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Title: Pease, Julia M. -- to sister, Feb. 1871:
Creator: Pease, Julia M
Description: VC 1875
Date: February 10, 1871
Text: J.M. Pease 10 Feb. 11- Feb. 10 1871 My dear Sister, I have just finished a letter to Papa and have nothing in the world to write you. After reading that sentence of course you will wonder what incites me to write. I do not know what does. Only I do not feel like doing anything tonight, and it is not yet time to go to bed. Why did you have your hair cut? If I were with you now I should give you a most terrible scolding and would do so by letter, only if my letter should not reach you safely...
Show moreJ.M. Pease 10 Feb. 11- Feb. 10 1871 My dear Sister, I have just finished a letter to Papa and have nothing in the world to write you. After reading that sentence of course you will wonder what incites me to write. I do not know what does. Only I do not feel like doing anything tonight, and it is not yet time to go to bed. Why did you have your hair cut? If I were with you now I should give you a most terrible scolding and would do so by letter, only if my letter should not reach you safely but fall into the hands of someone who does not know me. I mightacquire the reputation of a "scolder" and that would not be nice. Your hair looked so nicely curled and it could not have been a great deal [?] to put up three or four paper each night. Your song "Castles in the Air" is with my music. Also since the songs and some of the pieces of often played most. I'm (?) so sorry for they are of no use to me. If i had any way of doing so I would send them to you but cannot at present. I will copy the words and put them in the envelope with these (?). The bell has rung for nine o'clock and I am sleepy enough to go to bed now. A (?) ten before seven is early at this season of the year for breakfast.pity me for I have to breakfast at that unsuitable hour. My letter to Papa ends so abruptly it made me laugh out. I fear this was as badly. Lovingly, Julie
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Title: Aaron, Fannie -- to Father and Mother, n.d. [postmarked November 8, 1919]
Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: n.d. [postmarked 1919-11-08]
Text: Dear Father + Mother, Nothing new since yesterday's letter. I have to chase for a [trench] book again Love, FannieMr. + Mrs. Marcus Aaron, 402 S. Winebiddle St. Pittsburgh, Pa.

Title: Aaron, Fannie -- to Mother, May 18,1920
Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 5/18/20
Text: May 18, 1920. Dear Mother, I would take a first prize at forgetting to write, and [mismanaging] time. I'll write a letter this evening. Love, FannieMrs. Marcus Aaron, 402 S. Winebiddle Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa.

Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to Will, Nov. 1866:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
Date: November 14, 1866
Text: Vassar Collage Nov. 14, 1866 Dear Will, Such a season of watching as we are having! I might better say they, for I have gone to bed in the most solemn manner every night at ten, and only wished that I was on the observatory roof, counting meteors. As we have not seen any shower it is only reasonable to conclude that you have shared the same sad fate - I have no faith in its appearing tonight, but from the wonderful beauty and frequency of those seen during the two proceeding nights, I have...
Show moreVassar Collage Nov. 14, 1866 Dear Will, Such a season of watching as we are having! I might better say they, for I have gone to bed in the most solemn manner every night at ten, and only wished that I was on the observatory roof, counting meteors. As we have not seen any shower it is only reasonable to conclude that you have shared the same sad fate - I have no faith in its appearing tonight, but from the wonderful beauty and frequency of those seen during the two proceeding nights, I have freely uttered my belief that Monday night we entered it, Teusday we wore in it, and last night was the closing up. But as I am not an astronomer my opinion is not considered oracular in the least. I shall not attempt to describe what they saw, since Hattie will consider that herpeculiar priviledge, and justly too, she having having been an eye witness of the wonders. Miss Lyman made arrangements to have the bells rung and the whole College aroused if the shower appeared, and when the rising bell rang yesterday morning there was a general stampede to the windows of sleepy girls, who fully believed that 'twas the middle of the night, and the shower had surely come. The Po'keepsee people have at last awakened to sense of their duties, and were so much in earnest about the shower that they were to have the bells rung. Did the Detroit people take any interest in it? Hattee had a letter from Father this morning. In which he said that when you wrote you would have a great many funny stories about the elections. Did you work much at them? Only think how soon you will be able to vote! I wish I could - The only election item that I have heard was that a man in Po'keepsie, the post master, felldead on the court house steps on election night. He had the heart desease, and the great joy he felt on hearing of the Republican victories proved to be his death. I am surprised that the Republicans make so few demonstrations over their triumph, although I suppose I am hardly in a position to judge of any one's rejoicings. The girls are quite enthusiastic just now over archery - It seems to me rather late in the year to think about such things, but if they enjoy it I have no objection - I think It will prove rather an expensive experiment, as most of the bows, for which they pay from three to four dollars, break at the slightest strain. I presume a third of the girls have broken theirs already - We are going to begin to practice gymnastics in a little while. I must say that I don't feel very anxious for the time to come - I shall practice between nine and ten every evening, for forty minutes. Our gymnasium is a beautiful room with a deafened floor.There is also a little gallery over the platform for spectators. The room is intended for light gymnastics only - they have made no arrangements for anything else. We are not prospering very finely with our lectures - Gough can't come, nor Holland, nor Cartiss - Manning is the only one who has returned a favorable answer. What is the most aggravating part of it, is, that the girls don't even get autograph letters from the big ones - Holland's reply was printed, saying that he gives no lectures this winter - Gough's was written by a secretary, saying that he is engaged every evening till the last of May - Isn't it provoking? I think it must be profitable business to lecture. When you are a man you had better try it - I believe that you would like chemistry Will - I should love to be a practical chemist, and try all manner of beautiful experiments - So Father is going to be gone this winter - Poor Mother! Ah Will! How good you must be! You may never have such another opportunity to show forth the good there is in you. Be sure and improve it. Write soon do. I delight in your letters as do we all. Love to every one. Your loving sister Mattie.When I said "the girls were enthusiastic in archery" I meant the girls in general not any of our room.
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Title: Houts, Annie -- to John Houts, Nov. 1868:
Creator: Houts (Glidden), Annie
Description: VC 1869
Date: November 08, 1868
Text: V.C. Nov. 8, 1868 My darling Brother, You have been much in my thoughts, today, and I must write you a few lines, or I can not call the day well over. I was made happy by the receipt of a letter from you the day before yesterday. I am glad you have become a member of the Young Men*s Association, of which you spoke, and I hope you will find it a means of much active labor, and a benefit to yourself, as I know you will. I have seen somewhere something to the effect that a free gift blesses the...
Show moreV.C. Nov. 8, 1868 My darling Brother, You have been much in my thoughts, today, and I must write you a few lines, or I can not call the day well over. I was made happy by the receipt of a letter from you the day before yesterday. I am glad you have become a member of the Young Men*s Association, of which you spoke, and I hope you will find it a means of much active labor, and a benefit to yourself, as I know you will. I have seen somewhere something to the effect that a free gift blesses the giver no less than the receiver. Its reflex influence is as great as its direct influence. I think the saying is certainly true whatever be the nature of the gift, be it money, time, labor or any-thing that it is in our power to give. Where are you now? You tell me you are quite pleasantly situated, but do not say where. I hope you will write to me often. A very short letter, if you have not time to write more, will cheer my heart wonderfully. You don't know how thankful and happy it makes me feel to know that you are keeping up, true and firm. Are you much alone, when not at the Office? What do you do with your time evenings? Whom have you for companions or friendd? I wonder what you are doing now. You must seek those whose friendship and companionship would strengthen and sustain you. I know there are many such, who will be ready to help and assist you, as well as those to lead you astray. It is time to go to prayer-meeting, and I must leave you for a few moments. Nov. 8, 1868 - 2 We have a Missionary Society In the College, meeting once a month; and have readings from magazines or any information in regard to missionary work. Tonight, a lady was here, who has just come from Syria and told us about her work. It is very interesting, but very sad to think of the degradation and ignorance of our fellow - c r ea tur e s. However, one need not go to Syria to find it. There is plenty of opportunity for missionary work in our own country. My life here is much the same from day to day, a very busy, happy life. I find I cannot go to work quite so vigorously as I did last year. I have to ease off, every once la a while. However, I did not expect to be equal to as much for the first part of this year, as I usually am and am getting along very well. X have many good, dear friends and after all, they are the very best gifts the world can give us. Xt is getting near my bed-time and I think I must say good-night. I will think of and pray for you at the time you spoke of. Think of me, and pray for me, brother, that I may live a pure Christian life, aad may be a worker for God. X am progressiag well la German, and am very fond of it. My room- mate says I do nothing but grin from the time I take up my German book, until X am through studying It. Write to me soon again. May the Lord bless and keep thee Is the earnest prayer of, Your loving sister, Annie. (Annie (Glidden) Houts, '69,
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Title: Pratt, Mary (Morris) -- to mother, Nov. 4, 1874
Creator: Pratt, Mary (Morris)
Description: VC 1880
Date: November 4, 1874
Text: Vassar College Nov. 4, 1874. My dear Mithery- Oo you see that little blur over "Vassar"? Well that's where I began to write "New Haven". Think of it.' I'll have to just put that off for a while I'm thinking. W e had the best fun last night. I must tell you about it for I haven't had such a right up and down jolly time before since I have been here. Mamie Burch, at the table on Friday night proposed that on the nextnight we should go down into the...
Show moreVassar College Nov. 4, 1874. My dear Mithery- Oo you see that little blur over "Vassar"? Well that's where I began to write "New Haven". Think of it.' I'll have to just put that off for a while I'm thinking. W e had the best fun last night. I must tell you about it for I haven't had such a right up and down jolly time before since I have been here. Mamie Burch, at the table on Friday night proposed that on the nextnight we should go down into the kitchen and make candy. The crowd was to consist of the people in our parlor, the girls next door, i.e. Kittle Hawley, Lilian Taylor, Nell Withey, & Kittle Aldrich, and the girls in 26 Nannie Sharpi, Julia & Katie Hopson, Mamie Burch, and Emily Jordan. We obtained permission very easily & arrayed ourselves in our Gym-suits before dinner, as we had to go to the kitchen as soon as we were out of the dining-hall to put the candy over and stir it until Chapel time. Jane was the only one of the crowd who didn't wear her gym- suit. We were in the room next to the one where they frybuck wheat cakes and had a stove about 20 ft x 4 ft, red hot in several places and with a great inverted trough over it so that the heat was all kept right down over it. I never saw anything so hot as it was standing over that stove & stirring the candy. Until the girls had become hardened to the heat they could only stir three or four minutes at a time. We had a copper saucepan, holing four or five gallons, & put one gallon of molasses in it. After it had been boiling a while, al at once it began to rise like everything. It was so heavy that we couldn't lift it off fromthe stove, so we stirred as hard as we could while Mamie Burch flew off down one of the corridors to try to find some of the cooks. She came back just in time, with a graceful going Irishman who gallantly swung the kettle off from the stove until the molasses settled a little. Presently when I was stirring it up again, it again started to the top. Jane was standing by me so I asked her to pull the kettle to the edge of the stove. We had just conquered the rebellious liquid when "David" who had heard the disturbance came flying to our assistance. We grated nearlya package of chocolate It then left everything in his care while we went to chapel. After Chapel we hurried down again & had all the time from 8.45 to 9.15. The candy wasn't nearly done because I suppose "David" was so afraid it would burn that he either held it on the edge of the stove or else set it on the window-sill maybe. We soon got the caramels going, & then stirred, or else cooled off preparatory to stirring. While cooling off I had two waltzes around the stoves & potatoes & charcoal & promiscuous articles. When the molasses was unanimously pronounced to be done— and we had no end of a row deciding-— it waspoured into two immense pans & put out of doors. Jane said she had to warn a man not to step into it. After a while, when we were all waiting for something to do we heard a horrible howl way down the corridor & a great rushing sound. In a minute Jane came tearing in, wearing a wild kind of a look, a shrieking at the top of her voice. In her hands she had a lump of candy about as big as a cocoanut. She had scraped up all there was in one pan & started with it, but as she had to come quite a distance the out side coolness wore offand it got to be scalding hot. So she tore around tossing it from one hand to another and not stopping long enough to explain or let anyone help her. When the lump finally cooled we divided it & began to pull & soon were pretty busy. I got my piece real white but made two blisters, one on each thumb, & to day have one of them doctored up with a piece of courtplaster nearly 3/4 of an inch square. After the caramels & things were done we gather together & sang college songs, danced the Virginia reel & carried on generally.We started off at silent time & marched all thirteen in solemn single file procession, keeping beautiful step, up the center stairs & the length of the 2nd South each maiden bearing a big plate of candy in her outstretched hand. It isnt all gone yet--The candy we burnt is left---. There are four people in here all talking & telling stories & I cant either write or spell or anything so I'm going to stop. Give lots of love to every one and do write soon and often. Mary B. Morris.VASSAR COLLEGE The name of Miss Mary S. Morris is entered on the list of applicants for admission to the College.  The regular days for entrance examinations are September 22-24, 1875. Full information respecting conditions of admission, the order of examinations, courses of study, terms of payment, &c., will be found in the College Catalogue, which may be had at any time on application to W. L. Dean, Registrar. Candidates for admission are particularly requested to notice the order of the examiniations, on pae 30 of the Catalogue, and to present themselves punctualy at 9, A.M. The College will open each day at half past eight o'clock -- not before -- for the reception of the candidates.  the examinations will commence promptly at 9, A.M., and continue till 5, P.M., with an intermissio of one hour and a half at noon.  Mid-day luncheon will be provided for the candidates and their friends. To all who come from a distance it is earnestly recommended that they arrange to pass the preceding night in Poughkeepsie or its vicinity.  The examinations are necessariy fatiguing, and a student cannot possibly do herself justice who comes to them wearied from a long journey. POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y., April 21, 1875 JOHN H. RAYMOND, President We shall be happy to receive Miss Morris for examiniation in September.  there are no entrance examiniations in June.  J.H.R., per M.D.
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Title: Aaron, Fannie -- to Pete, November 29,1920
Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1920-11-29
Text: November 29, 1920 Dear Pete: The infreuqnency[sic] of my letters at home, Pete, was due to the lack of typewriter, and the misspelling which I just noticed is due to my great hurry. I forgot to tell you, Pete, that I made debate. Rah!! I got in on time yesterday morning, took a taxi to the Grand Central, had breakfast, sent you a telegram, made the eight-forty-five, felt sleepy the whole way up--too sleepy to work--came out to college in a street-car, arrived at eleven-thirty, straightened...
Show moreNovember 29, 1920 Dear Pete: The infreuqnency[sic] of my letters at home, Pete, was due to the lack of typewriter, and the misspelling which I just noticed is due to my great hurry. I forgot to tell you, Pete, that I made debate. Rah!! I got in on time yesterday morning, took a taxi to the Grand Central, had breakfast, sent you a telegram, made the eight-forty-five, felt sleepy the whole way up--too sleepy to work--came out to college in a street-car, arrived at eleven-thirty, straightened up my room, sent you a telgram, had dinner, slept an hour and a quarter, washed my hair, and worked on my Ec clipping book till six o'clock, went off for supper with Mary Baxter, the girl with whom I wnet[sic] down Tuesday, came back and worked on the Ec book again till nine, went to bed, but discovered that the frequent arrivals of inmates of the hall made sleeping impossible till eleven. That is the history of my life. Excuse mistakes, but it is belltime. I shall be exceedingly busy this week, to put it mildly. Tell me about the various dinners, Mother. Where did you sit Saturday night? The bag was in my suitcase. Love, Fannie
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Title: Thompson, Addie -- to parents, Feb. 1876:
Creator: Thompson (Adda), Addie
Description: VC Prep 1875-1876
Date: February 16, 1876
Text: Vassar College Po'keepsie, N.Y, Feb. 16, 1876 My dear father and Mother— The mail has come for this morning but there was no letter for me and I always get one Wednesdays but perhaps it will come this afternoon. It rained here very hard yesterday and the day before, but last night it froze hard and to-day the wind is blowing at a furious rate. Bertha Hasbrook died Tuesday night. Her mother came last week Friday. I was mistaken her father was not here. They telegraphed to him Tuesday...
Show moreVassar College Po'keepsie, N.Y, Feb. 16, 1876 My dear father and Mother— The mail has come for this morning but there was no letter for me and I always get one Wednesdays but perhaps it will come this afternoon. It rained here very hard yesterday and the day before, but last night it froze hard and to-day the wind is blowing at a furious rate. Bertha Hasbrook died Tuesday night. Her mother came last week Friday. I was mistaken her father was not here. They telegraphed to him Tuesday morning and he got here this morning at 9.30. I was walking and met him as he got out of the car and I never saw such agony on any person's face as there was on his. Don't suppose he knew it until his brother met him at the depot. Yesterday Miss Lucy summoned us all to the chapel and said we must be cautious in writing to our friendsthat we gave them to understand that it was not contagious that caused her death, but rheumatic fever with other causes. Yesterday we had our lessons as usual but this morning college duties are suspended and at 11 there is to be short service in the chapel. All her acquaintances hare the privilege of seeing the corpse in Miss Terry's parlor fifteen minutes before the service. They return home this morning. Had but these two daughters and this one was the youngest she was eighteen. Two weeks ago, a young lady in their parlor was summoned heme by the death of her sister and Bertha said, "It would kill me, if any of my friends should die. I hope I will be the first one." She was a member of the Exotic society. Yesterday the society appointed a committee to get flowers and have them arranged so they could be transported. They have a beautiful cross and anchor. She has been sick but little over a week and it does seem so hard for us all. I can never forget that father's face. He looks very much like you, Pa, only his whiskers and hair are more grey. Received a letter from Nellie yesterday and she asked me to get her a silk. Now if she sends me a sample and tells mejust how much she is willing to pay, I think I had better get it for her. I was looking in my trunk the other day and saw there was a grease spot right on the tab of my Japanese basque. How can I get if off? My silk handerchief looks ever so nice and so does the tie. I like the lace on it, never saw that way before. I hope my alapaca will come this week, for I do not like to wear my silk every Sunday. Seven weeks before vacation, I am getting very impatient for the time to come when I can be home once more. What am I to buy in N.Y.? Don't think I am in to great a hurry, for you know it takes some time to think of all the little things and write about them. Pa what are you thinking about the centennial? Please tell me. Have just come from the service. The President's remarks were very touching and very appropriate. He said we had not one tear to shed for her for she was a Christian, all our sorrow was for her bereaved parents and friends. She was unconscious all the time. Only recognized her mother once. Some say she had typhoid fever but I guess it is not so. I will wait until the other mail comes before I finish this, and maybe there will be a letter for me. I so hope there will be. After dinner: The letter came this noon, and I was so glad. Thank you ever so much for it. Now, Ma, I do not want that brown silk I want you to have it and to have a pretty brown hat to wear with it, I have my black silk, grenadine and white and those are all the dresses I care for this summer. And I want you to make that up stylish and pretty for yourself. Your grenadine will do for every day and afternoon, S.S. and that kind of wear, and you do not want to make up your black silk before fall do you? So you see, you need it. Pa please send me more than the $100. How is Mrs. Simpson? Ben does not say when he will come, only not before March. Hope he wont come unless he wants to. Guess he corresponds with Maud and Lute from what he wrote, but I did not say one word about it to him in my letter. I can not always send a letter Wednesdays, but to-day did not have any lesson to learn. Am so glad I will have my dress by Saturday. Pa please send the money right away if you have not already. Pa you must write next time. From your loving daughter Addie Thompson Send me more stamps please.
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Title: Aaron, Fannie -- to Mother, Father, and Pete, October 15,1920
Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1920-10-15
Text: October 15, 1920 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: The Chamber of Commerce pamphlets came today. They are exactly what I want. Thank you very much. The Post Office has requested, Pete, and I have mentioned it several times before, that we have our room numbers and not our post-office boxes put on our mail, inasmuch as the numbers of the boxes are for our convenience, and the post-office side of the boxes are marked with the hall room numbers. However, for you convenience, in case you get mixes...
Show moreOctober 15, 1920 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: The Chamber of Commerce pamphlets came today. They are exactly what I want. Thank you very much. The Post Office has requested, Pete, and I have mentioned it several times before, that we have our room numbers and not our post-office boxes put on our mail, inasmuch as the numbers of the boxes are for our convenience, and the post-office side of the boxes are marked with the hall room numbers. However, for you convenience, in case you get mixes and put 402 instead of 403 I will get the letter anyhow, inasmuch as those two numbers happen to chare boxes. Last night disappeared into nothing. I came home from chappel and had just startedto work when I was interuppted by the infant prodigy of the class who had had ten A's up to date. Just why that variety should be attracted to me is beyond my comprehension, but she came on a friendly visit. Then I went to the inform, and had to wait a half hour for Dr. B. That is the first time that is happened, but of course cannot be helped. I met Helen Jackson in the hall as I was coming back. She had just been up to see me. She will be here till Tuesday. I then proceeded to talk to her for a half hour. I ate with her and friend Jeanette in Main at noon today. I then proceeded to finish my history topic. That took a good hour. Then I went to bed and snoozed. I read Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde this morning in connection with my English work. It is funny that I never read it before. I am going over to the libe this afternoon to do some more reading. It is a gorgeous day and the first hockey game is coming off, but I have a lot to fo and I don't want to leave it all till the last minute. Besides which, our stunt party comes off tonight, so that means no work. Lucy went to New York for the week-end. How about ours? When is it coming off? I am using the same ribbon that you put in my machine at home, Pete. I will need a new one pretty soon. Otherwise I don't know nothing, not a darn thing. Hoping I shocked the whole family, I remain, Respectfully yours, Fannie Hamburger Aaron
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Title: Aaron, Fannie -- to Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Aaron, November 5,1919
Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 11/5/19
Text: No time for letter - worst library rush yet. Fannie Nov. 5. [This side of card is for address] Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Aaron, 402 Winebiddle Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa.

Title: Shipp, Margaret M. -- to Sister, 25 March 1902
Creator: Shipp, Margaret M.
Description: VC 1905
Date: 25 March 1902

Title: Aaron, Fannie -- to Mother, Father, and Pete, May 8,1923
Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1923-05-08
Text: May 8, 1923 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: The error is mine, Mother. Dr. Krebs changed my lenses Christmas time, and I had forgotten to take my specs along, so I was able to leave only my bone glasses, and I forgot ever to take the gold frames in. I apologize humbly. I don't see how I could have been so forgetful, but I suppose you do, Pete. i guess I'll let them go till June, supposing I won't lose these in the meantime. There is a pair os specs with old lenses in the top...
Show moreMay 8, 1923 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: The error is mine, Mother. Dr. Krebs changed my lenses Christmas time, and I had forgotten to take my specs along, so I was able to leave only my bone glasses, and I forgot ever to take the gold frames in. I apologize humbly. I don't see how I could have been so forgetful, but I suppose you do, Pete. i guess I'll let them go till June, supposing I won't lose these in the meantime. There is a pair os specs with old lenses in the top right hand chiffonier drawer incase you think they ought to be fixed before June, however. Heard Dr. Shailer Matthews give a rotten lecture on "The Contribution of Evolution to Religion" tonight. Sorry I wasted the time But I put in six stiff hours on my Tolerance topic, so that is not so bad. Evan came back from the League Conference at Smith with the information that Radcliffe may drop out, in which case Bryn Mawr will join. Next year's league debates are to have only two speakers on each side--14 minute speech, 7 minute interval, and 7 minute rebuttal. I convinced next year's chairman to get off a challenge immediately to Oxford. They are
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Title: Aaron, Fannie -- to Mother, n.d.
Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: n.d.
Text: Dear Mother, There is nothing new today, except that I am not used to an afternoon class yet + did not count the time for a letter yet. Solid geometry - [some guce], stuff. I don't like not using a [text bork]. Is it hard? The history lecture was interesting yesterday. Medieval [manuscripts] by librarian of Univ. of Michigan [Dove] FannieMrs. Marcus Aaron, Hotel Royal Ponciana, Palm Beach, Florida.

Title: MacCoy, Marjorie Newell -- to Family, 11 April 1909
Creator: MacCoy, Marjorie Newell
Description: VC 1911
Date: 11 April 1909

Title: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour) -- to mother, Mar. 2, [1866]:
Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Description: VC Spec 1865-1866
Date: March 2, [1866]
Text: Vassar College - March 2nd [1866] My dear Mother I was very much delighted at receiving your letter for it was so long and long coming. I should think your letter was long enough getting started, and I am afraid it may be the case with mine as to-day is Saturday (or rather to-night) and my letter cannot go till Monday. I am very glad James has occupation for it will be so much pleasanter for all. It was very dull, I should think for him to be idle at home all the time. President Raymond gave...
Show moreVassar College - March 2nd [1866] My dear Mother I was very much delighted at receiving your letter for it was so long and long coming. I should think your letter was long enough getting started, and I am afraid it may be the case with mine as to-day is Saturday (or rather to-night) and my letter cannot go till Monday. I am very glad James has occupation for it will be so much pleasanter for all. It was very dull, I should think for him to be idle at home all the time. President Raymond gave us a talk this morning about taking our daily walk and said there were not more than three days in the whole three hundred and sixty five that a well person could not go out with advantage. Well it was a dreadful day to-day,- it rained very hard but some of the girls as a good joke on the president went around to all the rooms and got the girls to go out all dressed with waterproofs and umbrellas and march in a procession around the grounds There were about a hundred who went and they looked about as forlorn and ridiculous as could be imagined every one single file, and when we got in front of the college we saw the president waving his hand- kerchief at his window, taking the joke with a good deal of enjoyment. I am just as anxious to come home or for the time to come when I shall go home as can be - I want to get through my studies first of course. We are goingto survey the college grounds and make a plot of them and put in all the college buildings with mathematical exactness, just like any surveyor. Our Trigonometry class is to do all this. I feel very well again and keep remarkably well considering how much I study. My time is much more occupied here than at Utica as and I feel about as well.I did there. Soon it will be very pleasant here for it is growing warm very fast; if it does not grow cold again. How nice it will be next Summer to be at home and the house so comfortable. I do not think you ought to go to New York again this spring you will come home sick again. Let Henry get what you want when he comes - I am sure he and I could get something perhaps not as cheap as you would. I can hardly think what news to write as there is none now I wrote it all in James' and father's letters, except the procession You do not say whether you have got my hoop skirt covers yet. I am quite anxious about them for I am very much in need of them. I hope father will get the Patterson place if it has to be sold, it will pro- bably not be much and X would not miss having it for anything. Father gave me a very graphic description of how you were all occupied last Sunday, when he wrote his letter and it was so "true to Nature" I could see the whole scene before my eyes- I hope you will write soon and cannot you and father find something better to write on than that awful yellow paper? Please do write and write a good long letter When Henry comes I want to get a spring balmoral french calico besides innumerable other articles such as shoes &c. My love to all. Your affectionate daughter HelenP.S. Please ask father to send me a little money now as I need some before Henry comes-
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Title: Mansfield, Adelaide (Claflin). Letters, 1893-1897
Creator: Mansfield, Adelaide (Claflin)
Description: A collection of 85 letters to Mansfield's mother, father and sister Louise. There is great detail about daily life at the college, academics, lectures, sermons, eating “spreads” in dorm rooms with her classmates, clothing, room decorating, and celebration of events, such as Washington’s birthday. Of particular note is the number of times she refers to “colored” people” she saw in town or while out visiting friends, and used the term “darkies” when she talked about music, dance, or other forms...
Show moreA collection of 85 letters to Mansfield's mother, father and sister Louise. There is great detail about daily life at the college, academics, lectures, sermons, eating “spreads” in dorm rooms with her classmates, clothing, room decorating, and celebration of events, such as Washington’s birthday. Of particular note is the number of times she refers to “colored” people” she saw in town or while out visiting friends, and used the term “darkies” when she talked about music, dance, or other forms of entertainment performed by African Americans or in a style associated with African Americans.
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Date: 1893-1897

Title: Taylor, Lea D. -- to mother, Nov. 5, 1900:
Creator: Taylor, Lea D.
Description: VC 1904
Date: November 5, 1900
Text: Sunday afternoon. [Nov. 5, 1900] Dear mama- It seems perfect ages since I have heard from you - but I know just how busy you are and how hard it is to find time to write. It has beea a perfectly beautiful day today, though it started out with a dense fog. It is quite warm also - warm enough for a thin dress. Louise end I went down to Dr. Van Gieson's this morning, as it was town Sunday- and we heard a a very good sermon. It seemed so good to be In a regular church again - though I enjoy...
Show moreSunday afternoon. [Nov. 5, 1900] Dear mama- It seems perfect ages since I have heard from you - but I know just how busy you are and how hard it is to find time to write. It has beea a perfectly beautiful day today, though it started out with a dense fog. It is quite warm also - warm enough for a thin dress. Louise end I went down to Dr. Van Gieson's this morning, as it was town Sunday- and we heard a a very good sermon. It seemed so good to be In a regular church again - though I enjoy chapel very much - still itdoesn't seem quite the same. Louise went up to dinner with Gertrude Keith - as her room-mate had gone to New York over Sunday - and so I have beea alone all afternoon, and have written some letters which have been wanting an answer for some time. It Is so hard to get time to write, especially now, when I feel as though I ought to spend every spare minute on Greek History. This last week has beea an examination week and so we have had to work pretty hard. I guess I got through in them all, as I haven't heard anything from them as yet. Yesterday afternoon - Constance, Louise and I went for a long walk. There is a big white building on the top of a beautifully kept green hill which we can see from our windows and we have named it the Acropolis- as it is something of the style of the acropolis - So we took that as our destination and made for it - crossing fields- and meadows- a brook- a rail road track- and everything there was- and finally - after a pretty steep climb - reached the top- from which we got a splendid view of the mountains and the town. The building itself is public property and is of massive colonial style with wide porch - and tremendous pillars all around the four sides of the house. It was very picturesque. On Friday afternoon we had an exciting game of basket ball. The Seniors played the Juniors for the championship. Of course we sided with the Juniors and put on all the red we could - for red is the Junior color. The Seniors and Sophs were in pure white as that is the Senior color. You can imagine how pretty it was when we formed in line two by two with the banners & flags - and marched on the field. Then came the game - and it was very exciting - All this fall the Juniors have beea winning but on Friday they played very poorly - and the Seniors got two goals to the Juniors' none. They played a very rough game and there was so much feeling about it that the teams were wore out. The Juniors felt dreadful about being beaten, but the Seniors were delighted to have the championship. Next Saturday comes the long looked for Sophomore Party - which is the sweetest affair given to the Freshmen- They even wear white gloves which seems to be the height of formality here - So I shall have to trot down town and get a pair. Have I told you what a time I have had about whom I was going with. Margaret Elder - a perfectly sweet girl asked me first. Then she was taken sick and has had to be home for about a month. She is coming back again but I do not know how soon. She wrote to Jeannette Hooker - a great friend of hers to take me - so for a while it was decided that I was going with her- Then a Miss English, whom I do not know- was without a Freshmen for some reason or other and as Miss Hooker already had two - she offered to take me. But Miss Freeman wanted to take me from the first - so she finally arranged it with Miss English- and at present I am going with Miss Freeman. Isn't that a mix-up? Miss Freeman has been very nice and has arranged it so that I can stay over there all night- which will be quite a convenience. What do you think I had better do Thanksgiving ? I believe I wrote you that Grandma told me that Aunt Kate wanted me there Thanksgiving- I also had a very urgent invitation from Julia Grenell at Montclair, N.J. I suppose that if I go to Port Richmond now, I will go to Grandma's Xmas. I wish that Aunt Kate & Uncle Al & Kittie could come up also. Wouldn't that be fine? The fare to N.Y. from here is about a dollar fifty each-way-but as a V. student I can get one for two dollars round trip which is quite a reduction. Write me soon whether you think I had better go to Aunt Kate's then or not- I don't believe I had better try to get to Montclair. I may be able to see Julia in N.Y. as she goes there every day. She seems to have set her heart on my coming however- and so I am up a tree as it were, to know what to do. I shall have from Wednesday afternoon at 2.30 to Monday morning at 10.30. By taking an early train from New York- 6.30 A.M I can get here in time for my first recitation- whether I could do it or not will have to be left until I get there if I go. By the way - have you written that note to Mrs. Kendrick - because may be if you haven't they wont let me go - and that would be dreadful. Louise is going to stay here over Thanksgiving. Of course Constance is going home. Do you remember those red winter gloves that Helen and I got at Field's- Well- I simply cant get into them- and they are sixes, too -The fingers are too long and they are so narrow that I cant any where near button them. I never saw such peculiarly shaped gloves. I think they must be marked wrong- for Louise couldn't get them on and she wears 5 3/4. What shall I do about them. Perhaps- Helen could wear them. Her hand is differently shaped. I think I will have to get some others as you want them rather loose for winter- Write soon what you think I had better do - as it may suddenly turn cold - and then I will have nothing to wear. We had some of the most delicious nut ice cream this noon, that I have ever tasted. It was great. The nuts were English walnuts - and the flavor was fine. We havent much to complain of in the eating line - here - some of the girls in the other cottages have miserable fare - So I think we fare pretty well. Now I must stop this rambling letter and write one more before supper. It gets dark so early now that we have to light the light at about five o'clock. Well good-night-mother-dear- You dont know how much I want to see you- or how much I miss see- Lea. (Lea D, Taylor, '04)
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Title: Frantz, Edna (Bachman) — to Rosemarie Boyle, February 16, 1913
Creator: Frantz, Edna (Bachman)
Date: 16 Feb 1913
Text: Vassar, Po’keepsie N.Y. Feb. 16, 1913. Sun. Eve. Dear Rosemarie, I am writing this letter in bed so don’t be surprised if the handwriting is somewhat shaky. Of course everyone is dead tired, whether she went to the prom. or not, for who could sleep during such excitements? Friday night the choir gave a concert for the men. The music was lovely. It was very interesting, sitting on the platform and seeing the whole audience. We tried to decide by the way they acted, which girls had their...
Show moreVassar, Po’keepsie N.Y. Feb. 16, 1913. Sun. Eve. Dear Rosemarie, I am writing this letter in bed so don’t be surprised if the handwriting is somewhat shaky. Of course everyone is dead tired, whether she went to the prom. or not, for who could sleep during such excitements? Friday night the choir gave a concert for the men. The music was lovely. It was very interesting, sitting on the platform and seeing the whole audience. We tried to decide by the way they acted, which girls had their brothers there and which girls their “bests.” The Vassar Quartette, Princeton 1910, sang. Some of their college songs made a big hit. Their voices blended beautifully and the bass was [underlined: so] handsome. After the concert I came back to my 2. room. I was the only one in the double alley. Dot’s in the infirmary, C.V. was visiting her grandmother, Elma has moved to Strong, (Imagine, five girls occupying eight rooms) Florine was entertaining Betty’s brother, Betty was decorating for the prom. The light was lit in Betty’s room, but all the ^other lights were out. The study was cold, so I moved close to the radiator. I had nearly fallen asleep when I heard a noise in C.V.’s room. I was startled but thought I had imagined it. I looked in the room and there was a big, black dog asleep on C.V.’s bed. Scared? I just [underlined: flew] out to hunt Betty. She was talking to John, her brother, but one of the other girls came down and put the dog out. Yesterday was not exciting. Clara van de Water, C.V’s cousin called on me in the morning. I met her last week in Poughkeepsie. She’s a fine looking girl, a blonde with a very clear complexion. We went to see the skating on the new 3. lake. One of the prom. men was knocked unconscious while skating, but recovered ^in time for the dance. The prom. started in the afternoon. It was such fun getting Betty ready. She looked like a big French doll. Her beautiful yellow hair was piled up in curls on top of her head and she had pink tulle tied around it, with stiff ends of tulle flaring up at the side toward the back. She had a band of crystallized pale pink roses and pale green leaves across the front. I told you about her dress before, didn’t I? She had pink satin slippers and wore pink sweet peas and lilies-of-the-valley. At four o’clock men began to appear. Boxes had been put up for their wraps on first floor Main and one of the men made such a blunder. He walked down the corridor a short distance and stepped into the Senior alley. Dot Sothern, 4. a stunning Senior, heard some one there and called “Come.” There was no answer so she opened the door and there stood the poor man removing his shoes! He gave an embarrassed grin and beat a very hasty retreat. Even though we could not go to the dance I enjoyed looking on. The girls looked beautiful, even the homely ones were nearly pretty. I never saw such dresses in my life. They just took your breath away. It was the first big dance I had ever seen and I was completely carried away. I had intended to give you many details but find I haven’t even a definite impression of a single dress. I am sure this letter is a disappointment to you. It’s so badly written since my knee is not the firmest kind of a support for a writing pad. Besides Florine and Betty are studying French Grammar aloud in the study. They ask me questions every few minutes. 5. It seems so funny to have Florine ask [underlined: me] questions, but I suppose I really do have a more definite ^knowledge of grammar than she. Jabbering French with a governess since she was a baby has not helped her irregular verbs, as ^much as our practical American way of learning would have. However, our way [underlined: is] less interesting. I must go to bed now, so Good-Night. I enjoyed the story so much. Lovingly, Edna.
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Title: Aaron, Fannie -- to Mother and Father, May 22,1920
Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 5/22/20
Text: May 22, 1920. Dear Mother and Father: When I finished this long Masefield theme I will have written the last theme of the year. Hurrah! And then the math review and the history and the Latin review-------. I honestly don't know when I am going to do everything. The French exam is the one I don't care about. I am perfectly sure I could just as good a mark on the thing if I did not open a book for it. I finished my French for the year yesterday. Then I came home and slept. I would...
Show moreMay 22, 1920. Dear Mother and Father: When I finished this long Masefield theme I will have written the last theme of the year. Hurrah! And then the math review and the history and the Latin review-------. I honestly don't know when I am going to do everything. The French exam is the one I don't care about. I am perfectly sure I could just as good a mark on the thing if I did not open a book for it. I finished my French for the year yesterday. Then I came home and slept. I would win a first prize at that. I surely and pepless and constantly fagged out. I thought I was my last semester at high school, but that was mild compared with this. I was looking at the topics of a Junior on this floor who took American history. They look most interesting to me, and I am glad I am going to have the course. She says that in addition to giving you your subject, Miss Salmon gives more miscellaneous information than any other member of the faculty. It just dawned on me yesterday that the only subject I will have day to day preparation in will be math. I am beginning to feel very grown up. Love, Fannie
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Title: Shipp, Margaret M. -- to Sister, 31 January 1902
Creator: Shipp, Margaret M.
Description: VC 1905
Date: 31 January 1902

Title: Aaron, Fannie -- to Mother, Father, and Pete, October 20,1921
Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-10-20
Text: October 20, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Something has happened to my typewriter and I am innocent. All I know is that it was all right last night and today it won't work at all. I am not a bit anxious to take it to town or to give it up for any length of time either. I just came from hearing Miss Ellory talk for quite a while on the disarmament question. At least half the college was there. That woman has my thorough respect and admiration. She has a real mind. I intend to go to...
Show moreOctober 20, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Something has happened to my typewriter and I am innocent. All I know is that it was all right last night and today it won't work at all. I am not a bit anxious to take it to town or to give it up for any length of time either. I just came from hearing Miss Ellory talk for quite a while on the disarmament question. At least half the college was there. That woman has my thorough respect and admiration. She has a real mind. I intend to go to the conferences on Saturday at the Convention of the women's college to be held here. I have been invited by a member of the Board of the Political League to the luncheon which is to be tendered the delegates on Saturday. I have been reading in Voltaire's "Dictionnaire Philosophique' most of the afternoon. It is very interesting. Tonight I have to study for the Zo quiz and also read Words-worth, if my mind does not go to sleep in the menatime. Just why do you tell me to keep caught up in my work, Mother? Do you think that I am letting it slide for golf, or something like that? To my knowledge I am not behind and am accomlishing much more in less time than I ever did before. I am crazy about my schedule. Having the morning free till ten-thirty three times a week makes it easier to get a lot of work done when my mind is fresh, and I have not the difficulty that I expected of half going to sleep in my afternoon class. I had a letter from Marse today. He is what I would call an unproficient letter-writer. Mrs. Kaufmann must have written to all the college people she knew, because I got a note from her, too. She said in part. "We were delighted to hear that you were completely well again." Did you tell them about Philadelphia, Mother? R. S. V. P. I had a letter from Aunt Hattie today. It was full of advice about playing away my time at college, as usual. I am a Junior now, and I think I have enough intelligence of my own to know the most profitable way of spending my time. Did Kave think his letter was witty, Pete? I thought it was funny, but I should hardly call it witty. I am up for debate tryouts Saturday morning. I shall have to do some reading on the subject tomorrow. I was talking to Peggy Higgins, intercollegiate chairman this morning, and I said that there were so many good people trying out that I was not at allsure of coming through. She said, "I don't think you need to worry about that". I hope the committee will be of the same persuasion. Otherwise I know nothing, except that I have a very full week-end ahead of me. Love, Fannie
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Title: Aaron, Lester -- to Mother, Father, and Fan, November 10,1920
Creator: Aaron, Lester
Date: 1920-11-10
Text: 14 Story Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, November 10, 1920. Dear Mother, Father, and Fan: After what I said about Herbert AdamsGibbons last evening, I was very much amused when your letter of Monday came this morning, Mother, with the comment that his address was "one of the finest, deepest, and most scholarly talks" that you had ever listened to. I am glad you liked him; I can't hand him too much, but there is no doubt about it that he has a good line and on the Palestinian...
Show more14 Story Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, November 10, 1920. Dear Mother, Father, and Fan: After what I said about Herbert AdamsGibbons last evening, I was very much amused when your letter of Monday came this morning, Mother, with the comment that his address was "one of the finest, deepest, and most scholarly talks" that you had ever listened to. I am glad you liked him; I can't hand him too much, but there is no doubt about it that he has a good line and on the Palestinian question on that is quite in line with what most of the congregation think on Zionism. I haven't read all his books, but I have read part of "The New Map of Europe" which is quite readable and interesting, though the map that he called new was the map that followed the Balkan wars. The addresses I have heard him deliver were on "The Caillaux Case" in which he didn't prove very much and on the problems that were facing France at the close of the war--a lecture which I thought could have been done very much better. Howsoever, i am glad he made a hit. Evidently from your letter, Mother, you thought I used Sunday to rest up. I have been resting up since then I slept again this afternoon for a couple hours, in spite of hammering outside my window. I am feeling fine and looking forward with keen and eager anticipation to the approaching week-end. Please don't worry about my economizing, Mother; that is the one thing I am worrying about--the speed with which that bank account of mine is being reduced. Which reminds me--My Princeton bank-book is in the left hand drawer, I think, in my bureau--will you please mail it to me right away to Princeton, if you can find it? I don't need it, but I'd like to have it. I am enclosing a latter to the State Board of Law, Examiners. You may have attended to it already--I don't know. Anyhow, if you think it is worth while doing, will you send it in when you get home, Father? I haven't been here long enough to have any idea whether I'll last through the three years or not. I am told that a fee of $25 is to be paid now and another fee of $25 when the exams are taken. It seems to me that that is horribly expensive when there is so very little chance of my ever going into law. If we lived in Ohio, it would be different--it costs 50c to register there. I think it is awfully foolish to blow in $50 just for mental satisfaction; however, perhaps you may feel otherwise, so I am enclosing the dope. All I have to say is that we certainly live in a highly capitalistic commonwealth. Harold sent word that he got seats in the wooden stands. I hope that you haven't told him or you, Fan, Lucy that I am taking Grace to the game. I think he'll probably take a Hebrew fit when he hears that I am taking any one, and I'd like to see the expression on his face when he finds it out--it ought to be something to laugh at for two weeks afterwards. Love, [Lester]TAFT In CHURCH APPEAL ___ He Sounds High Note in $3,000,000 Campaign ___ Unitarian Task is to Reach the Unchurched ___ Reaction from War Makes Religion Essential ___ Former President Obliged to Speak Twice ___ Eloquent was the appeal made by former President William H. Taft at a meeting in the First Church, Berkeley and Marlboro streets, last night in behalf of the great Unitarian movement for the raising of #3,000,000 to extend the work of the Church in the United States. He emphasized the fact that the Unitarians are not to proselyte or to win people from other churches, but to reach those whom other churches may not be able to influence, and at a time when humanity is suffering the reaction of the World War. Mr. Taft's visit to Boston naturally stimulated widespread interest in the First Church meeting. The church was filled long before the meeting started and disappointed persons repaired to the Arlington Street Church, where Mr. Taft spoke again. When the former President arrived at the Back Bay station at six o'clocl he was met by Samuel Carr, who took him to the Carr home, 403 Commonwealth avenue, where he was to be a guest for the night, Mrs. Carr being a cousin of Mr. Taft. After a brief rest, Mr. Taft went to the Wendome to dine with 100 or more Unitarians who are active in the plans for raising the #3,000,000 fund. There were remarks by Ernest G. Adams, Richard M. Saltonstall and Mr. Taft. ___ Progress in the Family In the beginning his address at the church, which was entitled "The Great Adventure," Mr. Taft aroused laughter by saying: "I am honored to be allowed to speak to you under these circumstances; I am greatly honored to be in the pulpit of the First Church of Boston. I am going to make an assertion that I hope is true. It would be deadful to make a mistake about it. My father was interested in genealogy and he told me that one of my ancestors was John Wilson, the first minister of The First Church of Boston. He was not a Unitarian (laughter). And if that statement be true, then we have made progress in the family. Continuing, Mr. Taft said: "We unitarians believe that the time has come when our Church should take affirmative and militant methods against the inertia and indifference of irreligion. The breaking away of Channing and the Unitarians who followed him was not a negation of religion, as many people seem to think you don't know. You in New England don't understand the ignorance that there is in parts of the country with reference to Unitarianism. If you want to find it out, run for President. (Laughter.) "Their religion was not and it not atheism or infidelity. No one can read Channing's sermons or the sermons of any other Unitarian who is true to the doctrine of the Church, and say truly that God and Jesus are not fully in the Unitarian faith, and that they are not worshipped with the same reverence and the same love and the same anxiety to conform to the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man as in any Orthodoz communions. The Unitarians schism gre out of a desire and a determination to maintain a religious frame of mind and religious life without the necessity of intellectual acquiescence is a dogma and creed which it was impossible for a Unitarian to square with his reasoning and conviction, and therefore, with his soncscience. Unitarians are Christians. ___ Reaction from the War "The war has left the European countries and this country in a critical situation. We have a frightful lack of seriousness-extravagance, luxury and a turning again to the things of the world in a way that is most discouraging. But it is only temporary, I am convinced. It is only getting over something in a way of the fullness of heart and soul that poor human nature cannot stand too long; there has to be a little reaction from it. But the lessons of the war have not been lost; as is now, when there is danger that they may be lost, that we need this forward march, this movement in the interest of religion, to stir the indifference and the inertia of men who have left the Church on excuse that they do not believe in the creed or dogma, and have given up religion altogether on that account. ___ Now a Militant Religion "Now, that is the reason why the Unitarian Church is moving. That is the reason why the Unitarian Church is changing from its former quiet method of persuing its belief and its worship and its religion-a method that has, in certain respects, been most useful in this sommunity. It has liberalized religion, it has introduced Unitarians into other churches. It has introduced Liberalism into these churches because there are many men and women there who are earnest members of the Church but who are earnest members of the Church but who could not stand a spiritual cross-examination without disclosing that thy are real Uniterians. But now it is necessary for us to do more, it is necessary for us to go forward, and to take our place in the militant religions, and show to the world the faith that is in us by our missionary work in the fields where we ought to succeed. "As we have gone on, we have found that to keep the Church clear and free from fault, as well as to satisfy the spirit of liberty, we must have freedom of religion and each man must be permitted to worship God as he chooses. The Church and the State are separated. No one would have this otherwise, but we must recognize that in this great freedom of religion, made one of the cornerstones of our liberty, is the disadvantage of our not being able, through governmental agencies, to associate the teaching of religion with the primary education of our children. "What I mean is this: That without religion in the schools, the teaching of morality, good, is nevertheless lacking in the fire, it is lacking in the inspiration, and we attempt to subtitute for it Sunday schools and home influence. But the trouble is that for those children that need most religious influence there is no home influence and is no Sunday school influence. Therefore, where freedom of religion prevails, where religion cannot be united by the Government with education, the burden upon the churches to make up for this lack is greater, and the danger from a failure of the churches is more threatening. "General education has stimulated inquiry into the basis of religious belief. It has made them much more sympathetic and much more willing to recognize the usefulness of Unitarian churches, and has unified the effort to spread religion. The incident that was mentioned by the last speaker, Mr. Adams, in which the Inter-church movement is said to have left out the Unitarian Church is one of those awkward incidents-not awkward for us, but awkward for those who found it necessary to make the exclusion. They didn't want to do it, I am sure-the great majority of them didn't, but there they had that creed, and when they go to the stage, when they get to where the cross-examination began, why, then they had to enforce the letter. I presume that was their situation. Therefore, let us sympathize with them; don't let us get angry at them. (Laughter.) Half, more than half, of the people of the country are not in churches, an many of these, though intelligent and educated, become indifferent to religion. "Now it is within the field of missionary work to such 'heathen' as these that the Unitarian Church has, we believe, a great future. We ask them only to subscribe to the doctrine of the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, to take in and act upon the pure preaching and practice of Jesus, to admit its fundamental truth, its beauty, its far-reaching benefit. We ask them to unite with us in the worship of God, and in the study and understanding of the teachings of Jesus. and in self elevation by this study. Ours is a call to the unconverted."
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Title: Adams, Ruth -- to family, Mar. 1901:
Creator: Adams, Ruth
Description
Date: March 2, 1901
Text: Vassar Dear people:- You have no idea what a bereaved state we are in. Lucile has been feeling miserably for a long time and today we pulled wires, and made her go home much against her will. We also send Dube to the infirmary for over Sunday to get rested. And Cora went home. Edith and I remain the champions on the victorious fields. Lucile has got into a dreadful state, a kind of fevershe had no time for anything, and even tho. she felt dreadfully and looked so she wouldn't give up a...
Show moreVassar Dear people:- You have no idea what a bereaved state we are in. Lucile has been feeling miserably for a long time and today we pulled wires, and made her go home much against her will. We also send Dube to the infirmary for over Sunday to get rested. And Cora went home. Edith and I remain the champions on the victorious fields. Lucile has got into a dreadful state, a kind of fevershe had no time for anything, and even tho. she felt dreadfully and looked so she wouldn't give up a bit or try to save herself at all. Such an ex aspirating person I never saw. She nearly drove us crazy. Yesterday afternoon she was preparing to study all the afternoon (its so obsurd because she's a good scholar and doesn't need to at all) though she had such a head ache she could hardly keep her eyes open. We made a dreadful fussand tried everything we could think of make her behave. I read her latin to her and then wanted them to let me read the Cardinale Snuff Box out load. "Don't you think it would be nice?" I said "Yes, very" said she, "but I am going into the library to study" Now wasn't that the limit. Edith flew for one of her sisters and so much bullying we finally made her take off her clothes and down for the after- noon but she got up for dinner. And this morning when, instead to sleeping late as she ought she came to break fast, we held a council of war and decided she had got to go home. If you could have seen her you would have laughed at the idea of her trying to work. She wouldn't be reasonable. Florence had a cold so we packed her off to the infirmary and feel quite satisfied with ourselves. As for me I am gettingso fat you wouldn't know me. It is really distressing my clothes are getting so right. And I have neap of time to. Thursday I went into the library and looked up the art book and so on. I am much obliged for the letters. But do tell me. Is Aunt Nettie a christian scientist now? I think she is absolutely the funniest, I should think UNcle Harry might object to that. Do you see two pagessuch together and that caused this wierd way of providing. We had the most astonishing lecture her last night, by some female whose name I have forgotten. really it was too silly. She was one of these elocuting beings you know and said the most senseless things it melodramatic tones till we almost died. We did gigle several times. Once she talked (the lecture was on loagner) about "while the soul ameks its toilet" and then she said the (I forget which opera) was the box of bon boons wager nibbled on for 22 years. Fancy any body nibbling on bonbons for 22 years. She had some pretty pictures though of Murenburg and wartburg which I recognizes and then somebody played some of the motives from Vagner. I remembered some of them so well, from the ring. oh I do wish I could hear & seethat again. I remembered the one of the balcure & wodan's & the thine daughters. There are so nice. To night there is going to be a song recital Mary is going to have a solo. She has such a glorious vie it just pours and rushes out of her without the slightest effort. Did I tell you about the people who were hear form the happen institute. I don't no when I have been so interested in anything. The whole college went wild. Then the songs the darkens sang were joys. Why they had gone past their time and everybody had got up and when going out suddenly we all stopped and clapped and shouted etc, etc until they went back & sang some more. It was very gunny. Well I think I will send this off today so that you will get it Mon. morning. love from RuthMrs. George B Adams 57 Edgehill Road New Haven Conn$3‘ HAL?‘ {£2111 MAR 3 ¢\ Q3" H Q9 um 0: 2-30/xi ~ (, QN\§~ W... Lifﬂv -.-33* \
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Title: Adams, Ruth -- to family, Feb. 1901:
Creator: Adams, Ruth
Description
Date: February 1901
Text: Vassar Dear people:- Its sunday afternoon. Cora went in town with Hilda to dinner at some bodies house. I forget their name. After dinner I went up into the Sophomores room while one of them read a sermon. It was a translation of one of the Italian Monk's sermons delivered at the time of a plague in one of the southern cities and wos very good. Then I came down here and foAdele Buffinton just leaving a little note asking Cora and me to go walking with her. But as Cora couldn't go I...
Show moreVassar Dear people:- Its sunday afternoon. Cora went in town with Hilda to dinner at some bodies house. I forget their name. After dinner I went up into the Sophomores room while one of them read a sermon. It was a translation of one of the Italian Monk's sermons delivered at the time of a plague in one of the southern cities and wos very good. Then I came down here and foAdele Buffinton just leaving a little note asking Cora and me to go walking with her. But as Cora couldn't go I went up and got Lucile and Edith and we had a very nice walk, though they snow made the walking rather hard. It snow some more yesterday so we are quite covered up. What do you think we did Saturday afternoon? It was snowing so we thought we wouldn't go sleighing as we intended to. But we went into town to the theater to a melodrama. We paid .20 cents for orchestra seats. It was very thrilling and absurd. All the good people got rich, and turned out to be great personages and the daughter who had been stolen as a baby is restored to her father and marries her lover. And all the villains get found out and punished. At wagons points the heroine expressed lofty and sublime sentiments during which the band played softly. It was dinner time when I got back and I intended to do a lot of studying in the evening, but they asked us to come down to the fire wall, and be read to which we accordingly did. And I didn't get a lesson done. Alegbra I have first thing Monday morning, and I don't know it at all. I ahem been meaning to review the stuff ever since I came back to college and have nee got around to it. It is something dreadfulthe way time goes. Saturday morning I intended to do latin prose and my essay but i want skating and only got my prose done. When I went to read my poems for my essay I found that one of the books was not on the reference shelves and so I hunted up Miss Hookers and asked her about it and she went down to the library and made inquiries about it but the book seems to have entirely disappeared. Then while they were hunting the thing up I read some books on art instead of studying as I ought. You see I am a very foolish person. What do you think, Mama? Such a blow! Cora was told she couldn't wear her Maria Stuart costume because it wasn't appropriate for a Washington's birthday party. I am afraid perhaps the same objection might be made to a such peasants costume. What do you think?I wish I could write Valintine poetry. THink of it, our prose day is Valintne day. What a sweet Valentine we hand to Miss Sanders. There was something else I wanted to say to you o ask you but I can't rhino what it was. I shan't send this till Monday afternoon though so perhaps I will remember before hone. Monday. I can't think what it was at all unless I wanted to ask for Miss Sevann's address. I know it wasn't that, but I do want that. Yesterday I wrote a letter to Miss Haines. It was the steadiest thing I ever wrote. No sense in it at all. But still I sent it. Well I have got throe Algebra and German safely. Though I found that I hadn't studied the right lesson in the book nor learned the rules she gave us. Some of the girls got dreadfully scolded, but she didn't realize a hadn't done it. Cora and Lucile had Miss Dutton in Latin for the first time this morning She has been sick. Such disgusted children you never saw. It must be dreadful really some of this poetry is decidedly sentimental. At present we are reading Ovid. At halfpast 3 a single bird unto a silent sky propounded but a single term of cantos melody. At halfpast 4 experiment had subjugated test, and lo! her silver principle supplanted all the restat halfpast 7 element nor implement was seen, and place was where the presence was, circumference between. Emily Dickinson. Can you make sense of this thing? I can't and i had to interpret it for my last theme. Isn't it absurd? We want to send each junior a little bunch of violets for a Valentine; from the class you understand because they have done so much for us. DOn't you think that would be nice? We are to have a class meeting this afternoon to bring upthe subject. There's the bell for latin boo hoo how I am scared. Ruth Mrs. Gorge B Adams 57 Edgehill Road New Haven Conn\ NE I _“ Sh ‘V t_ ‘ ‘ If W ‘Q § ‘wk _’n\_* J A V I: T >1? > _ _ _ I‘ ___) _ ___ __ __ :3 \ \ _\ \\ _ / J _ ;_ ‘J _ V‘ ‘M M ’_ ; ‘ \’_ __ _ _' _ "_ I‘ L.‘ _ L __ “(J _ V M K‘ F‘ _ _\ “\‘p_+__ __ I ’ I \ _’_ I FJ > _ \ _ 3' _}/_%\ V_\ _\\ !,("“ \
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Title: Aaron, Fannie -- to Mother, May 18.
Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: May 18.
Text: [8] [May 18.] Dear Mother, I received the invitation and sent my regrets. Enclose my card with yours. Was Pete invited? I have no suggestion for the present. She has everything in the world already. Unless you need the rest very badly, i think it would be advisable for you to stay home long enough to go to the wedding. However, you know best. I know that Louise is extremely touchy--I don't know if she gets it from her parents or not. Our farewell dinner is Tuesday night, June twelfth. I...
Show more[8] [May 18.] Dear Mother, I received the invitation and sent my regrets. Enclose my card with yours. Was Pete invited? I have no suggestion for the present. She has everything in the world already. Unless you need the rest very badly, i think it would be advisable for you to stay home long enough to go to the wedding. However, you know best. I know that Louise is extremely touchy--I don't know if she gets it from her parents or not. Our farewell dinner is Tuesday night, June twelfth. I will be able to leave any time Wednesday. You see I have a whole week to pack in, so there is nothing to stay for I certainly do want to motor home with you. Will you go homeby way of N. Y.? Also, if Pete doesn't go home with us, would you like to take Helen, or would you object in the least? R. S. V. P. My May date is the 25th, so my June one should be the 21. I'll see the lady about the house, but I'm sure you can have it Friday. You see you are the sole occupants. It is really an exceptionally nice, white house for around here. I thought Sam could get himself a room and a place for the car in town, but I'll ask her. You see I hate to have him put anywhere where people's parents are. But I'll find out. If she can't get a room in Arlington, I think it foolish to have the car out here, and Sam in town, don't you? R. S. V. P. You can easily go to Mohonk and back in a half day. Kro says they have a wonderful golf links, but I thought there was only a putting green for the old decrepit. I think having books autographed is childish. I also think it will be just as satisfactory to hear the lecture, and not introduce myself. He has probably forgotten you and Father by this time, and it would mean very little to him to shake my hand. What ever happened about the lot you saw, which you wouldn't tell me about, because you said you didn't know if it was available or not? Where was it.? R. S. V. P. Don't forget the Corona ribbons. I need them badly. NEW KIND. My exams are May 31, June 1st, and 2nd. I wondred the other day if you would think it sensible to send my bed-box to keep stuff in. It could be kept under the cot in the third floor. You know we have so many college things that we want to keep and I think it would be nicer than having steamer trunks around[, like Pete's]. It is that nice yellow stuff, like the box in my room and the one in the third floor, and is as good as new. I think it would be a good idea if you do. R. S. V. P. right away. There is room for loads of thinks in it.The dress came and is all right now. The janitor's office will ship my book-cases, wicker chair, china and glasses for $10. I forgot to ask about the rug, but that will merely make it a little more. Are you sure you don't want the dresser for a maid's room in "the new house"? Last night was Senior Birthday Party (president's birthday) in Main at dinner. It was very nice. Did you use to have such an occasion, too? Have you heard from Aunt Bessie? Do they still plan to come for Commencement? I wrote to her about two weeks ago, and haven't heard. She wrote me a long letter after spring vacation, planning definitely to come, but I don't know if she has changed her mind or not. Am writing my Seminar topic now. Haven't time to write another letter. Give father the interesting parts of this. Give father the interesting parts of this. Kindly notice that I answered all the questions, so please hold on to them and the exam dates. It will save time if I don't have to write them again. Love, Fannie You know how pretty it is around here, so we wouldn't be at a loss for picnics and rides if you came early, but do whichever is best for you.
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Title: Aaron, Fannie -- to Mother, Father, and Pete, November 2,1922
Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1922-11-02
Text: November 2, 1922 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I think I am really better this time. I went to bed at five yesterday afternoon, to be on the safe side. I missed an English required lecture in the evening by so doing, but I thought it best to be on the safe side. I still have a slight cold and am not strong yet, otherwise I am really better. I think I am finally discharged from the Infirm, although I haven't seen Dr. T. yet. Nothing new--I am busy catching up with my work. I have to...
Show moreNovember 2, 1922 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I think I am really better this time. I went to bed at five yesterday afternoon, to be on the safe side. I missed an English required lecture in the evening by so doing, but I thought it best to be on the safe side. I still have a slight cold and am not strong yet, otherwise I am really better. I think I am finally discharged from the Infirm, although I haven't seen Dr. T. yet. Nothing new--I am busy catching up with my work. I have to take a Faculty to Senior Parlor Opening for faculty tomorrow night. I swore a few weeks ago, I wouldn't go, because it seems such a dumb performance to me, but yesterday I got a note please to take someone as they must all be invited. The note was from our class president, so I thought I had better be obliging. I had to take a left-ver, though--Miss Gilman, whom I had in Zo quiz last year. She isn't half bad. Have to wear my red evening dress. I wish i had my white one here. Love, Fannie
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Title: DeWitt, Nettie -- to mother, Apr. 11, 1894
Creator: DeWitt (Brand), Nettie
Description: VC Ex 1896
Date: April 11, 1894
Text: Vassar* Wednesday morning Apr. 11, 1894. My dearest Mamma: Will dare to resort to pencil again for I've left my ink bottle in Delia's room. I might use Marie's, I suppose, but pencil goes so_ much faster. If you can only read what I write with It. I see you have been worrying a little, as I feared you might, if I did not write more, and still I thought you would not mind if I did not write at great length, at first, for I have times of hating to write as much as you do, and...
Show moreVassar* Wednesday morning Apr. 11, 1894. My dearest Mamma: Will dare to resort to pencil again for I've left my ink bottle in Delia's room. I might use Marie's, I suppose, but pencil goes so_ much faster. If you can only read what I write with It. I see you have been worrying a little, as I feared you might, if I did not write more, and still I thought you would not mind if I did not write at great length, at first, for I have times of hating to write as much as you do, and especially since X have lost the pen out of my fountain pen. I'm sure my lengthy epistle of Sunday must have put your fears quite at rest, unless perhaps you fear for the stability of my mind after such a spout. I sent off six other letters with yours, but none of course of the length of yours. I wrote to Cousin Nettle, just a note. I tho't perhaps she was the one to write to this time, as hostess. I also wrote quite a letter to Cousin R.She, too, wanted to hear of my visit at Cousin G's. They have a lovely home- Every thing very nice. The table setting was what pleased me most, of course. At the three meals which I ate there we had a different centre-piece each time, and such lovely ones too. Her sister embroiders a great deal and that is about all she does do, I guess. Sunday ended about as usual. We went to prayer meeting or rather to Bible Lecture and then staid to hear Mr. Monroe from away somewhere, Apr. 11, 1894 - 2 talk on missions. He shewed us some curiosities. Monday I had my usual walk with Kate. She has been very worried about her father, who is quite ill but is better now. It is almost time for me to go to Latin so must stop. I'm just as well as can be- Why can*t you believe it? Do you think I am getting proficient in prevarication along with my other accomplishments ? Love to all—Nett (Nettle (Brand) De Witt, ex-'96)
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Title: Aaron, Fannie -- to Mother, Father, and Pete, October 6,1921
Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1921-10-06
Text: October 6, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Jeannette Fallheimer got my letter but nevertheless she called me up tonight to tell me that she was still coming up, that she wanted to see Miss Sandison and that all she wanted to do was to sleep in my room and have one meal with me. I told her that that was all I had time for, and gave her very clearly [to understand] that I was extemely busy and would much prefer for her to come next week. But she has this engagement with Miss Sandison which...
Show moreOctober 6, 1921 Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Jeannette Fallheimer got my letter but nevertheless she called me up tonight to tell me that she was still coming up, that she wanted to see Miss Sandison and that all she wanted to do was to sleep in my room and have one meal with me. I told her that that was all I had time for, and gave her very clearly [to understand] that I was extemely busy and would much prefer for her to come next week. But she has this engagement with Miss Sandison which she does not seem to want to break, so it is her funeral and not mine. I will not be able to fool with her, there is no getting around that. Miss Ellory is the last person in the world that I would start out the semester with by handing in a topic late. I wrote to Marse my many reasons for not being able to come down to New York, and told him that I wished he could come up here to play golf with me. I don't imagine he will do it. I would loads rather have him than Jeannette at present. The dissecting instruments came today, I mean yesterday, by special delivery from Albert Cuff. I started out today on my device of combining work for French Rev and J, by reading half of Shailer Matthews' "The French Revolution" and part of the chapter on the ninteenth century in H. G. Wells' "History of the World". Both were exceedingly interesting, and took a long time to read. I think I wrote you that two kinds of introductory psych can be taken, two hours of lecture and two hours of lab or two hours of lecture, assigned reading, and a class hour meeting with Miss Washburn for informal discussion. I was sort of sorry this week that I signed up for the reading, for a very intelligent reason(!) that it is more work, but if all the informal meetings with her prove as intensely interesting as today's I shall not regret my choice. Incidentally, we have our first written quiz in Psych on Monday. We are going to study the Communist Manifesto in Ec now. The course will be interesting, I imagine, if I do a little more work in it than I have up to date. I took a long walk with Helen this afternoon. It was a beautiful day and I enjoyed it tremendously.I saw Miss Hamilton for a minute in the libe today and said goodbye to her. she had her assistant with her, a V. C. alum who goes by the name of Mrs. Van Amie, or some such thing. She is making arrangements for a thoursand delegates this year. George's card certainly is funny. One of these days we'll hear that Harold went to an orthodox service I guess! I meant to tell you, Mother, and forgot, that I left "Peer Gynt" beside my bed in my room. I was reading it the day before I left, and meant to tell you in Philadelphia to put it away. You needn't make a special trip downstairs, you know. And don't chase yourself tired all the time. Miss Smith inquired most solicitously about you. Please take care of yourself. Love, Fannie
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Title: Wyman, Anne (Southworth) -- from family, December 8, 1882:
Description
Date: 8 Dec [1882]
Text: Dec. 8 Wed Dear Anne, I got your letter last evening & your misselany this morning I am very busy just now at finishing house cleaning I hope to get through tomorrow Mrs Seelie was burried last Sunday. I cant realize it and I am sure we shall miss her very much shall we not? Did you have a card from Brockton. Mr and Mrs Dean Southworth Addie Gifford I was very much surprised altho I knew he was getting a chamber set. [B...y?] a chamber set & live at home style About the new dress. I...
Show moreDec. 8 Wed Dear Anne, I got your letter last evening & your misselany this morning I am very busy just now at finishing house cleaning I hope to get through tomorrow Mrs Seelie was burried last Sunday. I cant realize it and I am sure we shall miss her very much shall we not? Did you have a card from Brockton. Mr and Mrs Dean Southworth Addie Gifford I was very much surprised altho I knew he was getting a chamber set. [B...y?] a chamber set & live at home style About the new dress. I went to Boston to buy for myself a dress to wear for second. a warm one to go below [crossed out: my black[...clo…?] & my] the two dresses I had out there you know. I was intending to get a dark maroon but after I got in I changed my mind. I thought I would let you have the new one & I would use yours i e if you would like to do so. (I expect Sarah Stern to help me & want to do it before she is called to Westboro). I like those maroons trimmed with velvet in plush. I like a velvet under skirt pretty well they are easy to make, & altho they were all the style of last season they are making them very much this. Plush is rather high yet for any but the “utterly utter” being from 2 50 for a very poor quality up to 8 50 for any thing we should want tho 3 50 or 4 00 will buy a very fair quality. I have been fretting some about next week. Sarah will be here & your father will be on jury & I should be obliged to be at the store. Every thing always comes at once. Sara has rented by Spring she will be glad to get back at her own house I think I had a letter from Laura S- she declines my invitation but I think she had better come out here for a few days Dont you? Well I will close now. Oh by the way the train dont stop but there is a train leaves Boston at about 6. A M 6.20 I think which you can take & I will meet you in Canton about 7 AM so you will not be very late home. Have you tickets. I send one if you need two I will send annother next week. I suppose you have money enough to get home havent you I will send this time but next week you will get postals only Mother Boston Dec 8 5 PM Mass. Anne C. Southworth Vassar College Poughkeepsie N York If not delivered within 10 days, to be returned to Mary C. Southworth Stoughton Mass Poughkeepsie Recd Dec 9 130 AM
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Title: Aaron, Fannie -- to Mother, December 13,1920
Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1920-12-13
Text: Dear Mother, I sent the tele-gram so you would not worry. Sorry I was so negligent, but I am not doing things normally these strained days. Tonight is the big night. Am terribly busy. I shall accept the invitation for the B. + W. Love, Fannie Dec. 13Mrs. Marcus Aaron, 402 S. Winebiddle Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa.

Title: Shipp, Margaret M. -- to Father, circa 13 March 1905
Creator: Shipp, Margaret M.
Description: VC 1905
Date: circa 13 March 1905

Title: Worthing, Margaret (Fletcher) -- to family, June 2, 1909:
Creator: Worthing, Margaret (Fletcher)
Description
Date: 2 June 1909
Text: Cranford, N.J. June 2, 1909. Dear parents; - Yesterday P.M. we trolleyed to Plainfield to see Mrs. Florence Smith whom Ella speaks of so often. She is 23 and is married to a man 47! He is something like Uncle Frank! He married her for her money however. She is Cousin Ed’s god-child and her mother is Ella godmother. They have the prettiest house imaginable. She took us to the trolley in her auto which she [...s?] herself. Today because we are going into the city to see Sothern and Marlowe it...
Show moreCranford, N.J. June 2, 1909. Dear parents; - Yesterday P.M. we trolleyed to Plainfield to see Mrs. Florence Smith whom Ella speaks of so often. She is 23 and is married to a man 47! He is something like Uncle Frank! He married her for her money however. She is Cousin Ed’s god-child and her mother is Ella godmother. They have the prettiest house imaginable. She took us to the trolley in her auto which she [...s?] herself. Today because we are going into the city to see Sothern and Marlowe it is raining. We planned to go to Brooklyn and to see [crossed out: the] Dr. Phillips this A.M. but when I rec’d a special delivery ! letter from Grace not to go to Canton (this A.M.) they continued to urge me to stay here longer, not to go to Brooklyn until Friday when Ella would go with them too and ^she would remain there over night for her class luncheon on Sat. and I could go to West Point from Pokeepsie on Sat. So I’m coming back here tonight to stay until Friday. They have been so nice to me I fear something will happen. Cousin Minnie quite opens her [crossed out: mouth] to me. Cousin Ed has returned to the place where he insists nothing [ailes?] Ella, but I guess he will let them go north. 6/2/09 They think I am dreadfully noisy around the house. I am sending the little Pollies a little puzzle - unless I find it is too heavy. Hope they are better. Your loving youngest! daughter - Don’t write me here again for I fear I will [crossed out: write] leave here [...] before the mail is distributed.
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Title: Vance, Gertrude (Pratt) — from mother, December 8, 1913
Date: 8 Dec 1913
Text: Mon. 1 40 Dec. 8. 1913 Goo dear Your nice long letter came this A. M. Glad you had such a good time. You didn’t say what you wore! & what will you wear at your dance? Perhaps I’ll send a cake & it would help out Don has a long letter written & I am going to send ½ sheet so that is why it is so [finely?] written You had not fold me before, that Pussy wrote you & you made no comment on Mrs. B’s phone message. Suppose you had no more time as your letter was a long one. Had you...
Show moreMon. 1 40 Dec. 8. 1913 Goo dear Your nice long letter came this A. M. Glad you had such a good time. You didn’t say what you wore! & what will you wear at your dance? Perhaps I’ll send a cake & it would help out Don has a long letter written & I am going to send ½ sheet so that is why it is so [finely?] written You had not fold me before, that Pussy wrote you & you made no comment on Mrs. B’s phone message. Suppose you had no more time as your letter was a long one. Had you invited J. Lesher & any of those swells, as you called them to your dance. Am later to get the list. And as you say you are doing no other entertaining you can pay your debts in that way. I have been busy all A. M. putting new paper on dining room corner closet shelves. So many things were dusty and needed washing. Now take your medy regularly & keep up to the schedule. I think Miss Palmer is [very?] kind to help you as she has & all the others for that matter. Sent you a long letter yesterday. Am going to send ornaments & collar on my cape this P. M. The days have grown so short there is not much afternoon. Love & kisses Mamma. It was nice of Miss L to ask you to serve. Did she borrow any thing from you?
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Title: Shipp, Margaret M. -- to Sister, 31 January 1904
Creator: Shipp, Margaret M.
Description: VC 1905
Date: 31 January 1904

Title: Tappan, Eva March -- to mother, Mar. 1874:
Creator: Tappan, Eva March
Description: VC 1875
Date: March 10, 1874
Text: Vassar, March 10, 1874. Dear Mother, Your letter came yesterday, and I will write now so you can get it as soon as may be. About the black silk. I do not believe it would take any 21 yards, but at any rate it would be a very expensive dress and would probably cost more than sixty dollars, including making, trimming, express, going to town so then I should not like to attend to the making of such a dress all myself, especiallywith a new dressmaker. So I agree with you that it would be better...
Show moreVassar, March 10, 1874. Dear Mother, Your letter came yesterday, and I will write now so you can get it as soon as may be. About the black silk. I do not believe it would take any 21 yards, but at any rate it would be a very expensive dress and would probably cost more than sixty dollars, including making, trimming, express, going to town so then I should not like to attend to the making of such a dress all myself, especiallywith a new dressmaker. So I agree with you that it would be better to wait till next fall, at any rate. Then it would be a new thing for next year and not have been tumbled around so much But about a [brttliaatfae.] Even if it were a very nice one, it would still be only an alpaca, and they look so rusty and horrid after the very first, that I do not think it would be best to get such a thing. Would a thin summer silk be very expensive? I thought the waist could be bought for $ 1. a yard.I wish I could be there and look myself. If a cheap silk, not a light bright-colored one, could be bought for a little more than a nice brilliantine, I think it would be by all means the best. Perhaps a black with just a little white, or something dark. I suppose you will look Saturday. If you do not see just what you want, or do not know to choose, send me some patterns, and tell me what a dress from each would cost. I don't want anything that is bright-colored or in a large figure or plaid. About a hernani. Have you done anything withthe one you bought last summer for you? If not, why could not that be made over for me? The oversklrt would do as it is. You could make the underskirt without much trouble and the waist could be made here like my black waist that I had made here. I suppose you would have to get a little more of the stuff, but it would not cost much and would be far less work than a new one. The skirt and waist could be made over my green silk. It would not be very nice, but it would do very well to wear here before long vacation, a little la thesummer, and then wear it out for an everyday dress in the fall. It would not hurt the green silk any for nicer one, and it would save money for the present. Think and tell me. Than for a hat. Seems to me the one I wore last summer will do very well for summer, so I'd rather have a pretty one this spring early. I have been looking at my black sacque, and I guess that if you send half a yard of fringe that will do for now, and then if I want to trim it with lace next fall, I can see about it in the summer. When you happen to think of it, send me abook of Butterick's patterns? also Mrs. Harris' address. Write me as soon as you can about all the things I asked. This thread is twice as long as the final is deep. I will wait till Monday before saying anything to the dressmaker. I think perhaps even a thin silk would look better as a basque waist. What do you think? Eva M. Tappan
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Title: Aaron, Fannie -- to Mother, Father, and Pete, February 16,1920
Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 2/16/20
Text: February 16, 1920. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: The curtains do not need to be washed yet. The work I was doing for Ruth was acting as her secretary for debate. She is chairman of the committe on materials. I got a note yesterday from the chairman of the seenery committee of Third Hall, asking me to be on it. I have a notion Ruth gave her my name. I had not signed up for it. I did not make a part in Second. I had not expected to, as far as that went. Thank you for having the various things...
Show moreFebruary 16, 1920. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: The curtains do not need to be washed yet. The work I was doing for Ruth was acting as her secretary for debate. She is chairman of the committe on materials. I got a note yesterday from the chairman of the seenery committee of Third Hall, asking me to be on it. I have a notion Ruth gave her my name. I had not signed up for it. I did not make a part in Second. I had not expected to, as far as that went. Thank you for having the various things in my laundry attended to. I shall feed the gang tonight, although that cake won't go very far. Evidently Mary does not know the sizes of their appetites. I worked three hours on my history topic yesterday, and have about six ahead of me yet. Prexy lectures for Freshman English tomorrow. How I hate our English. I wonder whether you are coming back this week, Mother. I sent the telegram last evening, because I understood you question about the treatment to be for the past week. As far as I can make out, I seem to be getting consistently worse. It is not very encouraging. I forgot to write that Miss Landon called and left her card, yesterday a week ago. I shall have to call on her the first Sunday I get a chance. I enjoyed watching the prom very much, principally because had never seen so many pretty girls in pretty clothes and dancin decently, besides. It was quite a contrast with our dances at home. Whether they were so particular about their dancing because they know that the wordens won't stand for anything else of not I do not know. Perhaps they indulge in the other stuff in their own communities. At any rate, even a homely girl can look fairly decently in evening dress, and with so many pretty ones, it was certainly a pretty sight. I might start raving about Carolyn. Howard Spellman came out with the remark yesterday, "Your advisor is surely a beauty." This sounds almost like Marse, raving about looks, but you should have seen it. I watched it from five to six, and that included the grand march. Carolyn and her partner led it. I am sure I saw him at the Yale game, and that you told me he is a classmate of yours whose name is Irv. Harris. She knew how to run the thing, but I'll quit. My famous dance was the second, which I had the pleasure of dancing behind the chairs in the balcony. It was fun, but I don't see now just what pleasure that was. Otherwise nothing of interest to write about. Love, [F]
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Title: Blatchley, Sarah Louise. Letters, 1868

Title: Houts, Annie -- to John Houts, Dec. 1868:
Creator: Houts (Glidden), Annie
Description: VC 1869
Date: December 06, 1868
Text: V.C. Dec. 6, 1868 My dear Brother, I received a short letter from you the first of the week, and have been hoping, ever since, to hear from you again, especially In regard to my coming home. I am very anxious to do so, more to see you than for any other reason, and dear little George. If Carlos could be there too, at the same time, I should be glad. 1 am thinking some of going to Pittsburgh, if I do not come home: but Shall not decide until I hear from you and Carlos. You speak to me of Mary....
Show moreV.C. Dec. 6, 1868 My dear Brother, I received a short letter from you the first of the week, and have been hoping, ever since, to hear from you again, especially In regard to my coming home. I am very anxious to do so, more to see you than for any other reason, and dear little George. If Carlos could be there too, at the same time, I should be glad. 1 am thinking some of going to Pittsburgh, if I do not come home: but Shall not decide until I hear from you and Carlos. You speak to me of Mary. Her load is heavy enough, and could I add to it by my blame fc censure, I would not do it, or could I lessen it by worthy any.means I should not hesitate to do so. In the rise and growth of the trouble between you, I can not consider her wholly without some blame, although the great burden of it falls on you. It is a hard matter to judge of her final course, and as the Great Master has told us to "Judge not," it is unnecessary for me to do so. X believe her course costs her as much self- sacrifice as it does you and that she takes that course because she believes it to be right, and as much if not more for your sake than for her own. I am afraid I am not charitable enough to say the same honestly of Mrs. Bell, anyway and am wavering as to Mr. Bell. But let that pass. I have had a glorious walk this morning. There was a heavy fall of snow yesterday and last night. This morning the sun came out bright, and the air was most delightful, and exhilarating. We have a most glorious picture-gallery spread out before our view of ever-new and ever-changing scenes. Our North windows give us a view of Po'keepsie and beyond the Catskills rising till they are lost in the clouds. On the West we see a roll* ing country until our eye is arrested by the Highlands just across the river. The shadows of th^louds on these hills are beautiful, and, oh, the sunsets. I never saw such glorious, wonderful sunsets as we have here. It is only a little more than two weeks now before College closes, so I shall have to decide pretty soon where X will spend the time. The vacation is very short. Just two weeks I believefrom the day College closes, It opens. I might, if it were really necessary, have my vacation prolonged a few days. I hope the weather will be good at that time. How is your cough now ? You do not say any thing about your health. W e are very busy prepar- ing for a Society Entertaiament which is to come off next Friday. We have a very pretty little drama written by our clsss poet, for the occasion. I shall be glad when the affair is over. Last Friday evening I spent a very pleasant evening at one of the Professor's house. Six of us were invited to tea, aad enjoyed ourselves very much in the change. Tomorrow evening we are (when I say we, I mean the Seniors) are invited to the President's, to hear him read "Macbeth". He is a fine reader, and I am looking forward to a treat. X hope my little details of my life do not annoy you. I want to write to you, and as I am limited in my movements am necessarily limited in my subjects of intelligence. I hope to hear from you soon, my brother. Accept my best love end prayers. May God guard and preserve you. Your sister, Annie* ,Annie (Glidden) Houts, <69,
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Title: Mansfield, Adelaide (Claflin) -- to mother, Mar. 21, 1897:
Creator: Mansfield, Adelaide (Claflin)
Description: VC 1897
Date: March 21, 1897
Text: Vassar College. Poughkeepsie. (Marc. 21. 1897, My dear Mother,— I have just finished writing to Ed, I had not written to him for some time, so 1 wrote to him before you, in order to be sure that it would be done. Because I am sure to write home anyway. I have written very few letters this year, except home. I owe one to almost everyb ody I know. And nowjust as I am about through with the Vassar ion work and was expecting to have a little time to write letters and mend my clothes (which need...
Show moreVassar College. Poughkeepsie. (Marc. 21. 1897, My dear Mother,— I have just finished writing to Ed, I had not written to him for some time, so 1 wrote to him before you, in order to be sure that it would be done. Because I am sure to write home anyway. I have written very few letters this year, except home. I owe one to almost everyb ody I know. And nowjust as I am about through with the Vassar ion work and was expecting to have a little time to write letters and mend my clothes (which need it sadly) and a few other things like that,- then here comes this old Commencement Essay, to be on my mind, even when it is not taking up my time. I am so disgusted about it. I only wish I were one of those lucky people who simply got an honor, without having the added bother of a Commencement speech re tacked on,- especially when everybodyhear- keeps saying that they are extremely tiresome, and that they don't expect to listen.1 We all think they are stupid, and I have never paid much attention to them myself- But they are a great deal of work, because so much more is made of them here than when I had It to do at High School. Here the professors and the English teachers and everybody have to be consulted so much, and so much elocution drill has to be gone through with. As for this last, however, X think it will be quite an advantage to get so muchtraining in elocution gratis. I have n't any Idea yet what I shall take for my subject. Ray has about decided to take one in the line of Economics. Everybody pities Winifred, for having to room with two people who will be tearing their hair from now till June. I think I will give you the list of Honor girls, in case someone might inquire about them. They are: Frances Beckwith Flora Bemkopf Elizabeth Bishop * A. Claflin Martha Clark Eloise Ellery * Grace Landfield.* Nancy McClelland. Anne Rlchey Alice Sawyer. * Rachel Schauffler. Beatrice Shaw * Marion Schibsby. Jessie Thain. Maidee Traver. * Alice Whiton. » means Commencement speaker. As I said before, everybody is very much surprised that Gertrude Smith did not get one. Winifred is awfully bright, but she did not get one because she entered Sophomore, and because she has been sick ever since shehas been in college. I had hoped that Miss Adams would come here to Commencement, as her class is going to have a reunion - its twentieth anniversary - but now I am not axudbus to have her, except that I would like very much to show her around and take her to Class Day. I do wish Edie would come for that reason,*- so that I could show her around the place where I have spent four years; I am sure she would enjoy it, and she will never have another chance probably. I am gladthat you are making arrangements for it, so that I shall have my mother here at any rate. Nina Roberts thinks she can come here to visit us during their Easter vacation, after ours is over. Ours begins this Friday and closes April 6. Nina may have to go to New York, and if so she will stop here, but she thinks she can come here anyway - on a pass. I shall be so glad to have her, for she was so anxious to come here to college, aad has always been crazy to visit here. Edith and I have not yet made definite arrangements about goingto Carrie's. But we shall go down Friday or the Saturday of this-week after this, and stay over Sunday- I expect to spend the day with Ed on my way home, but I have not made final plans yet. this week I may send home by RayAthe waist of my white dress to have the sleeves altered, for the new style is so different. Of course I would not bother about it if I were not going to speak at Com. but the dress will be rather conspicuous then, so that it might be just as well to have the sleeves in style. But don't fix it If you are too busy at home then. Lots of love to all the family, from your loving daughter Adelaide. (Claflin, March 21, 1897.
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Title: Pease, Julia M. -- to sister, Jun. 1872:
Creator: Pease, Julia M
Description: VC 1875
Date: June 23, 1872
Text: Vassar. June 23. 1872, My dear Sister, This will be I presume, my last letter to you for the present, since you will leave home early in July and will be here in a very short time, I hope. This week I have beea disappointed In not receiving my usual home letter, it will be waiting In Poquonock though. This afternoon we listened to the Baccalaureate sermon from the President. It was very good especially thepart addressed to the Senior class. There were quite a number of strangers here and they...
Show moreVassar. June 23. 1872, My dear Sister, This will be I presume, my last letter to you for the present, since you will leave home early in July and will be here in a very short time, I hope. This week I have beea disappointed In not receiving my usual home letter, it will be waiting In Poquonock though. This afternoon we listened to the Baccalaureate sermon from the President. It was very good especially thepart addressed to the Senior class. There were quite a number of strangers here and they were much edified it Is to be hoped. Some time ago I wrote and Invited the Swensons here Commence- ment week, and have since sent our Class day Invitation, but have not heard a word from them. I think it Is a very impolite way to treat me and, you may be sure, I am considerably provoked. It Is the last time I shall ever invite them anywhere If they cannot evenaccept or reject an invitation. I find the Po'keepsie and Eastern Road cannot make connections with the Hartford and Springfield, so I shall have to go down to New York after all. I am sorry because I wanted to try a new way. Please excuse this miserably written letter, but I am moved from my own room and have poor Ink and a poorer pen. All our Corridor had to be tumbled off and Into all manner of small coraers to make way for guests. Fortunately we have beea put In anice outside room. But then the confusion of packing and moving at the same time was very great indeed. Ohl it seems scarcely possible to believe that I shall see you all so soon, and now that every study Is off my mind I am all Impatience. Goodnight darling— Lovingly Julie.
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Title: Adams, Ruth -- to family, Nov. 1900:
Creator: Adams, Ruth
Description
Date: November 12, 1900
Text: Vassar Dear People:- I am so tired today it doesn't seem as if I could write a letter. Last night was our grand Soph, party*. Thank fortune it's over Lucile got along finely. I really think the rest of us were more distressed, or certainly as much so, as she. We are so proud of her. Every so says we may well be and I think we may. She is a fine girl. The Glee club did well too, and we were rather worried about it. I don't think thereany more big parties to which we have to go,...
Show moreVassar Dear People:- I am so tired today it doesn't seem as if I could write a letter. Last night was our grand Soph, party*. Thank fortune it's over Lucile got along finely. I really think the rest of us were more distressed, or certainly as much so, as she. We are so proud of her. Every so says we may well be and I think we may. She is a fine girl. The Glee club did well too, and we were rather worried about it. I don't think thereany more big parties to which we have to go, I am glad to say. I am really getting tired, and shall be awfully glad to go home for a few days I only wish it were for longer. But Christmas comes soon after. I believe you were to hear about election night, weren't you? Well a big black board was put up in the corridor out side the dinning room and when ever any news was telephoned out it was written up there. There was a great crowd and every body was terribly excited, yelling and shouting at the tops of their voices. Such a deafening noise I really think I never heard. And when any thing new thing was written up, it was as bad as the crowds in London Ik Berlin. Everyone was trying to see the board & every one was screeching & Jumping up and down. They even climbed up on each others shoulders. We simply went crazy. It was more fun. Then we cheered, & the other fellows cheered, and our band played, when it could make itself heard and we made a grand fuss. Finally Miss Cornwall sent down that we had got to stop our noise and go to bed. Wasn't that cruel. Election only comes once in four years. I think they might let us kill ourselves then. However it was after 11, nearly 12, and X suppose perhaps it was well to get a little rest. We had been going to have a torch light procession but had to put it off till morning. Of course we weren't going to be cheated oat of our fun tho'. So we all got up early and got together and marched all over the grounds singing and yelling and making a horrible noise. We tookany thing we could get hold of Tin pans to beat or anything. I had my horn and it's a beauty. I can make more noise with it. We made a rightfully long procession. Then we all marched in to the dinning room singing. And after we had got to our places and Miss Wood had rung the bell for the blessing, instead of saying the blessing as we should. We all sang America. It was very fine and great fun. Here's one of our songs When the news came dancing o'er the wiresHurrah! Hurrah! That Mc'Kinley was chosen by our sires Hurrah! Hurrah! Our Jubilant spirits were all suppressed And one and all we were sent to rest. But now. cheer - cheer for Billy our president Isn't that amusing. It sounded very well when it was sung. I hope you can ,Nov. 12, 1900,- 3 get a dressmaker. What is the matter with Miss G. ? As to what I need. I wan't the woolen waists. Bnt don't need a woolen skirt. We live in our short skirts. And only out long ones one for chapel, or on Sunday. So X don't need a new one. I should rather like a light dress. Some thing very plain & simple you know only a whole dress of something light. But we will see about it. Then I shall have to have a winter coat of some kind I dont know ' I . ' . I t , . , i that I need any thing else. There was a concert here the other night by the Dannreuther Quartet which we all enjoyed very much. lovingly Ruth. (Ruth Adams, '04,, \<- $3“ EFAJL ‘ 12 m . L‘; F i_Q~. :\§:_§\(( 1. £1» s5A \i$% ‘O0 \.»~x =< ’/ “ ”‘ M?” ' ¢o5@~ Q9 R-4;»-/\% WI 5 -. .__._-_’~ ‘--- __ , .- -~ ..-ow»-..., j(7f #“i;: \\ \*%'€§\ F \1 \ /___ ___-_ "'.,,.__.... \ Q i 1;‘ 4 1» ﬂ\ - 9 , \ \ . Aﬁ -r ~"' \ ~—~~ /' . *_+=‘-v", "*a=—l;?_, E /1 /62 7 ,.- \\“\\ ;‘{‘ //_ at M; in “ _/£__ ft. A by kw _m‘ \ , \ ( _ ‘\ W5 %Mn " _ n_‘_N_m4 % Q Y j I _\ lg‘ A ‘Z _ x “U t ‘i 9 _ ) _J Q A ) H _v ‘ _ ‘ {v a H MAY x h ,\ _\ VI Q _ /_ EL‘ \ / ' v x Q‘! a AW Dav , A \
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Title: Adams, Ruth -- to family, Oct. 8, 1902(?):
Creator: Adams, Ruth
Description
Date: October 8, 1902(?)
Text: Such a tragedy has happened to me. I have lost all the notes I have taken for my hist topic in some way. And I haven't time to take them again. I have got hold of most amassing old things. Once I donut that my gentlemen was "very sick of the survey from eating bad pie". Isn't that ridiculous. It is a beautiful day. And I m bat to go down to the washer woman and get my blue cheviot. I hope she washed it well. R.M.A.Mrs. [T]eo B. Adams 57 Edgehill Road New Haven Conn.

Title: Mansfield, Adelaide (Claflin) -- to father, Feb. 24, 1894:
Creator: Mansfield-Claflin, Adelaide
Description: VC 1897
Date: February 24, 1894
Text: Vassar College. Oct. 21. (1894, Feb. 24. 1894. My dear Papa,- I want to wish you a happy birthday, and many returns of the day. It is too bad that you have to have a broken arm for a birthday present, especially when the gift is strung out over several weeks. Is it a bad break? Isn't it fortunate that it is your left arm, and isn't it fortunate that it is not in the summer, when your "eleven-inch grip" is needed for tightening fruit cans? But at best it is still very...
Show moreVassar College. Oct. 21. (1894, Feb. 24. 1894. My dear Papa,- I want to wish you a happy birthday, and many returns of the day. It is too bad that you have to have a broken arm for a birthday present, especially when the gift is strung out over several weeks. Is it a bad break? Isn't it fortunate that it is your left arm, and isn't it fortunate that it is not in the summer, when your "eleven-inch grip" is needed for tightening fruit cans? But at best it is still very unfortunate. However I have taken action that that shall not be your onlybirthday present: for I sent by express today, some "Vassar fudges". I made them all myself - the first time I have made any all alone. Ray wanted to make a box to put them in, so I was glad to let her. She worked at the box while I stirred the fudge, and then we both made the flowers. We cant make fudges in the day time because the gas is turned off, and there was such an interesting lecture last night that we did not want to miss it, so we made it after the lecture was over, when all was still. W e dont borrow stoves any more, but cook it on the drop light after taking off the shade and chimney. To be sure it makes ever so much soot on the bottom of the saucepan and consequently It takes about half an hour to wash the saucepan, but never mind. I don't know how fudges taste when they are two or three days old, as I have never eaten any that have were morethan two hours old. There was such an Interesting lecture last night, by Prof. Stoddart of Oxford, England. It was on the "Meaning and Use of the Color of Animals in their Struggle for Existence." He included not only the color, but the whole appearance of the animals, and, with stereopticon viev/s, showed animals, fishes, and insects, which protect themselves by being the same color as their surroundings, etc. He told of what use certain characteristics were, and explained many interest- ing facts not generally known. Thursday was a holiday - though after this year it is not going to be, because it "breaks into the work," and they do not have it as a holiday at most colleges. I spent a good part of it in cleaning out my closet. I took out every- thing from it, and dusted it all, and brushed the clothes, and rearranged the boxes on my closet shelf, etc. It is quite an art to arrange the closet shelf; we haveto keep so much on it. You see, on holidays I have to substitute my closet for the pantry at home, (though I don't believe my closet needed it quite as much as the pantry generally does, for there is no one but myself to muss it up.). From eleven to half past twelve on Thursday Prof. Dwight was in the Museum, to explain the things there. Quite a number of girls went over and it was very interesting, indeed. I thought it was very kind of Prof. Dwight. First he showed us some of the shells, the freshwater shells, delicate pink and green and brown colors- He spoke of the differences in shape and structure, too, all in a simple way that you could understand. The most expensive shell in the Museum cost $ 80. Prof. Dwight admires the case that holds theshells, as well as the shells themselves- It has not a nail or screw in it, but is all per- fectly joined, with very fine glue. It was sold to the college at a great reduction, for $25000. There was a good deal of coral there, too, and magnified that models, in glass, of tilings that inhabit the sea, and^look a good deal like seaweed. There is a very fine collection of birds, of all varieties and descriptions. Some of them Prof. Dwight spoke of especially in detail, for instance the albatross and cormorants. One of the cormo- rants cost $2000, and there are several birds that cost one or two thousand dollars. Prof. Dwight said that the Museum was really very good. Thursday evening, you know we had a Washington party. Of course there were lots of girls dressed in the regulation colonial style, with old fashioned dresses, kerchiefs, and high powdered hair. But there was somevariety in addition. Men were quite plenty, that is girls, in the guise of men. They all wore black skirts, and a few were fortunate enough to have real coats, others took their dress- waist that most resembled a coat, and made large cuffs, and gold or silver pasteboard buttons, large ones- A silk handkerchief, (with gold pasteboard buttons) folded across the front, made a beautiful waistcoat, and the "stock" was represented by two or three hand- kerchiefs generally- Then immense pasteboard buckles appeared on the shoes. For the three cornered hats the girls merely took the trimming off of one of theirs, and bent them up. Then there were Spanish Cavaliers, English lords, and French Marquises; to say nothing of a squad of British red-coats, (in red paper muslin coats);. Arlle Raymond escorted me; she was Gen Anthony Wayne. Shehas trouble with her foot, so that she has to carry a cane all the time, and that was quite an addition. She had a snuff box, Edie's silver stamp box, filled with a mixture of salt and pepper, and she offered some to President Taylor. I wore the dress that Edie sent to me, and the kerchief, and had my hair high and powdered- Ray was quite a sensation, as a^X Hessian Baron. She had some rubber boots, borrowed from a girl, a military coat, which one of the girls got from a boy in the Military Academy in town, and an astonishing bear skin drum-major hat, or rather head-dress, made of a heaver- cape rolled up, and kept on with hat pins and a black ribbon under the chin. Miss Nettleton thought it was a real drum major's and asked her where she got it. Ray carried out her character so well, and was extremely gallant, but she saysshe won't be a man next time, it is too hard work to be so gallant. In one corner of the room they had an "Authentic Collection of Relics", such as a common hand-bell labeled "Liberty Bell, a little dirt done up in tissue paper, labeled "From Bunker Hill," an old broken-nosed teapot, a kitchen spoon, and a cracked cup and saucer, the "Boston Tea Party," a piece of ice in a fruit jar, which was "With Washington when he crossed the Delaware, a very worn out haircloth piano stool, purporting to have been used by Nellie Custis, a section of the heel of a girl's shoe, illustrating the "Stamp Act", and many others equally interesting and instructive. During the evening there was a cake walk, by ten or twelve girls dressed as darkies. It was won by a couple, one of whom was a short fat man, (a girl who has the most peculiar and ungraceful gait in college) and a very tall thin girl, who took little mincing steps. After that they passedaround popcorn balls to everybody. All the tables were deco- rated that evening and the girls wore their costumes down to dinner. We had carnations and srrdlax and candles and some pretty little favors, that Ray made, two or three of us helping her. They were little boxes made of pink crepe tissue paper, with the top ruffled all around, and a little pink flower to hold each corner. They had a few pink and white peppermint drops in each. This morning some of the girls wanted to have some kodak pictures taken of them in costume so a Senior was found who wanted to do it, and a half dozen or so of us had her take us; we had two groups all together, and then several of two or three girls. Ray and I had one where she was kneeling before me in a loverlike attitude and I was looking at her with extreme scorn. I don't know whetherthe pictures will be good, as the Senior did not seem especially care- ful: but if thsy are, and don't cost more than six or seven cents, I shall buy one or two. This letter sounds as if our life was one grand round of fun, but you always have to remember that it is those things that we write about, and of course we don't mention very much the hard work that we have, and the lessons that worry us all the time etc. I hope that your arm will soon be better, papa, and that it won't trouble you a great deal. I am so sorry you broke it. X got your letter containing the bill, and I guess it will be all right to wait, and pay it when 1 feel like it. Of course this letter is for Lhe rest of the family to read too. With ever so much love from your daughter Adelaide. 4Claflin,
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Title: Shipp, Margaret M. -- to Sister, 20 May 1905
Creator: Shipp, Margaret M.
Description: VC 1905
Date: 20 May 1905

Title: Shipp, Margaret M. -- to Sister, 26 February 1905
Creator: Shipp, Margaret M.
Description: VC 1905
Date: 26 February 1905

Title: Pease, Julia M. -- to Carrie, [Feb. 1872]:
Creator: Pease, Julia M
Description: VC 1875
Date: February 1872
Text: Vassar Sunday My dear Carrie, I wanted to write to you at Galveston last Sunday but thought you would be home before my letter could reach you. [?] I am so sorry I did not, for you could have received it. You are having a such a good time that [?] even this will find you still at the island city. Won't Austin seem quiet after [?] about so much! Last night we had our monthly class sociable. It was very fine. There were some scenes from Blue Beard, very nicely gotten up and pretty...
Show moreVassar Sunday My dear Carrie, I wanted to write to you at Galveston last Sunday but thought you would be home before my letter could reach you. [?] I am so sorry I did not, for you could have received it. You are having a such a good time that [?] even this will find you still at the island city. Won't Austin seem quiet after [?] about so much! Last night we had our monthly class sociable. It was very fine. There were some scenes from Blue Beard, very nicely gotten up and pretty wellacted. Then we had Cinderella preformed. I wish you could have seen the fairy godmother. She was a little person with very black hair and eyes. Her dress was a short black one over scarlet leggings and she wore slippers with great big red bows. The cape was a very high pointed one with considerable red on it. SHe carried a little wand and wore a broomstick in the most comical manner. The transfiguration of Cinderella was laughable for when the godmother touched her with her want her dress did not fall off immediate as it should, but it took some time to unbutton it. Some time ago the Sophomore crowned their "Trig". Of course we were invited and what is more, enjoyed the presences exceedingly. We were feasted upon cake and lemonade. Some of the toasts were very good. They would not be interesting though to any one who did not understand the points alluded to. Even in the hymn of creating to us they were as a little hit upon the subject we thought of going our first Freshman essay, "As you like it." But I think our class gave the longest toasts. I will enclose the program me. Saturday I received a letter from Susie Townsend, She seems to think they will all go back to Texas next fall. Lucy Bell graduates in May. How I wish I could. I am painting a little view of the view. It is a large cliff with the water dashing up around it. I believe it is taken somewhere near Newport. Did you ever read"Stepping Heavenward"? It is a a beautiful book and I wish you would read it. I have begun "My wife and I" but think it is not at all interesting. Perhaps I have not gone far enough for everybody seems to like it. Washington's birthday, which was also Miss Leerys, was of course a holiday and a very pleasant one. We had an unusually good dinner for one thing. THen Miss Leery gave a recitation in the College Parlor in the evening. The President's parlor was also [?] and they seem so homelike. Some of the girls played the piano and sang and two read to us. THere were pictures and pretty things to look at and the time seemed very short until 9 o'clock when we all went into the dining room and were served ice cream and cake. After thatwe adjourned to our rooms and to bed. And now goodbye. Your sister
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Title: Mansfield, Adelaide (Claflin) -- to father, Oct. 18, 1896:
Creator: Mansfield, Adelaide (Claflin)
Description: VC 1897
Date: October 18, 1896
Text: Vassar College. Oct. 18. 1896. My own dear Father,— I am going to be energetic today, and write my letter now between Bible class and church. The Bible classes met for the first time this morning: it is a branch of T.W.C.A. work that has just been started up this year. Before this we had only the Bible lectures Sunday evenings; we stil4r have them, but wewanted something more, that would give us a systematic plan of study for each day. So we organised five classes of about a dosen esch, three...
Show moreVassar College. Oct. 18. 1896. My own dear Father,— I am going to be energetic today, and write my letter now between Bible class and church. The Bible classes met for the first time this morning: it is a branch of T.W.C.A. work that has just been started up this year. Before this we had only the Bible lectures Sunday evenings; we stil4r have them, but wewanted something more, that would give us a systematic plan of study for each day. So we organised five classes of about a dosen esch, three to study the life of Christ and two to study the foreshadowings of Christ in the Old Testament. We use outlines prepared by Prof. Burton of Chicago — who happens to be our Bible lecturer this year. The course is arranged for fifteen minutes * study every day, and we meet Sunday morning for an hour right after breakfast. Ray is the leader of one of the Old Testament eeusse classes, and I havethe other. I think the work will be very interesting. I wish we could spend more time on it, but of course we are all so busy that we can not plan for everything that we would like. I always think I shall get a great deal of work done on Saturday, but somehow or other, so many things come up on Saturday that I never succeed in getting much studying done. Most of Friday afternoon this week I spent in bicycle riding. Did I tell you that Ray has her bicycle here, and I rent an houra day on it? We have not had the use of it very long because it was about two weeks after she got here before she could get a man to unpack it. But for tha last two weeks I have been out whenever the weather permitted. Unfortunately we have had a great deal of rain. Friday afternoon was the first time that I have taken a long ride; another girl and I rode for two hours.Friday evening we had another campaign demonstration. Mr. McKinley received four delegations at his home. That is, we had a girl dressed up as Mr. McKinley, another as his wife, and a corner of the Lecture Room fixed up as the porch of his house. There happened to be a door in the corner, which represented his front door, and we had two platforms together, for his porchWhere are the Walker Iron Works, or Electric works, or some kind of works? A girl here has a brother there now. The Rev. Egertoa R. Young, whom we heard at home two or three years ago, is going to speak to us tonight.floor, with posts at the corners, wound with branches of autumn leaves and vines, to look like a vine twining up around pillars. Mr. McK. and his wife sat on the platform, together with Ex-President and Mrs. Harrison who and Baby McKee, and Gov.-elect Black of New York state, who happened to be visiting at the House - and also, last but not least — Mark Hanna, (whose part throughout this campaign is taken by Ray, - the chairman of the committee). Of course the Lecture Room was crowded, so we had to have police toclear a path for the delegations. There were two delegations of workingmen, who were dressed up In old coats, overalls, old straw hats, etc. and they carried Implements such as the hods that bricklayers use for carrying bricks, etc. — where they managed to get them I do not know. The head of each delegation made a short speech to Mr. MeKinley, and then he replied, and afterwards invited them to shake hands with him and his wife. Another delegation was composed of dudes, - "Young Men's MeKinley Club from Chappieville",They were splendid - You would not believe that intelligent girls could look so much like anane dudes. Of course most of them wore eye-glasses, and cork mustaches, and parted their hair in the middle, and for canes they carried short window-poles, with brass ends, which they held in their mouths a good part of the time. The last delegation was the "New Woman's Gold Standard Brigade", which they asked me to see to. I got Mary MacColl to make the speech, and she was fine - dressed up in the most severe and strong minded fashion, with her hair twisted into a tight knot, and big spectacles oa. She made a fierce and emphatic speech in the regular old Woman's Rights style, jerking her head and continually taking off her spectacles and using them inesturing. After her speech I read an "ode" a la Mrs. N. Coe Stewart la the Women's delegation which went from Cleveland in the summer. I was entirely a different type from Mary - the high-faluten simpering type of the New Woman. I tried to model some- what after Gay Stewart. The ode - which Ray wrote - was full of high-faluten mixed figures etc. I wore my bonnet, with the addition of 8t flowing strings, and my red cape, and a stunning^veil of pink chiffon - my liberty scarf. Some of our delegation were rigged out in swell things and others - the strong-minded specieswore bicycle suits. After all the speeches, the delegations formed in line and had a procession up and down the second and third corridors. Every 4h4»g-body was so enthusiastic and entered so much into the spirit of things that we had a very jolly time,—lots of singing and yelling. Last night the Gold Democrats had a mass-meeting. They are few in number but they happen to have in their ranks some fine speakers, so they had a very entertaining time. Republicans were invited to the meeting, on the ground that "there is yettime to reform". Secretary Whitney, Grover Cleveland, Col. Breckinridge and others made speeches - very bright ones-. The girl who represented Grover Cleveland was made to look pretty much like him, and wore a stove pipe hat, which greatly added to the impression. A novel feature was the presence of the "shades "true" of the old^Democratic party - Jefferson and three or four others. They were entirely covered by sheets andwhich said, "The True Democracy, present in spirit". Yesterday half of the Freshmen and half the Seniors went to Lake Mohunk: next Saturday the rest of us go. I do hope it will not rain. Mamma asked me about Ed's letters. I would like to have them sent, because he can not find time to write me very much; and you can send 4h> him mine, if he will take care to keep them - for I will have no other record of what goes on in college. I will send his back home, jLovc to all, Adelaide. (Claflin,By the way, will the next person that goes down town, please by at Crow & Whitmarsh's or somewhere, one of those big pictures of McKinley, like the one I brought with me, and send it to me by mail? Ours, which has been on the outside of our door all this time, was used by a Republican, who substituted t for a picture of Bryan in the Free Silver "banquet hall." The silverites, when they discovered it, indignantly tore it to shreds; and we don't want to be without one on our door. They can't be bought in this town. If you can't get that kind some other kind will do.
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Title: Mansfield, Adelaide (Claflin) -- to mother, Feb. 2, 1896:
Creator: Mansfield, Adelaide (Claflin)
Description: VC 1897
Date: February 2, 1896
Text: Vassar College. Feb. 2. 1896. My dear Mother,— A hard week Is over aad a comparatively easy week is before as. Our exams, were harder than usual, aad also harder to prepare for. Our exam, in Thucydides was the worst. Miss Leach gave us for the first question a passage to translate, which was the very hardest passage In the book. Some of the girls had Just reviewed It, but a good many * Including myself - had not looked at it since we had it about two months ago. ft was so long that I had done...
Show moreVassar College. Feb. 2. 1896. My dear Mother,— A hard week Is over aad a comparatively easy week is before as. Our exams, were harder than usual, aad also harder to prepare for. Our exam, in Thucydides was the worst. Miss Leach gave us for the first question a passage to translate, which was the very hardest passage In the book. Some of the girls had Just reviewed It, but a good many * Including myself - had not looked at it since we had it about two months ago. ft was so long that I had done less thanhalf of It by the time an hour and a half had passed. Since we can have only two hours for our exam, I decided that X had better leave it and go on to the next question. So X wrote on my paper "I have spent an hour and a half on so much, so I am going to leave out the rest of this translation"- then I went on to the next question, aad had time to do about half ot it. Hot a person in the class had time to begin on the third question, and there were seven questions In all. X guess Miss Leach repented giving us that first question, for she couldn't have a chance to see what else we could do. Two of my examinations came on Monday and one each daythe rest of the week. Some of the girls studied about four hours for each one, but X did not have time, because X went over for two hours nearly every day to help Prof. Moulton with some hektograph work. X did some copying for him at Thanksgiving, and as the sine of my handwriting suited him he wanted me to write for the hektograph work. I was glad to have a chance to learn to use the hektograph, It waa quite interesting, I never knew before what kind of a thing it was - it is a flat pan filled with a stiff gelatine substance, to which you transfer your writing, aad then trans- fer it from there to other sheets. For Astronomy, which came Friday afternoon, we studiedthree or four hours. We had to cram on that, for it is a lecture course entirely, so that there is no occasion to learn anything during the year, though we had to read aad take notes every week. On that exam, we had ever a chance to tell everything we^heard of - it was so very comprehensive. It is not very pleasant to have an exam. Friday afternoon, for by that time nearly everybody is through, and enjoying themselves. In fact some girls got through W ednesday- Ray got through Thursday, and early Friday morning she went down to Brooklyn to her cousin Mary's- where Mr. Capen and Harry were to be also. I hope the changewill do her good,- I think seeing Mr. Cfipen will work a cure- For Ray has not been very well lately- She nearly fainted in her first exam, and has felt rather queer all the week. Yesterday afternoon Carrie and I went down town- I had to take my watch, which stopped all of a sudden the other day and would not start up again- I had not done anything to it, so I concluded it needed cleaning, and the Jeweler said that was what was the matter. This morning Carrie and I walked into town to church. It was miserable walking, you had to look at your leet all the time to keep them out of water. But the air was so fresh and the day so clear that we enjoyed it. Wewent to the Presbyterian Church. They have a new minister, but we did not like him very much, because he was so dramatic and emphatics. are away from college between semesters, so we had a service of song instead. My program for next semester is a little more convenient than last semester's, but our work is still rather scattered because we have history from quarter of four till quarter of five. Miss Salmon insists on having it then, because she can get more done during the day by having her recitations at the end of It, but the girls all dislike it very much. We cant get so much done during the day soso long as we have history still hovering over us. Here is my schedule: Tonight the Bible lecture was omitted, because so many girls Moil I 8.30 n HI 9.30 10.30 Gym- IV V VI vn 11.30 1.45 2.45 3.45 Greek Biology Wed. Gym, Tues Greek nasium Psych- Laboratory Lab. ology work Greek Biology History History Th. Greek Psych* ology Greek Gym History FrL Psych- Lab. ology Lab. Biology Feb. 2, 1896 - 4 Give my love to the neighbors and friends- Love to all Adelaide. (Claflin,
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Title: Badgley, Mary M. -- to Kate Flanders, Oct. 15, 1866:
Creator: Badgley, Mary M.
Description: VC Spec 1866-1867
Date: October 15, 1866
Text: Vassar College, Oct. 15, /66. Dear Kate, X received your dear good letter the early part of last week, aad my first impulse was to sit right down and answer it, hut there were other things to be done, and for one reason and another have put it off until now, and have now only a few minutes before the warning bell will sound, and Z shall have to leave my letter in order to get our lights out by ten o'clock, but we girls have got so expert that we can make almost all our preparations for...
Show moreVassar College, Oct. 15, /66. Dear Kate, X received your dear good letter the early part of last week, aad my first impulse was to sit right down and answer it, hut there were other things to be done, and for one reason and another have put it off until now, and have now only a few minutes before the warning bell will sound, and Z shall have to leave my letter in order to get our lights out by ten o'clock, but we girls have got so expert that we can make almost all our preparations for retiring in the dark. I trust to you almost entirely for news of all that is going on among the girls, as Mamma of course does not know about everything and the idea of you speaking of your letter as a gossiping one, X should not have been at all satisfied if you had not written Just what you did. U you were only here with me it seems to me that I should be quite satisfied, the college and the grounds around it are beautiful and what it seems to lack for me is your not being here, to be sure it is very pleasant to have Alice and Kate here, but they are on the fourth floor and X am on the first, and consequently do not see them a great deal to have any long visit with them. Dear one! The bell has rung and X must stop to take it up and finish it when X can. Goodnight Mary. see next sheet Oct. 22, 1865 - 2 Tuesday morn. Here I am writing before breakfast, it is a most beautiful morning, but I should think by the feeling of the airthat it is quite cold. I hope that you will not forget to write all about Flora Matson's wedding, and also send me some pieces of her dresses, and if you wish to please me write what you wore and how you fixed your hair. I am glad to think that you do not forget me in our little prayer meetings, we have prayer meetings here every Sunday evening, under the charge of Miss Miner, our corrider teacher, who is Just as sweet as she can be; there are from twenty five to thirty attend of course all from our corrider, as the others have meetings in different rooms, I enjoy them very much it reminds me very forcibly of our own little meetings at home. Then there is a prayer meeting held on Thursday evening for the whole college, but I have not attended one of these. Then on Monday evening we have corrider meet- ing for giving the sermon of the preceding Sabbath, that you may know is not very easy, but yet X think it a very good plan. You have been a splen- did girl about going to see Mamma, she has written me about It nearly every time you have been I think, and X hope that you will continue to go as often as you can. Tuesday eve. Dear Kate, You see from the number of times my letter is dated that I Oct. 15, 1866 -3 have to write when I cam get a few minutes, the warning bell is sounding now and I shall have to stop again in a few minutes, but X am determined to write as much as X can now. One of the girls with whom X have become acquainted Is Laura Bartlett from Binghamton, a cousin of Rev. Wm. Bartlett's one evening when I was calling her she very innocently asked If X was acquainted with Mr. Flanders family, I told her how Intimate you and X are, we at once decided to be friends on your account, she is a very pleasant girl and X like her very much. She has been in to see your photograph, and says she wishes very much that she could see you, it seemed quite as if we were old friends because she had heard so much of you. X commenced English Literature today and think that X shall like it, it is Spauldings. X presume that Mamma has told you that X have com- menced German - it is splendid so fan in our French class there are about forty now, but it is to be made smaller before long. Some of the girls have a great time here in dressing up. Saturday evening X believe that there were about forty dressed up, one as a negro woman, and another as a ghost and others as nuns but it did not entirely please President Raymond* and X expected that some of the girls would suffer for it, but they have not as yet. Some of the girls say that one of the teachers here (who is not very well liked) was heard to exclaim when she saw the negro Oct. 22, 1865 - 4 woman "What horrible thing is this, wherefore is this outrage per- petrated" and the girls say that one of them one night passed her ginger bread and she said "No, I thank you I have no praediliction for ginger breat", and this same teacher has charge of our Literature class, what do you think I shall be when I come from under her charge? Wednesday eve. X have not succeeded in finishing my letter yet. One of the girls just brought us a little jelly cake, and candy, which was a great treat she succeeded by writing to a merchant for them and having him send them up. It being against the rules to purchase either. Received Flora Matson's wedding cards today. My letter Is blotted and looks dreadfull but I have no time to copy it.Give my love to Kittle and tell her I wish that she would write. Write me a good long letter as soon as you can. With love to your mother and sister and with a great deal to yourself, I am as ever, your Mary. /
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Title: DeWitt, Nettie -- to parents, Apr. 1894:
Creator: DeWitt (Brand), Nettie
Description: VC Ex 1896
Date: April 1894
Text: (May 1894, Vassar. Monday Morning. My dearest Papa and Mamma: Here it is Monday, and no Sunday letter written to you. I don't know where the day went to. I did not get up yesterday until late and then when my bath was taken, there was just about time to get ready lor Church. In the afternoon Iwent to walk with Sarah Hartsell. Then, (to be very prosaic and give all details of my day's doings) X washed my hair and dried it in the sun in Sarah's Fifth Story window. So the...
Show more(May 1894, Vassar. Monday Morning. My dearest Papa and Mamma: Here it is Monday, and no Sunday letter written to you. I don't know where the day went to. I did not get up yesterday until late and then when my bath was taken, there was just about time to get ready lor Church. In the afternoon Iwent to walk with Sarah Hartsell. Then, (to be very prosaic and give all details of my day's doings) X washed my hair and dried it in the sun in Sarah's Fifth Story window. So the afternoon slipped away. I skipped prayer meeting thinking to write my letters, but had not time to finish one to Charlie Comstock thanking him for the arbutus, whendown came the Chesleys and staid nearly all the evening. Sundays are so short here. But we need not complain this week for we've certainly had quite a holiday. No lessons since last Thursday, on account of Founders Day, you know. It was quite a gay and festive occasion to any one who had a man or was so fortunate as to have her dances taken, but I was not either of those, but had some fun never the less. I went down early to meet Dollie Vanderburgh's man, a Williams man from Fall River, originally. He was very fine. Later I had a dance with another Williams man. But with these two, and the meeting of one other man, I consoledmyself very well with the company of girls. Sarah Hartaell and I trudged about together most of the evening and had good fun. It was fun to see the people. I presume we walked several miles up and down corridors- That after noon as usual we had no regular lunch, hut had one doled out to us, somettafog like the rations in the army, I guess. It was a pretty slim lunch so a box which Marie got from home came in more than pat. There were straightway some thirteen girls assembled to help us make way with it and such good work did they make of it that now thereis scarcely a trace left of it. It seemed very good indeed, and we all enjoyed it thoroughly. You must be quite spick and span by this time. Perhaps you are cleaner than you think, Mamma. 1*11 put on a few finishing touches when I come home. I do not expect, now, to bring any one home with me, but I should not wonder if someone came during the summer. Every thing is perfectly beautiful here now. Mammy, do come down- I want you to so much. Yes Kate expects to come back- Exams begin five weeks from this morning - Six wks. from Wednesday I leave for home. Hurrah!2 Lovingly your healthy and obedient daughter, Nette. (Nettie (Brand) De Witt, ex-*96,
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