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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1920-01-08 [1921]
Text: January 8, 1920 [1921] Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: There is nothing new to report since yesterday. We had a wonderful walk out to the Kenyon estate. There is quite a little snow on the ground and the country is beautiful. It is wonderful to be able to enjoy it again. Lucy came over for dinner last night and as usual we had a good "bicker" together. After chapel I went to hear a piano recital by somebody Giorni. I think I enjoyed it. I am told by those who know what they are...
Show moreJanuary 8, 1920 [1921] Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: There is nothing new to report since yesterday. We had a wonderful walk out to the Kenyon estate. There is quite a little snow on the ground and the country is beautiful. It is wonderful to be able to enjoy it again. Lucy came over for dinner last night and as usual we had a good "bicker" together. After chapel I went to hear a piano recital by somebody Giorni. I think I enjoyed it. I am told by those who know what they are talking about that he wasn't too potent. I slept till nine o'clock this morning, made some breakfast, and managed to get myself over to the library by a quarter to eleven. I had planned to do history, but when I got there, discovered that Senorita Agostini had changed her mind about not giving us an assignment for Monday. I spent two hours on it and have not finished it yet. I think I'll do history this afternoon. I am looking forward to Dr. Grenfell's lecture of ton ght. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: [1923-01-08]
Text: [8 Jan 1923] Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: This time you are right, Father, and I am wrong-- I never have been quite as tired as I am today. We got in at nine instead of ten of seven, and I arrived at Main as the bell rang for my first class. I slept in train style from twelve to six, when we arrived at Albany and were duly banged around. I got breakfast on the train. The snow is very deep--that is why we were late. I am glad I went to Buffalo but I don't think I would do it again in a...
Show more[8 Jan 1923] Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: This time you are right, Father, and I am wrong-- I never have been quite as tired as I am today. We got in at nine instead of ten of seven, and I arrived at Main as the bell rang for my first class. I slept in train style from twelve to six, when we arrived at Albany and were duly banged around. I got breakfast on the train. The snow is very deep--that is why we were late. I am glad I went to Buffalo but I don't think I would do it again in a hurry. I never appreciated before how nice it is to get back a day before work starts. We were met at the station by a young Semitic neighbor of Elizabeth's--she had company and couldn't leave. He took us and one suitcase in his two-seater Ford coupe down to Brocks' house, in the Buffalo Squirrel Hill. She had a mob of company, which I met and talked to for a while. If they are Buffalo's elites, as they are, I think, Buffalo hasn't much to offer. They are an awfully cheap looking bunch, and they don't act much better. Four of her friends took us out to dinner--Kro arrived ahead of us from Detroit. I prefer even the drunks of Pittsburgh to them--they were impossible, although I think Helen liked them. One's name was Herbet Weil and two of them were Sapperstons, or some such thing. They all said their parents were going down to New York to a Jewish convention next week--did you meet them in Buffalo two years ago, Father? Then they came home and played bridge for a little while and then we left. I hardly saw her mother at all--she kept herself in the other room--if she thought I preferred the gentlemen, she was mistaken. I am glad I went if for no other reason that I am very much more satisfied with Pittsburgh than I ever was before, and I guess that is worth something. Incidentally, their conversation centered around who was stewed when and where and how--national Jewish theme--Rypins might try it instead of prejudice in the colleges! I shall now try to go to sleep--it would be ridiculous to try to work. How was Mr. Hurwitz at dinner? Also, how were the dinner parties, were being future tense? Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1920-01-09 [1921]
Text: January 9, 1920 [1921] Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I have nothing of much interest to report. I spent an hour yesterday afternoon trying to get started on a history topic and finally gave up in disgust. I took Anna Howard Shaw's "Life of a Pioneer" out of the library and came home, cozied up in my Morris chiar and read for two hours and a half. it is very intersting. Lucy Salmon recommended it to us once upon a time. Then I read two thirds of "The Castle of Otranto...
Show moreJanuary 9, 1920 [1921] Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I have nothing of much interest to report. I spent an hour yesterday afternoon trying to get started on a history topic and finally gave up in disgust. I took Anna Howard Shaw's "Life of a Pioneer" out of the library and came home, cozied up in my Morris chiar and read for two hours and a half. it is very intersting. Lucy Salmon recommended it to us once upon a time. Then I read two thirds of "The Castle of Otranto" by Horace Walpole (required reading). Last night I went to Dr. Granfell's lecture on Labrador. It was very good and his pictures were excellent. He was a wonderful sense of humor. The lecture was rather disappointing, though, in that it dealt more with pictures of the country and of the hospital stations than with his actual work and contact with the people. Among other things he showed us a picture the Princeton, Yale, and Harvard boats and told us that the Princeton men were anxious to give a new one because the other one was lost some few years ago. He said it might have been found, except that it was lost by Harvard men! I have been reading today from ten to three-fifteen, with anintermission for dinner. I read four hundred of the five hundred and fifty pages of Scott's "Bride of Lammermoor". I expect to finish it today. I hope I get out of this reading crazy pretty soon. It isn't particularly good for one's spirits. The library cards are in the two books I took out of the library, Mother. I forgot to leave them at home, but they will arrive in the next laundry with the books. My laundry came yesterday, incidentally. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: [1923-01-09]
Text: [9 Jan 1923] Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: It is still snowing, and is also quite cold. Hope we won't have another winter like Freshman year. I slept from five to six yesterday, and then from eight to seven, so i feel restored today. I forgot to mention that I had a lower, Helen and I drew lots for the upper and she was the unluck one. I start to write my drama topic today, my last topic of this semester. I spent the morning going over my notes, and I think it will work up better than...
Show more[9 Jan 1923] Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: It is still snowing, and is also quite cold. Hope we won't have another winter like Freshman year. I slept from five to six yesterday, and then from eight to seven, so i feel restored today. I forgot to mention that I had a lower, Helen and I drew lots for the upper and she was the unluck one. I start to write my drama topic today, my last topic of this semester. I spent the morning going over my notes, and I think it will work up better than I expected, but it will be hard to write. I went up to the dean's office this morning to see how many hours I have to elect next semester. I only have to take twelve, but I think I shall elect the fifteen I said I would, so as not to drop anything, and then i can always drop a couse if necessary. Love, Fannie Jan. 9 Just had a wire from Louise announcing her engagement to Cass!
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-06-01
Text: June 1. 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I got through down town in two hours, much to my surprise. I also got a clean head by means of a shampoo, so outside of studying, I am all ready for the exams. Some questions of housekeeping, Mother, which Father and Pete may skip. My pillows are rather dusty. I will beat them out as well as I can;--will the moths get in them if I pack them with camphor. Also, I took my bathrobe over to Sloshes to be washed and stored over the summer. I have not...
Show moreJune 1. 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I got through down town in two hours, much to my surprise. I also got a clean head by means of a shampoo, so outside of studying, I am all ready for the exams. Some questions of housekeeping, Mother, which Father and Pete may skip. My pillows are rather dusty. I will beat them out as well as I can;--will the moths get in them if I pack them with camphor. Also, I took my bathrobe over to Sloshes to be washed and stored over the summer. I have not used my own blankets all winter, so they are not dirty. They were put away all winter. Sloshes won't store them without washing them. I didn't think it would do them any good to wash them when they are perfectly clean, so I brought them back and thought I would put them in my packing trunk with plenty of camphor. Is that all right, or should I take them over there and let them wash them anyhow. I'm not up on the activities of moths. R. S. V. P. Minerva Turnbull came over for dinner last night and then we had a nice leisurely stroll around the lake before chapel. It certainly is beautiful down there now. Miss Salmon announced yesterday that we would meet in the library for our exam, and that we should come with a newspaper and a text-book, "your text-book_--she put it, in American History. She was amazed when we almost all said that we didn't own one, that when we need a text-book we use those in the library. She was funny as a crutch. Well, the long and short of the argument was that when I went in to Lindmark's yesterday afternoon he said with a smile, "All out of text-books in American History till Thursday". He ordered a whole batch. That will be rather an expensive exam! The request to bring newspapers to the exam makes me wish I had read the papers as diligently second semester as first. The exams is Saturday afternoon, Ec is Monday morning, English Tuesday morning, Spanish Tuesday afternoon, and Chem Thursday afternoon. Kilpatrick told me yesterday that the average of all my work this semester is C plus. That dooms me to a C, I guess. I had sort of hoped for a B. I certainly have done better work this semester than first. I don't know what is the matter with him. Our class elected Alice Lowenhaupt chairman of Junior Party. That is the biggest job first semester Junior Year outside of class president. It is the first time to my knowledge that a Jewish girl has ever had as big a job as that--at least one which is elective. I certainly am glad. I think the girl who was up against her is cleverer and better suited to every part of the work except the executive end of it, but she is not particularly well liked, so i guess that helped turn the votes from her. I certainly am glad.I just heard yesterday that sophomores can't get into chapel for commencement even if they want to stay, that seniors cannot even get all the tickets most of them need, so I shall take the morning boat down Tuesday, got up to see Aunt Pauline in the afternoon, and take the eight-thirty home Tuesday night. I may change my mind, but the railroad men are here today, and I think I'll order my berth according to those plans. How long are you planning to stay in Atlantic? I think I'll start studying for exams. I would like to avoid a last-minute rush, if possible. Love, Fannie Pete, your letters of the last few days have been choice. Nobody can ever kid me for being scared of exams and a "woe is me" line after that. You big foot, cut it out.[enc w/ 1 June 1921] Dear Mother: I believe Miss Alice is coming for a few days when I get home. I won't have any alteration or reparing for her to do--to my knowledge anyhow. Do you think I could buy the material at home and let her make a dotted suisse-dark blue--for me? I saw a rather pretty one at one of the stores near here, but it was pretty tight in different places and would have needed a good deal of alteration. Besides which, i didn't like it thirty-two dollars worth. That is a good deal for such a dress, isn't it--even though it is imported suisse. I think Miss Alice could do it all right, don't you? R. S. V. P.
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-06-04
Text: June 4, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I finished studying for Spanish this morning. I have all of English, Chem, and about half of Ec still ahead of me. I will be glad this evening when one exam at least will be behind me. I am looking forward to Miss Salmon's exam this afternoon with a good deal of curiosity, but not particularly, or pleasure. I shall have one exam in cool weather, anyhow. It is a wonderful day. Nothing of particular interest to report. Love, Fannie

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: [1923-03-11]
Text: ~,~v.~ ‘I42.‘MAlN HALL J VASSAR COLLEGE PQUGHKEEPSIE, N. Y. “"4 . "“ " --~ *5 1 ' ~ .- . , : . x . V . ~ 5 = -’ ‘ r s .. 5 _ I _ ‘ J. , v _V .._. . V .. ~- . ‘ .1 ‘ ' . ..l.. _ = _ ; I V w T ’ ‘* ~ 3 . 1- ' art‘. '. ‘« ' ' 142 MAIN HALL VASSAR COLLEGE POUGHKEEPSIE, N. Y. 142 MAIN HALL VASSAR COLLEGE POUGHKEEPSIE, N. Y.

Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 3/11/20
Text: March 11, 1920. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I have assignments from everybody now, and I have enough reading to do to keep me plenty busy. I went to get my mail after second hour this morning and discovered my trunk peacefully reposing in the Soap Palace. It is not packed yet. I went to the janiotr's[sic] office to discover the reason, and found that the trasportation people at the station had telephoned to them to take it over to Main, as they could not get it over to Davison. They...
Show moreMarch 11, 1920. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I have assignments from everybody now, and I have enough reading to do to keep me plenty busy. I went to get my mail after second hour this morning and discovered my trunk peacefully reposing in the Soap Palace. It is not packed yet. I went to the janiotr's[sic] office to discover the reason, and found that the trasportation people at the station had telephoned to them to take it over to Main, as they could not get it over to Davison. They did so, without finding out whether or not it was packed. They have brought it back, and I must pack it now. I lost the whole evening last night. Our English class was expected to go hear the lecture of Ervine on the Irish question. We waited until nine o'clock, when Miss Wylie got up to announce that he could not reach Poughkeepsie till ten-thirty. I have to sign up by tomorrow whether I am going to keep my present room or not. Phyllis is coming up this afternoon, so i shall finish up the job then. See you the day after tomorrow. Love, [Fannie]
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1922-03-01
Text: March 1, 1922 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Just to show you that I still know how to write letters even though I have not the time to do so! I have a social psych written first hour tomorrow, debate practice tomorrow night, and an otherwise full day. I will be third negative speaker as well as negative manager. And I still have as the sume total of my knowledge the Wood-ForbesCommission report! We had a "hash" meeting this afternoon. We will have to eat Barnard alive. Two things...
Show moreMarch 1, 1922 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Just to show you that I still know how to write letters even though I have not the time to do so! I have a social psych written first hour tomorrow, debate practice tomorrow night, and an otherwise full day. I will be third negative speaker as well as negative manager. And I still have as the sume total of my knowledge the Wood-ForbesCommission report! We had a "hash" meeting this afternoon. We will have to eat Barnard alive. Two things worry me--one is that I can't see the negative of the question by any manner of thinking--from my limisted evidence of conditions--I can't see the harm of giving the Philippines their independence right away if the want it, as they certainly do. Anybody who has any brilliant suggestions to offer may do so--they will be gratefully recieved. The other point that bothers me is that I certainly have the two worst of the six speakers on my side, and I think we have the harder case to argue. I have had a full day today, every hour busy. I just spent an hour catching up on the newspapers, and shall spend the evening reading a book on the Filippines by a Filippino for background.Munro's exam may be all right, Pete, but I'm glad I didn't have to take it. I think it is good in that educational tendencies certainly are drifting away from fact-knowledge more than is good for one's mental state--according to my way or thinking. Therefore stuff like that is good, every now and then. Nevertheless, I prefer V. C. exams. I object to having Ashinsky called "cheif rabbit of Pittsburgh", in the N. Y. Times or anywhere else. I guess you will miss him, Mother. I noticed that you forgot the books, Mother, and I in turn hurry, forgot to put them in the laundry which I sent today. i shall do so next week. Miss Smith took me into her room to show me your tulips. She seemed most pleased, etc. i wish I had time to write more, but I didn't even have this much time. in case you should be writing to Aunt Bessie, please don't mention that I am debating at Barnard, because Unle Ike once said that if I should go there, he would most certainly come in to hear me, and I don't want him there. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: [1922-03-12]
Text: [12 March 1922] [Sunday night] Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I promise to be a better correspondent after debate. And I told Jeannette the same thing about being a good hostess. I had debate practice Friday night and when I got back at ten fifteen found her here. At elven[sic] I told her I didn't care if she was going to bed or not--I was. I had her sleep in Helen's room. Saturday morning I had to waste time taking her off to breakfast. I then went to town, and finally and with a...
Show more[12 March 1922] [Sunday night] Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I promise to be a better correspondent after debate. And I told Jeannette the same thing about being a good hostess. I had debate practice Friday night and when I got back at ten fifteen found her here. At elven[sic] I told her I didn't care if she was going to bed or not--I was. I had her sleep in Helen's room. Saturday morning I had to waste time taking her off to breakfast. I then went to town, and finally and with a lot of trouble, succeeded after wasting over an hour down town, finding a very pretty ready-made white homespun skirt at a little shop near here. I promptly invested and kicked myself for wasting the time down town. Then I took lunch with Edith Lowman and Jeannette at the Inn, and wasted some more of my crowded time. I then felt that I had discharged the duties of hostess, when the guest knew ahead of time that I had no extra time on my hands, and went to the libe and worked on debate. i certainly have done painfully little reading. Father, will you please tell me how if free tariff between us and the Ph. were removed, the tobacco exported to the US ($10. 500,000) would have a duty of $30,000,000, or three times its value? I never heard of such import duties--perhaps you can enlighten me. Gen. Wood said that in the report of the Wood--Forbes Commission, any-how. Second Hall, "A Kiss For Cinderella" came off wonderfully last night. It was splendidly done. It was not over till almost midnight. I slept till ten this morning, worked till dinner time--on academic work, strange to say--and after dinner Jane, Kro, Eliz. B. and I went for a long walk. it is a gorgeous spring day. i the secluded myself in the debate room and worked some more. Peggy Higgins came over after dinner to show me a telegram from the Barnard chairman inviting the team and delegation of fifteen to the matinee Saturday afternon. She asked us to wire the number coming and the play we want to see. She asked me which i would rather do, go to theater, go to the dean's reception, which is the customary method of entertainment, or do nothing. I said, go to theater by all means. i can't imagine anything worse than doing nothing the whole afternoon, and I think it would be equally nerve-wracking to stand and talk at a big reception for two hours, as the team had to two years ago. Peggy answered that we would be glad to go, and that we wanted something "new and light". She said she thoroughly objected (to me) [to] our going to see some deep tragedy. We are sending a deligation of about twenty down, some of the biggest girls in the Senior class are going. That ought to make it somewhat peppy. I head the hall we talk in as about the size of Taylor Hall, and that they don't often have much of an audience. I shall see. I am terribly excited about it, I know that. Would that my knowledge were wider and more in my head than my filing-box! Holyoke i sending its team, three alternates, a coach, a faculty member, and thirty delegates, among whom is listed Mary Armstrong. I guess I won't have a chance to see her.No mail from any of you yesterday. I should like to hear whether you are coming, Father. If you do, I do hope you won't be disappointed. Is Marse perchance coming? Marian Cahill is up for the week-end, but she didn't get in in time Friday night to hear anything but the rebutals. She is coming to the debate. I shall have to work all evening. Spring is here, and I have ninety hours of social psych to do between now and June! Ha ha! I plead guilty of forgetting to write yesterday, in the rush of going to town, working in the basement of the libe all afternoon, going to Second Hall and trying to show Jeannette at least a bit of attention. I shall therefore wire you tonight that I am still alive and kicking, and got quite rested over the week-end, in spite of working very heard[sic]. Would you, Mother and Father, feel at all like spending a week in Atlantic during vacation? Because then I would stay here long enough to do one of my three psych topics (30 hers) in addition to the history one. Otherwise, if I come home, I would not want such a short time at home and would leave here either Saturday or Sunday night--as soon as I finish the history topic. If you don't want to you will of course say so. The reason I thought of the possibility was because when we were in Atlantic, you asked me how I would like to spend vacation there. R. S. V. P., and soon. Perhaps you want to stay home for a while now, Mother. And I would not want to do it if you couldn't come, Father. R. S. V. P. Father, if you come to N. Y., I wish you could come up and hear our practice debate in the morning, and pass judgment on my economics. I know about as much about the effects of changes in tariff, imports and exports, etc., as the man in the moon, and I don't think the committee knows much more. Would you do that, if you come? Or at least see me, and let me talk to you, before the debate? We are probably going down Friday afternoon. We stay in a Barnard dorm--guest rooms. This is Sunday night--I probably won't write tomorrow because there will be nothing to say. 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: 1922-03-13
Text: March 13, 1922 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I hope the Barnard drug-store won't be robbed over the week-end. I don't think I would enjoy such excitement. I dropped Aunt Bessie a line today. It was not an urgent invitation, but I was afriad they would be sore if they didn't get a letter from me and should see it in the paper. They are pretty efficient at getting sore, and I don't want to give them a chance. Peggy got a fine letter from the Barnard chairman. They realize...
Show moreMarch 13, 1922 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I hope the Barnard drug-store won't be robbed over the week-end. I don't think I would enjoy such excitement. I dropped Aunt Bessie a line today. It was not an urgent invitation, but I was afriad they would be sore if they didn't get a letter from me and should see it in the paper. They are pretty efficient at getting sore, and I don't want to give them a chance. Peggy got a fine letter from the Barnard chairman. They realize that the other colleges have not appreciated their rotten spirit in the last few years, and they were given to understand that if they did not change their tactics they would be dropped from the league. She asked us to come down as early Friday afternoon as we could, and offered us the hall for practice Saturday morning. Bish got a wonderful letter from Line Ware '20, the Marian Cahill of the year before last and the year before that--a marvelous girl, the best athlete, debater, and highest Junior Phi Bet, of her day--exhorting us to do our best and uphold Vassar's dignity and "avenge the way we were treated there two years ago". She is teaching at the Baldwin school in Bryn Mawr. She is coming up for the debate. So is Marian Cahill. And we are going to have a fine delegation, too. I am so excited! I saw the official list of the Holyoke delegation today. Mary Armstrong is not listed, but the girl whom she had with her at New Haven, Nevin, is. Do you remember, Pete? Peggy got the bright idea today that the negative is inflexible and somewhat illogical. So we spent an hour straightening that out, and then I went over to Assembly and talked for a while, for practice. Debate aprees with my academic work. Miss Whylie read my Keats paper, which happened to be on Byron--The Prinsoner of Chillon, Critically Considered--to the class. She thought it was excellent! Haha! And last semester I wrote a superficial one-hour paper on a plan of study for Coleridge the week before inter-class debate, and she told me it was excellent. And I slaved ten hours over a Shelley paper and she said it was good, but not as good as the Coleridge paper. Helen and I got a letter from Henrietta Butler asking us to come out for her wedding, April 24. I'd love to do it, but I simply couldn't unless I got one of my psych topics out of my system during vacation. It is on a Wednesday. We shall see. I would love to go, but it is a long trip, although in point of time it is more convenient than going to Pittsburgh. I am going to do my topics on "Crowd Psychology", "The Religious Consciousness" and "The Psychology of the Race Problem". Don't you think that will be interesting. But ninety hours worth is not so "grand!" I will let you know, Pete, about coming to Boston as soon as I know what I am to do about doctors. I should love to come. Could I leave here Saturday night and get there in time Sunday. That would suit me perfectly, and I could then get a lot of work done, here.Helen returned from Atlantic last night. The Jews still flourish, she assures me. She met Mrs. Lewin there, who told her that Pauline said that I certainly am different from college than I am at home! She also met the famous Alma Davis, concerning whome Ms Lewin said to Helen: "She is making a coast to coast tour in search of a husband, and stopping long wherever advisable". An angelic remark, but I suppose not so far wrong at that. Well, I guess I cheated debate of enough time already. This is my Tuesday letter. I sent post-cards today. I am going to have my debate "marcel" Wednesday. Would that the judges were influenced by the quality of one's marcel! Take it easy while you can, Mother. This from the old lady, who thinks it the best thing on earth for her that she has been exceedingly busy. Love, Fannie Write to me Saturday to Aunt Bessie and she can bring the letter in is she comes to the debate.
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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: 3/2/20
Text: Addressed to Hotel Ambassador] February, no March 2, 1920. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I just noticed that my calendar is still set for November. I guess that explains my frequent inaccuracies. I am very sorry to have forgotten telegraphing yesterday. The reason is this. As I said on my postcard yesterday, I did not get out here and to bed until eleven. Incidentally, Lucy got in ahead of us. I had four classes, lunch, and then I lay down, supposedly for a few minutes. I went to sleep and...
Show moreAddressed to Hotel Ambassador] February, no March 2, 1920. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I just noticed that my calendar is still set for November. I guess that explains my frequent inaccuracies. I am very sorry to have forgotten telegraphing yesterday. The reason is this. As I said on my postcard yesterday, I did not get out here and to bed until eleven. Incidentally, Lucy got in ahead of us. I had four classes, lunch, and then I lay down, supposedly for a few minutes. I went to sleep and slept soundly till three o'clock. I was quite dead, and my insides felt very badly, consequently it was not time wasted. Then my Josselyn friend came up to get me to go out and fool with her. The result was that I completely forgot about telegraphing to you. I am very sorry, Baby Father. Evidently the discovery she made about me did not influence her. I went back to Josselyn with her for dinner. I kept my eyes open, by the way, to look the crowd in the dining-room over. They did not look any better to me than the bunch here, which was very gratifying. This girl has a fourth floor room. All the rooms of that floor in the hall are singles. I do not like it as well as mine, in spite of the fact that it is in the famous Josselyn. It is quite a little larger, but the ceiling seems lower, and in half of it is an alcove shape, and there is no loft above, so I imagine it gets very hot in summer. She has decided to stay there, I think. Our next English recitation we discuss L'Aiglon. For today I labored over the hardest English assignment I have had all year. A week ago Miss Kitchel announced that a theme was due on a comparison of any two poems of Arnold and Swineburne. My difficulty lay in not being able to find any two with much to compare in them. I got to class, (I had finished it one minute before I got there), and found that she had forgotten about that assignment and did not expect us to have them ready. Miss Champy had the goodness to say this morning that Jo. Marple and I had done our work for today, but no one else had. I am glad she does not think that I have gone completely to the bed. There is a huge assignment for Thursday, so If I do not write much for the next letter, you will know why. Lucy asked me today about engaging a drawing-room for vacation, and I told her what I would probably do, but to keep mum about it until I knew. I ate lunch with her in Raymond. I have not seen her for ages, and I do not want her to think that I only come up to her when I need her. I have told you how most of the Jewish girls stick together, but what happened there caps the climax (I don't know if that is what I want to say, but I have not time to change it). She went over to a table where there were six other Jewish girls, and no others! By the time the meanl[sic] started there were two others, such as they were. The less said on that subject the better.My math for tomorrow took five munutes[sic]. I really don't know what is the matter. I just came back from the infirmary, where I had to wait around for quite a while. The nurse got very impudent. I asked her, quite decently, to follow two of the directions Dr. F. gave me Saturday. I saw her start to boil, and then when she had reached 212 degrees, she said that she had never had anybody dictate to her before. I minute later she apologized and said that she got sore without any reason. It is a beautiful day. I shall try to get some company for a walk now. My laundry came today, special at that. It is in a telescope that looks like one of Lester's. It is busted on the side! Love,Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Aaron, % Hotel Ambassador, Atlantic City, N. J.P. O. Box 882, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1923-03-02
Text: March 2, 1923 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: The Freshman debate last night was exceedingly interesting. It did not start till a quarter to nine, as their debaters couldn't cut their Saturday classes and therefore couldn't get here till eight-fifteen. I was dead when I went, and had no intention of staying for the rebuttals, but I ended up by staying not only for that, but also for the counting of the votes. Vassar was much better in every way. We won by a vote of 281--132....
Show moreMarch 2, 1923 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: The Freshman debate last night was exceedingly interesting. It did not start till a quarter to nine, as their debaters couldn't cut their Saturday classes and therefore couldn't get here till eight-fifteen. I was dead when I went, and had no intention of staying for the rebuttals, but I ended up by staying not only for that, but also for the counting of the votes. Vassar was much better in every way. We won by a vote of 281--132. Assembly Hall was packed, and people were standing. Our freshmen were splendid. I think they are without doubt better than our present or last year's varsity team. It is most humiliating! Miss Ellery was sitting right behind us, and she said "I have heard many a regular intercollegiate debate that wasn't as good as this"! Prexie presided. I thought the enclosed clipping would interest you, Father. The "Equal Rights Bill" debate at the luncheon yesterday was very interesting. I was seated next to Miss Palmer. She told me among other things that she thought debate was one of the finest things that we have in college, and believes in doing everything she can to discourage it. She says she things it is fine to have freshmen do it provided that they can manage it and their work, too, and the only way to tell is to try it once. We also discussed the lecture on Russia, and she said that without any qualification she had never heard a lecture that held her as that did. So I wasn't the only one. The students at the table were the president and vice-president of the Political Association, Khaki Dodge, and I. The rest were faculty, I don't quite know just on what basis I was put there, but I enjoyed. Miss Elsie Hill, who upheld the Equal Rights Bill, was a V. C., 1906. She has just finished studying law, I believe. She is a feminist to the extent of having bobbed hair at '39 and of calling herself "Miss Elsie Hill" despite the fact that she is married! The woman who opposed the bill was Miss Rose Schneiderman, president of the Womean's[sic] Trade Union League. She said the last time she spoke at Vassar was many years ago, when it was not considered proper to have a suffrage meeting on campus, so she and the other speakers addressed the gathering in the cemetery on the other side of the fence! Neither spoke convincelingly. I don't know which side has the better case. I forgot to tell you that I will no longer be ashamed of having you trail me about the country, Father, to hear me debate. All six parents of the three debaters were there. I guess you can come whenever you want! This letter has just been interrupted--I'll finish again Elizabeth just this second got a wire from her mother that her aunt whom she is very fond of is dying of pneumonia. She's an a fine stew. 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: [1923-03-03]
Text: 3 March 1923] Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Please send me Mrs. Woodbridge's address as soon as you can. I got the dope in the office for the committee on admission about their daughter the other day, and want to write her. Pete, do you think a topic on the position of the Jews at the time of the Reformation would be interesting? I think I could do that for Renaissance if I want to. I picked the Universities as afffected by the Reformation, but the thought doesn't think me...
Show more3 March 1923] Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Please send me Mrs. Woodbridge's address as soon as you can. I got the dope in the office for the committee on admission about their daughter the other day, and want to write her. Pete, do you think a topic on the position of the Jews at the time of the Reformation would be interesting? I think I could do that for Renaissance if I want to. I picked the Universities as afffected by the Reformation, but the thought doesn't think me particularly. R. S. V. P. I happened to be passing Senior Parlor just after I wrote to you and saw a girl crossing off her name from the "pink" list for class day dresses and I hastily substituted my name. It is the only pretty color. I delivered you message to Dr. T. at the reception last night, Mother, and she said to tell you that "it was a pleasure to take care of me"! She certainly was awfully nice to me this time. I am going to town tomorrow to attend to some much needed things. I haven't been down for centuries.continued Saturday I heard the most thrilling lecture I have ever heard last night, by Mme. Ponafidine, an American woman who lived in Russia over twenty years. on "my Life in Societ Russia". She surely did give a terrible picture of conditions in Russia. Don't miss her it you ever get a chance to hear her. Helen tells me Jeannette Lesser eloped with a New Yorker. Good riddance! I got my Tolerance exam back this morning, with a comment, "Good" on it. It wouldn't have hurt her to give me an A in that case. Are you going to attend to the sweater, Mother, or should i[sic]? I must dress now, preparatory to going to the Political Association lecture, and luncheon. Inasmuch as I was asked to sit at the speakers' table, I think I had better look respectable. The shoes are wonderful, Mother, except that they are a little loose in the heels. But that can easily be remedied. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 3/4/20
Text: [Addressed to Hotel Ambassador] March 4, 1920. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: This letter cannot be very long, as I have to beat if over to the infirmary. I was a little late yesterday, and Miss Herndon almost killed me. She surely has an angelic disposition. I went to song practice before lunch. The Freshmen play their first basketball game tomorrow. French class was interessting this morning, for the first time in a long time. We discussed Chateuabriand's "Atala", and all of...
Show more[Addressed to Hotel Ambassador] March 4, 1920. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: This letter cannot be very long, as I have to beat if over to the infirmary. I was a little late yesterday, and Miss Herndon almost killed me. She surely has an angelic disposition. I went to song practice before lunch. The Freshmen play their first basketball game tomorrow. French class was interessting this morning, for the first time in a long time. We discussed Chateuabriand's "Atala", and all of us felt a wild desire to defend the American Indian against Mlle. Champy. We discussed "L'Aiglon" in English today. That also is very interesting. Second Hall is Saturday, but the Freshmen who have no guests go the dress rehearsal tomorrow night. It is going to be wonderful. I was intelligent in Math this morning. It reminded me of old times in Unie's class. After I leave the infirmary, I am going over to see Phyllis. She told me to come up while she packed this afternoon. I'll see what is up. I had an aweful lot to do yesterday, but I finished much more quickly than I expected, so that I got to bed by ten. I would have done that anyhow, only I had expected to have to get up at six this morning. How I envy these people who work night after night till one o'clock for the committees of Second Hall, and come to classes perfectly wide awake. I am sorry the first postal took so long to reach you, also very sorry that I caused you any anxiety. Helen Reid and I took a walk out into the country yesterday afternoon. It was very enjoyable, but very slushy. Love,[enc w/ 4 March 1920] Dear Mother, The doctor told me to keep on with the douches, but can't I stop? They make it so painful to go to the toilet, infact tehy[sic] are irritating, if anything. Besides which, they take up so much time for no good. Also, there is no use bluffing about myself--it is quite painful. Therefore I would appreciate knowing as early as possible after your interview whether or not I am to come home soon. Would you mind telegraphine that answer. I don't suppose there would be anything said that would hurt to be in a telegram. I did not go about chapel, because next Sunday is town Synday[sic], and it probably will be my last Sunday before vacation. Love,Mother Mother Mother Mother Mother Mother
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 3/5/20
Text: March 5, 1920. Dear Mother, Father, and pete: I set my calendar for March this morning, instead of November, as it has been the last few months. I hope the date is right, Pete. As you will notice from the enclosed clippings, I have been throwing away old Micellanies this morning. I have to do as you do, Pete, once in a while--send a lot of clippings. I'll forgive you if you are not interested enough to read them. The snow is melting rapidly, but it is still packed high. Walking is...
Show moreMarch 5, 1920. Dear Mother, Father, and pete: I set my calendar for March this morning, instead of November, as it has been the last few months. I hope the date is right, Pete. As you will notice from the enclosed clippings, I have been throwing away old Micellanies this morning. I have to do as you do, Pete, once in a while--send a lot of clippings. I'll forgive you if you are not interested enough to read them. The snow is melting rapidly, but it is still packed high. Walking is almost impossible. It is raining today. I spent about an hour and a half with Phyllis yesterday afternoon. She is moving on campus today. I hauled some of her clothes on my way back. I had almost to swim to campus. Her frost-bitten feet are so bad again that she cannot put shoes on. She is going to Columbia to her army sister for vacation. She thinks they are going to sell their house at home, as her brother has been married recently and her sister is to be married in June. I spent one hour last night writting an elegaic couplet in Latin. I am quite proud of it--I hope you can understand it-- Dic, Ovidi, mihi subveni, cum carmina scribam, Non aliquis te imitari versusque potest. We start Horace next week. I went to bed early last night, and had a good long sleep. Otherwise there is nothing new or exciting. Love, [Fannie] It just occured to me now that it is customary to sign one's letters.[enc w/ 5 March 1920] Dear Mother, I was on time to the day this time--last night. I did not go to the classes this morning. We were to have a history written for half the hour, and that would have meant getting up at five-thirty for six to study for it, so I concluded to make it up next week and take it easy today. The only other things I missed were English Speech and Latin. Besides which, it is rainy and horribly slushy out. So I took it easy this mrning[sic]--fixed breakfast in my room, straightened everything up, and shall stay in bed all afternoon. I will be able to come home whenever the doctor wants me. I could not get the conversation with Phyllis yesterday to turn to the room subject. All I could get was that she did not know where she would be--she wanted to get with the Conclin crowd and they will probably try for Raymond. She makes the tenth, so I doubt if they will every be able to get together. She said, without my asking, that she would never in the world give up my room if she had it, unless for a double. She started to say that there would be a nice bunch here next year. Several of the first floor girls that are here now are going to stay, and some more of the New England girls to move in. I do not happen to know them well, but I know they have nothing against me and I have nothing against them. So I don't knowmuch more than I did before. I shall talk to her agin[sic] before I go home. Love, Mother Mother Mother Mother Mother Mother Mother
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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: [1923-03-06]
Text: [6 march 1923] Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I heard the Ukrainian chorus this afternoon. They were wonderful. I saw Dr. T. at the concert and she told me that she hadn't been able to find Miss McCaleb but that she left her a very strong note and that she was sure everything would be all right, but I just now passed Dr. B. on campus and she told me that she was on her way over to the dean's house about it, that Miss McCaleb was fighting strong, and that Dr. T. had told her to...
Show more[6 march 1923] Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I heard the Ukrainian chorus this afternoon. They were wonderful. I saw Dr. T. at the concert and she told me that she hadn't been able to find Miss McCaleb but that she left her a very strong note and that she was sure everything would be all right, but I just now passed Dr. B. on campus and she told me that she was on her way over to the dean's house about it, that Miss McCaleb was fighting strong, and that Dr. T. had told her to speak to her, too. She certainly is acting mean, particularly as both the doctors are strong for me. I certainly am upset about it--witness, a rotten headache all afternoon. But it is easy to see the reason for this one! I am going up to Dr. B's room later to hear the outcome. Meanwhile I am half nutty. I simply can't keep my mind on my work, but I am going to make the supreme effort tonight. The New York World write-up of the freshman debate was the funniest I have ever seen. It was something like this:--Vassar and Harvard children settle in two hours question which has long been puzzling economists and statesmen. The Vassar girls, all under eighteen, appeared in white sport clothes. Their hands were at theirsides or behind their backs, while the Harvard yougths[sic], all under twenty, used all the oratorial flourishes at their disposal. They appeareed in dark suits, soft collars, and tousles hair." It was a scream. But my mind is very much on Miss McCaleb just now. Honestly, I am miserable! Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 3/6/20
Text: March 6, 1920. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I loafed around all yesterday afternoon, and it was good. You don't appreciate a week-end to loaf in until it is taken away from you. L'Aiglon was wonderful last night. It was not over until twelve-fifteen. Clifford Sellers was Merrernich and Edith Meiser was the Duke. She made Clifford look decidedly like an amateur, she was so wonderful. It was great. When I went over to Students it was raining as hard as it ever does in summer, and...
Show moreMarch 6, 1920. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I loafed around all yesterday afternoon, and it was good. You don't appreciate a week-end to loaf in until it is taken away from you. L'Aiglon was wonderful last night. It was not over until twelve-fifteen. Clifford Sellers was Merrernich and Edith Meiser was the Duke. She made Clifford look decidedly like an amateur, she was so wonderful. It was great. When I went over to Students it was raining as hard as it ever does in summer, and when we came out the snow was at least six inches deep. It stormed all night, and today again the college is under Dr. T's orders to stay in the buildings. I thought the snow was over for the year, but I thought wrong. Your telegrams recieved this morning. Thank you. I hope you will get home all right in this weather. Love, [F.]
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 3/7/20
Text: March 7, 1920. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I have a feeling that this is going to be a very exciting letter. I fooled most of yesterday--I was too sleepy to get anything done as a result of the night before. I wrote some letters, did some work, and slept most of the afternoon. I read French all morning today. That puts me at least one day ahead in preparation, and probably two. I am now going to the Libe to do some religious tabulation for the end of the sixteenth century. Speaking of...
Show moreMarch 7, 1920. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I have a feeling that this is going to be a very exciting letter. I fooled most of yesterday--I was too sleepy to get anything done as a result of the night before. I wrote some letters, did some work, and slept most of the afternoon. I read French all morning today. That puts me at least one day ahead in preparation, and probably two. I am now going to the Libe to do some religious tabulation for the end of the sixteenth century. Speaking of good Christians, you never sent me Meyerovitz's letter, Pete. I have an aweful English theme to write today yet. I am going to get as much ahead as possible with my work today, so that the week will not be so rushed. I am anxious to hear what I am to do with myself after this week. I think I'll try my luck with Miss Landon later in the afternoon. 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: 1922-03-08
Text: March 8, 1922 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I sent my letter special yesterday because I could not get it off in time for the afternoon mail. These are busy days. I have written my Keates paper but not coppied it yet--it will only be one day late getting in. That's not so bad. I have a Zo written Friday on the work of the semester so far. I shall have to study a good bit for that, but from Friday on for one solid week the amount academic work I do will consist entirely of going to...
Show moreMarch 8, 1922 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I sent my letter special yesterday because I could not get it off in time for the afternoon mail. These are busy days. I have written my Keates paper but not coppied it yet--it will only be one day late getting in. That's not so bad. I have a Zo written Friday on the work of the semester so far. I shall have to study a good bit for that, but from Friday on for one solid week the amount academic work I do will consist entirely of going to classes. I wish I had one more week to get some more dope on the Philippines. As to your coming to Barnard, Father. I think I expressed my views yesterday, although I did not know then that you would be travelling about that time. You are welcome to come, but you certainly "will not see me at my beat". What I mean is, I am comparatively uninformed on the subject and hence lacking in confidence. I have gotten dreadfully nevrous everytime I have been out for practice so far, and if having an audience will indrease that, I cannot promise you not to bungle the whole thing. However, your being there will not affect me one way of the other. I should certainly not mind your being there. if it will give you pleasure, come by all means. If you would be coming to please me, don't come, because I will no doubt disappoint you. And if you do come, remember that I have done my debate work under exceptionally hard circumstances this year, and therefore it is not up to par. In spite of that, however, I am as good as any except one of the affirmative team who stay here. Incidentally, she and I are going to go over to Students' every day from now until the debate and make speeches from the platform to see if we can't snap out of this nervousness. The point is, I didn't do it last year or in inter-class this year, don't ask you outright because I cannot promise a good debate. We had no answer from Taft--as yet. Herbert Adams Gibbons gives references, all for independence. And we counted on him for anti-Japanese stuff! We had practice this afternoon, to which I came late because of seventh hour class. I refused to cut it--a two hour course in which I have already missed four lectures. I think I am right. We have hash two hours tomorrow afternoon, and practice Friday night. Marian Cahill is coming up for the week-end. That ought to help some. Miss Ellery was great in conference last night. She was most interested in my work--asking if I had caught up yet, etc. and how debate was coming--then she asked me two simple questions about the period I missed and proceeded to give me a twenty-minute lecture. I wouldn't have had to do more than two hous or work--instead of which I did ten. After the conference the honorable Peggy Higgins herslef, who constituted herself my committee coach, went over arguments with me for an hour. Then I came home and went are coming to Barnard, as well as Maxine Goldmark's and Bish's, so with you too if you come, we will have a sympathetic if not a thoroughly interested audience.There is a Harold Bauer concert tonight. I am going for a half-hour and I haven't even business for do that. What date are you goin to Boston, Father? Whenever the doctors decide what I am to do, I will be able to plan my vacation accordingly. I shall have to put in two or three days here at one end or the other. Two ought to be enough. I would like to go to Boston if possible. Let me know as soon as you know. I shall go to town Friday in quest of a white skirt for debate. Luckey's have a skirt making dep't. Howard Wasserman is famous through being a friend of Jane's Pete, and Jane being a friend of mine, I have heard of him frequently. Don't give them a lot of dope about yourself for Detroit, Bump. Just tell them you are my own big Bump. Stevie next Sunday night. I think I shall have to go. Remind me to tell you sometime about prexie's discussion of religious groups on the campus, sometime. in some strange way I did not record two checks--that way my mistake. That is about all I know, I think. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 3/9/20
Text: March 9, 1029. Dear Mother, Father, and pete: I shall be terribly busy today. I have a long history written tomorrow, and sort of a half topic due Friday. I went down to the station yesterday afternoon, ordered a lower the eight-thirty and if they cannot get it, a lower for the eleven-thirty. I don't want to take a chance on an upper. This is for Friday night. It would be much more of a rush leaving sooner, and I would like to finish out the week. I also paid for having my trunk called...
Show moreMarch 9, 1029. Dear Mother, Father, and pete: I shall be terribly busy today. I have a long history written tomorrow, and sort of a half topic due Friday. I went down to the station yesterday afternoon, ordered a lower the eight-thirty and if they cannot get it, a lower for the eleven-thirty. I don't want to take a chance on an upper. This is for Friday night. It would be much more of a rush leaving sooner, and I would like to finish out the week. I also paid for having my trunk called for, and got the check. They say that they cannot get out here for it Friday morning unless the snow melts some, but it is melting now, so it is all right. In case they cannot get it, I will have Lucy see to it that the janitor's office here hauls it to Main--they can get there all right. At any rate, I don't want to repeat December's experience. I left at three and did not get back till after five. I was quite busy with work, too. Your special was here when i got back. I took your letter to the doctor's office this morning. Dr. B. was there. She was very nice. She gave me a note to Miss Smith. That is all that is necessary. I shall write Aunt Bessie my plans. I'll leave here on the three fifty-eight, and if they can meet me for dinner, all right, otherwise I can shift myself all right. To leave at eleven-thirty-eight and go out to Woodmere would be too much of a rush. My conference with Miss Kitchel yesterday was supposed to be a fifteen minute session, but it lasted forty-five. She was most encouraging. She said my writing had improved lots since the beginning of the year. She took out her grade book, and told me that all my themes last semester were C themes, except a few that were B. My exam was C. She said my grade for the semester was Cplus. She had given back all this semester's themes to be corrected before the conference. I got B plus on the resume of Prexie's lecture in Freshman English, C plus on one, and B on the other three. Two of them, those I fought with most--she said were very fine and I should rewrite for prospective contributions to the Sampler. Of course they Sampler board may not accept them, but I never thought I would even get as far as that. I spoke to her also about the difficulty of never being able to talk in class, and she agreed with me perfectly, and said I should make a little more noise when I had anything to say, that she wished it were in her power to shut some of the chatterboxes up. She even mentioned them by name! She asked me the first think whether I was feel better than i had been, and that gave me a chance to ask about the work. She said you were quite right in wanting me to go home, and she told me just what I would miss. I will have to read a novel--terrible job--and a good deal of Meredith's and Whitman's poems. If you have time, would you mind ordering the book for me, "Changing Winds" of St. John Ervine?Mlle. Champy promised this morning to send me a note in the unstamped telling me what we would read the next two weeks. I know that we will be reading "Quatre- Vingt- Treize" for one thing, and we have that at home. I have read it, too. I have not stoken[sic] to the others yet. I wish I did not have to go to him----hospital, but then I could not be much luckier in nearness to you. I hope I don't get some crank of a nurse. I have now to hunt the janitor up and get him to get my trunk down, to be packed in odd moments. I don't think I'll run the risk of not bringing enough stuff home, or for some unexpecte reason I won't have to stay in bed. Love, Evidently I am fated not to be musically educated. I shall miss the next Philharmonic, also Kreisler.
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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: 1922-03-09
Text: March 9, 1922 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: This is the last letter probably, that you will see until next Friday's, so appreciate it. Debate Council is writing to Taft today. They tought it a good. Alos, listen to our take of woe. Messieurs James McDonald, Irving Fisher, and James Harvery Robinson have all expressed their regret at not being able to judge at Vassar. So Peggy has taken to State Commissioners of education. She is going to invite Finley, and if he regrets as he probably...
Show moreMarch 9, 1922 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: This is the last letter probably, that you will see until next Friday's, so appreciate it. Debate Council is writing to Taft today. They tought it a good. Alos, listen to our take of woe. Messieurs James McDonald, Irving Fisher, and James Harvery Robinson have all expressed their regret at not being able to judge at Vassar. So Peggy has taken to State Commissioners of education. She is going to invite Finley, and if he regrets as he probably will, she will invite Dr. Finegan, Do you suppose he would possibly come? I wish you had a state Board meeting this week and could tell him to come--expenses paid! If he turns us down, i guess maybe I won't recommend anybody else. We had a two and a half hour hash meeting this morning, to which we had Miss Gibson of the Ec department come and answer questions on economic matters. I fired about twenty different questions at her, and certainly from the viewpoint of ec, the affirmative has it all over us. Apperently none of our economic arguments will hold water. What I wouldn't give to be affirmative, but of course nobody will switch with me. I am not allowed to talk to any of the affirmative team for five days, until whatever negative ideas I can get into my head take firm root there! I think the best negative appeals are Irene Mott's stories of her visit there, but unfortunately anecdotes don't prove much. My slave is working hard--and so am I. Jane came to get me at twelve-thirty to introduce me to the famous Howard Wasserman who expressed his desire to meet me. I doped it out thus, he knows I am Pete's brother and doesn't see how Jane could have as a good friend the sister of such a high-brow. I certainly was not impressed. He is homely as mud, but unusually agreeable. He told me the next time I came to Philly, to be sure to have Jane let him know. That's just why I go on expeditions to Philadelphia! I put in an eight, rather nine, hour day yesterday and finished my history make-up. I still have J on my hands, and shall do as much as possible of that today. Helen is going to Atlantic Wednesday to spend the week-end plus two days with her Mother. Hane's Mother is coming east for vacation, so I guess she won't come to Pittsburgh. I still think i shall have to put in a few days here, either at the beginning or at the end, but preferably at the beginning. Let me know whenever you come to any doctor conclusions. When are you going to Boston, Father? 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: 1923-05-10
Text: Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: The grind continues. I am progressing quite well. I have just been singing the glories of Alaska to a girl who hopes to get there this summer by taking a job as a camp Counciler on Puget Sound, and using her railroad pass to get there. Freshman take-offs were last night. Some of them were excellent. And now I shall return to the Libe. Love, Fannie May 10.

Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 5/11/20
Text: May 11, 1920. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I am going to see Professor Moulton in his office hours this afternoon to see what the dope on chemistry is. Everybody tells me that the 3 and 4 course is much easier than baby chem, and that lots of people take it who had their elementary work in high school several years before. I shall see. I have decided, after careful consideration, that I will take Math. My reason is that I am afraid of making my course to stiff next year, and I think that...
Show moreMay 11, 1920. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I am going to see Professor Moulton in his office hours this afternoon to see what the dope on chemistry is. Everybody tells me that the 3 and 4 course is much easier than baby chem, and that lots of people take it who had their elementary work in high school several years before. I shall see. I have decided, after careful consideration, that I will take Math. My reason is that I am afraid of making my course to stiff next year, and I think that Math will be the easiest subject. Mother, the only reason I would stay Commencement would be so that you would come up for your reunion. I think it is a decided shame for you to miss it. Commencement itself is not until Tuesday, and I finish exams Friday afternoon. What date does the reunion start? Would it do you any good to come up and stay till Sunday afternoon? I don't care a bit about commencemtn. Next year will be the year that I will want to stay. The fun that the non-Seniors get out of staying is the good time they have loafing around, picnics, etc. and of course I cannot do any of that, so I would not have much fun staying. I do want you to get some of your reunion, anyhow. I have plenty of work on hand. I don't know why it should pile up so. Everybody expects you to spend more time in her department than in any other, and the result is that none are satisfied. Otherwise, there is nothing new. The Math Club are having their farewell picnic on Sunset tomorrow. The Freshmen are invited. I am afraid to go. The Republican convention is tonight. Sorry I have not more dope on the subject. Various eminemtn Juniors and Seniors have been impersonating the candidates, dressed in men's clothes, and making stump speeches. Love, I should like very much to meet you in New York, but it is out of the question, particularly inasmuch as it is the week-end before exams. I felt so badly after coming back that I would not dare to risk it. I am surprised that you ask whether I want to go to prom or not. Of course I have been looking forward to it for ages, but unless I feel better than I do now, I could not dream of risking it. It is an effort just to go to classes and so the little things I have to do--I think dancing would be far from beneficial. I would not go under any circumstances without the doctor's consent.
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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: 1923-05-11
Text: May 11, 1923 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: The flowers were from Al G. for winning debate. Isn't it hopeless? I'll swear I couldn't be any ruder than I am I'll have to try sickening politeness, and see how that works. I sent the dress as you know by this time. Mullaly was very nice, and has already rented the rooms. One has to sell furniture for practically nothing, Mother, in order to dispose of it this spring, so I figured that as long as I did not buy mine second hand...
Show moreMay 11, 1923 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: The flowers were from Al G. for winning debate. Isn't it hopeless? I'll swear I couldn't be any ruder than I am I'll have to try sickening politeness, and see how that works. I sent the dress as you know by this time. Mullaly was very nice, and has already rented the rooms. One has to sell furniture for practically nothing, Mother, in order to dispose of it this spring, so I figured that as long as I did not buy mine second hand it would be much more economical to send it to the exchange, as Freshmen will undoubtedly buy it in the fall. They always buy everything up. Celebrated with a shampoos and game of tennis. Third Hall tonight. It is quite cool for it, but I shall take many blankets along. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: [1922-05-12]
Text: <Descartes Hobbes Spinoza Leibuitz Berkeley Hume Kant? Locke Brand Bacon> Dear Mother + Father: I feel better today - my head stil feels a little "[Ruder]", but ought to be all right by tomorrow. Nothing new. Exam studying starts today. in earnest. Had another letter from Henri-etta. It's [fuial] - expecting me at 1:10 Wed. on the three-train from N.Y. If you're staying over, could you get my ticket + chair for me. R.S.V.P immediately. If you don't, I'll...
Show more<Descartes Hobbes Spinoza Leibuitz Berkeley Hume Kant? Locke Brand Bacon> Dear Mother + Father: I feel better today - my head stil feels a little "[Ruder]", but ought to be all right by tomorrow. Nothing new. Exam studying starts today. in earnest. Had another letter from Henri-etta. It's [fuial] - expecting me at 1:10 Wed. on the three-train from N.Y. If you're staying over, could you get my ticket + chair for me. R.S.V.P immediately. If you don't, I'll order it from here. Love, Fannie Wed. A.M. Mr. + Mrs. Marcus Aaron, Hotel Astor. New York. N.Y.142 Main Hall Vassar College Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1-May
Text: Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I just came back from the song contest--I suppose I'll be sorry tomorrow that I went, but it is such a glorious day and the holiday spirit is in the air, and I went--that is my only excuse. It certainly was great. Each class grouped on the steps of Studentss and sang their songs. Every class sang the Alma Mater, their favorite college songs, and for the third song an original song. The senior song was very serious, ours and the junior one were funny. The...
Show moreDear Mother, Father, and Pete: I just came back from the song contest--I suppose I'll be sorry tomorrow that I went, but it is such a glorious day and the holiday spirit is in the air, and I went--that is my only excuse. It certainly was great. Each class grouped on the steps of Studentss and sang their songs. Every class sang the Alma Mater, their favorite college songs, and for the third song an original song. The senior song was very serious, ours and the junior one were funny. The seniors were awarded the banner, and the juniors the cup. Then there was much cheering, and some more singing. Then the whole college went to the Juniors' tree, and cheered some more. It is remarkable the fun you get out of exercising your lungs. The ball-game is at two this afternoon. I'll go early so as to get a sear. I did not know till yesterday that the men of the faculty play. It must be a circus. Mr. Jackson was here last night, and Helen asked me to come to their party at the Inn, as I believe I wrote yesterday. But the weather was bad, and I felt accordingly, so I was afraid to risk it. I hope Helen was not sore. I am sure I have written at least twice that the date of Third Hall is Saturday, May eighth. The Phil prize plays are tomorrow night. Mother, was the big fiftieth anniversary celebration on Founder's Day? I was wishing you were here today. I do hope you come next week. I have been looking forward to it, anyhow. And still I live at Metcalf. I wish this fool thing would get better soon. I suppose I won't be able to enjoy your Commencemtn[sic] either. Love [F] May 1.
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1923-05-12
Text: May 12, 1923 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Questions and answers:--I haven't gotten the shoes yet. The tennis shoes are fine, except that they need tightening in the heels. I certainly prefer sleeping in my room unless the noise drives me out, as it must be impossibly hot and stuffy in the third floor, and I have always considered the airiness of my room the best part of it. However, if the noise is too bad I suppose the only thing to do is to sleep three, in which case if Pete's...
Show moreMay 12, 1923 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Questions and answers:--I haven't gotten the shoes yet. The tennis shoes are fine, except that they need tightening in the heels. I certainly prefer sleeping in my room unless the noise drives me out, as it must be impossibly hot and stuffy in the third floor, and I have always considered the airiness of my room the best part of it. However, if the noise is too bad I suppose the only thing to do is to sleep three, in which case if Pete's bed is more comfortable than the other, I certainly prefer Pete's. I can't see why he should have the noise any more than I. Am enclosing a Commencement calendar. Go to all you are eligible for. I'll take care of the rest of the family and can be with everybody every meal but Tuesday night, when we have oure[sic] farewell dinner. How in the dickens do you "get invited" to a trustees' luncheon?Third Hall was interrupted by a storm last night. It had warmed up, but so much that it was evident that it would storm. Even before the rain started, which was in the third scene, the wind was blowing so furiously and the trees were swishing so that the voices were carried to the lake instead of the audience will be able to give it tonight, though. At least it hasn't rained for two hours, and I think has stopped for good. Worked on my Tolerance topic all morning, and then took Eleanor Wolfe and Emmie Rie to lunch at the Inn. I had a delightful two hours with them, although I would have enjoyed it more had I been able to chuck Ellie. Emmie is certainly a very delightful and interesting girl, even though she insisted on misinterpretating several things I said, to my very decided annoyance. Her comments on Pittsburgh were dlightful. She said among other things that you couldn't miss the fact that the Spears had been around the world, no matter where you started, you always ended there! Would that I could speak French as she speaks English! She told me that she had heard Lord Robert Cecil with you. Why did you keep it so dark? Helen Stern and her fiancee may be up tomorrow. Going to finish Tolerance topic tonight.
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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: 1923-05-13
Text: May 13, 1923 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I finished my Tolerance topic last night. It was on the stage controversies from 1642 to 1737, and gave me some very interesting background for drama, only I am afraid that it was slightly more of a drama topic than a history topic. However, a little thing like that wouldn't bother Miss Brown. I waded through the indices of about seventy-five volumes of the Royal Commission Reports on Historical Manuscripts, and I think the history department...
Show moreMay 13, 1923 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I finished my Tolerance topic last night. It was on the stage controversies from 1642 to 1737, and gave me some very interesting background for drama, only I am afraid that it was slightly more of a drama topic than a history topic. However, a little thing like that wouldn't bother Miss Brown. I waded through the indices of about seventy-five volumes of the Royal Commission Reports on Historical Manuscripts, and I think the history department ought to tip me for dusting them. I am quite sure they haven't been touched for many years! It poured all last evening, so there was no Third Hall. After all those rehearsals and the inifinite[sic] amount of work put on it, it is a shame. And the majority of people had week-end guests. It won't be given at all until Commencement time. I am beginning to see light now. Unless Miss Brown springs an exam in the form of a "prepare in advance" topic--and I hope she won't--all I have to do now, beside a little class work--is to write three drama papers and my seminar encyclopedia. I say that as though it isn't much, but it can at least be done in two and a half weeks. Love, Fannie
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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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