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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 10/7/19
Text: October 7, 1919. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I have never yet written to you in fifteen minutes, but I will see if I can manage it today. Lester wants me to make you aware of the fact that a letter leaving Vassar at 4:20 and Poughkeepsie at 5:30 reaches him in the early mail the following morning. I knew that Lean Stolz had a job somewhere in Europe. Helen Jackson's roommate from Chicago informed me to that effect. The flowers came today. They are very nice, and I think add a lot to...
Show moreOctober 7, 1919. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I have never yet written to you in fifteen minutes, but I will see if I can manage it today. Lester wants me to make you aware of the fact that a letter leaving Vassar at 4:20 and Poughkeepsie at 5:30 reaches him in the early mail the following morning. I knew that Lean Stolz had a job somewhere in Europe. Helen Jackson's roommate from Chicago informed me to that effect. The flowers came today. They are very nice, and I think add a lot to the room, which is already quite an attraction. A peach of a Vassar pillow also came from Aunt Ida. It makes Aunt Hattie's look like two cents, so I may send it home to be kept for a keepsake. It is like Lucy's if you remember hers. Lester, the seal is a foot at the highest point and nine inches at the widest. You know the shape. Yesterday afternoon Phyllis and I started out for a walk since it was too wet any rainy for hockey or tennis. I am not keep about that form of exercise for steady diet, though. We went up Sunset, the rounds of the campus, the circle, and out down the road the opposite direction from Poughkeepsie. We did not get far from college, and there were houses along the way, so we were perfectly safe. The country certainly is beautiful, particularly now that the trees are turning. She came up here, then, partook of some of Mary's cake very eagerly, and staid. She had a lot of work to do, and could only be gone an hor, so we were together from three to five-thirty only. We hashed over Peabody--Miss Breene, Mattie, and Mrs. Manley. It was good, only it was maddening to think that our Latin teachers were not like those. Her mind has been in exactly the same state that mine has been, so i guess that I am not the only one. Her sister's husband has been transferred from Plattsburg, to Columbus, not West Point. Just as she was leaving and I was going down the hall with soap and towel in hand to get a bath, along came miss Cowley. Of course I had to take her back to my room, and she staid till almost dinner time. There flew an afternoon's work. She certainly can talk your ear off. She things te[sic] picture of you on my desk is fine, Father, but nobody else does, so get another. She was looking up her faculty charges. The girl I share a post-office box just brought the hangers over. They came on the eleven-twnety[sic] mail. I am going to play hockey and tennis this afternoon, then work. I had my first class in Sophomore French today. The teacher is French, very French, and new. They are reading the "Chansonde Roland" and we had just finished it with Miss White. The reason that they are reading it, too, is that the course is [changed] from last year's and they did not get it in then. Consequently I have nothing to make up. The hour was passed in reading aloud and in having pronunciation corrected, principally. They also had to give short resumes of what they read aloud. It strikes me that that is a very elementary proceeding for Sophomore French. I understand that they have to translate sometimes too. I hope there will not be much stuff like that, for it certainly is uninteresting. We did not do it with Miss White in the Freshman work. Miss White is very fine, and I thought that she talked just like a French woman until I heard the real thing this morning again. I'll know more of the course later, and if I have chosen wrong I cannot change, so there is no sense in wabbling, as you say, Father. But that is very hard for me. I have worked my head off for English. I can see that Miss Buck is a very unusual teacher, I am afraid a little too good for Freshmen. She told me in the famous interview to stay after class some day to see if I was improving any. So I staid today. She said she would ream my themes over carefully, and let me know the next time, but she thought there was some improvement. There ought to be. But I had never analyzed myself carefully before, not even on Yom Kippur. That seems to be what she expects in English. It is quite different being in a class of intelligent girls from calmly staring in a stupid high school class wothout doing a grain of work. I forgot to tell you that I went to Professor Roselli's lecture Sunday night, only, unfortunately having to go odd campus with Lucy for supper, I missed the first quarter of it. He is a very fine lecturer, and can shoot of English at a great rate. He does not think America is perfect by a long shot. Did he give you that line down at Princeton last year, Pete. Last night we reported to our fire captains for fire instructions. I imagine we will have a drill tonight. North had one last night, and Strong had one early this morning, at least I am told so. I seem to be the only one of this floor and this side of the building that did not hear so. Otherwise I have nothing new to report. One of the Freshman is Davison is to be eighteen, or rather is eighteen, today, so there is to be a bit feed down in her room tonight. We had an age comparison at our table the other night, and I had to give it away. Again I am the youngest! What would it have been last year! Four of them are nineteen, and one twenty. Love, [Fannie] Father, I have not gotten a letter from you for a few days. Is your hand sore? Has Mother learned to typewrite yet?
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 2/14/20
Text: February 14, 1920. I received your letter of the eleventh this morning, Mother, also one from Aunt Hattie. Hers are always interesting (not that your are not also, but hers don't come as often). Mother, why on earth don't you stay as long as Grandpa wants you, or at least a while longer. Now that he is getting better, you ought to get a little pleasure out of the place. Besides which I am fully convinced that if Father goes to Pinehurst, you should meet him there and get a good...
Show moreFebruary 14, 1920. I received your letter of the eleventh this morning, Mother, also one from Aunt Hattie. Hers are always interesting (not that your are not also, but hers don't come as often). Mother, why on earth don't you stay as long as Grandpa wants you, or at least a while longer. Now that he is getting better, you ought to get a little pleasure out of the place. Besides which I am fully convinced that if Father goes to Pinehurst, you should meet him there and get a good rest. Having taken care of various members of the family for so long, you are entitled to it. The air is bracing there and altogther[sic] it is a good idea. I misunderstood your telegram asking what day I was going for treatment. I thought you meant of this present week-end. As far as I know, I'll go next Saturday next week, for this reason. I had all my plans made in the New York end to go Friday, (yesterday), but when I called up for a taxi Thursday noon they informed me they could not get one out to the college. That meant that I could not make the eleven-thirty-eight after an eleven-twenty class. So I decided there was only one thing left, and that was to ask Miss Thallon to let me go early. I finally found her as she was going out to dinner Thursday night. I told her my story and she said, (Yes, there are her words), "My dear, I would just love to, but don't you know that it is against the rules of the college?" I said I thought that was just for before vacations. She said, no, all the time. And then she added in the most innocent tone, "But Fannie, if you get up and leave what am I to do about it? I would not be impolite enough to tell you to stay." I'll look the other way". She then said she hoped the train would be on time. I left at five minutes to eleven, and sure enough dropped my book out of my muff with a thump as I was reaching the door! I got the only car that passed in three quarters of an hour. It had to stop about five times a munute[sic], to let every kind of vehicle get out of the tracks. There were huge trucks every few blocks collecting snow, and the car had to wait until each was loaded. I got off once to telephone from a grocery store to see if I could get a taxi there, but the cunductor finally persuaded the truck driver to let him pass. T train was at the station when I got there, on time to the minute, so I almost missed it. I came back on the three thirty and was time. I waited till six-ten for a car. None came. Finally I got the taxi chief to order a taxi for me to take me up along the car tracks. i got there at ten minutes to seven. I am glad I got some supper at the station while waiting for the auto to come. Sure enough, after I gave up waiting, six cars came in succession. The reason that I count on going Saturday next week, is that if the snow is still so bad, as it probably will be, I could [not] ask to be excused again.Father, that was a good idea to remind me to send a special. I asked Aunt Bessie to drop two notes for me yesterday, as I did not have time in New York. I told the doctor that I am no better, worse, if anything, since the last treatment. He half murdered me yesterday. There is no improvemetn[sic] today that I can notice. It's great fun. That makes six treatments. I did not ask about skating, Mother. It would have been foolish. I am enclosing my semester bill. Please pay it, Father. It is right. I asked about the medical bill. I could not make it out. They charge a dollar for each hypo. Perhaps they are right, although i could not give five cents for their skill. I heard two wonderful lectures by Thomas Mott Osborne, one of the State prisons and the other on the naval prison. I [don't] believe I have ever heard such a mixture of sad stories and ridiculously funny ones, as he told. The first night he said, in the course of his introductory remarks that when he had the honor of speaking at the fiftieth celebration at Vassar, he shocked a good many good people by saying that he came from a similar institution down the river,--yes, they were both places of education. Of course the whole hall laughed, then stopped, looked at Proxy, who was quite fussed, and started off again twice as loud. The campus looks somewhat like a men's college campus today. I acted messenger boy for Lucy for about an hour and a half this morning. I am glad I can do something for her once. I saw Charles Rosenblook a munutes[sic] this morning. He is one boob I would not want up here for a prom, it seems to me, but I guess tastes differ. I go to the informal dancing this afternoon, from four to five. Did you read the article in the Yale Record that you gave me in November, Pete, making fun of a visit to Vassar. I could not help thinking of it last night when the ten o'clock bell rand last night, and there was a general exodus of men from the quadrangle dorms. Yes, we go to bed early. Otherwise nothing new. Whichever week you decide you will come home, Mother, I will take a week-end. Love, [Fannie]
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 2/18/20
Text: February 18, 1920. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I am sorry that I did not get time to write a letter yesterday, but I was working on my history topic until four-ten, so I hurried over to the Post-Office in time to write postcards. I wanted to have all the book materials, in case you should plan to meet me in New York, that I would be able to finish it up without the use of the library. Your telegram came last evening. I answered it by night letter. As far as I know I can spend the week-end...
Show moreFebruary 18, 1920. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I am sorry that I did not get time to write a letter yesterday, but I was working on my history topic until four-ten, so I hurried over to the Post-Office in time to write postcards. I wanted to have all the book materials, in case you should plan to meet me in New York, that I would be able to finish it up without the use of the library. Your telegram came last evening. I answered it by night letter. As far as I know I can spend the week-end with you, but unless a great deal of the show should melt, the earliest train I could catch Friday would be the one-nine. I am going to New York Saturday morning. President McCracken's lecture was very good yesterday, but I don't think he is a finished speaker by a long shot, in fact, he struck me as laboring a great deal over what he was trying to say. He spoke on the "Value of Being a Contemporary", but more intelligibly known as the "Value of Studying Literary History". My Miss Thallon is in the Infirm, so we had a cut yesterday, but Miss Ellory is going to take us today. She is supposed to be a wonder. I am glad of a chance to hear her in class. Father, I am very sorry that the mail is irregular, or whatever the trouble is. I have written every day, a special on Saturday, excpet Friday, when I did not have time to write, but Aunt Besside promised to drop you a postcard. Also, I did not know you were going to Philadelphia, where your telegram was from. I had not the slightest idea where to reach you there, so I telegraphed to Pittsburgh. Love, [Fannie]
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: Nov. 11
Text: Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I really will have time for a real letter tomorrow. I surely am busy and there is a lot to tell you, too, if there were only time for it. I finished my English topic this morning as the bell rang to go to class. I am glad I got it in on time, because I think it makes a bad impression on the instructor when a topic comes in late. Today I have to speed up on the history one for tomorrow, but the sad part of it is that I have lab fifth and sixth and the dedication...
Show moreDear Mother, Father, and Pete: I really will have time for a real letter tomorrow. I surely am busy and there is a lot to tell you, too, if there were only time for it. I finished my English topic this morning as the bell rang to go to class. I am glad I got it in on time, because I think it makes a bad impression on the instructor when a topic comes in late. Today I have to speed up on the history one for tomorrow, but the sad part of it is that I have lab fifth and sixth and the dedication of the French tank seventh and eighth. More tomorrow. That was a great letter, Pete. Good luck to Princeton on Saturday. Also give my best regards to Grace. Love, Fannie [Nov. 11]
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 11/2/19
Text: November 2, 1919. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I worked in the library yesterday afternoon on English and a Mlle. Champy French assignment. It rained so there was no chapel last night, but there was too much excitement around to study. i forgot to mention that we had a stunt party meeting. I think the performance will come off all right. It is to take place between nine-thirty and ten tomorrow night. I got togged up after dinner last night, and after I was all dressed Dorothea sewed me...
Show moreNovember 2, 1919. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I worked in the library yesterday afternoon on English and a Mlle. Champy French assignment. It rained so there was no chapel last night, but there was too much excitement around to study. i forgot to mention that we had a stunt party meeting. I think the performance will come off all right. It is to take place between nine-thirty and ten tomorrow night. I got togged up after dinner last night, and after I was all dressed Dorothea sewed me into the lace collar that goes with the costume. Helen Reid pinned a hair ribbon on the right spot of my pig-tail, so I was properly fixed up. It poured all last night. There were two colonial gentleman in the party, and two women. i am not crazy about my wife, so i let her shift for herself most of the time. Our costumes did matdh[sic] exactly, though. By the way, Aunt Hattie did not make this, did she? The party was great. It took place in Student'. There was some fine fancing dancing, but that was merely incidental to the whole performance. There were all kinds of various college scenes, does that give enough diversity? That is what it was, anyhow. The performance lasted till nine-thirty. There were also some take-offs on college authorities. The Freshman costumes were very good. There were some fine pirates. One kid went as Dr. T's model for night, all rigged up in flannel nightbown with long sleeves. She told us that people of unusually strong mentality wear sleeves on their nightgowns in winter. Her roommate went as Dr. T's model for day, carrying the egg and pepper, etc. The whole thing was good. We danced till eleven, shocking for college. Mlle. Champy said good evening to me so often that I concluded she wanted to dance, so I asked her, and she was muchly tickled and excited. She dances like a French house on fire, though. My courage was admired by many who fear her in class, Ha, ha! Father, I have your tie and I'll send it with the next laundry. Pay day comes soon. By the way, I have always forgotten to write about this, Mother. The Christian Association must be very different from what it used to be, or you would not have said not to join it. From all I have heard and noticed and read, it is about the only and also a very effective charitable organization. They do mightly good work in Poughkeepsie, and in supporting good settlements. They also bring most of the good lecturers to the college. I think religion is a very very small and insignificant part of it. I was also told that all the Jewish girls belong to it. So I think it will meet with your approval if I join it. I won't be able to hear from you in time. I have to start acting on my own hook, though. Also, in case the Red Cross drive involved giving in addition to membership dues, what should I give? I would like to know that. I staid in bed till nine-fifteen this morning. I concluded a reat[sic] would do me good, although I could not sleep. I straightenedup my room, among other things. I also studied considerably. After dinner I took a walk out into the country with two other girls. It was a wonderful day. I don't believe there is much else to tell you. Cousin Pauline sent some instant chocolate. It is supposed to contain the milk and chocolate and shugar, and all that is necessary is to pour water on it. I tried it this morning, but it is awful tasting stuff. For the little that I fix in my room, tea does very well. I have to write some letters tonight, but I probably won't get to it. I forgot to tell you that when I got back last night, there was this note on my door:--"although 23's bed is complicated, 21 loves you enough to turn it down. Happy dreams!" I discorvered that it is customary for some juniors to come around and turn down Freshie's beds for them the night of Soph. party. They also put your picture on my bed, Pete. Evidently you don't look like me. I probably won't get time for a letter tomorrow, because it is a fool[full] day and we will have rehearsal for the stunt party. I worked ahead as much as I could. We are to go to Junior party next week as our ambitions. I said so once before. I rather think I'll borrow Helen's cap and gown. Have you any suggestions? I'll be very formal for once--Pardon the mistakes, but it is almost supper time and I don't want this letter to miss the mail. There was no letter from you, yesterday, Mother. Love, [Fannie]Ticket [stub] tucked in envelope for 2 NOV 1919 [the Syria Mosque was in Pittsburgh]CL8 Sec. Left Row.____ No.____ Orchestra Circle. SYRIA MOSQUE Tuesday Eve., Nov. 4, '19 Retain This Check
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 4/25/20
Text: April 25, 1920. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I had a very short letter from Aunt Hattie yesterday. She said that Grandpa was in bed with bonchitis, and that is all she said about him. Is he very sick? I do not feel quite as good as yesterday afternoon and evening, but I felt exceptionally good then--in fact, I think better than at any time since last fall. If it would only last. I am drinking Poland water, taking the medicine, and obeying orders generally. Senior Prom came off last night....
Show moreApril 25, 1920. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I had a very short letter from Aunt Hattie yesterday. She said that Grandpa was in bed with bonchitis, and that is all she said about him. Is he very sick? I do not feel quite as good as yesterday afternoon and evening, but I felt exceptionally good then--in fact, I think better than at any time since last fall. If it would only last. I am drinking Poland water, taking the medicine, and obeying orders generally. Senior Prom came off last night. I am glad I did not know any "little boys" to dance in the corridor with, because it would not have been much fun to stay over in Metcalf instead. Neither Helen nor any of her roommates went. Father, you remember last fall you told me to look up Mary Heckel. I never did, but it would have been rather useless, inasmuch as there is a girl over at Metcalf who happened to mention that she was going to Pittsburgh for part of the summer, and informed me that she is a niece of Judge Sweringen. That was a bad sentence, but at any rate, she says this Heckel girl flunked out last year and came back second smester this year and is now a member of my class. Room-drawing turned out differently from the way it started out. Nobody wanted to come to Davison. It has been so punk for the last two years that it got a bad name, but several good people with low numbers drew in here on the trial draw, and the consequence was that the final draw it came out pretty good. Raymond and Strong, I understand, although I have not seen the lists yet, are the undesirable ones this year. Lathrop closed first, then North, then Josselyn, then Davison. So you see, that really means we are the third hall, as far as a good crowd is concerned, because every variety draws into Josselyn for the sake of the rooms. The present sophomores and juniors there now are pretty good, and one of them told me that they are all sore at its prospects for next year. I believe Phyllis and her roommate, the girl I told you about, went there. I wonder how they will get along together--it certainly is a funny combination. Phyllis went down to West Point to a hop this week-end. It must be fun to have a brother-in-law whos is a major, or anything else in the army, for that matter. Coming back to room-drawing again, Lathrop and North got the peppiest girls, that is, most of our former officers, prom runners, etc. I am really just as glad to be here, because I think I will "balance" with these girls better. If you could have known the feeling I had yesterday when I saw the girl whom I consider absolutely the worst in the class, look at Dorothea's room! But she did not take it. Both her room and Katheryn Gardner's were not taken, which means that there will either be freshmen there, or new sophomores or juniors. K. Gardner got one of the best singles in Josselyn, but she does not think she is coming back. I shall cry my eyes out.I have to spend this afternoon on that English theme. I will be glad when it will be out of the way. I spent three hours yesterday collecting the material for it. I am very fortunate just now in being able to do so much work without chasing over to the library. Did I tell you that Dr. T. went to New Orleans and will not be back till the third of May? Dorothea was over at Metcalf for quite a while last night. I wish I could lose a neighbor in the other direction instead of her. I believe I mentioned to you that the cleaning-woman ruined the rop of my desk over vacation. It is all gray and gritty. She says she only wiped it with a wet cloth, but I think she scrubbed it with sapolio. I kicked to the housekeeper. She came up with me yesterday to look at it, and she says she will do the best with it she can. It does not pay to have mahogany, or very expensive furniture, around here. I went over to your friend with the unpronouncuncable[sic] name yesterday to engage a room for you in case you should be able and want to come, Mother. She will let me know tomorrow whether she can take care of you or not. 1913 is to have reunion then, and they will be using most of her house. At any rate, you can get a room at the Inn, inasmuch as I went there, too. Mulaly was too doubtful. I guess this is a long enough letter for one stretch. Love, Fannie
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