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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-02-19
Text: February 19, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I had debate tryouts again this morning. I understand from good authority that all of the squad were picked before this morning. I didn't hurt my chances any this morning, but I didn't improve them any, either. Minerva Turnbull and Marian Cahill were wonderful. We were rather disconcerted this morning when the chairman of debate and two other juniors both connected with debate came in during the tryouts with theirm mena and sat down...
Show moreFebruary 19, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I had debate tryouts again this morning. I understand from good authority that all of the squad were picked before this morning. I didn't hurt my chances any this morning, but I didn't improve them any, either. Minerva Turnbull and Marian Cahill were wonderful. We were rather disconcerted this morning when the chairman of debate and two other juniors both connected with debate came in during the tryouts with theirm mena and sat down and staid through the whole tryouts, commenting loud enough to annoy anybody. This certainly is a different prom week-end from last year--the snow was so deep then that people could hardly wade around. Phi Beta Kappa for this year was announced in chapel last night by Miss Ellory. Of all the nights in the year to announce it, that seemed to me and most others to be the most foolish. There was hardly a junior in chapel, and certainly they might have picked a better night. Twenty-one members of 1921 got it, and two of 1922. The two were Edith Brill and Frances Thorndike, both of Davison. They are exceedinly brainy, need-less to say, and stick together like glue. I guess what one doesn't know, the other supplies. Lucy didn't make it--she has been saying all along that she hadn't a chance, and I guess she was right. All the debate seniors made it--that is some company for me to be travelling in. Clifford Sellers made it, to the general surprise but also delight, of everyone. Most people said she did not have enough A's to make it, but it is given not only on marks but also on personality. I suppose that is why she got it, and I suppose also, that is why every Student President for the last four years has gotten it. I worked on debate last night for two hours. I was affirmative this morning, for the first time since the first day of tryouts. Consequently I did not have much affirmative material and had to speed up some last night to get it, particularly since I didn't know till late yesterday afternoon what part of the subject I was to take. I am going for a walk in a little while, then wash my hair, and go over to Students' at five o'clock to see the Grand March. I did not know that Lucy's friend was in New York after midyears, but I might have guessed it if I had thought anything about it, inasmuch as she was very dark about what she did and she usually tells me everything about her week-ends. I guess I will have to break my record and go to Sunday chapel in spite of my self tomorrow morning. My list of excuses has run out--but how I do love to sleep till about eleven on Sunday mornings! I had a letter from Aunt Hattie yesterday. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-02-21
Text: February 21, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Off to that darn old lab in about two minutes! Millsy announced this morning that in the normal course of things we should have to write this morning, but that he realized how hard it would be on the juniors and therefore how futile the result would be, so he postponed the written for one week. That was very considerate of him, to day the least. I understand he had such a good time Saturday night that probably she he realized that the juniors...
Show moreFebruary 21, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Off to that darn old lab in about two minutes! Millsy announced this morning that in the normal course of things we should have to write this morning, but that he realized how hard it would be on the juniors and therefore how futile the result would be, so he postponed the written for one week. That was very considerate of him, to day the least. I understand he had such a good time Saturday night that probably she he realized that the juniors were not spending their time grinding on Ec. I am up for debate tomorrow night again. I imagine that means I have made the team. The elimination seems to to be completem but that is merely speculation. Nobody has said so definitely. Caroline Whitney told me today that I should not have run off Saturday afternoon after I finished ancing with her friend, that she had a long list of people she was expecting to introduce me to! Think what I missed! Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-02-25
Text: February 25, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I'll warn you now that this is going to be a very lengthy letter. I wasted this morning. I went to history class and then spent the next hour studying from chem quiz. When I got to class, Professor Moulton discovered that only two others beside me had gotten far enough in lab to have the quiz, so he allowed the two of us to go home, and the others had to go to lab. I had expected either to sleep this afternoon or to get some debate...
Show moreFebruary 25, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I'll warn you now that this is going to be a very lengthy letter. I wasted this morning. I went to history class and then spent the next hour studying from chem quiz. When I got to class, Professor Moulton discovered that only two others beside me had gotten far enough in lab to have the quiz, so he allowed the two of us to go home, and the others had to go to lab. I had expected either to sleep this afternoon or to get some debate reading done, but I just saw that I am posted for debate for sixth and seventh hours again. I was out last night, too. I went to the lecture eigth hour and discovered too late that the schedule had been rearranged and that the required lecture was at seven-thirty. So I had to go to both. Lots of other people were in the same boat, but they did not happen to have as much to do as I did. I got through yesterday remarkably well, considering my schedule. I cut my lab short, inasmuch as I was ahead of most of the others anyhow, and spent two of the three lab hours doing history for today. Debate started at a quarter to nine after the lecture and lasted till ten fifteen and then the critics hashed us until eleven. I wish debate did not have ten o'clock permission. The lectures of which I spoke are those of Professor Caroline Spurgeon of the University of London on modern poets. She is very interesting. I heard her introductory one on "Early [20th] Century Poets", and those yesterday on "Lascelles Abercombie, Rupert Brooke, and Harold Monro", and one on "Stevens, De la Mare, and Hodgson". Miss Salmon has been talking about Harding's selection of his cabinet. She has been very funny. Usually she doesn't air her views to the extent that she has been recently. Speaking of her reminds me that she has invited the whole class down town to her house for this evening. I am told that she always has wonderful food at her evenings at home to her classes. That is a strong inducement. I shall go if I am not too tired. I may have to go to bed instead, though. I have gotten along on so little studying in the last two weeks that I got cold feet to think of it. There really must be something wrong somewhere, and yet I feel as though I have done it fairly thoroughly. You forgot to enclose the letters yesterday, Mother. Speaking of forgetting reminds me that I found the letters which I mailed this morning safely lodged in the pocket of my note-book. Sorry-----Answers to questions:--I wore my blue evening dress from last year to the informal dancing. It was the only one I had here, and was quite all right. The gentleman danced very well. I don't know how Uriah Heep took--I couldn't imagine her landing many people, though. Mother, I shall send my brown Oxfords home in the next laundry. Will you please have Hanan's resole them as soon as possible and send them to me. Please return enclosed clippings. I tried to tell everything except debate, and keep that for the last. I am sorry that I did not get time to write Tuesday or Wednesday when my enthusiasm was freshest, but I simply didn't have the time to breathe [sic]. I got a note from Tony Black, chariman of materials, in the first unstamped mail Monday morning. She said, "If you find time, come to my room about nine-thirty tonight to talk over some 'debate materials junk'. If you haven't time, we'll try to arrange some other time". That sounded unimportant enogh[sic] to me. I thought that her idea was to get us started on the right material, inasmuch as we had lasted that far in tryouts. I spent the evening studying in Dorothea's room, and about nine-fifteen I got so sleepy that I said I was going over and see if perchance Tony was home so that I could get through with it sooner. I got over to her room, a double-alleyway, and saw a huge poster, "Ellis Islands. No Immigrants Admitted till Nine-Thirty". But even then it did not dawn on me. I thought someone was playing a joke on her, because she had been working so hard for debate. I knocked and opened the door a little, and she appeared half drassed up in a crazy costume to tell me that I should read the sign and appear later. Then I was wise, and chased back to Dorothea in great excitement. At nine-thirty the whole gang appeared and we had to wait outside until one member of the committee, dressed up in flannel shirt and trousers and big brown derby came out and kicked us into line to pass the medical inspection. She enlightened us to the effect that if we didn't "git in line and shut up there we would be shipped back to where we done come from". We passed in the doorsingle file, and as each one entered, Dorothy Barck representing the Y. W. C. A., handed us out adds from magazines--"Just a little literature as a welcome from America". She wore a dark blue tailored suit, skirt to her heels, and a little black sailor hat. She was perfect. Then we were kicked and shoved into a row of seats to pass the enclosed literarcy test. You will be able to read it if you hold the wrong side up to the light. The whole time they were yelling at us to shut up and act like dacent"immigrants. Commissioner Wallis, chairman of debate, superintended the whole job. Then we were given individual medical examination, by Helen Gratz, who wore a big white butcher's apron, a rubber rain hat, and had suspended from a belt around her waist a pair of scissors for extracting tonsils, a big spoon for throat examinations, and a big brown bottle of tonice which was supposed to be the anaesthetic. She examined all out headsvery closely, and those who wore "padding" were detained in the hospital as deportable cases. The hospital was one of the bedrooms, in which they had lined up all three beds, ward style. Frances Kellogg's tonsile were taken out, with the assistance of the rebellious nurse. Then came the intelligence test, which Commissioner Walls ordered given as a supplementary test to the literacy test. It is enclosed also. Then came good chocolate ice cream and much nonesense. We all decided that we favored restriction that so the immigrants could be treated better on landing at Ellis Island, and could get chocolate ice cream. Now the excitement is all over, and it is just plain hard work. I hope I'll last. Whenever I consider the advisability of quitting, I think of the fun the night of the nineteenth of March is going to be. Gee, But I have enjoyed all the congratulations this past week! Dr. B. mushed all over me. She almost kissed me. Rather her than Dr. T. I hope you weren't laboring under the delusion that I was chosen a speaker, Pete. The squad was picked, all twelve, with no distinctions made. The speakers are not announced till later. It is taken for granted however, that the four seniors who were speakers and alternates last year, and the two juniors who were alternates, will speak this year. I have no chance against them. I do hope I'll be sent to Wellesley. Otherwise there is nothing new, and my three quarters of an hour are up. Love, Fannie [enc w/ 25 Feb 1921] Mother, There is no prospect of improvemtn as far as my bowels are concerned, and I had to start taking the vegetable pills about ten days ago. Dr. B. gave me some phenothalein to try. I suppose it is not supposed to be as much a cathartic as the other. It is all right? I didn't want to start anything new till the week-end. She says it will not hurt the bladder. R. S. V. P.Mother
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-02-27
Text: Fabruary 27, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: There is nothing much to announce today in the way of news. After I wrote to you yesterday I went for a fine walk for about an hour. It was a beautiful day, and the excursion away from the debate room was very enjoyable. Then I came back and worked for debate an hour and a half, and then went for a shampoo, came back, dressed and went to Raymond for dinner. Last night I went to the second last New York Philharmonic Orchestra Concert of this...
Show moreFabruary 27, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: There is nothing much to announce today in the way of news. After I wrote to you yesterday I went for a fine walk for about an hour. It was a beautiful day, and the excursion away from the debate room was very enjoyable. Then I came back and worked for debate an hour and a half, and then went for a shampoo, came back, dressed and went to Raymond for dinner. Last night I went to the second last New York Philharmonic Orchestra Concert of this year. I enjoyed listening, but as usual, feel as though the attempt at self-education was somewhat futile. I slept for about elevent hours last night again, so feel as though I can start out this week feeling somewhat refreshed. I cut chapel this morning, in accordance whith my habitual policy, and did Spanish and English for tomorrow. I really feel as though I ought to keep up with my work pretty well, because I know myself well enough to know that I will get panicy later on if I don't. Speaking of work, I got another one of Aunt Hattie's letters of friendly counsel yesterday. It is a good thing that they are friendly counsel, or I would give her a piece of my mind. As far as I can make out, her idea of the ideal way of going through college is to study as little as possible, take the greatest number of snap courses possible, and do only that non-academic work which gives you glory and at the same time requires very little exertion. Needless to say, we differ on that subject. I worked on debate three hours this afternoon. It is a miserable day, so my plan of taking a walk was knocked. I think I'll do this week's Ec tonight and then I will be fair-ly free for debate the rest of the week. Thanks for Margaret's invitation, Pete. Is she going to invite me herself, or is the second-hand invitation sufficient. I don't know if I'll be sent to Wellesley or kept here--I certainly hope that I'll be sent away, but I should think (this is merely a guess) that they would send away the senior and the junior alternates and give them the preference over us. I suppose that, as well as the speakers, will be announced soon. You know Marjorie Klein invited me Christmas vacation. COuld I decently refuse her? R. S. V. P. The squad and committee are going to have their pictures taken tomorrow for the Vassarion! Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-03-05
Text: March 5, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I came back to my room before lunch today, which means I had three full days in the infirmary. It was a fine rest. I feel perfectly all right now, except that I am a little shaky on my feet. I certainly ought to be rested now--I slept twelve hours every night while I was there. They were very nice to me, as were the debate people also. One of them kept me posted on what was happening. The chairman wrote me a long note, which I received yesterday...
Show moreMarch 5, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I came back to my room before lunch today, which means I had three full days in the infirmary. It was a fine rest. I feel perfectly all right now, except that I am a little shaky on my feet. I certainly ought to be rested now--I slept twelve hours every night while I was there. They were very nice to me, as were the debate people also. One of them kept me posted on what was happening. The chairman wrote me a long note, which I received yesterday after I left you, Father. She urged me not to worry about debate and told me to be sure not to leave the infirm. until I was well rested, that I would be of more valuable service later than I would be now. It is too bade I had to "take time out", as you say, Pete, but it could not be helped, and the rest was a good thing for me. I think I did not realize before how hard I had been going. The Miscellany has a long article on the debate this week. Please return it. I think they might indicate that I am first alternate. That is only a fraction of an inch removed from speaker, so why not get the credit for it? The Lafayette debate is April sixteenth. I have about two hours more of make-up work to do. What I did do took me only about five hours. It would seem that I could not have picked three days that were better to miss. I won't even have to make up the six hours of lab that I missed, because I was ahead in lab. Pete, would you like me to come up on the way home Easter? If so, where would you put me up? I must confess that I am rather anxious to see you. I don't like this business of not being able to meet in New York and of not having our vacations at the same time. R. S. V. P. This is a very dull and dreary Pittsburgh day, not one to inspire me with strength or additional pep. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-03-07
Text: March 7, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Hope you appreciate the new carbon paper, Pete. I imagine you would appreciate a new ribbon, too. I did some work this morning and took life easy in addition. I do enjoy these Sunday morning loafs, although somehow I cannot accomplish much work even when I want to. I am going over to Lathrop tonight for supper with Peg Bliss, debate chairman. I don't know what she wants me for. I think I'll try to pump her, diplomatically, if possible,...
Show moreMarch 7, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Hope you appreciate the new carbon paper, Pete. I imagine you would appreciate a new ribbon, too. I did some work this morning and took life easy in addition. I do enjoy these Sunday morning loafs, although somehow I cannot accomplish much work even when I want to. I am going over to Lathrop tonight for supper with Peg Bliss, debate chairman. I don't know what she wants me for. I think I'll try to pump her, diplomatically, if possible, on this Wellesley question. Otherwise there is nothing new to report, except that I wish the weather would clear up. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-03-08
Text: March 8, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: There is nothing much to report in the way of news, so I fear this lietter will be just about as interesting as a great many of your "slept for two hours suspended from the ceiling, lying over my desk "ones, Pete. We have our chem mid-semester two weeks from today. Ugh--! We have to write up the last four lectures for next week. I have a paper on something of Spenser's due next Monday. Debate hasn't helped me particularly in an...
Show moreMarch 8, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: There is nothing much to report in the way of news, so I fear this lietter will be just about as interesting as a great many of your "slept for two hours suspended from the ceiling, lying over my desk "ones, Pete. We have our chem mid-semester two weeks from today. Ugh--! We have to write up the last four lectures for next week. I have a paper on something of Spenser's due next Monday. Debate hasn't helped me particularly in an academic way, I fear. I had debate practice last night, with four alternates, one speaker, and the chairman of debate. I felt as though I did miserabely. Somehow my tongue just wouldn't go right. I think I have gotten stale on the subject. Lots of others feel likewise about themselves. I wish the debate were this week instead of the week after. I think everybody would do better. I ate over in Lathrop with the chairman and one of the junior alternates Saturday night. I asked the latter if she was glad that she was going to Wellesley, and she said, "Thrilled to a peanute". Naturally that is the way everybody feels, and so I would not even mention to Peggy Bliss that I was so anxious to go. It is only fair to the Juniors and Seniors to let them go, and I might as well be a good sport. I guess there wil be some fun in entertaining the Smith delegates here, for that matter. I will be glad when vacation comes. I feel as though I need a real rest at home and some decent food, in addition to those few days at the informary. I feel all right again, but I also feel that a prolonged loaf will not be out of order. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-03-09
Text: March 9, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: It is very springy and warm and muggy today. And I am very busy, and feel very spring-fevery. I have to go over the Students' right after lunch and practice speaking with my "debate nurse". Every speaker, and the two first alternates, get a "nurse" for individual criticism. And every member of the squad, had, and had had, for some time, a "slave", a member of the materials committee who is at [her] absolute...
Show moreMarch 9, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: It is very springy and warm and muggy today. And I am very busy, and feel very spring-fevery. I have to go over the Students' right after lunch and practice speaking with my "debate nurse". Every speaker, and the two first alternates, get a "nurse" for individual criticism. And every member of the squad, had, and had had, for some time, a "slave", a member of the materials committee who is at [her] absolute service. It is some job--I wouldn't have it on a bet--they are literally slaves for debate and get none of the glory out of it. I have a peach of a one--a regular grind, a future Phi Bet, and a most willing and devoted servant. She had saved quite a little time for me. I broke a flask in lab this morning, which puts me back two hours in addition to the six I missed last week. I wonder if swearing would help? It seems to me I either broke or spilled everything I touched this morning. I worked on this week's history yesterday afternoon and then went for a walk. I was beginning to become remorselful[sic] about the lack of time I have put on history since the beginning of debate. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-03-10
Text: March 10, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I am due over in Students' with my debate nurse now, so this will have to be very brief. I had an Ec conference from twelve thirty until lunch time and four classes this morning, so I did not have time to write this morning. I have at least two hours of lab this afternoon. It is a wonderful day--I hate to spend it in lab! I do hope you are getting along all right, Mother. I was surprised that you celebrated to soon. Father is too good a...
Show moreMarch 10, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I am due over in Students' with my debate nurse now, so this will have to be very brief. I had an Ec conference from twelve thirty until lunch time and four classes this morning, so I did not have time to write this morning. I have at least two hours of lab this afternoon. It is a wonderful day--I hate to spend it in lab! I do hope you are getting along all right, Mother. I was surprised that you celebrated to soon. Father is too good a bluff. Will probably write more tonight. I had a great letter from Miss Hamilton in reply to mine telling her the date of the debate. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-03-13
Text: March 13, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I am sorry that I did not have time to write more yesterday, but I had such a splitting headache all afternoon that I was lying down and I did not realize the time until the last minutes. I must have inhaled some deadly gas or something crazy in lab yesterday morning, because I left the place without the slightest traces of a headache. That is where my good intentions of working all yesterday afternoon went. I enjoyed Second Hall very much last...
Show moreMarch 13, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I am sorry that I did not have time to write more yesterday, but I had such a splitting headache all afternoon that I was lying down and I did not realize the time until the last minutes. I must have inhaled some deadly gas or something crazy in lab yesterday morning, because I left the place without the slightest traces of a headache. That is where my good intentions of working all yesterday afternoon went. I enjoyed Second Hall very much last night. Please return the program, Lester. Nan was wonderful. Edie Meiser certainly has more than amateur talent. I don't see how anyone with her remarkable talent could resist going on the stage. Ruth Bransten as Gaffer was rotten. It was impossible to understand a thing she said. She made nothing out of the part. It was a hard part, but still, she might have done a great deal more with it. This Second Hall celebration is lots more festive than last year. There are enough guests to make one think that it is prom time. I hope this gay and warm spring weather we are having does not forecast a correspondingly warm summer. I saw your friend Ray Purdy last night, Lester. I was standing on the steps of Students' after the play waiting for someone to come out, and I saw Carolyn Bailey come out with a man. Naturally I looked twice to see what sort of a looking guest she had, and I thought his face seemed familiar. They stopped about ten feet away from me, and started to talk to some lady. Then i heard another girl call him by his first name, and introduce "Mr. Purdy". He seems to be travelling about the country, all right. He was holding a regular reception. I cut chapel this morning to work. I have an awful lot to do before next week. i still have that awful chem paper to study for, and some debate reading to do. I have read so little for debate in the last two weeks, that I feel very guilty. I hope you are beginning to feel better, Mother. Do you expect to be out of the hospital soon? Love, Fannie Mother: Is Miss Alice coming Easter vacation? If so, should I try to get a gingham dress or anything in New York Friday afternoon instead of going out to Aunt Bessie!?
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-03-14
Text: March 14, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I got quite a lot of work done yesterday, but I did not get that fool chem paper written. I must do it today. The Spenser paper took me four hours and a half, but I was quite well satisfied with the product. I wrote on a comparison of "Colin Clout Comes Home Again" with the idyls of Theocritus. I bet nobody else did that. It was quite a good idea, because any other subject would have entailed the use of "The Faierie Queene"...
Show moreMarch 14, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I got quite a lot of work done yesterday, but I did not get that fool chem paper written. I must do it today. The Spenser paper took me four hours and a half, but I was quite well satisfied with the product. I wrote on a comparison of "Colin Clout Comes Home Again" with the idyls of Theocritus. I bet nobody else did that. It was quite a good idea, because any other subject would have entailed the use of "The Faierie Queene" and I had not read enough of that intelligently enough to hurt me. I am expecting a written in Ec this morning. If we don't have it this week, we will have it next week. I have to see Mrs. Tillinghast, the warden in charge of rooms, about my change. Miss Smith told me that when a sophomore draws, she may relinquish her right to come back into the same building if it has more than its quota of her class. It is very complicated--at any rate, Tilly is the one who knows all about it. If I can't come back into Davison, I'll stay in this room. Worse things could happen, only it is nicer to be a little nearer the world than the fourth floor allows and also it is nicer to be on a floor where there are more of your own class. Otherwise there isn't much in the way of news. Did I tell you that I had a letter from Marjorie Klein asking me to stay with her? I wrote to her yesterday. I must do some debate reading this week. I have done shamefully little, but I feel today as though I have regained my pep with I lost so suddenly, so perhaps I will be good for something this week. I hope you are feeling better by this time, Mother. I don't know yet what train I'll take home, but I rather think the eight-thirty. Of course, if the Hellers should feel like coming into New York and taking to see "Deburau" about which everybody around is raving, I should not object. I wrote to Aunt Bessie and asked her if I could take the eight-thirty and still eat with them in Woodmere and I suppose she will answer soon. Otherwise there is nothing new except that spring is here. Are you near the crazy people, Mother? Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-03-15
Text: March 15, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, Pete: I had lab yesterday afternoon and in accordance with my usual custom spent the rest of the afternoon resting from the exertion. I was first first affirmative with the regulars last night. It was a pretty good debate. Lucy was there as committee. It is the first time that she has heard me. I tried my best to make her stay away, but she would not. I am quite tired today as a result of walking up about a thousand times during the night. I was planning...
Show moreMarch 15, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, Pete: I had lab yesterday afternoon and in accordance with my usual custom spent the rest of the afternoon resting from the exertion. I was first first affirmative with the regulars last night. It was a pretty good debate. Lucy was there as committee. It is the first time that she has heard me. I tried my best to make her stay away, but she would not. I am quite tired today as a result of walking up about a thousand times during the night. I was planning to get up a six thirty to finish writing my chem paper and I kept waking up, thinking I had overslept. With an Ec midsemester Monday and a chem midsemester Tuesday, i guess it is just as well for me that I am not going to Wellesley. I shall have to study a lot for the chem one, and plenty for the Ec one. I have not done exactly what one would call keeping up with one's work this semester, but what I have done instead has been worth it. I am out for debate again tonight, which means a very full day today. Mrs. Kaufmann is going to spend the last three days before vacation here. The most interesting news I have is the definite denial of the rumor which apperently had some foundation that Smith has a colored girl on its team and is sending her here. Everybody was very much excited about it. I heard some of the craziest things said. One thing was absolutely sure, because I heard it said myself. Minerva Turnbull, who is the third affirmative speaker and the backbone of the debate, said that she absolutely refused to debate if it was so. So Peggy Bliss had to write and find out, but the information was that the girl was on the materials committee and not a speaker. It was news to me that Smith took colored students. I think refusing to debate a girl because she happens to be colored is just about the narrowest thing I ever heard of. It is a good thing for Minerva Turnbull that she is not on the negative, advocating equality and democracy and more fine-sounding stuff when she can't apply it any more than that! With them few words, I'll draw my speech to a close in order to be able to keep a shampoo appointment. I hope you are getting better as quickly as possible, Mother. Father, your letters still continue indefinite and answering nothing. I would still like to know how long Mother is going to be in the hospital. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-03-16
Text: March 16, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I actually got up early enough to write this before going to lab. I have to spend an hour in line today waiting to order my Pullman to go home. I am taking the eight-thirty home. I had a telegram today from Aunt Bessie telling me to take it, that we would all have dinner together in town. She also offered to meet me to shop Friday afternoon. Please let me know definitely if Miss Alice is coming. If she is, I suppose I had better do that. If not,...
Show moreMarch 16, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I actually got up early enough to write this before going to lab. I have to spend an hour in line today waiting to order my Pullman to go home. I am taking the eight-thirty home. I had a telegram today from Aunt Bessie telling me to take it, that we would all have dinner together in town. She also offered to meet me to shop Friday afternoon. Please let me know definitely if Miss Alice is coming. If she is, I suppose I had better do that. If not, perhaps I could get my stuff at home. Or is it too early in the year for the Pittsburgh stores to have anything in? Vassar certainly pursues the policy of educating its audiences. Millsy, in accordance with the request of Peggy Bliss, spent the whole lecture hour Monday in giving a breif survey of immigration. I did not learn anything new--nevertheless it was excellently done. Last night Peggy Bliss made a ten minute speech on the subject in chapel. It was a welcome relief, as it was substituted for one of Prexie's endless prayers. By the way, the night before, the girl who sits behind me and whose head therefore almost touches my left ear during the prayer, remarked, "He's gotten everything in now. Too bad he can't think of anything else". I was out debating last night again. There were the two first alternates and four regulars. I hope I'll never give a worse rebuttal. It was supposed to be a crazy stand, so as to get the negative out of their rut. It surely was crazy and leaky, as the dickens. Lucy was there again. Every point of mine had something the matter with it--it could not have been otherwise with such a stand, but after the debate she picked it apart piece for peice, as though I did not know all that stuff before. I guess she thinks I am feeble-minded! Today the regulars are going to go through their last debate against each other. They are going to start at four. Somebody is going to bring their dinner over to Students', then they are going to hash, and on the strength of the hash, go through the whole thing again. Millsy, Miss Newcomer, and Sue Burr, all asked to be allowed to come and listen. The Ec department certainly will be strongly represented. It is a fine idea, but I am afraid the alternates will have to come about ten o'clock and carry them home on stretchers! They Wellesly bunch leave tomorrow night, taking the midnight train from Albany. Lucky dogs! But then, a couldn't you just see me, with ally my need of sleep, taking a midsemester in Ec Monday morning, after getting in at two Monday morning! There is a compensation in all things"--as the philosophers and Pete say. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-03-17
Text: March 17, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I went to the debate last night. It was over at ten-fifteen. I am afraid our affirmative is not very good. The Ec faculty who were there cast an unofficial vote. They voted for the negative. I should have, too. The delegation leaves tonight. The Smith crowd arrive tomorrow afternoon. Some of them are coming by auto. Some sports! Just what do you want to know about Second Hall, Pete? I spoke of the girl who took Nan's part as everybody else...
Show moreMarch 17, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I went to the debate last night. It was over at ten-fifteen. I am afraid our affirmative is not very good. The Ec faculty who were there cast an unofficial vote. They voted for the negative. I should have, too. The delegation leaves tonight. The Smith crowd arrive tomorrow afternoon. Some of them are coming by auto. Some sports! Just what do you want to know about Second Hall, Pete? I spoke of the girl who took Nan's part as everybody else speaks of her. It is not a mark of friendship, it is simply what she is known as. My acquaintance with her condidts of working with her roommate on debate. She is an affirmative speaker! Perhaps you will be interested in the enclosed criticisms. I consider them very good, particularly Kellogg's. All I can say of your friend from Wellesley is that she has fine college spirit--going into to Boston to Kreisler concert when Vassar is at Wellesley winning a debate! Pete, why on eather don't you go to a doctor about your perpetual sleepiness? You know there usually are one of two good ones in a large city. It wouldn't hurt any, except that it might hurt your Christian Science pride. I went to debate song practice again today. There are some very good songs. I understand that Professor Roselli's feelings are very much hurt because one song speaks of the "Dago". I notice he was standing there today listening to song practice. But they put one over on him and didn't sing the song. Senorita Agostini and Senorita Garcia and Jo Marple are going to give a Spanish play this afternoon. We read it last semester. It is very funny. I think I'll have to go, although I ought to either sleep or study instead. French play tryouts start next Monday. i don't see how I can get the time to read the play before then, with two mid-semesters coming the beginning of next week. I should like to try out for it. You can skil this part of the letter if you want, Pete. I tried on my summer clothes yesterday--those that I have here. For once in history nothing will have to be done to the waist-bands, but something funny has happened to the lengths. Theylook as though they are trailing on the ground, and as a matter of fact they are from eight to seven inches from the ground. So I will need Miss Alice to shorten them and do some small odd jobs. I can manage with her all right without your doing anything Mother, as long as you engage her time to come. Also, would it meet with your approval if I tried to get a suit Friday afternoon with Aunt Bessie's assistance. I don't want her advice on taste--just moral support! I want to get something that I can use here at college as well as in the city, and I imagine it is rather early to do that at home. R. S. V. P. please. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-03-18
Text: March 18, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I am an unhappy mortal. The Wellesly crowd left last night after chapel. They all looked so nice and happy and excited and everybody was fussing over them! Honestly, I don't think I ever wished for anything as much as I wished to be sent up there. A whole crowd went down to the streetcar and cheered them off. They took the midnight train from Albany. They all went in a bunch--I guess there were about twenty-five in all. Khaki Dodge, who...
Show moreMarch 18, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I am an unhappy mortal. The Wellesly crowd left last night after chapel. They all looked so nice and happy and excited and everybody was fussing over them! Honestly, I don't think I ever wished for anything as much as I wished to be sent up there. A whole crowd went down to the streetcar and cheered them off. They took the midnight train from Albany. They all went in a bunch--I guess there were about twenty-five in all. Khaki Dodge, who lives in Boston, is taking them to the College Club for breakfast today and a '20 alum is giving a luncheon for them today, and then they are going out to Wellesley this afternoon and sleep there tonight. It certainly is going to be great. I don't believe it can be as much fun here, particularly in view of the fact I am sure we are going to lose. Our affirmative is very poor--our only hope is that the Smith bunch will be poorer. The negative is very good. I feel quite confident that we will win at Wellesley. I wish you could hear the debate out there, Pete. I am sure you would enjoy it. I am racking my brain at present thrying to give the team a stiff practice this afternoon and anothe rone tomorrow morning. I was talking to Lucy just now about Kellogg. She is very disappointing to me. Not only is her delivery so poor that one can scarcely understand her from the back of the room, but her arguments are not sound. Her speech, first affirmative, is the only one that can be completely independent of what everybody else says, and yet she has some ridiculously weak points. Lucy and I agree on them. Believe me, I am going to smash them this afternoon. She makes the ridiculous assertion--among other things, that the Jews are theoretically granted the same rights in everything as the Christians in all the countries of Europe! The Smith crowd arrive this afternoon. We are giving to have a "tea-dance" for them in the foyer of Students' tomorrow afternoon and tomorrow night we are going to have a debate dinner, either in Main or off-campus. Oh, how I wish we would wind tomorrow, since I do have to stay home! I am afraid I am a rather poor sport, although thank goodness I have been sport enough to keep my disappointment more less--principally, more--to myself. Did I write that I heard a very excellent lecture on "Folk-Lore and Story-Telling" by Padrick Colum, a very interesting Irishman, Wednesday. I also had the pleasure of listening to him in Miss Peebles' other Romance class that morning. She stopped me on the way to Main to tell me that he had come early and was coming into her class, and that if I did not have a class that hour, she was sure I would enjoy it. He talked informally about Ireland at the present time. He said that there is a very terrible suppressed war going on, and that because of the peculiar topography of the country, it might go on for twentyyears or so. He said that it is very easy to land an army there, but very hard to do anything with it effectively. He knew that it was a class in Romance, and when he came in, he started first talking about Spenser, inasmuch as we had just been reading him. Then, when somebody asked him to tell us something about Ireland at present, he looked thoughtfully about the room for a minute, and then said, "Well, that is hardly romantic". Mlle. Clement whom I have heard at the Alliance Francaise at home and who I heard give a splendid course of lectures on French literature last year, is lecturing tonight, but I don't see how I can go. I have debate late this afternoon and all day tomorrow and all my studying to do for me Ec and chem midsemesters before Monday morning. It is a beautiful day. I am going to get a walk this afternoon--debate of no debate. I read the French play last night and signed up for tryouts this morning. I had a letter from Helen Diamond this morning. She informs me, among other things, and Dick Fishel also wrote it to Helen--that Maurice Baum's twin brother, the brainy West Pointer, committed suicide. Nice stuff at the age of twenty! Otherwise I know no cheerful news! Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-03-19
Text: March 19, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Well, today is the big day. We had debate practice yesterday afternoon. I gave them a new stand all right--sob stuff until I could hardly keep a straight face. They were very glad I did, because they realized that they had never had any practice in answering it. They asked to have me give it this morning again. I have to hurry over there now. We had a meeting of alternates in my room from nine to ten-thirty last night. Peggy Bliss was here also,...
Show moreMarch 19, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Well, today is the big day. We had debate practice yesterday afternoon. I gave them a new stand all right--sob stuff until I could hardly keep a straight face. They were very glad I did, because they realized that they had never had any practice in answering it. They asked to have me give it this morning again. I have to hurry over there now. We had a meeting of alternates in my room from nine to ten-thirty last night. Peggy Bliss was here also, and lent her valuable assistance. I ate in Main with Lucy last night, principally to get a book at the Smith crowd. They had a table to themselves in Main. If unattractiveness and homeliness indicates brains, I guess they have won the debate already, without even going through with it. We have practice this morning, the tea for them later this afternoon, and debate dinner tonight. Did you know that the speakers get the intercollegiate Greek letter debating society keys, whatever they are called. We poor alternates don't. Wait till next year! I actually got some academic work done last night! Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-03-19
Text: March 19, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I just got back from the lab--three and a half hours over there. I had to put in some extra time because of the six hours I missed last week. I worked up a scheme whereby I successfully avoided doing two hours' work over again because of breakage the last time. I think I shall have to go Saturday morning, and then I shall have caught up with the average of the class. I might not have to, but I don't want to have to do it the week before...
Show moreMarch 19, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I just got back from the lab--three and a half hours over there. I had to put in some extra time because of the six hours I missed last week. I worked up a scheme whereby I successfully avoided doing two hours' work over again because of breakage the last time. I think I shall have to go Saturday morning, and then I shall have caught up with the average of the class. I might not have to, but I don't want to have to do it the week before debate, and the Tuesday after debate comes the mid-semester. I went over to Students' right after lunch and pulled off a speech to my nurse. She criticized me. I doubt whether that system is very much worth while, but even if it isn't, fifteen minutes a day is not a very great loss. I shall have to get my brain working for the Spenser paper due next Monday. I have not done as much Spenser reading as I should have, and the little I have done, I have not done particularly intelligently or when I was in a very wide-awake condition. It is sort of hard to write a paper with such a background. Miss Dennis told me this morning that she was not going to give the mid-semester until after spring vacation. I impressed upon her what welcome information that was. I am quite sure that Millsy is going to spring a mid-semester on us either this Monday or the week following. I have devoted quite a little time lately to considering my elections for next year. The dean's office sent out slips for trial elections, which were due yesterday. There have been so many conflicts recently that they are trying to rearrange the hours. The problem is a lot harder than it was last year. I certainly have lots more interest than I had then, and in addition, the working out of my major and minor is involved. But more of that again--I have to go over to Main for dinner with Lucy now. I am going to try to get her to work out a trick debate stand with me for tomorrow night. With all respect to the slippings, I think they might indicate the first alternates. The same applies to the honorable "Miscellany News". We not only have to be prepared to take the place of any one of the three speakers, but we have to organize our side every time we are up for practice, and work up as many trick and unexpected stands as possible. Me for "appreciation of work where appreciation is due"! Please send Pete the inclosed from Miss Hamilton and have him return it to me. I explained to her that I would probably be an alternate and also that I might not be sent to Wellesley, but she seemed to choose to ignore it. Nevertheless, it is a very nice letter and I want it back.Friday before first hour! I had planned to go to bed early last night, but when I got back at nine from the libe, Kellogg was here to tell me that I would have to take her place with the regular team today, because they decided that in case I had to sub, I would be better off if I had practiced with them before. She staid till ten. They have changed the main speech completely since I last heard the stand--I mean the introductory speech. Mine will be the pleasant job today of showing how the question resolves itself into the large immigration of Russian Jews and Italians. If that isn't luck, I don't know what is. Bad luck, I mean. I have to go to a debate meeting fourth hour, work on debate fifth and sixth, and debate seventh and eighth. I have an aweful lot to do this week-end. I am glad you are getting along all right, Mother. I hope you will be better soon. How long do you have to stay in the hospital? Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-03-20
Text: March 20, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Perhaps there are certain peculiarities about women's colleges, Pete, but one of them is that we have real college spirit. One of the splended peculiarities of Vassar is that we have perspective in judging non-academic activities. We have a field in which native artistic ability can be manifested, dramatics; one in which native physical skill can be manifested; and one in which native brain power can be manifested. And the splendid part of...
Show moreMarch 20, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Perhaps there are certain peculiarities about women's colleges, Pete, but one of them is that we have real college spirit. One of the splended peculiarities of Vassar is that we have perspective in judging non-academic activities. We have a field in which native artistic ability can be manifested, dramatics; one in which native physical skill can be manifested; and one in which native brain power can be manifested. And the splendid part of it is that we glorify them all and give them equal prominence and that we do not fall into the sad error of men's colleges and turn out by the thousands for a football game and by the tens for a debate! It is a very commendable fact to realize that the whole Students' Building was filled last night, even the gallery, which means that a great many faculty and practically the entire college except those who were away for the week-end, were at the debate. And if you could have heard the cheering and the songs which Vassar sang to Smith and Smith to Vassar I think you would have realized that the audience goes to the debate in a spirit of interest and appreciation rather than in a state of boredom. I hope you are duly squelched. As Professor Riley said when he was a judge in class debate, one of the most splendid things to him about a women's college in contrast to a men's college was that we emphasise the student as well as the athlete, and that very often we have them combined in the same girl. I hope you digest the above discourse! I wish I had time to write more about the debate, but when I think of the work I have to do for tomorrow I shiver. I was in a state of terrible suspense throughout the main speeches, because Peggy Bliss and the team had all told me to sit in the first fow and take notes for full force, because if Minerva's voice shouldn't last throughout her speeches I would have to take the rebuttal! Inasmuch as she was the last speaker on our side, I had a long time to wait! But she managed all right, although she did lack pep. I imagine that was due to the precarious state of her voice. Altogether the debate was disappointing. We were not good, but Smith was decidedly worse. There was little humor on our side and no pep at all. But Smith was pitiful. They were very inflexible. They had their three speeches, and they gave them as they had practiced weak for a negative. Their second speaker was scared stiff. She sounded like a high-school speaker who had memorized everything she had to say. She got up to speak in rebuttal, said about ten words, then quickly said, "I'm sorry", and beat it off the stage. The third girl got up and took her place and Dr. B. went scooting out after her. She finally came back and took the third speech, but did it very poorly. We wond[sic] by a two to one decision. More about that again. We went over to Senior Parlor and talked with each other and the judges tillMidnight. It was very interesting. I had to sit on the sofa between Miss Thompson and Miss Ellory and one removed from Mrs. MacCracken! Prexie was there and as usual talked a lot. Miss Palmer's ta and the debate dinner were moderately enjoyable. The team sent the alternates very cute diminutive corsages and when I thanked Minerva, she siad[sic], "Well, that certainly is the least we could do for you. We could not have won the debate without you". And I really think it is the truth because I flatter myself on having opened their eyes to quite a lot the last two days. I know I gave them a very stiff fight yesterday and the day before, even though it was mostly bluff. Helen sent me a beautiful big corsage of violets and red roses. I feel like main speaker instead of first alternate! Just recieved your telegram, Pete. I take back all the mean things I said in the first paragraph, since you seem to have gone to the debate. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-03-21
Text: March 21, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I was planning to go down to the station to meet the debaters last night, but I must missed the car in which Peggy and Minerva went, and I did not want to go down alone, so i spent that time trying to get up a crowd to go down to Taylor Gate and cheer them when they arrived. After they came, we took them up to Senior Parlor and trated them to lemonade and general excitement. Everybody we talking together, but on the way up to Main almost all of...
Show moreMarch 21, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I was planning to go down to the station to meet the debaters last night, but I must missed the car in which Peggy and Minerva went, and I did not want to go down alone, so i spent that time trying to get up a crowd to go down to Taylor Gate and cheer them when they arrived. After they came, we took them up to Senior Parlor and trated them to lemonade and general excitement. Everybody we talking together, but on the way up to Main almost all of them said something about how fine it was of you to go and telegraph, etc. I had told Peggy Bliss about the telegram in the morning. They called you everything from "adorable" to "darling"! They all wondered why you didn't introduce yourself, and one suggested that perhpas "you were timid". If I had had any idea that you were going, I certainly should have written to you to speak to them. They are some of the finest girls in college, and I think perhaps that if you had met them, your erroneous ideas about Vassar might be somewhat eradicated. We talked till about a quarter to eleven. Everybody was talking at once, but this much I did gather, that they could not get over the wonderful way in which they were treated. They were given the minister's suite and the guest suite in Tower Court which they said makes Josselyn look like a barn. Each girl was given an individual hostess. There was a corsage waiting for each girl when they arrived. I believe they were met in taxis. I guess we are very plebian here. They were raving about the beauty of the place and the wonderful winners that the Wellesley girls were. They said after losing to Barnard last year, it was almost a pleasure to lose to these girls--they acted so differently. They said the debaters were charming, which is more than we can say of the Smith ones. They are all big girls in college. They told Clara that they kept their best team at home, that they never worked so hard as they did this year, and that they had made up their minds that if they didn't win one debate this year, they would drop out of the league, because they have been losing so consistently in the past. Among other things, they have a regular one-year academic course in immigration at Wellesley! Anita Marburg, who was student judge at Barnard, told us about that for about twenty minutes. She was very funny and had us all roaring. Barnard lost both debates by a unanimous decision--to our infinite glee. They were all so enthusiastic, it made me sorrier than ever that I could not go. Peggy Higgins made it worse by telling me that they had me booked for Wellesley first and then decided that I was the best alternate and that they needed me here. You thought we probably had the news before your message, Pete. We heard by telgram and long distance from Tony Black.How did you happen to go to the debate, Pete, and for how long had you known that you were going? Millsy was one of the judges at Princeton. We had our midsemester in Ec. It was not worse, but I was rather sleepy to do very well. The debate parties are not conducive to a rested mind for academics. The fourth and last question was to outline one of the Monday lectures. They are famed for their boring power and half the place is usually writing letters. Thank goodness he lectured once on immigration, so I was saved! The trouble is I don't know whether I gave what he said or the product of my work! Father, will you please deposit some money for me and don't forget. What with spending almost thirty dollars on ticket, etc. and drawing thirty to go home on, I have only fifteen left in the bank. Pete, I suppose you have heard that Jeannete Einstein announced her engagement to Milton Jena. The family is usually about a week late in retelling Criterion social column, so I thought I might as well. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-03-22
Text: March 22, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Before I forget, Thursday is Lucy's twenty-first birthday. I think she would appreciate it very much if you were to congratulate her, Pete. Please don't forget to deposit the money for me, Father. The reason I think of it again is that Lucy promised me to tell me what books she wants for her birthday. I ate lunch with her today and spent a solid hour talking to her. I got a business letter from her Father encolsing a five-dollar bill...
Show moreMarch 22, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Before I forget, Thursday is Lucy's twenty-first birthday. I think she would appreciate it very much if you were to congratulate her, Pete. Please don't forget to deposit the money for me, Father. The reason I think of it again is that Lucy promised me to tell me what books she wants for her birthday. I ate lunch with her today and spent a solid hour talking to her. I got a business letter from her Father encolsing a five-dollar bill and asking me to order a corsage for her. I couldn't spend all his money. I could only spend four. The only other possibility was to suspend one lonely little two dollar orchid in the cneter, and somehow or other, that didn't sound artistic to me. I have gotten more dope about Wellesley. The girls cannot get over the way they were treated. One thing certainly struck me funny, and that was that most of the audience wear evening dress and that they all come out in it every Saturday night! Some dudes' institute. And to think that we are starting a campaign here trying to make people wear decent dresses to dinner Friday nights instead of sloppy sport clothes. It wasn't a question of Wellesley's dropping out of the league of their own volition if they did not win anything this year. It is part of the constitution that any college that does not win one debate in four years must drop out, and they have an unbroken record of three years behind them. So this year, they started out an intensive campaign for debate. No girl who had not been recommended by the faculty could try out, and hence it was a very much coveted honor. No girl could work on committee who had not been so recommended. The committee spread debate literature broadcast and everybody in the place was reading about immigration. The debaters had to read about ten books on the general subject! Their course in immigration was given by Fairchild. Etc. etc. So we can almost be kind-hearted enough to be glad they won. Is it true that you had to pay fifty cents admission? In previous years they could never get an audience, so I hear. What did you think of the delegation when they walked in? Don't you think they were a pretty good-looking bunch. They said they marched in singing, "Down the future's cloudy way". Did you see our time-keeper. She was chairman of our class debate. Really, I don't know what my letter will be like when I haven't any debate news to write. I went to bed at eight-thirty last night, incidentally, slept two hours in the afternoon, and got up at five this morning to study for the chem midsemester. It was "rather worse". No letter from home since Saturday. I am anxious to hear how you are, Mother.
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: n.d. [postmarked 1921-04-08]
Text: Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I sent you a timetable, Pete. I guess it left on the last mail. There is nothing interesting to report. I got that history outline in on time this morning. That is what I went to the library for a home. It did not take so very long, but it was not a masterpiece, either. We take up slavery now. I have debate practice seventh and eighth hours this afternoon. I am sick of it. Mary Magennis has gotten tonsilitis, so that means more work for me. The Juniors drew...
Show moreDear Mother, Father, and Pete: I sent you a timetable, Pete. I guess it left on the last mail. There is nothing interesting to report. I got that history outline in on time this morning. That is what I went to the library for a home. It did not take so very long, but it was not a masterpiece, either. We take up slavery now. I have debate practice seventh and eighth hours this afternoon. I am sick of it. Mary Magennis has gotten tonsilitis, so that means more work for me. The Juniors drew their numbers for room-drawing last night. Helen Reid got 8. That is some lucky girl. Some people wanted her to go in on a double-alleyway with them, but she wanted to get a single if she got a good enough number. otherwise there is nothing new. My trunk is in Main, which means I'll use my own typewriter tomorrow. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-04-06
Text: Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I wired you this morning as soon as I got back to college. I hope you received them promptly. Well, that was some rickety train. It was very dusty and warm until about ten at night and it rolled worse than any steamer I have ever been on. It the station in Buffalo, where we sojourned for about two hours, we were transferred from car to car about ten times--I mean our car was connected up with other cars--until I thought we would have our insides jolted out. I...
Show moreDear Mother, Father, and Pete: I wired you this morning as soon as I got back to college. I hope you received them promptly. Well, that was some rickety train. It was very dusty and warm until about ten at night and it rolled worse than any steamer I have ever been on. It the station in Buffalo, where we sojourned for about two hours, we were transferred from car to car about ten times--I mean our car was connected up with other cars--until I thought we would have our insides jolted out. I did not sleep at all until toward morning, and then woke up suddenly at five minutes to six to discover that the porter had not called us. We were over a half hour late--we had exactly two minutes to make connections in Albany. The sandwiches came in handy. We had breakfast in the station. I had counted on sleeping all afternoon, for I surely need it, but just discovered that there is a debate practice tonight. They Lafyayette team has been picked. The speakers are Clara Cheney, Helen Gratz, and Marian Cahill. Clae Williams is first alternate, Mary Magennis and I are the other two. I am quite satisfied with myself, to say the least. Frances Kellogg and Margaret Ray of the former speaking teams, were apparently dropped completely. Clara Cheney will probably not be able to debate. You remember she was called home the night she came back from Wellesly because of her mother's illness. I just heard that she died last Monday. I hope you realize that I am one of the six out of the twelve. It is an honor, etc. but I guess it means no rest or make-up work for another little while. Love, Fannie April 6, 1921
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-04-10
Text: April 10, 1921 [p.m. April 11] Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I actually got some work done yesterday afternoon. I worked till eight-thirty last night on some English reading that I simply could not put off any longer, and then went to hear the last half of the violin concert by Florence Stern, ten or twelve years old. She certainly is a wonder. She played in chapel this morning, too. I had planned to cut chapel this morning, but the rabbi" was Dr. John R. Mott and I thought he was...
Show moreApril 10, 1921 [p.m. April 11] Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I actually got some work done yesterday afternoon. I worked till eight-thirty last night on some English reading that I simply could not put off any longer, and then went to hear the last half of the violin concert by Florence Stern, ten or twelve years old. She certainly is a wonder. She played in chapel this morning, too. I had planned to cut chapel this morning, but the rabbi" was Dr. John R. Mott and I thought he was worth hearing. I am very glad I went. He is by far the best chapel preacher I have heard since I am at college. I will cut next week instead, Pete. He quoted your friend, Dr. Enelow, Father. I have been informed from reliable sources that all the Lafayette debaters are Jews. They are sending no delegation, just the three speakers. I have spent about an hour collecting fines for absence from class meetings this semester. It is some job, collecting money from people. It is just as hard to get them to find ten cents as five dollars, I think. Let me know when you are coming, Pete, as soon as you decide. The longer the better, you know. I really am very anxious to see you. I am glad you took Miss Lally home with you, Mother. You are very obedient. I hope you will feel strong soon. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-04-13
Text: April 13, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I knew that "made-up mind" would be upset before long about my elections for next year. I was gradually coming to the conclusion that Nineteenth Century Poetry, French Rev. and Voltaire and Rousseau overlapped too much and that I would be spending my times profitably by if I took something else instead of Voltaire and Rousseau when Jo Marple convinced me that V. and R. is a very poor course and that I will get in French Rev. all that...
Show moreApril 13, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I knew that "made-up mind" would be upset before long about my elections for next year. I was gradually coming to the conclusion that Nineteenth Century Poetry, French Rev. and Voltaire and Rousseau overlapped too much and that I would be spending my times profitably by if I took something else instead of Voltaire and Rousseau when Jo Marple convinced me that V. and R. is a very poor course and that I will get in French Rev. all that Miss White offers in the French course. So I have just about decided to go on with Spanish. I am getting such a good grasp of it that it seems a shame to give it up. Next year won't be like a beginning language course. I mean there will be no grammar and boring stuff like that, but it will be all literature, like my soph. French course last year. Miss Dennis says they are going to have a very excellent, scholarly, Spanish woman here next year who will give that course. She says that by the end of next year I will have a good view of Spanish literature and will be able to speak with ease, and have a very good working knowledge of the language in general and be able to read anything at all. That sounds worth while to me. What do you think of it? R. S. V. P. right away. I have the feeling that one more year will put this year to good account, but that if I don't take more, two or three years from now I may feel as though this first year was wasted by not continuing. I am going to have my hair washed right after lunch, and then I have to study for an hour for the Spanish midsemester tomorrow, and then have debate practice seventh and eighth hours. I got off yesterday to study. It is the first time since debate tryouts started early in February that I have asked to be off for any reason other than a class or required lecture, but I couldn't see staying up till midnight. Millsy told me that my midsemester is Ec was all right, whatever that may mean. I have a lot of work to do this week. It is great to get letters from you again, Mother. I am glad Lally staid with you. I had a thank you note from Evelyn Goldenson. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-04-18
Text: April 18, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I hope you appreciate the new ribbon. Don't send the shirtwaists that are hanging in my closet, Mother. I left the white silk one purposely because it was so badly mended. Also, I hope you had Sam take the book back to the library which i sent home in laundry. I neglected to say anything about it when I sent it. Well, I certainly had a great two days with Lester. To my pleasure and surprise Minerva insisted on taking my speech Friday night...
Show moreApril 18, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I hope you appreciate the new ribbon. Don't send the shirtwaists that are hanging in my closet, Mother. I left the white silk one purposely because it was so badly mended. Also, I hope you had Sam take the book back to the library which i sent home in laundry. I neglected to say anything about it when I sent it. Well, I certainly had a great two days with Lester. To my pleasure and surprise Minerva insisted on taking my speech Friday night so that I could go down to the station to meet Lester. I got there just as the train was getting in. He had had nothing to eat, so he ate at the station. The idea of any place in Poughkeepsie didn't appeal to him, and I realized immediately that he had not changed a bit since I last saw him. Then we came out here, he got his room, and we went over to Main and telegraphed you. He proceeded to follow out your instructions about not criticizing by criticizing everything in the place and comparing everything with Wellesley. In every case Vassar suffered by comparison. Finally, he stipped on the way over to Main, looked around, and said, "Gee, this is great." I thanked hime[sic] for those few kinds words, and he said, "Oh, I mean the quiet atmosphere of the place". But then, I don't mind foolishness like that. There is no accounting for--queer tastes. Saturday morning we had breakfast together, and then after our excursion into Poughkeepsie, we wandered all around campus and I tried my best to arouse favorable comment. We landed on top of Sunset, where we had a nice rest. After lunch, the ever-sleepy one yawned so sonstantly and so intelligently that I came home and left him to his dreams. At a quarter to three Kellogg came up to me in great distress and asked me to help entertain the Lafyayette debaters and show them the campus. I was very glad to do it, because that obviated the necessity of my going to the tea-dance. After one hour of them I was surer than I was before that I didn't want to dance with them. They were some lemons! The freshman was the most possible on of them all, and the only reason he looked at all good was by comparison. Get Lester to tell you the various stories about them and their manner of debating. I haven't time to and he has heard about it often enough to be able to tell it interestingly. If he doesn't, I will write about it again. I met Lester at four and then we walked around to the lake, intending to row, but there were no boats out yet. So we find a nice bench near the chapel and "bickered"there until it was time for me to dress for dinner. We went to Sunday chapel and to Saturday evening chapel, at Pete's insistence. That part of the visit I have no doubt, he will tell you about. After chapel we went to the debate, and M. L. had the honor of sitting up in the first row with me and meeting more girls than he could possibly enjoy meeting. Poor kid! he had to meet an awful lot of people for one of his "Eeeeee" manner of greeting. But he has lost that pleasant manner of approch. I'll tell you, studying law is a great thing, for that if for nothing else. Wellesley has accomplished wonders! We had Lucy off to dinner with us yesterday afternoon. I introduced Lester to Jeannette, for his amusement. He also talked to Helen Hertz for about ten minutes. I introduced him to Miss Salmon Saturday night. Get him to tell you what he said to me about her. After your train left, Pete, I got some supper at the station with Harriet Cox and some other girls who were at the station seeing people off. We had another storm just after you left. I got back here at seven thirty, studied till nine-thirty, and then went to bed. I am going to work hard until I get caught up with this semester's work, an then enjoy the rest of the semester in peace. I got my room on the second floor without having to draw. I think I will like it. Otherwise I have nothing to write, and if I did, I wouldn't have the time to write it. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-04-19
Text: April 19, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: The most interesting thing I have to report is that I slept three hours yesterday afternoon and a good long night, and as a result am yawning my head off today. But if I get a few more long nights, I think I will be rested. I am still getting dope on courses for next year. The Spanish course is not exclusively novel. It is drama also, and goes back to the beginning of the nineteenth century. That helps matters a little. However, I am still...
Show moreApril 19, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: The most interesting thing I have to report is that I slept three hours yesterday afternoon and a good long night, and as a result am yawning my head off today. But if I get a few more long nights, I think I will be rested. I am still getting dope on courses for next year. The Spanish course is not exclusively novel. It is drama also, and goes back to the beginning of the nineteenth century. That helps matters a little. However, I am still undecided. Miss Smith came up to see me last night. She was very nice. She expressed her satisfaction over my staying in her shall next year. I am going to spend the afternoon on history. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-04-20
Text: 403 Davison House, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., April 20, 1921. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: My letters won't be interesting until my need for sleep and gratification thereof is over, and until I can think of something to replace debate. I did my Spanish after lunch, slept till four o'clock, worked on history in the libe until five-thirty, and then went to Raymond to dinner with the girl who you think puts too much powder on her nose, Pete. I tried to do history tonight,...
Show more403 Davison House, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., April 20, 1921. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: My letters won't be interesting until my need for sleep and gratification thereof is over, and until I can think of something to replace debate. I did my Spanish after lunch, slept till four o'clock, worked on history in the libe until five-thirty, and then went to Raymond to dinner with the girl who you think puts too much powder on her nose, Pete. I tried to do history tonight, but discovered three different times that I was reading words and words only, so decided to come home and go to sleep at the late hour of eight-thirty. Hoping that you will sleep as well as I expect to, I beg toremain, with kindest regards, Fannie H. AaronI sent my blue [kimono] home in the laundry to have it mended. It was torn near the hem. It is not to be washed. Also, I left your scarf in the new chiffonies in the little room spring vacation. You might want it I forgot to tell you. Is the "enclosed letter right? If so, return it. I'll send it.
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-04-21
Text: Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I have the honor to announce an A in my midsemester in Spanish and a flunk on the last ten-minute Monday written in Ec. Most of the "good" members of the class flunked it. That is not to be taken seriously. Millsy seemed much amused when I told him after class I hadn't been able to figure the answer to the question out yet. I went to the Amalgamation Meeting last night. We reduced the nominees for the big offices for next year to two, listened to...
Show moreDear Mother, Father, and Pete: I have the honor to announce an A in my midsemester in Spanish and a flunk on the last ten-minute Monday written in Ec. Most of the "good" members of the class flunked it. That is not to be taken seriously. Millsy seemed much amused when I told him after class I hadn't been able to figure the answer to the question out yet. I went to the Amalgamation Meeting last night. We reduced the nominees for the big offices for next year to two, listened to songs for Alma Maters to replace the awful old one, and discussed the possibility of having our meals served decently. I worked on history for three hours yesterday afternoon. That is the first real work I have been able to accomplish. I am gradually getting caught up with my work. I am eagerly awaiting your Princeton letter, Pete. If you haven't written it yet, please write it. How long does your vacation last? Love, Fannie Hamburger AaronDear Mother; Will you please ask the doctor to give me something effective for my bowels as soon as possible. I have been trying Maltine + Cascara + vaseline, vegetable pills, + what not, ever since I am back, and with no effect. It makes me feel like the dickens and good for nothing all the time. R.S.V.P. as soon as possible. Mother
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-04-22
Text: April 22, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I spent an hour studying chemisty this morning when I might have been doing history, but I didn't know what we weren't going to have quiz, so I could not help it. My intentions of making up all, or at least, most of my back work, this week-end are good. I hope I stick to them. I am going to play tennis this afternoon for the first time. I won't play long or hard, and I'll see how it goes. The doctor said I could, when I was...
Show moreApril 22, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I spent an hour studying chemisty this morning when I might have been doing history, but I didn't know what we weren't going to have quiz, so I could not help it. My intentions of making up all, or at least, most of my back work, this week-end are good. I hope I stick to them. I am going to play tennis this afternoon for the first time. I won't play long or hard, and I'll see how it goes. The doctor said I could, when I was home. I spent three and a half hours in lab yesterday afternoon and three quarters of an hour this morning. My poor old unknown is causing me a lot of difficulty, owing to my having the intelligence to throw away a filtrate last week that I discovered later I should have kept. Kilpat got quite human this morning in lab, and started on a long dissertation on the value of not having a course like the one I am taking. He can be all right when he is not so haughty and conceited. The day of his shining is approaching, Founder's Day baseball game, and I guess he is feeling good over the prospect. I spent an hour last night writing a long-owed letter to Mlle. Douteau. Don't forget to write the interesting letter you said you would, Pete. Are you going to go out to the "old school-house"? I bet if you do, you will enjoy it as much as I did. Go to it--it is a nice feeling to be appreciated, and you will get that out there. Every dormitory on campus had a fire-drill last night, just in time to see the eclipse of the moon. If that isn't education carried to the nth degree, I would like to know what is. Love, Fannie Please answer my note yesterday's letter as soon as possible, Mother.
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-04-23
Text: April 23, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: It is much cooler today and is pouring at a great rate. I don't know what it is that keeps me from working on a Friday afternoon. I had every intention of getting a topic off my hands yesterday, but it could not be done. Then I went over to the infirm after chapel for my treatment and had to wait one hour for Doctor Baldwin. I did not waste the time though, because I paid a call at the infirm that I would have had to pay anyhow. Lucy Hodges,...
Show moreApril 23, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: It is much cooler today and is pouring at a great rate. I don't know what it is that keeps me from working on a Friday afternoon. I had every intention of getting a topic off my hands yesterday, but it could not be done. Then I went over to the infirm after chapel for my treatment and had to wait one hour for Doctor Baldwin. I did not waste the time though, because I paid a call at the infirm that I would have had to pay anyhow. Lucy Hodges, Irene Mott's roommate of last year, was in the same ward. I asked her if Irence was coming back next year, and she volunteered some very interesting information. She was travelling around the world with the famous Hydes of Hydewood Hall, only they came back in time for the wedding of the son whom Marse met, and she continued on the trip with some other members of the party. She is now spending several months with her brother in India. She expects to come back as a Senior with her own class next year as she had four hours extra when she left last year, plans to carry eighteen hours all through next year, and is making up work now--writing a lot of stuff that she can get first hand and submitting it for credit in writing courses. After she had finished giving me this information, she waited a few minutes and then asked me what my name was. When I told her, she said, "Oh, are you Fannie Aaron?" That's what it is to become famous! I suppose even though you don't get news the minute it is out, you have heard of Pauline Lewin's and Edgar Hersch's engagement. I thought Pauline had more sense than that. Helen was very much excited and was getting and sending telegrams all day. I thought I had better telegraphing Pauline congratulating her. I must say I don't relish writing her. I'd like to tell her she is a fool! I just returned from getting a shampoo. I am going to the libe now and try to get a good solid day's a work done. Mother, please have Miss Lendl shorten the slip I sent home in my laundry one and one half inches by running a tuck in the bottom. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-04-24
Text: April 24, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I worked three hours straight yesterday afternoon on my history topic and intended to work last night but there was too much excitement in the air. The freshman had just had their roomdrawing, and I had to hear all about that. Deavison did not turn out well--worse luck. It was good in the trial draw, but most of those people switched over to Josselyn so that Davison turned out poorly. I worked this morning and got a lot of Ec and Spanish [done]....
Show moreApril 24, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I worked three hours straight yesterday afternoon on my history topic and intended to work last night but there was too much excitement in the air. The freshman had just had their roomdrawing, and I had to hear all about that. Deavison did not turn out well--worse luck. It was good in the trial draw, but most of those people switched over to Josselyn so that Davison turned out poorly. I worked this morning and got a lot of Ec and Spanish [done]. As usual, I did not get all the work done over the week-end that I had planned to do. Do you remember Eleanor Wolfe, your S. Herbert Wolfe's daughter? She is up here visiting Edith Brill this week-end, and she looked me up yesterday. She will enter next fall. The enclosed clipping may interest you, Pete. You will remember Students' last Sunday. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-04-25
Text: April 25, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Thanks for the telegram, Petez I had a night-letter from Henrietta today informing me that she was coming East with her Father Monday night and that she would come up here "the middle of the week for the week-end" if convenient. I wired her to come and let me know her plans more specifically. That will give me a good incentive to get my work done before then. There is no reason for letting it drag on the way I have lately. I had to go...
Show moreApril 25, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Thanks for the telegram, Petez I had a night-letter from Henrietta today informing me that she was coming East with her Father Monday night and that she would come up here "the middle of the week for the week-end" if convenient. I wired her to come and let me know her plans more specifically. That will give me a good incentive to get my work done before then. There is no reason for letting it drag on the way I have lately. I had to go off-campus for supper with Jeannette F. last night. She surely likes me. It is a joke. I had a card from Pauline L. this morning. Carolyn Bailey is coming over for dinner Thursday evening. That is all the exciting news I know. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-04-27
Text: April 27, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Where is that interesting letter, Pete? I put the finshing touches on my topic for Romance last night. It took two hours to type it. It is some monster--and not particularly interesting. It was not an enjoyable one to do. Now I have to beat it over to the libe and finish my history topic, which is due tomorrow. Then i will have all my work up to date, except for some Spenser reading, about which there is no particular hurry. I had a telegram from...
Show moreApril 27, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Where is that interesting letter, Pete? I put the finshing touches on my topic for Romance last night. It took two hours to type it. It is some monster--and not particularly interesting. It was not an enjoyable one to do. Now I have to beat it over to the libe and finish my history topic, which is due tomorrow. Then i will have all my work up to date, except for some Spenser reading, about which there is no particular hurry. I had a telegram from Henrietta last evening, saying that she will meet Louise in New York (she is coming to visit Helen) and come up on the ten-ten. Daylight saving is convenient. I can go down to meet her after my last class. I shall have to get a room for her off campus, there is no choice about it. No guests except alumnae can be entertained on campus Thursday and Friday nights of this week. That is a Founder's Day regulation of long standing. I hope she has no objections, but it cannor be helped. I finished both my long unknowns in lab this morning. One of them was distilled water! I could not imagine why I never found anything as I went along, and I certainly wasted enough time going over things to make sure that I hadn't made any mistakes. The doctor's prescription came this morning. Thank you for it. I shall have it filled in the morning. I got a letter from Aunt Pauline asking me to come down for the week-end sometime. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-04-30
Text: April 30, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: We have actually come to my room to do nothing for a while. We are having a great time together. Thursday Helen and I just caught a car after fourth hour and got to the station in time to meet Louise and Henrietta. I got a sandwich at the station. Lucy met us at the Lodge, and I left Henrietta to her. They had lunch and I went to Lab. Henrietta went to EC Seminar with Lucy. I met them after Lab, we fooled around a little, and then Henrietta went...
Show moreApril 30, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: We have actually come to my room to do nothing for a while. We are having a great time together. Thursday Helen and I just caught a car after fourth hour and got to the station in time to meet Louise and Henrietta. I got a sandwich at the station. Lucy met us at the Lodge, and I left Henrietta to her. They had lunch and I went to Lab. Henrietta went to EC Seminar with Lucy. I met them after Lab, we fooled around a little, and then Henrietta went to song practice with me. As she says, "I seen my duty and I done it". That is, I staid long enough to sign up and avoid the one dollar fine and beat an unnoticed retreat. Then we came back here and dressed, and Lucy and Henrietta Butler and Jeannette and I went to dinner. Then we came back and ducked the others, and Lucy and Henrietta and I had a wonderful leisurely walk out on the cider mill road. It was a gorgeous night, and we wanted to see the sunset. Then we came back, and fooled around Senior Parlor and a little before ten Henrietta and I went over to the Lodge to sleep. I had engaged a double room. I thought it was more sociable than having her sleep there alonge, particularly because she always hesitates so to leave her family. I could tell that she was glad I did it. After we got to bed we talked deep stuff for quite a while and then went to sleep. Yesterday we got up about eight, had breakfast, and came over to the town meeting in Students'. Mayor MacCracken of Poughkeepsie prosided and the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the curriculum for Vassar Female College. It was very funny. All the faculy entered into the discussion. The time was just after the founding of the college. Then we went up to Lucy's room, and a whole bunch of us went on a wonderful picnic to Sunset. It was great. Helen and Louise came along. We had great sandwiches, etc. which we had gotten off campus. The weather was threatening, but it didn't rain. We then came home and rested a while, and then went to the County Fair in Students'. They had planned to have it outdoors, but by that time it was pouring. some of the old-fashioned custumes were great. Prexie was very sociable yesterday. He came out on the stage with Mr. Nichols of the music department and sange colored songs. He was all blackened up. He wa quite a mixer yesterday. Then the weather cleared up, and they had the baseball game. But there was no dry place to sit, and so we staid only a little while. It was just the same as last year. They had to stop on account of the rain and at that point the faculty were in the lead, fourteen to nothing. Last night Helen and I had the guests and a few others to the Lodge to dinner. In the evening we went to some good plays and stunts in Students'. Prexieperformed again. This morning we, Henrietta and I, walked around campus and saw most of what she hadn't seen yet, rooms in Joss., etc. She has been resting while I have been writing to you. We are having a great time together--only there was so much taling in here that I am afraid this letter is not very coherent. Must hurry to lunch now. Am going to go to Dr. B. tonight for the treatment. Thanks for the note. Henrietta told her faimily[sic] to call you up. I hope they did. I didn't have time to write Thursday. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: n.d. [postmarked 1921-05-26]
Text: Thursday. Dear Mother + Father: Am managing to [get] thru with my work all right, but it is keeping [megting]. I celebrated last night by getting an extra long sleep. Am going to lab today from lunch till 4. AM then going out to the Dobson state to see Edith Wynne Matthison in "Electra". It is a gorgeous day. Carolyn B. told me that she, her mother, and father called on [you Friday.] Otherwise nothing new. Love, Fannie Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Aaron, Hotel Ambassador, Atlantic City, N.J.

Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-05-02
Text: May 2, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I ought to do Ec and Romance tonight, but I am too tired, so I think I will write to you and then go to bed instead. I spent three hours in lab this afternoon and the other hour of the afternoon at a class meeting. We all had a funny feeling when Kellogg told us that one of the things to do at the meeting was to nominate people for chairman of Junior Party for next year! I am analyzing some funny kind of medicine in lab now. At least it smells like...
Show moreMay 2, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I ought to do Ec and Romance tonight, but I am too tired, so I think I will write to you and then go to bed instead. I spent three hours in lab this afternoon and the other hour of the afternoon at a class meeting. We all had a funny feeling when Kellogg told us that one of the things to do at the meeting was to nominate people for chairman of Junior Party for next year! I am analyzing some funny kind of medicine in lab now. At least it smells like a medicine. From now on I have to analyze commercial stuff. We had an Ec written this morning and an awful Spanish written. She certainly sprang the unexpected on us. I have another idea for next year's course which I am thinking of very seriously. Having decided that Voltaire and Rousseau will entail too much repetition, and having decided that it is a crime to give up French,--if I don't go on with Spanish--what would you think of Victor Hugo and his Times". That is about the only other advanced course of any interest except Moliere, which doesn't appeal too much to my taste. R. S. V. P. Pete, my letters are going to rival yours in interest pretty soon. By the way--maybe I wasn't glad that I wasn't on an allowance when Henrietta was here! All of which reminds me that the letter to the bank was never returned to me. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-05-05
Text: May 5, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: We had regular wintery weather last night and it has been pouring all day. The result of our elections of next year's officers was announced last night. The president, Louise Zabriskie, hails from North; the vice-president from Lathrop; the secretary, Sylvia Woodbridge whom you probably remember, Mother--you told me her mother taught in the biology department while you were here--from North; and the treasurer, Betty Cannon, who was one of our...
Show moreMay 5, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: We had regular wintery weather last night and it has been pouring all day. The result of our elections of next year's officers was announced last night. The president, Louise Zabriskie, hails from North; the vice-president from Lathrop; the secretary, Sylvia Woodbridge whom you probably remember, Mother--you told me her mother taught in the biology department while you were here--from North; and the treasurer, Betty Cannon, who was one of our class debaters, from Davison. Betty was also elected head of Speakers' Bureau by the college. She asked me to be on Speakers' Bureau committee for next year. Exciting! I shall have to spend the whole afternoon and evening studying chem for the written tomorrow. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-05-05
Text: May 5, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Once upon a taime, you asked, Mother, whether Miss Alice was going to call up about coming back to finish up those few things. She said she would withing two of three weeks. Hasn't she yet? Exams start June 2. The schedules came out today. I have one Saturday, one Monday, two Tuesday, and one Thursday afternoon. The last is Chem. I shall have plenty of time to study for it anyhow, but I would like to have the worst one off my hands the soonest...
Show moreMay 5, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Once upon a taime, you asked, Mother, whether Miss Alice was going to call up about coming back to finish up those few things. She said she would withing two of three weeks. Hasn't she yet? Exams start June 2. The schedules came out today. I have one Saturday, one Monday, two Tuesday, and one Thursday afternoon. The last is Chem. I shall have plenty of time to study for it anyhow, but I would like to have the worst one off my hands the soonest instead of last. I had thought of going down to Aunt Bessie's after my last exam and coming back for Monday and Tuesday, Class Day and Commencement day. I could still do that with pleasure. What would you think of it? R. S. V. P. I spent three hours in lab this morning. I had a Spanish cut, but I had a conference with Senorita Agostini first hour instead of class. She strongly urged my going on with Spanish next yearz I don't know what to do about it. Had a letter from henrietta today. It was very gushy for her. Please return it, Pete. Must hurry to keep a shampoos appointment. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-05-06
Text: May 6, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I am going to type this letter without a mistake in it--wait and see. I bought the hairnets and the book at Horne's during vacation, Mother. I thought I forgot to mention it--I am sorry. The book was for Hertz's birthday. Didn't I tell you that? I studied all yesterday afternoon and evening and one hour this morning for the chem written. I can't say that it helped much--but it didn't do any harm, either. I didn't do any...
Show moreMay 6, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I am going to type this letter without a mistake in it--wait and see. I bought the hairnets and the book at Horne's during vacation, Mother. I thought I forgot to mention it--I am sorry. The book was for Hertz's birthday. Didn't I tell you that? I studied all yesterday afternoon and evening and one hour this morning for the chem written. I can't say that it helped much--but it didn't do any harm, either. I didn't do any too well. Exam schedules are out, but I believe I mentioned that. The schedules of classes for next year are out also. Of the six possible courses that I had planned on, there are three conflicts! Isn't that fierce. You know the dean's office had us make trial elections about a month ago, so that they could rearrange the old programmes and have fewer conflicts, if possible. As far as I am concerned, they made it a lot worse. Psych and Ec--Socialism--conflict. Miss Ellory's French Revolution and Miss Thompson's Civil War and Reconstruction come the same hour. And then I had considered as a solution of the problem of taking Spanish or French taking German but that conflicts with Miss Wylie's course, so that is out of the question. It is a good think that I am quite firm in my conviction that I should have Miss Wylie while the having is good, or I wouldn't know where I stand. I don't know what to do about the Psych and Ec. That to me is an inexcusable mistak on the part of the dean's office, because almost everybody who takes Ec Sophomore Year starts Psych Junior Year, and there are lots of people who major in Ec, which means that they must take the course I was planning to take. There must be a lot of people in my boots. I just happened to think last night that I never told you that I got a note of congratulation from Albert Kabet two days after your visit in Princeton, Pete, informing me that he had heard of my great achievement and he wished to congratulate me on the great honor, bosh, bosh, bosh, etc. I never acknowledged it. I hope that wasn't terribly rude, but I didn't care to. It was quite uncalled for. How About the Peabody Subscription? R. S. V. P. Also, Father, if you were going to have the bank send me a statement, please do so. I telegrpahed[sic] Pauline the day the news reached V. C., Mother. I shall write to her by and by.I am going to the Spanish play, "El Chice de la Panuelas" this afternoon. I have to read my Spanish novel this week-end. I think that wil decide for me whether I want to go on with Spanish or not. If it is characteristically Spanish novel type, I don't think it is worth spending a course on. Otherwise I don't know anything new. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-05-07
Text: May 7, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I spent several hours this morning working on a history topic--causes of the Civil War, and then i cam home and spent one hour working on elections. Sophomores have to hand in, in addition, a schedule of sequential study, showing the courses in their majors and minors, for the next two years. It is some mess. Everything conflicts with everything else. To make matters worse, I just found out that Miss Thompson, whose course in American History since...
Show moreMay 7, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I spent several hours this morning working on a history topic--causes of the Civil War, and then i cam home and spent one hour working on elections. Sophomores have to hand in, in addition, a schedule of sequential study, showing the courses in their majors and minors, for the next two years. It is some mess. Everything conflicts with everything else. To make matters worse, I just found out that Miss Thompson, whose course in American History since 1850 I was planning to take Senior year, will be away on leave that year. And next year her course comes the same hour as French Rev. It is some mess. Moreover, the history department has just made a new ruling which goes into force next year to the effect that no student taking only one semester of a one yar course can count that course toward her major. That makes matters worse. It is some mess. The Seniors are having their prom this week-end. I called on Miss Cowley last night. It was about time. She was out. Otherwise there is nothing new. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-05-08
Text: May 8, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I worked all yesterday afternoon on my history topic. I did the whole thing from Jefferson Davis's point of view. It was very interesting. I have almost finished it. I spent the evening--that is, one and one half hours, working out my course for the next two years. I have a cracker jack course doped out, but rather stiff. But as far as that goes, you can make any course just about as easy or as hard as you want to, and you might as well take...
Show moreMay 8, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I worked all yesterday afternoon on my history topic. I did the whole thing from Jefferson Davis's point of view. It was very interesting. I have almost finished it. I spent the evening--that is, one and one half hours, working out my course for the next two years. I have a cracker jack course doped out, but rather stiff. But as far as that goes, you can make any course just about as easy or as hard as you want to, and you might as well take the courses with the people who are worth while. The present prospect is no more languages, but keeping up the Spanish with Latin American history second semester next year and keeping up French, German, and Spanish with a supposedly very high-brow but very interesting course in Comtemporary Drama Senior year. You read the plays in the original and discuss and write the papers in English. It sounds very good to me. The Philosophy work in better next year than Senior Year. I think I am better sufficiently intelligent to digest it next year, don't you. The plan for next year is:-- Frech Rev. Nineteenth Century Poetry Historical Introduction to Philosphy Either Development of the Drama (if it is prerequisite to Contemporary Drama Senior Year), or Contemporary Eastern Europe, or Biology Psychology I have to beat it now. I got a card of thanks from Pauline. I don't want any of the things from Miss Alice. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-05-08
Text: May 8, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Work is certainly piling up fast these days. i spent most of yesterday afternoon working on a history topic, and this morning on Romance. I hae to finish the topic this afternoon and spend this evening reading my Spanish novel. And some time in the near future I shall have to work out my course for the next two years. I watched Senior Prom last night for quite a while. It was not as pretty as Junior Prom, but very nice nevertheless. Senorita...
Show moreMay 8, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Work is certainly piling up fast these days. i spent most of yesterday afternoon working on a history topic, and this morning on Romance. I hae to finish the topic this afternoon and spend this evening reading my Spanish novel. And some time in the near future I shall have to work out my course for the next two years. I watched Senior Prom last night for quite a while. It was not as pretty as Junior Prom, but very nice nevertheless. Senorita Agostini looked wonderful, I don't think I have ever seen anyone so pretty. I had intended to find out about the Yale lock, Mother. I shall measure for curtains also. When I planned to visit Aunt Bessie I did not know about the whooping-cough. I certainly shall not go. I feel normal again, and have for several days. That was a setback, i guess, although I don't know what caused it. I am so engulfed in work that I can't think of anything interesting to write. What are the family plans for the summer, or arent't[sic] you making any until you see what is doing with the doctor? Am I to send the two dollar dues for the Sisterhood of do you do that for me? R. S. V. P. How about the Peabody subscription? Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-05-10
Text: May 10, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Speakers' Bureau Committee entails planning the meetings of Speakers' Bureau, and directing meetings, (acting as critic of the evening). It is no very stupendous job. I have to do some work for costumes for Sph. Tree Ceremonies today. I didn't write that I was supposed to be in the mob for Thirda[sic] Hall but dropped out when I was feeling so punk because I was afraid of the rehearsals on the damp ground at night. Had a letter from...
Show moreMay 10, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Speakers' Bureau Committee entails planning the meetings of Speakers' Bureau, and directing meetings, (acting as critic of the evening). It is no very stupendous job. I have to do some work for costumes for Sph. Tree Ceremonies today. I didn't write that I was supposed to be in the mob for Thirda[sic] Hall but dropped out when I was feeling so punk because I was afraid of the rehearsals on the damp ground at night. Had a letter from Grandpa today. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-05-11
Text: May 11, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: There is nothing much of interest to write, I wish I had debate to take up space these days. I don't believe I ever mentioned the inclosed letter to you. Please send it to Pete, then return it. We have Vassar movies just like the Wellesly film, Pete. They are not the only ones! I hope your back is better, Father. Please take care of yourself and don't let it get bad again. Don't send any of the Miss Alice stuff, Mother. I don't...
Show moreMay 11, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: There is nothing much of interest to write, I wish I had debate to take up space these days. I don't believe I ever mentioned the inclosed letter to you. Please send it to Pete, then return it. We have Vassar movies just like the Wellesly film, Pete. They are not the only ones! I hope your back is better, Father. Please take care of yourself and don't let it get bad again. Don't send any of the Miss Alice stuff, Mother. I don't need it. Incidentally, i couldn't send my laundry today because last week's hasn't arrived yet. I hope it hasn't been lost. I had a letter from Grandpa yesterday. Lucy didn't go to the Prom. She and Jeanette went to a little place across the river on their bicycles over-night that Saturday. I had a note of thanks from Pauline. She informed me that she missed us all very much the night of her reception, but that she would see to it that she would have her wedding when we are all home. I suppose that means Christmas vacation next year. I wish she would break her engagement instead, but that is her business, as you would say. Should I give Lucy a Commencement present. You know I haven't given her her birthday present, so perhaps it would be a good idea to give it to her all in one. R. S. V. P. How about the Peabody subscription? Phyllis paid me a long call Monday. She didn't get a letter from Peabody. Otherwise there is nothing new, except that the weather is perfect and that Helen Hertz is being honored by a visit from Richard Fishel. She met the honorable Shap, as the people around here designate him, in new York last week-end. She also met Lousie Cohen, whom she brought back here with her until Monday morning. I am worried about the girl--she is studying too much! Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-05-13
Text: May 13, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I had a very unexpected visit Wednesday afternoon, and, I must say, it turned out to be a very interesting one. I was peacefully stetched out on my big Morris chair trying to wade through the Spanish novel the report on which is almost due when a girl who had just been up to my room to see me about fixing her costume for her for Sophomore Tree Ceremonies came back announcing that there was a man down staits to see me. Richard Fishel was up here for...
Show moreMay 13, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I had a very unexpected visit Wednesday afternoon, and, I must say, it turned out to be a very interesting one. I was peacefully stetched out on my big Morris chair trying to wade through the Spanish novel the report on which is almost due when a girl who had just been up to my room to see me about fixing her costume for her for Sophomore Tree Ceremonies came back announcing that there was a man down staits to see me. Richard Fishel was up here for the day with Helen and I immediately supposed it was he, being polite, or else that Helen had suddenly gotten cold feet about cutting so many classes and had gone to math class and sent Richard to me for an hour's entertainment. I thought I would be jiggered if I was going to get dressed to go down and talk to Richard Fishel for a half hour. She went down to find out who it was and came back with the information that it was David Glick. Well, i never have been more surprised. The last I knew he was working in Minneapolis. So I got dressed and went down. I must have acted my surprise, because I asked him what on earth brought him to Poughkeepsie, and he volunteered the information that it was to see me, of course. Well, that was a pretty nice line but it did sound fishy, so a minute latter I gathered the information that he was on his way from Albany to New York and that he got the idea on the train that he could stop off here and still make his seven o'clock appointment by taking the three-fifty eight. So we proceeded on an expedition of sightseeing over the campus, and accidentally interrupted a very clubby session of Richard's and Helen's "under the apple trees" on Sunset. I told Lucy afterwards, and she screamed, although I must say I didn't think it quite as funny as she did. We talked to them for a little while, and then went on to the top of the hill. The view of the mountains was perfect, and he surely did appreciate it, unless he was being excessively polite. I also showed him the prettiest parts of the chapel lake, and he maintained at least five times that it was a prettier campus than Princeton's. Then, when he started to rave about the outdoor theater and saw people rehearshing there, I got the bright idea that he was after an invitation to Thirda Hall, since he had said that he was going to be in New York until Sunday night unless he should have to go to Washington. So I asked him if he could come up for it, but was careful not to give him the impression that my life depended upon it. The long and short of it was that he would let me know Thursday if he could make it or not, but he thought he could. Yesterday if he could make it or not, but he thought he could. Yesterday I got about a forty word telegram to the effect that he had to leave for Washington, and that he and Frank had quite an argument as to the relative merits of the Princeton and Vassar campuses.He happened to look at his watch at twnety-five minutes to four and realize that he was about to miss his train, so we beat it back to Davison and I telephoned for a taxi. The train was late, so he just made it. He said he would call you up when he got home an assure you that I was to all appearances quite alive and well. He seems to be just the same as he was when I last saw him about two years ago, except that then I was so impressed with the fact that he was quite a little older than I that I stood quite in awe of him, but he seems suddenly to have gotten about three years younger. He has the same serious line, excessive enthusiasm, but perfect manners. That must have been acquired within the last two years! On the whole, I enjoyed the few hours very much. I guess I like serious people. He sends his best regards to you, Pete. I still don't make out why he stopped off, unless he was anxious to see Vassar. I got back from the station just in time to keep Henrietta Butler's and my date with Miss Smith to take her off-campus for dinner. It is something that I should have done a long time ago, and I am very glad we did not put it off any longer, the dinner went over very well, and altogther was quite successful It should have been for the price! I got a note from the janitor's office yesterday telling me that my laundry was there, please to call for it. They told me that it was found Founder's day and that somebody brought it in there. I have a vague recollection of calling for it that day at the Post Office because it did not come special delivery but I cannot remember where I left it. That accounts for my fear that it was lost on the way. I sent it home this morning special delivery--I hope it gets there in time for Monday. It poured all night and part of this morning, so Third Hall will have to be put off till tomorrow night. I certainly hope it doesn't rain tomorrow. Tonight we are going to have the only production at home of the four one act plays that our four stat actresses have been touring the country with all winter in the interest of the endowment fund. That will be as big a treat as Third Hall, if not moreso. They used to leave every week on Friday and get back in time for classes Monday, with one or two exceptions. Tickets sold everywhere for three dollars and we get the performance for nothing. I went to the movies last night--excitement! I had dinner with Lucy, Jeannette, and Helen Stern and I had told them I would probably go along. The picture is supposed to be an unusually fine one and every one around here is talking about it. Moreover, they kid me quite regularly because I dislike movies and so rarely go that I decided I would go if the picture was really worth while. It is supposed to be historical, but if I remember anything about French history, it is quite balledup. Whoever put the picture on didn't mind lapses of years. Anyhow, I never saw the storming of the Bastille before or scenes from the Reign of Terror. On the way home we got silly; that is, Lucy and I stated remembering things that happened the summers we were together for a while and one things was crazier than the other. Jeannette almost had Helen Stern believing that we had travelled around the world together once. I am going to read Spanish all afternoon or bust. There is too much else in college to go with languages. At least that is my present opinion, and since I hand in my elections today I won't have much chance to change my mind. I can get all the French I need in reading for French Rev. I asked Miss Ellory yesterday whether she would not advise taking that rather than Renaissance and Reformation in connection with Nineteenth Century Poetry, anf she said by all means. Miss Salmon signed me sequential study card yesterday in five minutes. That is record time--the college is full of tales about how she has been refusing to sign unless people take what she recommends. She argues and argues and then tells them to go home and think it over and come back tomorrow. But she thoroughly approved of my choice. Miss Smith talked about her at length the other evening. She feels as you do about her but she realizes her eccentricities just as much as we who have her now do. She said that Miss Salmon has been telling people to reconsider their choice if their plan includes a course with Jimmie Baldwin, and she says the only readon is that they had a scrap and don't get along together. That is some narrow-minded policy for one who professes to be as broad as she does. Miss Wylie signed for me in about two minutes. I am sure I shall enjoy working under her very much. I was going to introduce myself to her, but there was a huge line of people waiting outside the door with their cards and I felt that it would be quite out of place then. But I certainly shall next year when I have her. The present plan for next semester is:-- Psychology--Miss Washburn Socialism(so-called, really, Problems of Social Reorganization) Mills Nineteenth Century Poetry--Miss Wylie French Revolution--Miss Ellory Zoology--there is no such course as Biology--Prof. Treadwell If I decide over the summer that lab is going to wear me out the way it has this year, i shall change the science election to another history course. How does the course sound to you? I met Helen Reid's Father yesterday. He does not seem particulary exciting.Did I ever write that I got B on the last chem written--the second of the semester? That is quite an achievement for me. There were several B pluses, I don't think any A's. My last unknown turned out to be Bichloride of Mercury. I was thinking of your acquaintance of S. A. T. C. days, Pete. The clipping with the mine picture was very interesting, as was also the bill with I. P.'s name as big as life. I'll send the [check] to the Peabody fund. I am glad you are able to be outdoors again, Mother. I am also glad you will be able to go to Atlantic. It will be very good for you, I am sure. now I have a suggestion. What do you think of it? By next week I will be completely up to date in my work. You know I have had no week-ends at all this semester, so I could easily do this without missing anything in academic standing--take my prom leave and leave after my last class Thursday on the one nine and come to Atlantic and stay till Sunday noon. What would you think about it, or would you rather not? I have only two classes on Friday, and one is American history. I would not want to do it if you did not want me to--what do you think about it? R. S. V. P. I would like to see you. Volume two will be published tomorrow. Love, Fannie[enc w/ 13 May 1921] Dear Mother: Please explain. Yesterday I received a two pound box of Reymer's candy from the honorable Alfred Goorin. Today I receive a not from him to the effect that the Pi Tau Pi fraternity (a social organization to which most of the boys at home belong) is having a party the night of the eighteenth, a boatride down the allegheny, and that he would like me to go. What about it? Helen mentioned yesterday that she is going with Richard Fishel. Could I tell him that I don't know yet, because I am staying for Commencemtn[sic] and may stay ovr in New York a few days, but that I will probably be able to go. I don't know anything about the propriety of such parties--I suppose they have chaperones, etc., but there is no telling. R. S. V. P.403 DAVISON HOUSE VASSAR COLLEGE POUGHKEEPSIE, N. Y. May 13, 1921 Peabody Memorial Oommittee, PMother
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-05-13
Text: May 13, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I had a very unexpected visit Wednesday afternoon, and, I must say, it turned out to be a very interesting one. I was peacefully stetched out on my big Morris chair trying to wade through the Spanish novel the report on which is almost due when a girl who had just been up to my room to see me about fixing her costume for her for Sophomore Tree Ceremonies came back announcing that there was a man down staits to see me. Richard Fishel was up here for...
Show moreMay 13, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I had a very unexpected visit Wednesday afternoon, and, I must say, it turned out to be a very interesting one. I was peacefully stetched out on my big Morris chair trying to wade through the Spanish novel the report on which is almost due when a girl who had just been up to my room to see me about fixing her costume for her for Sophomore Tree Ceremonies came back announcing that there was a man down staits to see me. Richard Fishel was up here for the day with Helen and I immediately supposed it was he, being polite, or else that Helen had suddenly gotten cold feet about cutting so many classes and had gone to math class and sent Richard to me for an hour's entertainment. I thought I would be jiggered if I was going to get dressed to go down and talk to Richard Fishel for a half hour. She went down to find out who it was and came back with the information that it was David Glick. Well, i never have been more surprised. The last I knew he was working in Minneapolis. So I got dressed and went down. I must have acted my surprise, because I asked him what on earth brought him to Poughkeepsie, and he volunteered the information that it was to see me, of course. Well, that was a pretty nice line but it did sound fishy, so a minute latter I gathered the information that he was on his way from Albany to New York and that he got the idea on the train that he could stop off here and still make his seven o'clock appointment by taking the three-fifty eight. So we proceeded on an expedition of sightseeing over the campus, and accidentally interrupted a very clubby session of Richard's and Helen's "under the apple trees" on Sunset. I told Lucy afterwards, and she screamed, although I must say I didn't think it quite as funny as she did. We talked to them for a little while, and then went on to the top of the hill. The view of the mountains was perfect, and he surely did appreciate it, unless he was being excessively polite. I also showed him the prettiest parts of the chapel lake, and he maintained at least five times that it was a prettier campus than Princeton's. Then, when he started to rave about the outdoor theater and saw people rehearshing there, I got the bright idea that he was after an invitation to Thirda Hall, since he had said that he was going to be in New York until Sunday night unless he should have to go to Washington. So I asked him if he could come up for it, but was careful not to give him the impression that my life depended upon it. The long and short of it was that he would let me know Thursday if he could make it or not, but he thought he could. Yesterday if he could make it or not, but he thought he could. Yesterday I got about a forty word telegram to the effect that he had to leave for Washington, and that he and Frank had quite an argument as to the relative merits of the Princeton and Vassar campuses.He happened to look at his watch at twnety-five minutes to four and realize that he was about to miss his train, so we beat it back to Davison and I telephoned for a taxi. The train was late, so he just made it. He said he would call you up when he got home an assure you that I was to all appearances quite alive and well. He seems to be just the same as he was when I last saw him about two years ago, except that then I was so impressed with the fact that he was quite a little older than I that I stood quite in awe of him, but he seems suddenly to have gotten about three years younger. He has the same serious line, excessive enthusiasm, but perfect manners. That must have been acquired within the last two years! On the whole, I enjoyed the few hours very much. I guess I like serious people. He sends his best regards to you, Pete. I still don't make out why he stopped off, unless he was anxious to see Vassar. I got back from the station just in time to keep Henrietta Butler's and my date with Miss Smith to take her off-campus for dinner. It is something that I should have done a long time ago, and I am very glad we did not put it off any longer, the dinner went over very well, and altogther was quite successful It should have been for the price! I got a note from the janitor's office yesterday telling me that my laundry was there, please to call for it. They told me that it was found Founder's day and that somebody brought it in there. I have a vague recollection of calling for it that day at the Post Office because it did not come special delivery but I cannot remember where I left it. That accounts for my fear that it was lost on the way. I sent it home this morning special delivery--I hope it gets there in time for Monday. It poured all night and part of this morning, so Third Hall will have to be put off till tomorrow night. I certainly hope it doesn't rain tomorrow. Tonight we are going to have the only production at home of the four one act plays that our four stat actresses have been touring the country with all winter in the interest of the endowment fund. That will be as big a treat as Third Hall, if not moreso. They used to leave every week on Friday and get back in time for classes Monday, with one or two exceptions. Tickets sold everywhere for three dollars and we get the performance for nothing. I went to the movies last night--excitement! I had dinner with Lucy, Jeannette, and Helen Stern and I had told them I would probably go along. The picture is supposed to be an unusually fine one and every one around here is talking about it. Moreover, they kid me quite regularly because I dislike movies and so rarely go that I decided I would go if the picture was really worth while. It is supposed to be historical, but if I remember anything about French history, it is quite balledup. Whoever put the picture on didn't mind lapses of years. Anyhow, I never saw the storming of the Bastille before or scenes from the Reign of Terror. On the way home we got silly; that is, Lucy and I stated remembering things that happened the summers we were together for a while and one things was crazier than the other. Jeannette almost had Helen Stern believing that we had travelled around the world together once. I am going to read Spanish all afternoon or bust. There is too much else in college to go with languages. At least that is my present opinion, and since I hand in my elections today I won't have much chance to change my mind. I can get all the French I need in reading for French Rev. I asked Miss Ellory yesterday whether she would not advise taking that rather than Renaissance and Reformation in connection with Nineteenth Century Poetry, anf she said by all means. Miss Salmon signed me sequential study card yesterday in five minutes. That is record time--the college is full of tales about how she has been refusing to sign unless people take what she recommends. She argues and argues and then tells them to go home and think it over and come back tomorrow. But she thoroughly approved of my choice. Miss Smith talked about her at length the other evening. She feels as you do about her but she realizes her eccentricities just as much as we who have her now do. She said that Miss Salmon has been telling people to reconsider their choice if their plan includes a course with Jimmie Baldwin, and she says the only readon is that they had a scrap and don't get along together. That is some narrow-minded policy for one who professes to be as broad as she does. Miss Wylie signed for me in about two minutes. I am sure I shall enjoy working under her very much. I was going to introduce myself to her, but there was a huge line of people waiting outside the door with their cards and I felt that it would be quite out of place then. But I certainly shall next year when I have her. The present plan for next semester is:-- Psychology--Miss Washburn Socialism(so-called, really, Problems of Social Reorganization) Mills Nineteenth Century Poetry--Miss Wylie French Revolution--Miss Ellory Zoology--there is no such course as Biology--Prof. Treadwell If I decide over the summer that lab is going to wear me out the way it has this year, i shall change the science election to another history course. How does the course sound to you? I met Helen Reid's Father yesterday. He does not seem particulary exciting.Did I ever write that I got B on the last chem written--the second of the semester? That is quite an achievement for me. There were several B pluses, I don't think any A's. My last unknown turned out to be Bichloride of Mercury. I was thinking of your acquaintance of S. A. T. C. days, Pete. The clipping with the mine picture was very interesting, as was also the bill with I. P.'s name as big as life. I'll send the [check] to the Peabody fund. I am glad you are able to be outdoors again, Mother. I am also glad you will be able to go to Atlantic. It will be very good for you, I am sure. now I have a suggestion. What do you think of it? By next week I will be completely up to date in my work. You know I have had no week-ends at all this semester, so I could easily do this without missing anything in academic standing--take my prom leave and leave after my last class Thursday on the one nine and come to Atlantic and stay till Sunday noon. What would you think about it, or would you rather not? I have only two classes on Friday, and one is American history. I would not want to do it if you did not want me to--what do you think about it? R. S. V. P. I would like to see you. Volume two will be published tomorrow. Love, Fannie[enc w/ 13 May 1921] Dear Mother: Please explain. Yesterday I received a two pound box of Reymer's candy from the honorable Alfred Goorin. Today I receive a not from him to the effect that the Pi Tau Pi fraternity (a social organization to which most of the boys at home belong) is having a party the night of the eighteenth, a boatride down the allegheny, and that he would like me to go. What about it? Helen mentioned yesterday that she is going with Richard Fishel. Could I tell him that I don't know yet, because I am staying for Commencemtn[sic] and may stay ovr in New York a few days, but that I will probably be able to go. I don't know anything about the propriety of such parties--I suppose they have chaperones, etc., but there is no telling. R. S. V. P.403 DAVISON HOUSE VASSAR COLLEGE POUGHKEEPSIE, N. Y. May 13, 1921 Peabody Memorial Oommittee, PMother
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-05-14
Text: May 14, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: There isn't much to tell you after my volume of yesterday except that I sent the check to the Peabody fund. Third Hall was very beautiful, I say beautiful because I was sitting too far back to appreciate the acting to the full, but the coloring, costuming, and general effect, were splendid. There were eleven hundred guest tickets issued. I never realized before how many that theater could hold. I slept very late this morning, and went to the...
Show moreMay 14, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: There isn't much to tell you after my volume of yesterday except that I sent the check to the Peabody fund. Third Hall was very beautiful, I say beautiful because I was sitting too far back to appreciate the acting to the full, but the coloring, costuming, and general effect, were splendid. There were eleven hundred guest tickets issued. I never realized before how many that theater could hold. I slept very late this morning, and went to the libe to do some work, but I am no good at accomplishing anything on an empty stomach. I have been sitting outside for two hours this afternoon making my way through the Spanish novel. I shall continue after mailing this letter. Jake Shapira is up for the week-end with Helen. I saw him for a few minutes last night and for a few more this morning. Hlene doesn't know what to do with him to keep him from being bored. She seems to be having a hard time! Mother, if it isn't too late and if it isn't too much trouble could you send the grey crepe de chine dress that Miss Alice fixed? Love, Fannie How about Atlantic City?
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-05-15
Text: May 15, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete; The only thing I can truly say of interest today is that I never was more qualified to write a Lester-Sunday-letter than i am today. I finished my Spanish novel this morning--sat out on the fire-escape and did it--and this afternoon went to the libe to work on a history topic, but was too sleepy to read intelligently, so came home and slept and just woke up. We had the honor to hear Madame Curie speak last night in chapel on her discovery of radium...
Show moreMay 15, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete; The only thing I can truly say of interest today is that I never was more qualified to write a Lester-Sunday-letter than i am today. I finished my Spanish novel this morning--sat out on the fire-escape and did it--and this afternoon went to the libe to work on a history topic, but was too sleepy to read intelligently, so came home and slept and just woke up. We had the honor to hear Madame Curie speak last night in chapel on her discovery of radium. We were told to rise when she came in, and our eager glances and doubts as to who the person was reminded me of your story about John Fiske at Prep School, Mother. Then when she did come, after fifteen minutes, we rose and then sat down, and the organ started with America, where upon the whole chapel rose again and most of the people started to laugh. The drawback was that she talks very few and few people could hear her. However, it was worth while to see her. Last night the Vassar players who have been touring the country with three-one-act plays writtenby Vassar alums gave the performance to the college to close the season, incidentally to let us see them. They travelled for the endowment fund, and sold tickets in the eight different cities at three and a half dollars a piece. The plays were splendid. Otherwise I know of nothing new. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-05-16
Text: May 16, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Nothing new today, except that Peggy Bliss just got back last night from the spring intercollegiate debate conference, which was held this year at Radcliffe. We go to Barnard next year, and Mt. Holyoke comes here. A more uninteresting combination, both as to colleges and as to which ones visit which ones, I cannot imagine. As long as we meet those two, i'd a lot rather go to Holyoke. Madame Curie left this morning, and most of the college...
Show moreMay 16, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Nothing new today, except that Peggy Bliss just got back last night from the spring intercollegiate debate conference, which was held this year at Radcliffe. We go to Barnard next year, and Mt. Holyoke comes here. A more uninteresting combination, both as to colleges and as to which ones visit which ones, I cannot imagine. As long as we meet those two, i'd a lot rather go to Holyoke. Madame Curie left this morning, and most of the college turned out to sing her a farewell song. I planned to work last night, but heard that Lucy was sick so I went over to see her and staid for about an hour and a half. She doesn't know what was the matter with her, except that she got a reminder of what it is going to be like to be seasick this summer. She is all right again. I got B minus on Agostini's awful Spanish written. It was the highest mark in the class. There were two C's--all the rest were D's and E's. What was the matter with my letter about the visit, Pete? I don't see anything funny about it. I said I enjoyed it, and I did. Was that so funny? Love, Fannie Mother, please make Father take it easy in Atlantic. Father, please don't let Mother be on her feet too much Atlantic. Fannie, get enough sleep. Lester, get enough too, and don't hang suspended from the ceiling.
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-05-16
Text: [Addressed to Hotel Ambassador] May 16, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Nothing new today, except that Peggy Bliss just got back last night from the spring intercollegiate debate conference, which was held this year at Radcliffe. We go to Barnard next year, and Mt. Holyoke comes here. A more uninteresting combination, both as to colleges and as to which ones visit which ones, I cannot imagine. As long as we meet those two, i'd a lot rather go to Holyoke. Madame Curie left this...
Show more[Addressed to Hotel Ambassador] May 16, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Nothing new today, except that Peggy Bliss just got back last night from the spring intercollegiate debate conference, which was held this year at Radcliffe. We go to Barnard next year, and Mt. Holyoke comes here. A more uninteresting combination, both as to colleges and as to which ones visit which ones, I cannot imagine. As long as we meet those two, i'd a lot rather go to Holyoke. Madame Curie left this morning, and most of the college turned out to sing her a farewell song. I planned to work last night, but heard that Lucy was sick so I went over to see her and staid for about an hour and a half. She doesn't know what was the matter with her, except that she got a reminder of what it is going to be like to be seasick this summer. She is all right again. I got B minus on Agostini's awful Spanish written. It was the highest mark in the class. There were two C's--all the rest were D's and E's. What was the matter with my letter about the visit, Pete? I don't see anything funny about it. I said I enjoyed it, and I did. Was that so funny? Love, Fannie Mother, please make Father take it easy in Atlantic. Father, please don't let Mother be on her feet too much Atlantic. Fannie, get enough sleep. Lester, get enough too, and don't hang suspended from the ceiling.
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