed II a nasra. If I could have had tha privilege of^soat for after walking about all tha morning and (— — ?) several hundred people to their saata, we ware (•—?), and as Miss Tarry does'at like the ushers to sit we May l«t5 - 2 stood up until it was almost over: The first piece was oas Evia plays bat Ilika Evie's playing better, because this poor girl^waa evidently frightened aad ill at ease. Tha Ballade was beautifol, not showy «a»«|k lor a company bat I think £via would like It: the others X liked bast ware the "Jagdliad" aad "Wala" from Faust though some of tha othara ware pretty too: Miss Zoller ia a very fine performer, bat her piaca waa Interminable, as Evia probably knows, "The birds In the night" U the one I have, aad waa very sweetly snag. Miss Scott haa tha finest voice that has aver bam In was th* collage ao Miss Smythe says: she almost took tha roof off aad eMsercd tremendously. At ffoe oclock we had supper and then it was almost time io dress: Aaala were a lovely, aaw black silk which she brought la a shawl strap, aad I wore my lavender: I had ordered soma rosea far Annie aad violets for myself the roees came bat tha violets staid away ao Pally gave asa soma of her haUotrape; the first thiag was the lecture by Mr Russel, vice Pres. of Cornell, aad it waa ao long aad so poky It almoat put us to sleep: his subject was "Education" aad ha spoke of it first with regard to public schools; we certainly thought ha must be almoat through, when ha aaid "We will now consider academies" aad than ha considered colleges, until wa gat so resOesa It la a wonder he Nov. 15, 1874 - 3 didn't notice It. after that Infliction was over, aad It lasted almost two hears, we wed to Dining hall to partake of coffee, sandwiches. Icecream, jelly aad oranges: afterward we were to have gone to Gym. to dance and they had trimmed quite elaborately with evergreens, bat It sprinkled a little, aad so the dining room was cleared and we had two or three stiff square dances for Miss Terry wouldn't hear of aayllifag more lively, though we had a bead to play for us aad X know every oaa was dying to walta. The girls oa the decoratloa committee were mving, because after all their trouble to trim the Gym. no one saw it: It was tooAespeclally as It did'nt rain enough to hurt a fly, aad matting waa laid down between the two buildings, so the girls would'nt have soiled their white shoes if they happened to have them on: we went to bod at twelve first making out our washing lists as all holidays seem to come on Thursday, aad next day we went to studying again. We are having orful times in both Geometry and Zoology: X thiak Prof Ortea must be demented: hs gave us a lesson for tomorrow* that I have already speat six hours oa, aad dont feel very sure of Part of Atime X read la the Library: as we have to fill out his lectures by read- ing aad particularly by obeervatioa, as he is always tolltag us. X wonder how much time we have to hunt poly wogs, and dissect insects, when every teacher is piling oa the lessoas <^as If her life depended on it. Oct. 18, 1874 - 4 I forgot to My that Aanio went home Friday noon, leaving her black silk waist behind her: which X mast send by express: she had a nice time X think bat X was glad to hear her say that she did'nt have any desire to stay, because X was afraid that X should regret not coming neat I want to hoar all about the spelling match aad X do hope Pappa did himself credit: If the paper has aa exteasive account of It, X wish yoa would aead it to mo. X have get a splendid picture of Prof. Mitchell but I woat send it until Evle sends me hers: yoa must'at show It to Pappa, because he called her an old witch* and she Is Just lovely. X am dreadfully afraid yoa will get tired of this, but X mast tell you how my poor essay was picked to places, not by the girls bat by Miss Burling who took possession of It afterward. O the mistakes) poor punctuation, wrong use of words, (even bad grammar wore all heaped to gether, and after I thought I had been so careful too: the reading out load was nothing to that dreadful forty minutes In Miss Burli^'s room: she saw I felt badly aad tried to comfort me byaa telling me that oae particular idea was was quite bright: X did feel better, until It struck me some time afterward: that just that very idea, had beca givea me by Mary Spalding, who writes very well: there ia no aso trying I cant write, and never could: the Nov. 15, 1874 - 5 only consolation is the other girls ware almost as had, aad some worse, only this was my first experience aad It seemed dreadful: la two weeks we have to hand la another. Miss Burling wants ma to write on my native town so If you know of any little historical facts or any thing funny do tall me for I am in despair. Good bye. Your loving daughter (Mary £• Gaston, ex-*78, Sand me aaaaplaa of the thing* Evie gat in N.Y,
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Title: Aaron, Fannie -- to Mother, March 7,1919
Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 3/7/19
Text: Mar. 7, 1919 Dear Mother, Played eleven holes this morning before a half hour lesson. Played eighteen this afternoon with Father and two Pgh. Field clubers named Campbell + Mortimer. The latter looks like Mr. N. Spear. I beat both. I made 108. Father likes the upstairs room better. I shall rest this evening before din-ner, but not sleep. I'll save that for tonight.The chocolate I am eating is very good. Love, Fannie The [boobs] called me Miss Aaron. Father is improving - he didn't...
Show moreMar. 7, 1919 Dear Mother, Played eleven holes this morning before a half hour lesson. Played eighteen this afternoon with Father and two Pgh. Field clubers named Campbell + Mortimer. The latter looks like Mr. N. Spear. I beat both. I made 108. Father likes the upstairs room better. I shall rest this evening before din-ner, but not sleep. I'll save that for tonight.The chocolate I am eating is very good. Love, Fannie The [boobs] called me Miss Aaron. Father is improving - he didn't laugh. This morning Mr. Ross said "That's slick, that's a pippin of a shot (4 times). yes, sirree, no kiddin (twice), it's a peach of a shot (twice). He surely has some expressions.
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Title: Barnes, Lucy -- to mother, Jun. 9, 1872:
Creator: Barnes-Sellers, Lucy
Description: VC 1875
Date: June 9, 1872
Text: Vassar, Under the woods under trees. Sunday afternoon June 9. 1872. My dear Parents; In the noon matt yesterday I received letters from both of you much to my delight as I could not bear to have the week pass with out them. Last Friday evening we had a chapter meeting for the nomination of officers* which are to be voted upon next week—I was put up for secretary but have no idea that I shall ever fill that office... I will however be better able to tell you after that time. Saturday the...
Show moreVassar, Under the woods under trees. Sunday afternoon June 9. 1872. My dear Parents; In the noon matt yesterday I received letters from both of you much to my delight as I could not bear to have the week pass with out them. Last Friday evening we had a chapter meeting for the nomination of officers* which are to be voted upon next week—I was put up for secretary but have no idea that I shall ever fill that office... I will however be better able to tell you after that time. Saturday the Sophomore fe Juniors were all pretty busy— The Sophs,on a account of the party given to the Frosh- and the Juniors on account of the same - for the Seniors- Just before Chapel some of us were privileged to see the College Parlors which the Juniors had fixed ap for their entertainment. Really I never saw them look so lovely- before -They For the first time since the college was furnished took home Ctct down the old pictures of Mr. Vassar's home &ct. and in their place had some of the handsomest pictures In college. They had two harps made of flowers beside ever so many large boquets &ct. In the center of the two rooms they had large balls of ferns- Then too they had the grand piano from the Presidents house in there— All the faculty were invited and from all accounts they had a splendid time— In room J. which opens Into the parlors — they had their table. It was all fixed up too— They had hot & cold supper both and very even allowed wine, just think of that for Yassar. About 3 o'clock we, the Sophs & Fresh- went over to the Gymnasium were we were rec'd. by Miss Cushlng president of the Sophs. From the minute I entered the hall I knew I would have a splendid time for immediately upon entering the room we were handed printed programs lor dancing and upon the plantform sat two musicians besides the pianist I could not keep my feet still— the music was so splendid. The Soph were Just as attentive as could be and did every tfrfag they could to make us enjoy our selves. In Hie society hall refreshments were served from 8.30 - 9.30 The table was set along the platform - which !s very low- and in the room small tables were set which held two or three- Several of the Sophs were waitress and looked too pretty for anything they all wore white and on their shoulders long streamers of the College colors... After we danced a long while we sang College songs accompanied by the music- ft was Just splendid and I dont think I ever enjoyed my self more since I have been in College. We stayed up until nearly twelve. . how is that for Vaasar? I hope next year we the class of '75 my make it as pleasant for '76 as '74 has for us. Yesterday Immediately after dinner we had our class elections- which resulted as follows- Miss Lough - pres. Miss Kellog Vice Pres.- Miss Buffington Sec- Miss Hollister Trea. I don't suppose I need reiterate about our rooms la this letter as no doubt you have received my last telling you the decision and when I get hold of you I am going to ask for some thing real elegant for my room because you know I will be here for three years after this- some thing perfectly lovely. This morning I was in Sue's room and she wanted to know that ti Saliie Herman came to our house whether she might come up to Vassar with you- as Mrs Herman cannot come up- and Victors is coming with 3 or 4 young gentlemen so that it would not be pleasant for either part if she came with him-- X know you would only be happy of her company but Sue insisted upon my asking you the question— X have been able to get tickets for Auntie and Howard. As yet I am unable to inform you as to "Original sir &ct— but will endeavor to find cut who wrote it— Affec- & loving Lucy- Lucy (Sellers) Barnes, '75Mrs. John Sellers Jr 3300 Arch Street West Phila Penn @
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Title: Aaron, Fannie -- to Mother and Father, October 14,1919
Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 10/14/19
Text: Dear Mother and Father: There is nothing new to report since last night's letter. I am going to town after lunch to get the prescription filled. I expect to work this afternoon, and get a lot of stuff out of the road that has been piling up on me. Love, [Fannie] [Oct. 14][this side of card is for address] Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Aaron, 402 S. Winebiddle Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa.

Title: Worthing, Margaret (Fletcher) -- to family, May 27, 1908:
Creator: Worthing, Margaret (Fletcher)
Description
Date: 27 May 1908
Text: Cranford [11?] Thurs. A.M. May 27th 1908? Dear parents; - A horrid, beastly, drizzly, rainy day, - no Brooklyn, Summit or anything else. Yesterday morning Cousin Ed took Cousin Minnie, Ella, and me on a three and one half hour ride into the country around Cranford - a perfectly georgious [sp:gorgeous?] ride. He tries to stay out all he can while on his vacation, so in the afternoon he and Willie walked 10 miles, but he was done [...] by night. He is aging some. He does not walk as spritly as...
Show moreCranford [11?] Thurs. A.M. May 27th 1908? Dear parents; - A horrid, beastly, drizzly, rainy day, - no Brooklyn, Summit or anything else. Yesterday morning Cousin Ed took Cousin Minnie, Ella, and me on a three and one half hour ride into the country around Cranford - a perfectly georgious [sp:gorgeous?] ride. He tries to stay out all he can while on his vacation, so in the afternoon he and Willie walked 10 miles, but he was done [...] by night. He is aging some. He does not walk as spritly as of yore. Lassie was home for over night. In the P.M. yesterday we went to the card club. I expected to have a dull time, but not so, - I quite enjoyed myself. It was bridge, of course. Grace has sent your Mon. ^letter on to me. I wish the suit were right. They are all lovely to me here. All for now- Margaret.
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Title: Shipp, Margaret M. -- to Sister, 1 October 1902
Creator: Shipp, Margaret M.
Description: VC 1905
Date: 1 October 1902

Title: Shipp, Margaret M. -- to Sister, circa 16 February 1903
Creator: Shipp, Margaret M.
Description: VC 1905
Date: circa 16 February 1903

Title: MacCoy, Marjorie Newell -- to Family, 15 March 1908
Creator: MacCoy, Marjorie Newell
Description: VC 1911
Date: 15 March 1908

Title: Jackson, Helen -- to Ann Scholfield, Apr. 1875:
Creator: Jackson (Basfield), Helen
Description: VC 1879
Date: April 04, 1875
Text: Vassar College April 4, 1875. Dear Cousin Ann, We were delighted to get your letter a day or two ago. 1 think it is very strange 1 do not hear from Aunt Helen. I wrote quite a while ago sending her my picture and she has not acknowledged it. Our vacation is most over, we begin to study again Thursday. We have had a very quiet but very pleasant rest. We have read "Our Mutual Friend" out loud, and we liked it very much. Yesterday morning I went over the steward*s department and since...
Show moreVassar College April 4, 1875. Dear Cousin Ann, We were delighted to get your letter a day or two ago. 1 think it is very strange 1 do not hear from Aunt Helen. I wrote quite a while ago sending her my picture and she has not acknowledged it. Our vacation is most over, we begin to study again Thursday. We have had a very quiet but very pleasant rest. We have read "Our Mutual Friend" out loud, and we liked it very much. Yesterday morning I went over the steward*s department and since then it is a wonder to me that we have as good food as we do. Perhaps you would like to know a little of what it takes to feed four hundred girls. When we have beefsteak it takes 158 lbs. We drink 350 qts. of milk a day, and use when 2 barrels of flour. There are two bakers andAwe have rolls for breakfast they have to begin to bake them at midnifeht. We use 75 Ibs.to 100 of butter a day, 7 or 8 bushels of potatoes a day. When we have eggs we take 1200. Aren't the pictures of the children splendid? Have you a cabinet siaed one of Richie ? I hope you have for they are so good. In Mamma's last letter she told us to be ready for a telegram any day after the twentieth, for they are only going to stay a very short time in New York, and shall want us to come right down to see them. Isn't it splen- did to think that we shall probably see them two months sooner than we expected to? We have had several spring days but to-day it is quite chilly. Sept. 22, 1869 - 1875 In Richie's last latter he said they had had but little confusion so far, and that he thought they would get off nicely. With much love to Cousin Ellen, Cousin Adeline and yourself, X am your loving, Helen F. Banfield. (Helen (Banfield) Jackson, '79, To Ann Scholfleld, Boston.T
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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to sister, Dec. 1865:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
Date: December 13, 1865
Text: VASSAR FEMALE COLLEGE, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Dec. 13 1865 My very dear Sister Nell, I don't owe you a letter to be sure, nevertheless, I feel moved in spirit to write you a birthday epistle in as much as I can't give you any birthday kisses. What a pity that you did make your advent into this world in summer, and then we could all celebrate together. I haven't any thing remarkable to say, having used up all my ideas on your last letter. The all absorbing topic at present is, "...
Show moreVASSAR FEMALE COLLEGE, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Dec. 13 1865 My very dear Sister Nell, I don't owe you a letter to be sure, nevertheless, I feel moved in spirit to write you a birthday epistle in as much as I can't give you any birthday kisses. What a pity that you did make your advent into this world in summer, and then we could all celebrate together. I haven't any thing remarkable to say, having used up all my ideas on your last letter. The all absorbing topic at present is, "When are you going to leave?" A great many are going Wednesday, but we stay till Thursday, thereby going down with Cousin Emma,and seeing the last of the College also. We received a very urgent invitation from Aunt Mary this morning, via Miss Gilbert. I wish that we were not engaged for Brooklyn, as she says that it is probably the last vacation she will be keeping house. Fanny Miller has written us, not only inviting us for the Holidays, but for all other vacations we may have here. (What a pleasant thing it is to have friends. Libbie Trowbridge has sent us word that we must let her know as soon we reach Brooklyn. Hattie had a letter from Charlie yesterday saying that he expected to be at Poughkeepsie this week. Miss Lyman has given positive orders, that no young lady should be seen, save under cover of a letter of introduction. But Hattie told him to ask for Miss Gilbert, and she'll electioneer him through, having much influence at head quarters. We have had an addition to the ornamental furniture of our room, in the shape of a philipena present to Minnie, from Mother Hubbard. It consists of a man! named "Thursytes" in honor of the "homeliest man who ever came to Troy." His stately figure meas-ured four inches in his stocking feet. His dress consists of one pair of pants, of red delaine, made very loose and gathered at the ankle, a green jacket or sack, trimmed with one row of very narrow serpentine braid, flying open to display a most beautiful red waistcoat, some what disfigured by paste, and a belt of red and white which looks as if it might have bordered white cotton cloth. His head bears a blue cap bordered with red, in the center of which is fastened a rubber cord by which he is suspended to the gas fixture, then when the dear little fellow is pulled, the elasticity of the cord causes him to undergo a series of gymnastics truly wonderful to behold. His face as nearly as my unskillful pen can portray it, is as followed. as far as I can see that is quite natural. Minnie might not recognize it - Minnie has just recognized in this portrait her long lost sow Thursytes. We were much delighted by a letter from Willie this morning. How he has improved in letter writing since last year. It is as good as a feast to read one of his documents. I have taken to reading my old letters Sunday, and find it highly profitable - If you will come up here next Wednesday, we will entertain you with a translation of the first book of the Odessy. We are a were a very fine class, I beg leave to inform you. We read the whole book to Miss Grant a very fine Greek scholar, and she said it was a fine a translation as she overheard. Miss Gilbert is proud of us. I am very sorry to be obliged to stop without finishing the page, but if you have the letter Friday, and I have any dinner, it must stop here. Minnie and Hattie send much love and many wishes of a happy birthday - Give oceans of love to Mother, Father, and Willie from your ever loving sister Mattie -
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Title: Shipp, Margaret M. -- to Sister, 25 January 1903
Creator: Shipp, Margaret M.
Description: VC 1905
Date: 25 January 1903

Title: Shipp, Margaret M. -- to Sister, 31 May 1905
Creator: Shipp, Margaret M.
Description: VC 1905
Date: 31 May 1905

Title: Shipp, Margaret M. -- to Father, 22 September 1901
Creator: Shipp, Margaret M.
Description: VC 1905
Date: 22 September 1901

Title: Eldridge, Muriel (Tilden) -- to Mother, 30 March 1913
Creator: Eldridge, Muriel (Tilden)
Description: VC 1914
Date: 30 March 1913

Title: Aaron, Fannie -- to Father and Mother, March 10,1920
Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 3/10/20
Text: Dear Father + Mother, I am very busy, otherwise nothing new. THe history quiz( ) was moderately hard. You probably would not send the laundry, even if I did, not say not to. Nope the telegram was satisfactory. Love, Fannie March 10Mr. + Mrs. Marcus Aaron 402 S. Winebiddle Ave Pittsburgh, Pa.

Title: MacCoy, Marjorie Newell -- to Family, 8 November 1908
Creator: MacCoy, Marjorie Newell
Description: VC 1911
Date: 8 November 1908

Title: Aaron, Fannie -- to Pop, February 10, 1923 [?]
Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1923-02-10 [?]
Text: Dear Mother + Father: It is warm + [pouing] + I have spring fever - can hardly stay awake in classes. Keats paper due tomorrow. Zo written Friday. Debate practice to-morrow and Friday. Jeannette F. in addition [aunouiises] herself for Friday, Sat., + Sunday. She will have to take care of herself. I fear. Practice last night was more hopeful than it has been. In answer to your question as to visitors. I think it the height of absurdity for Father to come all the way from Pgh. to hear me talk...
Show moreDear Mother + Father: It is warm + [pouing] + I have spring fever - can hardly stay awake in classes. Keats paper due tomorrow. Zo written Friday. Debate practice to-morrow and Friday. Jeannette F. in addition [aunouiises] herself for Friday, Sat., + Sunday. She will have to take care of herself. I fear. Practice last night was more hopeful than it has been. In answer to your question as to visitors. I think it the height of absurdity for Father to come all the way from Pgh. to hear me talk for 18 minutes on a subject on which I am comparatively uninformed. To answer the question you asked: - it will not make me more [n]ervous, for the simple reason that I am already nervous - generally - and [tence] when I speak I am nervous at first, even in practice. I seem to have lost my former self composure in debating. In inter-class nothing phased me. I hope I get over it in the next 2 wks - our negative team is not strong enough to stand such silliness. But as to poor old marse - I love him too much to allow him to sit thru 2 hours of boredom. I can just see the expression on his face! He would prefer a good "show". Moreover, he would dis-course forever after to me on the folly of being a highbrow, of studying "Latin, Algebra etc." [Suit] yourself, but don'tyou think it terribly foolish? Mother, by no means come, I felt guilty in keeping you away the 4 extra days up here, so please stay home now. Let me know your conclusion, Father. Remember that we will practice Sat. morning in the Barnard Theatre, and probably will be entertained by B. Sat. aft. + Sun-day. - at least, if we aren't, we should be. V. does that for visitors, anyhow. So I wouldn't be able to loaf with you. Let me know your [concbesion]. You + Marse are welcome - if you cough up 35� admission to say nothing of the [Pa.v.v] fare - but don't be foolish in your enthusiasm for little [Buuy]. <To Mother: Don't bother - will get it made at Luckey's skirts for debate, + I always have a hard hunt to find one big enough around the waist to borrow. Thea - everybody's is dirty this time of yr. We don't mind that here, but I didn't want to wear a grayish one away. So I tho't the least trouble would be to buy one + feel comfortable in one that isn't pinned around the waist. And I thought also the most satisfactory would be to have Miss [Willowbrand wake] it - she has my measurements - the last skirt she made still fits - If you [tha't] it unwise < > turn up the him, I could have that done [heree]><at an alteration shop in one day. She could make a white flannel pleated skirt - spring model - I don't suppose there is much of a change in the style from last yr. IF you think this is impractical, I'll try to buy one here, but I imagine it will be hard to get 1 ready - made so early in the spring + I hardly have the time to hunt. Wire me immediately if you don't think having it made at home would work, + I'll try then to get it here. (12 inches from ground - I'll send a white skirt in my laundry that could be used as waist + length guide). Pleated I guess is best, unless they aren't being used anymore. It would have to be here by Thursday A.M. at the latest if not hemmed - otherwise P.M. We leave Friday. Remember she always makes them with 1 fitting + usually they don't mean much change. R.S.V.P. by wire if I should try around here.> Thanks, Father, for your arguments. We are using them, but one can't talk 21 minutes on moral obligation. We need facts on their incompetence + there seems to be a scarcity of dope on that. My speech is to be on ec. dangers + incompetence. (That from my "ickle" brain!) What do you think the danger to the Ph. from Japan under absolute independence would be? The 4 - powers treaty would protect them from being grabbed, but not from Ec. ag-gression. On the other hand, they aren't protected from the latter now. I don't know - do you. As a business man of sound judgment, we would like your opinion. We hesitate to intrude upon your time, but we do so because we realize how splendid is your attitude toward college women - Haha! Please let me know - seriously. I am writing this while having my hair dried - I had to take time off for a shampoo. I have this awe-inspiring con-ference with Miss Ellery to talk over my makeup for tonight. I tremble at a class of one - intellectually-minded or not! What date is J [Einstein's] wedding? I lost the clipping which I carefully [join] aside. R.S.V.P. The bank check have come, also blue dress. I am taking the medicine without belladonna, successfully - thank goodness. <Which> remeinds me please put in a cork in the next laundry that will fit the woods drug-store bottle (you have 1 too). I want to be able to take it away with me, _ the dropper cork is very loose. That will save time for me. Let me know if you have done so soon. Love Fannie
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Title: Aaron, Fannie -- to Mother, n.d. [postmarked May 4, 1923]
Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: n.d. [postmarked 1923-05-04]
Text: Tuesday night. Dear Mother + Father: I slept from 3 to 4:30 + was up in the parlor by the fire from 5 to 6:30. You can't begin to imagine how weak I am. I felt as tho' I had carried Main across campus on my back when I got back to bed! I told Dr. B. tonight + she said that's the way its effect-ing everyone this winter. I'm getting a tonic - I suppose it will just take time. I'm not trying to work; I can't use my eyes much in bed + work is so much harder when one...
Show moreTuesday night. Dear Mother + Father: I slept from 3 to 4:30 + was up in the parlor by the fire from 5 to 6:30. You can't begin to imagine how weak I am. I felt as tho' I had carried Main across campus on my back when I got back to bed! I told Dr. B. tonight + she said that's the way its effect-ing everyone this winter. I'm getting a tonic - I suppose it will just take time. I'm not trying to work; I can't use my eyes much in bed + work is so much harder when one is weak that it's foolish to stew over [it]. I'm not worried about it I'm only sorry that make-up + debate will conflict.Think now I shall drop Tol-erance. It's a bore, + I'm too fond of Miss Ellery to drop her course. And I don't think it would be decent to drop Ec [Sem] - much as I would like to - [suise Millsy] probably [kept] somebody else out by letting me in - + I shouldn't be taking it, theoretically, unless it's my chief interest. Your special received. I certainly will be careful + take it easy. One experience like last fall was enough. Moreover, I was considerably sicker this time. and the doctor are more careful than they were. then. Everyone seems to be in bed 5 or 6 days with it. My greatest difficult is [forming] the down. It is so greasy + sloppy + luke-warm + unappetizing. It would have been foolish for you to come, Father, but, as a matter-of-fact fathers are allowed aroudn the Infirm. There is one girl here who is terribly sick. She had grippe for a week in her room + tried to take care of herself without [eending]for the Dr. They brought her over on a stretcher. + have her in a single with a night and day nurse. Her father has been here for a week. Her mother died of pneumonia last yr. + they are terribly worried about her. They had a [NY] Dr. [lef] night before last. I bet she is regretting her foolishness! All this merely by way of telling you Fathers are allowed around. But she has a single - maybe that makes a diff. Anyhow. I'd rather have you here when I am around + we can enjoy each other's company in a state of pep. I'd come home to get strong but I think it might be foolish to travel when weak. Don't you? RSVP. overEliz. was over this P.M. She said [Lewisohn] was extremely interesting last night, but terrible-looking, + she didn't care for his personality - too sarcastic + superior + cock-sure of himself, That goes pretty well with the tone of 'Upstream' - doesn't it? Love, Fannie What may be the diff. between [Flu + Grippe] - I'd surely like to know.
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Title: Mansfield, Adelaide -- to mother, Jan. 2, 1895:
Creator: Mansfield, Adelaide (Claflin)
Description: VC 1897
Date: January 2, 1895
Text: Vassar College. J an. 2. 1895. My dear Mother, — That Is the first time I have written 1895. How queer It seems/ I am just going to write you a few lines this morning, to go on the nine oclock mail, if possible. I got a letter from Mary MacColl yesterday, telling me that she cannot come back to college for the rest of this year. She was not well all summer aad really was not strong enough to come in September, but she prevailed upon them to let her. She is very nervous, and has something the...
Show moreVassar College. J an. 2. 1895. My dear Mother, — That Is the first time I have written 1895. How queer It seems/ I am just going to write you a few lines this morning, to go on the nine oclock mail, if possible. I got a letter from Mary MacColl yesterday, telling me that she cannot come back to college for the rest of this year. She was not well all summer aad really was not strong enough to come in September, but she prevailed upon them to let her. She is very nervous, and has something the matter with her back* they were afraid of curvature of the spine. We are very, very sorry that she cannot come back, for she is a splendidgirl, and we will miss her very much. Poor girl, it such a disappointment to her, for she worked so hard to get to college. She has been to school only at district school, and all that we took in High School, she studied by herself, without a teacher except when her brother helped her. She has the Scotch persistency in with her Scotch blood. Mary may possibly come back next September, but I doubt it. She asked me to pack the rest of her clothes and things and send to her, and that I am going to do today. Time is flying so, I do wish we had two or three weeks more. There is so much that I should like to do. I have spent most of the vacation in being lazy- I sent those flannels home because I did not need them. They are the ones I left here last year. The smaller one I have notworn at all, because I have plenty of others of the same thickness, and I have a new one like the larger one, which I think will not need to be washed for I wear it over another one, and so I don't need any more to take its place. You know I brought a stack of flannels, as Edie said, enough to furnish an army. H you send Horace's Satires I will be very glad. Does Lou want Cicero's De Senectute before the end of January? I will be using one till then, but if she wants it before, I will send it to her, and use Mary's for the rest of the time. The trigonometry that I sent they do not use here, so I could not sell it. I sent Lou my old fountain pen Monday. I hope she will get it all right. If she cannot make it write at first tell her to screw off the piece that the pen is in, and pour water throughit. It worked very well for me. I have made a pair of bedroom slippers which I intend to give you for your birthday, but I have concluded to send them now so that you will have the benefit of them during this winter. You so often walk around the house early in the morning, or at night, that I thought you might make a good deal of use of a pair. And you can wear them to bed on very cold nights, to keep your feet warm. When you wear these out, I will make you another pair. I will send these today. We watched the Old Year out on Clarence's birthday.- four girls and myself. Then as it was too late to go over to Strong they all came up and slept here. There is going to be a candy pull tonight, for all the girls here - and I suppose it will be lots of fun. With love to all, Adelaide. £laflin,
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Title: Aaron, Fannie -- to Mother, March 10,1919
Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 3/10/19
Text: Mar. [10], 1919 Dear Mother, Father and I whacked around eighteen holes this morning and eight-een this afternoon. I am going from bad to worse. Those lessons surely balled me up. I think I'll take a morning off and ride horseback. Mr. Zies is going, and he persuaded father that [I'll] be perfectly safe. We are to play with crazy Gov.Brumbaugh and his wife in the afternoon. Mr. Wells tried to imitiate Chick Evans' game, and made a 98. Ge and I are in the same fix - compara -...
Show moreMar. [10], 1919 Dear Mother, Father and I whacked around eighteen holes this morning and eight-een this afternoon. I am going from bad to worse. Those lessons surely balled me up. I think I'll take a morning off and ride horseback. Mr. Zies is going, and he persuaded father that [I'll] be perfectly safe. We are to play with crazy Gov.Brumbaugh and his wife in the afternoon. Mr. Wells tried to imitiate Chick Evans' game, and made a 98. Ge and I are in the same fix - compara - tively. The weather was perfect today. Are you sure I used to get tired last months. I don't see how it's possible. I met Chancellor McCormick today. He looks like a farmer. Mr. Newbury's trunk was sent to St. Louis [by] mistake. He went out the other day in the only suit he had + got soaked. Love, FannieFather sends his love. He is busy making out income tax reports.
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Title: Aaron, Fannie -- to Mother, March 6,1919
Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 3/6/19
Text: Mar. 6, 1919 Dear Mother, I had 111 this morn-ing + 109 this afternoon I should have had an easy 100, but the rain interfered with my grip, and glasses. That made me take them off, and misjudge distances. We were moved to the third floor tonight. Some fun packing. I had 1/2 hour lesson with Mr. Alec Ross this morning. He surely is a wonder, but youshould hear some of his expressions. I couldn't keep a straight face when he told me my swing was "slick" and "select." A...
Show moreMar. 6, 1919 Dear Mother, I had 111 this morn-ing + 109 this afternoon I should have had an easy 100, but the rain interfered with my grip, and glasses. That made me take them off, and misjudge distances. We were moved to the third floor tonight. Some fun packing. I had 1/2 hour lesson with Mr. Alec Ross this morning. He surely is a wonder, but youshould hear some of his expressions. I couldn't keep a straight face when he told me my swing was "slick" and "select." A friend of Father's, Mr. [Gage], played with us (Father, Mr. Lawrence and me) this aft. He wasn't much He carried a silk umbrella when it started to drizzle. The great big overgrown caddies were laughing their sides off. When he got a bad shot, he would say "By George". He is a perfect siss. I guess he was afraid the rain would take the curl out of his moustache. I suppose he is from New York. Mr. Wells was well supplied tonight, judging by his fool remarks to the waitress, also by the fact that he told me he liked my dress. Mr. Hall agreed, repeating it several times. When I wear it, it makes me feel like commencing again I do wish I knew somebody that danced.I am sick of writing letters to the [tune] of a one-step. When Mr. R. Harker was here he waltzed, but that is all. Have you ever seen Gov. Brumbaugh? I can't swallow him. He's too nice. He introduced me to someone with the state-ment "She's Mr. A's daughter, and she plays darn good golf." I haven't slept before dinner the last few days, and I have slept almost one hundred times better at night. I got a letter from Phyllis today. She leavesfor Winter Haven, [Fla.] Saturday night. Her parents bought a bungalow, and expeect to spend their winters there. Inasmuch as she can't come for four years, they want her now. She won't be back till May! Love Fannie She sent me one of the pictures she had taken at Jarrett's.I just [repuched] + am now dead [tired]. Dr Becht wrote that the legislation is dead set against taxing corporations. + I am mad [all through]. [but how] is to you. Love kisses Marcus
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Title: Adams, Ruth -- to family, n.d.:
Creator: Adams, Ruth
Description
Date: n.d.
Text: You will be relieved to hear that my trunk has at last turned up. I found it down at the station being held for .30 COD charges. I was perfectly furious. They might at least have let me know but apparently they would have kept it on indefinitely. Nothing has been broken. I had economies today. He has given lesson for Wed.- so cheering for what it will be when we really get to working. R.M.A.Mrs. Geo B. Adams 57 Edgehill Road New Haven Conn.

Title: Eldridge, Muriel (Tilden) -- to Mother, circa 12 May 1913
Creator: Eldridge, Muriel (Tilden)
Description: VC 1914
Date: circa 12 May 1913

Title: Shipp, Margaret M. -- to Family, 5 October 1902
Creator: Shipp, Margaret M.
Description: VC 1905
Date: 5 October 1902

Title: Griffith, Caroline -- from [Helen Ramlow], April 18, 1880
Creator: [Ramlow, Helen?]
Date: 18 Apr 1880
Text: Rome, April 18. 1880 My Dear Carrie I was very glad to hear [throug to?] your very welcome letter, that you are still in the “land of the living,” and that you still enjoy “[free?]” and the “good things of this world” as well as in the days of “auld lang syne “ at [...]. Yes, I should be most delighted to see you at my house in Cincinnati, but I am afraid it is beyond my power, as I should have to travel night & day to reach there before you. Yes, I have been abroad now nearly a year, - a...
Show moreRome, April 18. 1880 My Dear Carrie I was very glad to hear [throug to?] your very welcome letter, that you are still in the “land of the living,” and that you still enjoy “[free?]” and the “good things of this world” as well as in the days of “auld lang syne “ at [...]. Yes, I should be most delighted to see you at my house in Cincinnati, but I am afraid it is beyond my power, as I should have to travel night & day to reach there before you. Yes, I have been abroad now nearly a year, - a year in June - We traveled during the summer, - we was my sister, brother & his wife and myself - in Sept. my brother went home, while my sister & I spent the winter near Paris. This spring we have spent in travelling in Spain and as far in Italy as Naples, so your letter reached us, as you feared, neither in Boston nor Cincinnati but here in Rome. It seems almost like a dream to hear about the girls at Vassar, so many of the girls that we know so well have left. I have heard from one there for two years at least - Why did you leave? - You were so sure of going through & graduating in the same class with Blanche [...], that I surely thought you would do so, and had heard nothing to the contrary. Do you remember Miss O’Leary? I wonder if she is still as sweet as ever and if she ever studied to be a Dr. as she said she was going to do - How I wish that I was going to see you and talk over “old times,” but since that cannot be, I hope that I may see you again sometimes in [Cin?] and in the mean time, and if you care to write, I hope you will realize how gladly I will receive any [...]s from you. My address here is Lovingly Care of Monroe & Co. Your old friend & chum Bankers of the 47 Paris Helen Rawson
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Title: Marshall, Katherine (Manson) — to Emma Stewart, February 11, 1910
Creator: Marshall, Katherine (Manson)
Date: 11 Feb 1910
Text: Dear Em: How many of the buildings do you know? I think you might write me in a while. When I was home I wrote every week. Am turning into a regular grind this semester. Something awful! Manse. [Katherine Manson Marshall, VC 1910][Printed: POST CARD] [Postmarked: POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. 1--30 PM FEB 11-10] Miss Emma Stewart Box 632 c / o M. [C?] Steward Virginia Minn. [g. Mary Thom. Lovejoy (VC 1939)]

Title: Fitt, Harriet (Bradley) — to mother, February 15, 1910
Creator: Fitt, Harriet (Bradley)
Date: 15 Feb 1910
Text: Vassar College. Feb 15 - 10 Dearest Mother - I am not going to New York this week, especially as you prefer that I should not. Two dozen lovely red roses came from Annapolis today, with Judge’s card. Was it not thoughtful of him? They are quite fresh. Almost every one has flowers today, andchapel was full of them tonight. I like this sample very much indeed, Mother. I cannot think of any thing now which ought to be sent ahead. This can only be a line because I have too much work to do for...
Show moreVassar College. Feb 15 - 10 Dearest Mother - I am not going to New York this week, especially as you prefer that I should not. Two dozen lovely red roses came from Annapolis today, with Judge’s card. Was it not thoughtful of him? They are quite fresh. Almost every one has flowers today, andchapel was full of them tonight. I like this sample very much indeed, Mother. I cannot think of any thing now which ought to be sent ahead. This can only be a line because I have too much work to do for tomorrow. The entire afternoon was taken up with going to Mrs K’s office, dressing for gymclass drill, bathing and a trip to the infirmary. At that rate not much is done. Besides, they gave us such an extremely strenuous class drill that we are all exhausted, which is not the best thing. I could not find my overshoes after dinner, which made me late in starting for chapel. I ran the entire way and caught up with the “main body” but forty girls were shut out. I was the fortieth. We all managed to get into the gallery, however before they closed those doors, and I think our excused will be accepted. I love you both so much, dear ones. Tonight is almost homesick, but it is because I am tired. Lovingly, Harriet. Monday night.
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Title: Shipp, Margaret M. -- to Sister, 10 March 1904
Creator: Shipp, Margaret M.
Description: VC 1905
Date: 10 March 1904

Title: Vassar College -- to , June 12,1923
Creator: Vassar College
Date: 1923-06-12
Text: Vassar College Fifty-eighth Annual Commencement June 12, 1923ORGAN RECITAL by E. Harold Geek, College Organist at ten o'clock PROGRAM Choral ... ... ... ... ... Jongen Coprifuoco, from the Sicillian Suite ... Mauro-Cottone Concert Toccato in C ... ... ... Purcell Mansfield Sketches ... ... ... ... E. S. Barnes Shining Shore (Prelude on the Gospel Hymn-tune by George F. Root) Esquisse Prelude on Rhosymedre ... ... ... Vaughan Williams (Welsh Hymn-tune by J. D. Edwards) COMMENCEMENT...
Show moreVassar College Fifty-eighth Annual Commencement June 12, 1923ORGAN RECITAL by E. Harold Geek, College Organist at ten o'clock PROGRAM Choral ... ... ... ... ... Jongen Coprifuoco, from the Sicillian Suite ... Mauro-Cottone Concert Toccato in C ... ... ... Purcell Mansfield Sketches ... ... ... ... E. S. Barnes Shining Shore (Prelude on the Gospel Hymn-tune by George F. Root) Esquisse Prelude on Rhosymedre ... ... ... Vaughan Williams (Welsh Hymn-tune by J. D. Edwards) COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES at ten thirty o'clock THE ACADEMIC PROCESSION Marche Pontificale, from the First Symphony ... Widor INVOCATION The Reverend Henry Evertson Cobb THE ADDRESS The Creative College President Henry Noble MacCracken PIANO: Allegro molto moderato, from the Concerto in A minor. Grieg (with Organ accompaniment) Lucille Wallace, 1923 THE CONFERRING OF DEGREES Choral in A minor ... ... ... ... Franck THE ANNOUNCEMENTS HYMN No. 57 (Tune: St. Anne) ... ... ... ... William Croft Our God, our help in ages past, Before the hills in order stood, Our hope for years to come, Or earth recieved her frame, Our shelter from the stormy blast From everlasting Thou are God, And our eternal home: To endless years the same. Under the shadow of They throne A thousand ages in Thy sight Thy saints have dwelt secure; Are like an evening gone; Sufficient in Thine arm alone, Short as the watch that ends the night And our defence is sure. Before the rising sun. Our God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Be Thou our guard while troubles last, And our eternal home. Amen Isaac Watts. THE BENEDICTION THE RECESSIONAL Toccata in F major ... ... ... ... BachCANDIDATES FOR THE MASTER'S DEGREE Ellisabeth Wheeler Amen, A.B., Vassar College, 1907 Thesis: An Experimental Study of the Auditory Memory After-Image in Relation to College Records. Margaret Sykes Child, A. B., Vassar College, 1921 Thesis: A Statistical Investigation of the "Artistic Temperament" and Its Application to a Group of Nineteenth Century English Artists. Claire Emilie Leveque, A.B., Carleton College, 1922 Thesis: The History and Influence of Shakespeare in France. CANDIDATES FOR THE BACCALAUREATE DEGREE WITH HONORS Fannie Hamburger Aaron Frances DeWolf Kellogg Ruth Goodwin Anthony Margaret Davis Lyon Esther Holden Averill Jocelyn Elizabeth McDonough Lois Margerie Barclay Doris Marks Alice Bell Amy Jessup Moore Beatrice Bend Bishop Dorothy Mary Punderson Elizabeth Bradlee Janet Ruth Scott Elizabeth Brock Martha Shouse Margaret Ireland Cheney Sybil Smith Lorna Delano Ruth Mary Updegraff Jean Duncan Lucille Wallace Phyllis Axtell Harman Catherine Ross Wilson Ethel Elizabeth Hirsch Harvia Hastings Wilson Anne Louise Kasten Louise Morgan Zabriskie WITH HONORABLE MENTION Mary Florence Bennet Helen Clara Hohl Elizabeth Robinson Brownell Eleanor Hope Helen Catherince Campbell Rebecca Earl Kiernan Helen Baldwin Clark Leetta McWilliams Jane Revere Coolidge Josephine Marple Frances Benton Cooper Elizabeth Bartlett Morgan Dorothy Deyo Elspeth Nicolson Phyllis Dixon Elizabeth Richards Otis Katharine Gray Dodge Olive Watkins Ellen Devereux Engelhard Edith Stephens Wetmore Frances Patterson Faust Margaret Louise Weyerhaeuser Helen Stuart Garrison Jean Cameron White Marion Scovell Harris Mary Blythe Winslow Margaret Vance Hay Therese Workum Dorothy Alexander Heinlein
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Title: Ross, Caroline (Barnes) -- to Mother, May 1902
Creator: Ross, Caroline (Barnes)
Description: VC 1905
Date: May 1902

Title: Shipp, Margaret M. -- to Sister, 5 April 1902
Creator: Shipp, Margaret M.
Description: VC 1905
Date: 5 April 1902

Title: Bates, Sarah -- to Isabel Treadwell, Jul. 1868:
Creator: Bates (Glazier), Sarah
Description: VC 1868
Date: July 15, 1868
Text: Hartford Ct. July 15, 1868. My Dear Belle. I found your letter awaiting me, when I reached home, for I did not return to Boston (am I crazy?- I mean Hartford) until the Tuesday after Commencement. Several of us had been planning for some time before, to stay at the college a few days, to pack, rest, visit &c., and the fact that Mr. Vassar was to be buried Friday quite decided us to remain. - Of course we enjoyed it, and it was much more satisfactory to say "good-bye", at leisure...
Show moreHartford Ct. July 15, 1868. My Dear Belle. I found your letter awaiting me, when I reached home, for I did not return to Boston (am I crazy?- I mean Hartford) until the Tuesday after Commencement. Several of us had been planning for some time before, to stay at the college a few days, to pack, rest, visit &c., and the fact that Mr. Vassar was to be buried Friday quite decided us to remain. - Of course we enjoyed it, and it was much more satisfactory to say "good-bye", at leisure, than in the general hurry and bustle of the breaking up. — In reply to your question with respect to the fitness of continuing our exercises, I have time only to say, that I am sure had you been there you would have taken a different view of it. Mr. Vassar's calm peaceful death, in the midst of his work, or rather when his work was done (for he expected this address to end his business connection with the college) seemed no fitting reason for the suspension of our work, the accomplishment of which we owed to the friends who had come so far. You know we did suspend the exercises of Class Day, really the event of the occasion, and when the first excitement was over, and everything was taken into consideration, everyone of those who have the interests of Vassar College much more at heart than people near Boston felt that Mr. Vassar himself would have said, "Finish your work." - I wish I could tell you about the funeral &c, but that topic must wait, for July 15, 1868 - 2 with the thermometer nearing 100° I cannot talk long, and I have some- thing else I wish particularly to say to you. I'm in "a statte of mind". I am afraid I engaged myself too hastily to Mr. Cushing. And yet, I did the best I could then, and even now, I like the idea of being at H better than anywhere else. But, Mr. Pratt, of whom I spoke to you, has since offered me $1000.00 at Hightstown, and I have received an offer as preceptress of a largeinstitution of good standing, among friends. And likewise hints of other places, if I were not already engaged. — I have never received a word from Mr. Cushing since I wrote to him - I am in uncertainty what class I am to have beside those in Mathematics, and that I am anxious to know; on looking over the letter I think your interpretation about the ' washing" improbable, and yet there is the possibility. Now, it does seem a pity to take the small sum he offers me, when I am really bothered with much better offers, and yet on the other hand, having decided to go to Auburadalej having arranged all my plans on that basis { having become accustomed to, and pleased with, the idea of being near yourself, Boston, Miss Mitchell, Mary W, &c, I very much incline to go there in spite of all. But hear from Mr. C. I must, for my peace of mind. You said he was about to go away for the summer. Will you have the kindness to tell me the address which will reach him most quickly? And tell me also, frankly, what you should think, and in what light you suppose he would be likely to view it, if X should ask to be released from my engagement with him. X am not at all certain that I should do so even were he willing, and yet it seems like wasting my opportunities to go there. At least I must hear something more definitely from him. — I dislike to trouble you with the matter, but you are there and can judge whether the advantages are such as to justify me in sacrificing $500.00 (for my board at H. will be less than $200.00) which, of course would bring me much comfort. I wish the money difference were less,-* then I should be at my ease. As it is, you will not wonder that X am troubled, particularly as a yearly difference of $500.00 will soon make quite a difference, in my stock. — How is your sister succeeding in her plan? It does not seem to be the intention of any of my friends to send their daughters away for the coming
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Title: Kiliani, Lillian -- to grandmother, Apr. 1873:
Creator: Kiliani (Taylor), Lillian
Description: VC Ex 1879
Date: April 27, 1873
Text: Baden, April 27th, 1873 Dear Grandmother! I received your last letter on Thursday and was very glad to get it. I wrote to Mary Sickles about two weeks ago, and I expect a letter from Rose soon. I would like a letter from Percy, but I have no time to write first, but I would answer a letter from him if I got one, besides I was to see if he has made any progress. There is a young American lady here, from Cleveland, Ohio, knows Eva White and she has heard of your Golden Wedding, but she had...
Show moreBaden, April 27th, 1873 Dear Grandmother! I received your last letter on Thursday and was very glad to get it. I wrote to Mary Sickles about two weeks ago, and I expect a letter from Rose soon. I would like a letter from Percy, but I have no time to write first, but I would answer a letter from him if I got one, besides I was to see if he has made any progress. There is a young American lady here, from Cleveland, Ohio, knows Eva White and she has heard of your Golden Wedding, but she had forgotten the name. She had been at Vassar and she like it very much; she hastold me so much about it, that I want to go dreadfully badly, and if Papa has money enough, when we get back to America, which I think he will, I am going, to give a finishing touch to Latin and music, and learn some Greek, Algebra, Rhetoric and Astronomy. Was not there some talk of Ms. Sickels bringing Lydian and the girls over to Europe this year? It would be nice if they came and left the girls here with me. I suppose I shall stay her until we go back to America, as I like the school and the girls very much. I am going to begin to draw heads. I am very glad about it, because they are much more interesting to draw thanplain landscapes. Please do not write anything to mama or papa about it, because I want to surprise them, when I go to Gotha in the summer vacation. Aprils is a dreadful month here; yesterday it snowed dreadfully one minute, and the sun came out and shone very brightly the next. We don't have such sudden changes, at least in America, as here. Miss Cowles and I were talking about American eating the other day, and I was so surprised, she said they had dried beef in Cleveland too, I thought that was only to be had in Chester County. Give my love to grandpapa, Becky, and all inquiring friends from your affectionate granddaughter. Lilian Taylor
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Title: DeWitt, Nettie -- to mother, May 16, 1894:
Creator: DeWitt (Brand), Nettie
Description: VC Ex 1896
Date: May 16, 1894
Text: Vassar. Wednesday, May 16. (1894, My dearest Mamma: "Another beautiful day11. It seems as the* there was no end to them here, and how I wish that ;you were here to enjoy them with me. Yesterday I went over and had my gingham fitted, and virtuously refused to go Into town with Nan. But when night came and I had been to a very nice art lecture in chapel, I wasted a whole hour or more. It is always hard to study after an art lecture. Sunday afternoon as I wrote you I went out under the...
Show moreVassar. Wednesday, May 16. (1894, My dearest Mamma: "Another beautiful day11. It seems as the* there was no end to them here, and how I wish that ;you were here to enjoy them with me. Yesterday I went over and had my gingham fitted, and virtuously refused to go Into town with Nan. But when night came and I had been to a very nice art lecture in chapel, I wasted a whole hour or more. It is always hard to study after an art lecture. Sunday afternoon as I wrote you I went out under the pineswith Bingley and we staid there three mortal hours. 1 wrote letters and took a nap lying on the blankets and soft pine needles. Ia the evening after prayer meeting I went to call on one of the teachers, and then in to see a Wellesley girl, >94, who was her visiting her sister, Ida Kruse ,'96, the one whaan I went to N.Y. with. She was very pleasant. Monday I had my usual walk with Kate and It seemed very good to have her back again. Yesterday X had a lovely long letter from Flo in which she begged me to come to A.A. on my way home for a day or two. What do you say to my stopping over for a day? It Is only two hours out from Detroit you know. Must to work so good morning. Lots of love to you and all from Yours Nette. (Nettie (Brand) Do Witt, ex-'96,
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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to brother, Oct. 1866:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
Date: October 29, 1866
Text: Vassar Collage Oct. 29. 1866. My dear Brother, Don't think it was forgetfulness that caused me to pass over last Wednesday without writing to you. The truth is that my eyes were sore and I couldn't. I think I took a little cold in them or something, but I let them rest a day or two, and they quietly subsided, and are now restored to their former place in my esteem. I am full of news for you, and don't know where to begin, unless with myself, of course the most important thing....
Show moreVassar Collage Oct. 29. 1866. My dear Brother, Don't think it was forgetfulness that caused me to pass over last Wednesday without writing to you. The truth is that my eyes were sore and I couldn't. I think I took a little cold in them or something, but I let them rest a day or two, and they quietly subsided, and are now restored to their former place in my esteem. I am full of news for you, and don't know where to begin, unless with myself, of course the most important thing. We are organized William! That is to say the Junior class are. For some days we have been reviling the importance of our following that most delightful of all College classes, a class organization.So Louise Blatchley and I deputed by the class, took our lives in our hands and went to see the President last Saturday night. He was as gracious and mild as a lamb, and said yes immediately, after which he made us a little speech and we departed. That same evening we called the class together and elected the following officers. Glover C. E. Pres. M. P. Rhoades Vice Pres. A. M. Ely Sec. C.P. Leland Treas. S. Starr Historian, S. L. Blatchley Poet, M. W. Whitney Prophetess, A. L. Baker, I Carter, M. S. Warner Executive Committee. I think it will make our class pleasanter than ever. We have already determined to be distinguished women. Not "women's rights" you know, but famous in some way. We have obtained our object and are to have a course of lectures, the best that can be obtained. I think we shall have about six - Minnie has written to Mr. Pierson. I hope he will come. I wish we could getDr. McLeod to lecture on Highland poetry - Tom McGraw's eldest brother was married on last Teusday, and Saturday we received a box from Tom, containing a large amount of wedding cake. I never saw so much together before. We didn't treat it slightingly in the least I assure you. Yesterday I devoted myself principally to hickory nuts and wedding cake. He sent it in a beautiful box which Minnie says I am to have. How I wish some one would be married every week, and treat us as well, although perhaps continued treatment of that kind might not be beneficial. Of course I didn't mean that it was more than I had seen at weddings, but only sent away. Mr. & Mrs. McGraw are coming here before long. We finish our Williams today, for which I am devoutly thankful. Williams is our book of French phrases translated into English and has no comparison for stupidity. He bid us an affecting adieu, and saysthat we shall see each other no more - I suppose that he does not make any calculation for reviews. Did I ever tell you that our riding teacher is a Baron. He was compelled to leave Poland several years ago on account of political sentiments, and like most of the foreign exiles, supports himself by teaching his accomplishments. His wife, who is a Philadelphian lady assists him. She always calls him "Baron" which would seem to me a miserable affectation if it were not than he owns a jawbreaking name, which no civilized American would ever dream of pronouncing - Our hickory nuts are last disappearing under the hammer - I am afraid that they will never see the Holidays. Mr. Ballard's sermon must have been very good - How much I would give to see and hear him. Dr. Raymond is by no means interesting as a preacher. Give a great deal of love to all the girls you see. Has Mr. Pease been at our house since we left? How does he progress at the Hawleys? I would be delighted if he would carry off Lucy. Have you seen Mr. & Mrs. James? I think you had better be married. I see no objection on the score of age -I am going to write to Mother too, so I'll bid you farewell - I'll try not to skip another Wednesday - Good bye dear. Your loving sister Mattie S. Warner
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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to Will, Jun. 1866:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
Date: June 24, 1866
Text: Vassar College. June 24, 1866. Dear Will, I thought I might as well write once more before leaving here, especially as I desire to congratulate you upon your advanced age. Really mon frere, you are growing old with such rapidity that I expect to regard you with some what of awe and reverence, and to consider "my brother's judgment" as very weighty. Not an insinuation that it was of no weight heretofore, but as "a hoary head is a crown of glory", so every advancing...
Show moreVassar College. June 24, 1866. Dear Will, I thought I might as well write once more before leaving here, especially as I desire to congratulate you upon your advanced age. Really mon frere, you are growing old with such rapidity that I expect to regard you with some what of awe and reverence, and to consider "my brother's judgment" as very weighty. Not an insinuation that it was of no weight heretofore, but as "a hoary head is a crown of glory", so every advancing year adds one point to form the crown. How glad I shall be to distinguish your face among those waiting for friends at the depot, next Thursday. We are calculating upon your galantry you see. Be sure that we havenot counted upon you in vain. We now expect to reach home Thursday night, or rather afternoon, at about half past five. Possibly we may be delayed until Friday, at the same hour, therefore don't break your hearts if we are not there the first day, but I shall mine. Our room is in the most gorgeous confusion imaginable. Yesterday I undertook to pack, and brought out all my dresses, folded them, rolled them, laid them on the floor, sat down on Minnie's trunk and looked at them. After a while, in sheer desperation, I tucked every thing back again to wait till Monday. I am going to do it however, because if I never begin, I shall never know how. Prof. Tenney gave us a delightful lecture in Bible class this A.M., showing our duty to God as revealed in Nature. I wish you knew him. Will, I knowyou would like him exceedingly. He and Prof. Knapp are our men. Poor Prof. Knapp is killing himself just as fast as he can. He is worn out and sick, under the doctor's care, yet he persists at coming out here every day. Thursday he gave our Latin class a lecture on "Comparative Philology," when he had to carry his chair to and fro, to sit down, when he wanted to write on the board. Two or three times he stood up leaning on a pointer, when it seemed as if he would surely fall. I hope he won't come back next fall till he is quite rested and well. Prof. Tenney is well and strong, his work takes him out of doors so much. He is a noble man. I wish you could see little Sannie, only two and a half, and yet he knows more about birds and ether animals than I do. For instance the other day I was in there and a bird began to sing near the window and Sannie shouted "Bot-o-Link!" I hadno idea what it was, but Prof, said that he was right. He cried so for turtles that they stopped bringing them late the house. Won't you be glad to see us again? If not you are a gony, and I don't want to see you a bit. Its hot as peper sauce today, and Minnie after walking to Po'keepsie yesterday, is determined to walk to Sunset Hill. I only hope she won't find any companion, for it will surely make her sick. I guess she won't go - Its a perfect shame that we have not seen any more of the beautiful places around here, but we have never been outside grounds, except to go to that horrible Poughkeepsie. Next year I'm going over the river, a sort of Utopia for botanists. By the way I've seen the laurel! The last excursionists brought home great loads of it - I think it is the most beautiful flower taken in all its bearings that I ever saw. I must stop now. Can't possibly write a word more. Good bye, dear Your loving sister Mattie
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Title: Aaron, Fannie -- to Mother, n.d. [postmarked November 24, 1922]
Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: n.d. [postmarked 1922-11-24]
Text: [postmarked 24 Nove 1922] Dear Mother: Received your doctor letter this afternoon, and shall answer it before going to the debate. If I should keep reasonably quiet during the period of treatment, as you say, I think it is perfectly ridiculous to come home for vacation. The only way I could do it would be not to go our at all. Also, if Dr. Z prefers Furniss to Sanes and you agree with him, that settles it. I had not thought about having to stay after Christmas vacation, but it is a good...
Show more[postmarked 24 Nove 1922] Dear Mother: Received your doctor letter this afternoon, and shall answer it before going to the debate. If I should keep reasonably quiet during the period of treatment, as you say, I think it is perfectly ridiculous to come home for vacation. The only way I could do it would be not to go our at all. Also, if Dr. Z prefers Furniss to Sanes and you agree with him, that settles it. I had not thought about having to stay after Christmas vacation, but it is a good suggestion of yours, so I shall certainly stay for Thanksgiving. I will have plenty of work to do, and there will certainly be lots more people here than Spring vacation last year--and since I wasn't lonesome then, I certainly couldn't be now. It will be a good rest and I will be glad of a chance to read some. I am glad Henrietta will be out of the way. Perhaps we can then manage Atlantic for a little while. This is my definite decision then--if you and Dr. Z are agreed that Dr. F. is the thing for Christmas vacation, I certainly don't want to do anything else. The possibility of feeling well once - again sounds so wonderful to me that vacation at home is very insignificant compared to that. In fact, I feel quite sure that it is the only thing to do. I am enclosing the only letter I have gotten from Dorothy all year. Do you think she expects me on the strength of that? R. S. V. P. I answered it about two weeks later, so she owes me a letter. I have a feeling that she probably figured--"Helen can't come--Teddy has no vacation--so if she still thinks she's expected, she'll write, otherwise I'm pretty busy and would just as soon not have company". Don't you think so? Please return the letter. Please let me as soon as you have heard from Dr. F. and have arrived at definite conclusions yourself. Don't use that excuse about wanting to see plays--it's too artificial. Just don't make any at all if you possibly can. Call this my Friday's letter--there won't be anything new tomorrow. Love, Fannie2537 Brookfield Ave. Baltimore Md. Sept 26th 1922 Dear Fann<y>ie, We have the apartment - plenty of room and we have the furniture, - not overmuch of this, still, enough if you will condescend to grace it by your presence for thanksgiving vacation. I have been tramp-ing Baltimore for dear life. About three days before Mother arrived on the scene of action I had found the place and obtained furniture estimates in millions of furniture stores. Today we signed the lease for the apartment and bought the furniture. A good days work n'est ce pas? Especially good in spending money. Tomorrow we will getkitchen utensils, china, and glass. We looked at china to day and Mother insisted that it must come from Pittsburgh when we asked for it. Unfortunately neither of us could remember the name of your con-cern, so we may have to have other brands. We cannot move in till the day after tomorrow be-cause we won't have the furniture till then. Happy New Year. How did you enjoy the [deries] in Carnegie Hall? Mother is staying at the Stafford Hotel. I am writing this there. I have met some of my classmates and I learn that we have been mown down from 92 [to] 79. I hope they dont keep on at that rate. Well, best love and a kiss, Dorothy
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Title: Aaron, Fannie -- to Mother and Father, n.d. [postmarked April 26, 1921]
Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: n.d. [postmarked 1921-04-26]
Text: [postmarked 26 Apr 1921] Dear Mother and Father: Writing on a Remington doesn't seem to [??]at all in my line any more. I don't feel much better today. I got some pills from Dr. Baldwin which I don't expect will help me any. Does the Doctoer want me to go back to argryol. R. S. V. P.

Title: [unknown], Gert. Letter, 1918
Creator: [unknown], Gert
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 1 letter, dated 13 Feb 1918, from “Gert” to her family about the fire at Vassar College. Marking the letter as from “Vassar College (What’s left of it!)” Gert provides an eyewitness account of the fire at Main Building as viewed from an upper floor of Strong. She also describes the observations of other students, the students’ relief effort to house Main residents and recover belongings, VC President Henry Noble MacCracken’s meeting with the school, the newspapers’ false reports of casualties...
Show more1 letter, dated 13 Feb 1918, from “Gert” to her family about the fire at Vassar College. Marking the letter as from “Vassar College (What’s left of it!)” Gert provides an eyewitness account of the fire at Main Building as viewed from an upper floor of Strong. She also describes the observations of other students, the students’ relief effort to house Main residents and recover belongings, VC President Henry Noble MacCracken’s meeting with the school, the newspapers’ false reports of casualties, and the armed soldiers who patrolled the grounds after the fire. Gert closes with a suggestion that her father’s business address the lack of fire hydrants in the area.
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Date: 13 Feb 1918
Text: Wed. A.M. Feb. 13, 1918. Vassar College. (what’s left of it!) Dearest Fambly: - Well, talk about excitement! We’ve sure had it during the last twelve hours. The back of Main has burned! Tuesday & Thursday nights we are allowed to go to other halls for dinner, and I happened to be Helen Coddington’s guest in Strong (that’s the nearest dormitory to Main). After dinner all the girls were standing around the hall waiting for someone to play for them to dance. All of a sudden all the girls...
Show moreWed. A.M. Feb. 13, 1918. Vassar College. (what’s left of it!) Dearest Fambly: - Well, talk about excitement! We’ve sure had it during the last twelve hours. The back of Main has burned! Tuesday & Thursday nights we are allowed to go to other halls for dinner, and I happened to be Helen Coddington’s guest in Strong (that’s the nearest dormitory to Main). After dinner all the girls were standing around the hall waiting for someone to play for them to dance. All of a sudden all the girls tore in one mass toward the south door (facing Main) and it was said they all decided to go over to Main to dance in “J” (the room on 2nd floor which is used for dancing). Then it turned to excitement and rumors of “Fire in Main” began to fly, and the girls were crying “No, don’t go there; it will cause too much congestion. They don’t want you to go!!” Helen & I tore up to fourth floor and looked out the end hall window - (Oh dear! there are 5 girls in here & we’re all talking at once! I’ll have to wait.) Wed. P.M. Mercy! everything’s so different. But I must continue my story and get this in the mail in a few minutes. When we got to the hall window in Strong we could see the flames from the back part of Main - about the Assembly Hall as nearly as we could figure. Engines came shrieking up and sirens blew till it was almost deafening. In less than no time all Arlington and the greater part of the population of Pokeepsie were forming a semi-circle around the north & back sides of Main. Helen and I went out too.It was very mild, and only a gentle breeze blowing - thank goodness! Everything was terribly slushy all around but no one seemed to notice how he was wading around. We watched from the north side for awhile then stood on the steps to the Infirmary. For awhhile we thought the men might just as well have been turning streams of kerosene on the flames for all the effect it had. We watched the roof of the Assembly Hall cave in and everyone stood there stricken when several of the firemen called: “Chief! Chief! man buried under there!” I don’t know what happened then, but we have heard since that about five men were carried away in ambulances. While watching from the infirmary Eleanor Emerson ([Marge’s?] sister) and one or two of her roommates who live on the fourth floor 2. far from the middle came over and this is what she had to say about it. She said that at a little while after five she was riding up in the elevator and called out: “4th” for the elevator boy to stop, but two men in the “L” said, “go on straight up to 5th, don’t stop!” Then she heard them say some more about where they had smelled smoke. A maid had told me before that when they were eating their dinner at 5 o’clock they smelled smoke & sent some men to find out the cause, but they didn’t see anything, so they concluded it must be from the funny smell they sometimes smelled from the burning of the coal. Then Eleanor went on to say that just as they were finishing their desert in the dining room the fire bell rang. (She and the girls in the back of the dining room didn’t hear it on account of all the noise from the girls talking.) But all the girls put up their hands (a sign for silence) and then they all rose in silence and started marching out of the dining room. The girls though it was just a fire drill, and those who hadn’t heard the bell expected to hear them start singing some national anthem to celebrate Lincoln’s Birthday (the only sign of recognition it might receive here!) But everyone calmly walked out and then began the fun. We tried to help the stream of girls carrying valuable books, papers, furniture, clothing - everything.They got ‘most everything out of the book store and treasury and doctor’s office and post office. The rooms of Strong were flooded with girls’ stuff and detectives and others went thru the girls’ rooms in the north transverse, throwing everything out the windows. They did them up in rugs and sheets and carted them to a distance. The gym was finally opened to drop things at Rocky. While the Infirm was filled to overflowing. Still the fire raged and the crowd was riveted to the sopr. There were two other fires in Po. we heard of & one of the firemen said, “Thank God, there comes engine no. _, now we can fight it!” The roof of Assembly Hall went first then [thru?] the fourth floor and then third. You could hear the dishes on the tables clatter as things fell in on them. Then back of the Assembly hall there are several turrets and lots of maids’ rooms and they all went. I don’t know whether they got much out of the grocery store or not but if they didn’t everything probably ruined with water, for all this morning they were still playing big streams and there was about two feet of water standing anywhere - where there was a floor left. 3. All the Main girls had to report to Strong to “sign up” and from there they were appointed to different rooms around campus for the night. Eleanor Emerson slept with Marge & we had another girl on our extra cot. We eat meals in relays & the poor maids are worked overtime. I never saw such efficiency tho! for when we returned from watching fire (we were sent home!) about 9 o’clock - here our extra cot had been made up with clean sheets all ready waiting. The maids did it, I suppose. And at the doors down stairs girls stood hearing everyone sign up whether or not every bit of bed space was being used in their room. - During the night, after we finally did get asleep a wind came up and being a bit excited anyway, we all thought how lucky it hadn’t come earlier - Still in our [semi?]-conscious state & mingled with terrifying dreams we had visions of the flames sweeping the whole building. This morning we had no first hour class but the whole college met in chapel. Prexy spoke to us for a few min. & told us that last night he was in N.Y. when someone telephoned him saying: “Main is in flames!” He took the train immediately and felt like pushing to get here, and said he heaved a sigh of relief when from the station the sky was not all lighted up. He congratulated us many times over & expressed his amazement (!) at our efficiency - said we had already done things when he thought of them. One [of] the faculty also gave us a little talk and told us some of the many funny - absolutely crazy - things that had happened. Then the Students Pres. gave out some instructions and we adjourned. I didn’t miss any classes as I didn’t have any until 4th hour - But of course no one had any work done. The post office is now in the gym! Main girls get their mail from Students` Building & the other girls have their mai come to their rooms. We’ll probably have guests for all night for a couple of nights longer, then they’ll ^let those living in the wings (which were untouched) go in. We were quite disappointed this morning to find no headlines in the N.Y. Times but it had gone to press too early. We heard that there was an extra in N.Y. saying: “Main Building of Vassar College swept by flames - 50 killed!” You can imagine the jam in Strong sending telegrams (That’s where the Messenger Room is now). Parents are pouring in, but they find all their children safe and sound. 2:; ."‘ 1 4. It was a beautiful sight and I wouldn’t have missed it for worlds. Since I have started this lengthy epistle, I have rec’d a big letter from you, Mother, and a nice big one from Daddy. I’ve taken so long and written so much. I don’t see how I can comment on everything now. There are so many funny things we’ve heard which keep coming to my mind to tell you, but I mustn’t take the time. I’m wondering if Chicago will take any notice of it in the papers. Soldiers with muskets patrolled the quadrangle a good part of the night & then - when we were trying to get to sleep we heard a bugle call repeated over & over again, so I suppose they were going then. We heard that all were searched before being allowed to leave the grounds & after a certain time in the morning they wouldn’t let any more on campus to see it, so that some girls off-campus had a hard time getting back. Mr Emerson is going to be in Po. for a few hours Friday & I’m almost as excited and glad as if he were my father. It’s funny, but for several days I’ve been pining for something exciting & different to happen! Believe me! we got it & it really is fun to have the regular routine so upset. The wires are all disconnected so the bells can’t be rung, so men have to ring the huge bell on top of Main to indicate the times for classes to begin &c. The heating system is affected somehow, so that certain buildings whose big [mains?] run thru Main will probably be heatless (Thank goodness for the mild weather!) The [mains?] are flooded. Which reminds me, the enclosed clipping is for Daddy; I meant to send it some time ago. I think he’ll see the significance. Also I’ve been noting the scarcity of fire hydrants around campus & I bet this would be a swell time for Daddy to do some business here. Also I’ve planned to spend spring vacation with Daddy in N.Y (he working [in?] a business trip). I need so many clothes I can’t get here - shoes especially. Please I need the toe-slip badly. Thank you both heaps again for the nice letters - yours was beautifully fat Mother - let them come as often as possible. I’ll answer them individually soon. Good-bye, dears & Happy Valentine’s Day [crossed out] [Th?]day - Love - Gert.
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Title: MacCoy, Marjorie Newell -- to Family, 12 December 1909
Creator: MacCoy, Marjorie Newell
Description: VC 1911
Date: 12 December 1909

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