Clayton's Octavo Diary 1854.


[printed label] WM. M. CHRISTY,
STATIONER, PRINTER,

AND
Account Book Mannfacturer[sic],
No.65 South Third St.
OPPOSITE GIRARD BANK, PHILADELPHIA
Printing, ruling & binding neatly executed.

Stt
$1.50


Harriet J. Keffer

This diary was kept by Bertha Keffer '76 during her Preparatory and collegiate years at Vassar. It was presented to the
College Library in 1942, by her sister, Mary Keffer, and at the request of her namesake, Bertha Keffer, V.C. '11, Mrs.
[Raymond U]. … .
The name HARRIET J. KEFFER inscribed at the top was the name of Bertha Keffer, '76's mother


Friday, January 13th, 1854

David M Caudless
146 North Avenue
Alleghany. PA.


[printed] SATURDAY, January 14th, 1854.


Sunday, January 15th, 1854.

This year bought a little diary never thinking that this was around to the right day of the week again. But last Friday I
came across this and resolved to keep this for longer entries than my little one. Thursday Etta and I went to see Miss
Morse about one hundred and twelve. B - We want to change our room. Etta - We thought we would like to room
together on the fifth floor. M - There is no room vacant there. E & B - Yes, 192 is. M - (slowly) yes - if you want to go
there - without any bed - and sleep on the floor you can. To. E. Why do you wish to change your room? E - My room
mate is not very agreeable. M. To B. Is anything of that sort the matter with you? B. Oh no my room mate and parlor
mates are very nice and


MONDAY, January 16th, 1854.

I like them ever so much but we thought we would like to room together. M - would you like to go to the first floor for
the sake of rooming together. E - (not liking that a bit but not liking to back out now) yes mamm. M - Well I will see
what I can do for you. (To B) you may go. M kept E and told her how much good she might do her roommate by
staying put and behaving like a christian, told her to try it on ... a month longer. As soon as we had definitely arranged to
go to M - I was sorry but could not very well back out then. Guess that now I'll stay [fixed[ and not trouble her anymore.
Thursday I received Papa's Rio letter and it made me feel more homesick than I have since I came here. Poor Papa


TUESDAY, January 17th, 1854

President Raymond gave quite a lecture this evening on loyalty - a word he thought we did not know the meaning of. I
guess something disloyal in his sense of the word came up in Faculty meeting yesterday. We always have something
new after the big folks talk us over. Ella felt badly last night because I did not speak to her when she called after me on
the stairs. In fact I was a littled vexed about the manner in which she spoke of L.L. and was afraid of showing it. I had to
go and confront her which I did by saying I thought she was a goose to behave as when she knew I liked her better than
anyone here. Though I did not say I could do that and not care awfully much for her. I am not in love to distraction with
anyone in Vassar.


WEDNESDAY, January 18th, 1854.

Have had a touch of the blues to day and either I have been cross or every one else has, perhaps both. It was a [hicky]
thing I told Ella about the apple roll ring on the floor for now we all have something to say about it even Rob. Heard
today of Miss Pa.-n's slapping a girl over the fingers for not playing rightly and now despise her more than ever.
Practiced an hour this morning. [L. S-rs] told me she thought (and Miss S-ll said so too at the same time) I was the
smartest in the Latin class and then I told her the same and we soft-soaped one another quite awhile on the plan of "you
scratch my back and I'll tickle your elbow." Miss [Simleys] head was all right today and we got along splendidly this
afternoon. The Pres. told of Roger Sherman slapping his babdy being slapped by his mother and then kissing her hand
and leading her to a [scaf.] …


[Printed] THURSDAY, January 19th, 1854.
Got caught last night. Etta came
to sleep with me and when we
were undressing some one rapped
on the door and I roared come
in, thinking it Lottie but it was
Miss Hamlin who wanted to know if
we were not aware we ought to go
to Miss Lyman for permission to
sleep out and said she was sorry
to disappoint us but Etta must
not stay. Etta said "yes mamm."-and
went. We are not going to study
in May's room anymore between eight
and nine and be good generally.
Miss Lyman requested through the
Pres. this evening that we try being
quiet in the corridors in our talk
till Monday and see how we like
the change.


[Printed] FRIDAY, January 20th, 1854


[Printed] SATURDAY, January 21st, 1854
Took the old lady out to skate
this afternoon to have some fun
out of her. Feel considerably lame
in consequence. It was a bad
motive to take her out from but
she enjoyed it as much as if
I took her on purpose for her
pleasure and my bad motive
hurt no one but myself. Just this
moment I happened to think may
be it made my darlings feel bad
to see me do such a thing so
I'll try and be better in fu
ture. When I think of them it
makes me want to go right off
but then I don't think I could
bear to leave Papa all alone. I wish
Prof. Backus would officiate in Chapel
every evening. He quiets and
rests me so, and makes me
want to do better much more
than the President does.


[printed] SUNDAY, January 22nd, 1854


[printed] MONDAY, January 23d, 1854.
Had a gay time to-night at
supper over the Professor's baby. Laughed
till we were tired. Thought it a good way
to shake the supper down. Some
thing was the matter with the
three waiters and they had to go
out to laugh. It is curious to
see them when they are feeling
funny and Solomon
looks at them. I am glad it
is not against the rule for
preps to laugh.


[printed] TUESDAY, January 24th, 1854.
Had a short speech to night about
the day of prayer for colleges.
Can always tell if we are going to
have a speech the night after
faculty meeting by looking to see
if Prof. Backus is in Chapel. He is
always on hand if there is a speech.
Poor May is sick again. It seems
as if something was troubling her
more than any of us guess for
it can't be all physical debility
which cause these nervous attacks
which she tries so hard to conceal
I am anxious too about Alice C's. cough
What if she should go before I see
her! Coming along the hall to-night
and noticing how one by one my
friends dropped into their rooms and
left me to finish the journey alone
I wondered if that were typical
of my life, if all my friends would
go home first leaving me behind till
the last one.


[printed] WEDNESDAY, January 25th, 1854.


[printed] THURSDAY, January 26th, 1854.
Continued from next page
from Alice last Wed
nesday which I answered
yesterday. It was three
weeks on the way I
suppose it was snowed
up. She sent me a very
pretty work bag for a present
Our prospects look very
dark just now. Papa stand[sic]
in Mobile a week waiting
to see Judge Bersteed about
his bond and did not and
men are in Washington
trying to have him re
moved and Col Edwards
appointed for no other
reason than jealousy. I
hope we will get out
of this fix soon some
way


[printed]FRIDAY, January 27th, 1854
Mon[FRIDAY and 54 are crossed out]68
It has been just as
I expected it would. I
have not written a word
in my Diary since Papa
was in jail and am only
writing now by accident
Papa got out of jail all well
and won his case and
did not have to pay a cent
Old Mother Salisbery had to
pay it all herself. I only
wish it had been twice
as much. Received a letter
from Herbert to-day but am
not going to answer it till
the 23 or 30 of March to pay
him off for waiting so long
before he wrote to me. even
if I wait till then it will
not be so long as he wait
ed before answering my
letter. I also got a letter


[printed] SATURDAY, January 28th, 1854.
Last night we had a short
speech from Mrs. Prine, the
woman who is going to Japan
I was sadly disappointed for I
thought she had been there and
was going to tell us what it was
like but instead she was just
going and wanted some one
to go with her. Went out rid
ing this evening. The sleigh had
about ten too many in it and
we were abominably crowded. The
two Misses Lord and Miss Preston
tried to be funny but I don't
think that is their forte exactly
Lottie Rossiter wrote to Sam Walker
to telegraph for Lottie to come home
which he did so she went
at three o'clock today. May
she get well recovered before
she comes back again! L.R
went riding last night.


[printed] SUNDAY, January 29th, 1854.
Deacon Smith preached to
day. He said his sermon was
on one verse of the book
of Esther but I think it
was on the whole book
He told us the story of Esther
and then drew three lessons
from it, the first showing
where woman's influence was
the next how great its extent
and the last its power. He
is a better preacher than the Pres.
There were some lovely flowers
in Chapel which afterwards
were given Miss Lyman because
it was her birthday
I wish it had been mine


[printed] MONDAY, January 30th, 1854.


[printed] TUESDAY, January 31st, 1854.

[printed page no.] 3


[printed] WEDNESDAY, February 1st, 1854
Tomorrow is a great day to a
great many girls. Would it were
to me! But I have everything put
off till the last as an example
I suppose of my everlasting sin
of procrastination--the buster of
success.--Five years ago seems a
short time comparatively yet how
many and how great changes have
taken place since five years ago
to-night when Papa Auntie Glenn and
I sat all night by my darling
Mother All the time since then
seems like a dream only there
has been more trouble in this
time than people usually have in
dreams. And from all poor naughty
I have been chosen to be benefitted
Surely there is some use for me
for which I am being thus prepar
ed.. May I find it out before another
long five years wears away.


[printed] THURSDAY, February 2nd, 1854.
to write to, it did not seem
at all pleasant. Whenever I suc
ceed in anything I want to have
some one who cares for me to
go to and tell and who will
make me feel glad over it.
I never feel so homesick as when
I get bad news from home and
next to that time is when I have
good news and want to tell it
to the home folks. Had a little
scrawl from Harry to day. Hope
for a long write from Papa to
morrow. I wish it were the
June examination instead of
February. I wish the Faculty
had to be examined before
a lot of people twice a year
when we are. They would soon
do away with all such
botherations if they came
home to themselves.


[printed] FRIDAY, February 3d, 1854.
Thus endeth the two days of torture.
I agree with Mr. Jewett in say
ing "Pity the sorrows of a poor young
woman." Yesterday was a blue day
in my calendar and to-day I
have had the meanest of colds in
my head. Miss Lyman's corridor
is covered all over with matting
and her sister is here so I sup
pose she is worse. Poor old Lady!
Prof. Backus was the leader in Chap
el to night Before supper if I had
not been afraid of making my
eyes red I would have had a good
cry I felt so tired and homesick
but since listening to Prof. B. and
getting May's invite I feel better
How people with only themselves to
please and tend to get along I dont[sic]
see for even because I had no one
here to sympathize with me in my
success, though there are good ...


[printed] SATURDAY, February 4th, 1854
Have been feeling something
like crossness because no let
ter came from home to-day only
a mean little scrawl from Harry.
I should not say that for I was
glad to get it if only for a proof
that when he had a spare minute
he did not forget me.
Asked Miss Morse if I could
go to church with Miss Brown
and she was good as pie as
she generally is to me.


[printed] SUNDAY, February 5th, 1854.
Heard a good New Church
sermon but it was not
by Mr. Giles but by Mr. Keyes
I found that I had been
mistaken in thinking that
it was he I heard in Septem
ber. Prof. Farrar is the kindest
man around this institution
On the way to church he
stopped his sleigh and took
in the Misses Hogg and
Miss Fulick and I heard afterwards
that he regretted
very much he had not
thought to get on top with
the driver and take Miss
Brown and me in too.
Next year I mean to be
in his Bible class if
it is a possible thing.
I'll see what my friends
can do for me by writing.


[printed] MONDAY, February 6th, 1854.
Could not have been suit
ed better in regard to my
recitations. Have Latin of
Miss Smiley the first and
fifth periods; French of Miss
Kapp the second, Rhetoric
of Miss Clark the third.
I feel sure of learning more
French with Miss Kapp
than with Miss Simmonds
We had no lessons to recite
to day and consequently
I spent the day principally
in fooling, though I did
make a cover for my trunk
and sew a little on my
blue shirt. I wish I could
learn to improve the ex
tra time we have thrown
in so as it should be
improved! May be I can
if I try.


[printed] TUESDAY, February 7th, 1854.


[printed] WEDNESDAY, February 8th, 1854.
We had Prof. Backus in
Chapel this evening. He read
the thirteenth chapter of Cor
inthians which is all a
bout Charity and made a
prayer at the end which
[long dash]


[printed] THURSDAY, February 9th, 1854.
Was stopped somewhat suddenly
last night by the close
of Silent time and forget
now what I was going to
say but I think Prof. B. is a
good deal of a New Churchman
Am tired enough to go to bed
but instead must go at old
Caesar. We had a new fandan
go in gym this afternoon
was rather strainsome. Etta
returned this afternoon. Was
sick the reason she did
not come before. Alice
was in bed all day yesterday
with head ache. Better have
that than heart ache. May
wrote to Pres. R. to be put
in Miss Kapps French so
that she might learn a
little more this term
than last.


[printed] FRIDAY, February 10th, 1854
Lecture by the Bishop was
good except in one particular
and that was, (according to
my idea,) that he made his
sentences entirely too long so
that one had to pay the closest
attention in order to keep
the thread of his discourse. And
as it is tiresome to have to
listen so closely he had better
shorten his sentences.
Saw in the paper yesterday
that a diary to be of any use
ought to be truthful and
that one ought never to leave
it unwritten for several
days and then fill them all
in at once without noting
the fact, therefore I acknowl
edge this to be written on
Saturday instead of Friday.
Now my conscience is clear


[printed] SATURDAY, February 11th, 1854
Principal events of to-day
were the meetings of the
Students Association. It a
bolished the Transcript because
the Faculty would not
let them publish it quarterly
instead of yearly and intended
to send a notice to their
Exchanges of the fact in a printed
circular and it resolved that
each student should send
a notice to her corridor teach
er of what she particularly abominated
in our fare. At
noon another meeting was called
and they decided to send a
written note instead of a
circular to their exchanges
and voted against that
way of altering our eatables
and decided on masterly
inaction for the present


[printed] SUNDAY, February 12th, 1854.
Had a splendid sermon from
Bishop Huntington. in the
evening Mrs Bixby told us
about the Birmese [sic]. They say
that when they die "they die
and go to smoke." Their god
is called godimis. The women's
highest idea of happiness
after death is to become
a man. The men's is to go on
higher till they get to have
no sensation at all of any
kind. They believe in the
transmigration of souls and
fear if they lead bad lives they
may become some animal.
Fried silkworms is their fa
vorite dish. The women wear
earrings as large round as [drawn circle]
Some are hollow so as to contain
their jewels. They got
their religion from the Hindoos


[printed] MONDAY, February 13th, 1854.
coming out of the chapel
we went allright but when
we got outside we stopped.
Have not found out yet
who my mice came from
not can I imagine who is
so terribly smashed on me.
Reported that Mr Lyman is
smashed on Miss Sewall, [Latin
phrase]. Gave her a flower
today from Dr. A's. bouquet
and she smiled sweetly. I
wonder if they guess how
much we watch what
goes on at the Faculty
table. I notice that poor
Dr Blackford is having a hard
time again in Greensboro
May he live to get through
it all correct is the sincere
wish of ...


[printed] TUESDAY, February 14th, 1854.
Five years ago, the present
time, I was rather a seasick
girl. I believe it was just a
little after I had left the supper
table so abruptly. How
well I can remember all about
those times although I did
not keep a diary. We had
a speech to night about our
"general movements," to the
dining room, out of it and
out of chapel. The Pres. told
a story of the horses for the
New York ferry boats when he
was a boy--how they went
right fast as long as they
were within reach of the
man's whip but went
slowly as soon as they got
out--and said we were
like those horses, as long as
we were in his sight


[printed] WEDNESDAY, February 15th, 1854.
Have nothing particular
to say here so guess I'll not
try to make up anything
but will read "Messenger".
Have made up my mind
to write to the boys for the
promise I want on Johns
birthday. May Our Father
inspire my pen in that
letter! If they could only
see what I have I know
they would promise me


[printed] THURSDAY, February 16th, 1854.
Horrid ugly blue day.


[printed] FRIDAY, February 17th, 1854.
Decided not to write the letter
I meant to John and Harry and wait
till I see them as until then
they will be exposed to no temp
tation. Meditated all Silent Time
on what I would probably have
to do after leaving school and
came to the conclusion that I
must have some definite aim
in view and fit myself for
it and not keep going on
in this blind aimless way.
Made up my mind that
it was not a sufficient to aim
merely to obey the Golden Rule and
try to be an accomplished, well
educated woman to please my
Father and friends but that I
must have something definite
in view.


[printed] SATURDAY, February 18th, 1954.
Etta, Alice and I went
all over and saw all the
girls about Mays birthday.
All seemed pleased with the
idea. Guess we will have a
fine time. Myra saw Pussy.
It has rained so that we
could not have our sleigh
ride and I, for one, am
glad of it for I knew all
the time it was too much
of an extravagance for me.
The others are sorry and
will try it again but I
guess I'll have courage and
sense enough to keep out
of it next time. They came
at me so suddenly last time
that I hardly knew what I
was about. I am afraid
that when folks come at
me so they could make
me do almost anything.


[printed] SUNDAY, February 19th, 1854.
Feel pretty miserable all
day today. Mean in a
little while to get undressed
and lie in bed and
read till I go to sleep. I
suppose Miss Hamlin thinks
I am dreadful wicked
to stay away from prayer
meeting but I get
enough false theology
during the daytime.
[flourish with pen]
it for a real love of them
and not because she had
to, etc. etc. but he could not
force her love. She will
keep her promise. That is
why she did not want
to make one.


[printed] MONDAY, February 20th, 1854.
Took a lone walk to-day a
round the lake. Going the
mud was almost ankle
deep; coming the snow was
knee deep. But it was
fun except when I most
fell down. The men have
a big place cleared out at
the end of the lake, I guess
it will be gay rowing next
year. Jen was sent for by
Miss M. again who said she
would waive the telling of the
rooms she was in study hour
but she must promise to
keep the rules. V. B. would not
promise. The President sent for
her a little after and said if
she did not promise she should
be expelled. So the poor child had
to do it And then he said how
he wished she would do


[printed] TUESDAY, February 21st, 1854.
Miss Lyman died to-day at
four o'clock. She peacefully slept
away. I first heard of it at the
gymnasium. It was curious
to see how the girls received the
news; some looked as jolly as
they heard it as they had a
moment before, some looked
grave, and a very few cried.
At supper the room was as
still as chapel almost; no
one spoke above a whisper and
the creaking of the waiters
shoes was plainly heard. The
President made some very fitting
remarks in Chapel. He said we
must not feel sad. Miss Lyman wish
ed us to rejoice that she was gone.
Her prayer for days had been, not
that she might stay but that she
might be made willing to stay. Dr.
Avery seems to feel worse than any
one else.


[printed] WEDNESDAY, February 22nd, 1854.
We had funeral services to-day
in the Chapel. There were a great
many strangers here from town
All the gallery was filled and
down stairs packed. Nearly all
the girls had on black entirely
and it made it look very mel
ancholy. (How funny that looks)
There was a meeting of the S. A.
in the morning at which it was
determined to send to town for
flowers. The Fresh. a wreath the Soph.
a cross, the Jun. an anchor, the
Sen, a crown, the Spec. and Preps
cut flowers. The anchor and crown
which could not be got in Po'keepsie
are to be obtained in Montreal. At
another meeting it was decided
that we all wear crape [sic] for thirty
days. after the services there
was a procession of twenty three
carriages of teachers who went to the
train and visitors.


[printed] THURSDAY, February 23d, 1854.
Day of Prayer for Colleges. Had
Chapel services at 11:15, prayer meet
ing in the afternoon and evening.
I went only to the first
Heard a good sermon by Rev. ...
Hall of New York, a Presbyterian. He
is an Irishman and has only
been in this country three
years. Preached entirely without
notes. Began a frame for
May which was spoiled
in the making. About
every evening I think
of going to Dr. Avery and
saying I want some med
icine but before her office
hour the next day feel so
much better I put it
off hoping to get well
of myself. I have a great
admiration for Dr. A. and
if I had anything serious
troubling me would go to her.


{printed] FRIDAY, February 24th, 1854.
Mira went to Pussy to-day.
Pussy said she-a-thought
that-a-fruit cake was-anot
necessary, nor-a-candy
or-a-raisins, a...chickens-a
could we strike some of those
off. As we could not help
ourselves we struck of [sic] the
cake and raisins and
candy. She is afraid we
will spend too much money
and-a-Vassar College has
a name-a-to be sustained and
-a-she wishes we would try
and not feell [sic] her objections as
restrictions at all but try and
feel cheerful over it. It is queer
how she can imagine in what
other way we could take them.
It is a pity Vassar is in such need
of a character for solidity that we
can't have a spree once a year.


[printed] SATURDAY, February 25th, 1854.
The lecture yesterday evening
was glorious and I too al
most forgot the speakers hair.
in admiring his talk. Sir
Philip was very good according
to Mr Curtis representations
When May was got up stairs un
der pretence [sic] of seeing a fine
view in 112, just as soon as
she was fairly in Mira toast
ed her and they all drank
her many happy returns. Poor
girl she was overwhelmed and
I thought she would fall to
the floor but luckily there was
a chair near by for her to hold
fast to till she recovered. On the
whole it was a success and
all seemed to enjoy themselves
I think the absence of chairs
helped off the stiffness. When
I have a party it would be
well to tote off all the chairs


[printed] SUNDAY, February 26th, 1854.
Last night after I got to bed
I suddenly thought of the bas
ket of remains and hopped
out and set it on top of the
two pitchers, the basins being
filled with water, so as to
keep the mice off. Had
lots to write home about
to-day. I wish every week
would have as many events.
I hear them all going
to prayer meeting but
ain't going. The great subject
of conversation is Miss
Slocum who has been put
back from the Senior Class.
I pity her but am not yet
sure whether herself or the
Faculty is most to blame.
Whichever it is she will
have a hard time for the
rest of this term. Lottie
is in Poughkeepsie visiting


[printed] MONDAY, February 27th, 1854.
Miss Smiley slid neatly
over the 21st chapter that
we were dreading so when
Prof. H. came in by telling us
to turn directly to the advance
in the 22nd Was a good
girl today, copied up my
French and practised besides
Elocution. Today we had a
whispering exercise beside
the breathing and sounds of

A. Little H... made Little
Hinkle laugh in Latin by
saying one of her happy
thoughts. I distinguished
myself in a very uncomfortable
manner in the
class, but did better than
my associates. It was an
abominably hard lesson any
way.

[printed] TUESDAY, February 28th, 1854.
For the last of Feb. I have
nothing to say besides my
little book record except that
I have begun to read Philip
the Second. I think of begin
ning a tidy for Mamma and
making her some of the deep
tattaing [?] that Abbie White made
a pattern of.


[printed] WEDNESDAY,March 1st, 1854.
The report of Miss Lovell of
what the Faculty think of Founders
day programme was made
in S. A. this eve. They propose that
we go to Sunnyside and spend
the day. After some talk the
Stu. did not agree to go. Then
Miss Jewett proposed that we
have the ordinary collation.
Miss Fulsom opposed the plan.
After a good deal of discussion
and two votes had been taken
Miss Jewett lost by fourteen.
A pretty close vote for so many.
The subject of college colors was
settled and we are to send
for the number of yards we
want (of ribbon) before Saturday.
There was more discussion
the meeting than in any
before. Some said, in effect, that
the only objection to the collation was
Miss L. and now she was dead there
could be none.


[printed] THURSDAY, March 2nd, 1854.
"As the communicants meeting
is on Saturday evening the usual
prayer meeting this evening
will be omitted" was this
evenings notice. Rather a sing
ular reason for putting off a
prayer meeting. I wonder if
only communicants go to it!
Heard from Clara Critken today,
and was told for the third
or fourth time of -- I won't
write such an illnatured sounding
thing even in my diary.
I wonder if I should
ever rise to be a celebrated
crackter [sic] if my diary will
be published with my
life and letters. It would
be so exceedingly interesting
to the public. I am really
afraid to put down my thoughts
for fear they will be published

N.B. That sentence is like "Credo"
in "Rick"

[printed] FRIDAY, March 3d [sic], 1854.


[printed] SATURDAY, March 4th, 1854.
Miss Monks and Miss Nich
ols were the essayists of the
evening. The latter's essay
was a plea for Charles Dick
ens and was first rate.
She is a smart girl and
thinks correctly of Charles
--according to my idea.
May is coming to sleep
with me tonight. Miss Ham
lin had been in Po'keepsie since
yesterday noon. Exchanged
the old cracked plate Com
edy gave me, for Smith,
for a decent looking one
that he will probably ac
cept even if it is not
the identical one he sent
up here. The girls in Vassar
are the poorest set I ever
came across for change or
big bills either I guess from
the way they spoke when I tried
to change that today


[printed] SUNDAY, March 5th, 1854.
All I remember of the
sermon was the anecdote
about the boy eating
honey and when his
father asked him how
sweet it was he said
taste it and see for yourself.
Rather impudent.
Feel quite satisfied with
myself to-day in point
of writing and what I
will read this evening
Yesterday's snow all melted
and now everything
is nice again. Sent
on my bill to-day. It
was a disagreeable thing
to do, but such things
have to be done and the
best way is to grin and
bear it. Screwed my courage
up to asking the boys for
the promise I want to-day.


[printed] MONDAY, March 6th, 1854.
Nothing-[
two lines in French]


[printed] TUESDAY, March 7th, 1854.
Miss Smiley was sick so
we had no Latin to day
Prof. Hinkle told us of it the
first time; the second,
after waiting five minutes
we cut--in all directions
for fear we would meet
the Prof who might send
us back. Even the Seniors
stopped and stared to see
the Preps cut. Misses Monks
and Folsom have killed
a cat and they are going
to stuff it. Nice wok [sic]!
Am going to begin on
my other tatting chemise
after Silent time and
Latin. Have got about
third way through Philip
the Second, vol.I Found
a trowel on my wanderings
to day which I'll
keep for future gardenings


[printed] WEDNESDAY, March 8th, 1854.
There is to be a concert by
the Cecilia society this even
ing. Would I were a member.
Found my music book in
No.13 where I looked lots of
times. Miss Preston was so
good when I asked her about
it that I almost begin to
like her. President said we
would have no new Lady P.
till next year etc. etc. but
the same arrangement as
at present would continue ...
Did not take off our blankets
this morning as ordered.
Studied Rhetoric with Mame
Kiersted. Was picked up on
"Augustine" in class this
morning. I will be mad
to morrow if I find out
that my way was wrong.


[printed] THURSDAY, March 9th, 1854.
chairs put the books
from the stand. under
the table poured all
the water out of their
pitchers and put out
the gas in all the rooms


[printed] FRIDAY, March 10th, 1854.
Lecture by Robinson Pres. of
some college and author
of our Algebra--on the
real movers of the world.
First rate good for him
I think. About half the
girls think it was splen
did and the other half
that it was abominable
I don't like lectures on
Friday evening for we
have to study so hard
Saturday in consequence
This has been one of
the least eventful weeks
since I came to Vas
sar nothing done, nothing
to say about.
Went with Etta before the
lecture and unmade
the two beds in Alice's
parlor upset all the


[printed] SATURDAY, March 11th, 1854.
Miss Brown was too
tired to go and call on
that young lady avec moi
for which I am truly
thankful. Went with
Etta to see Prof. Hinkle
He did not see me com
ing after the other two &
shut the door in my face
but excused himself im
mediately. I think he is
gay. Made a little tatting
and did nothing--another
Saturday wasted.
Paid Mr. Schon to day
He was in a much
better humor than usual.
Gay old gentleman
Heaps of gay old gentle
men around here it
pears like.


[printed] SUNDAY, March 12th, 1854.


[printed] MONDAY, March 13th, 1854.


[printed] TUESDAY, March 14th, 1854.


[printed] WEDNESDAY, March 15th, 1854.
Last night May and Grace
were scared because they
thought some one was at
their window and they scream
ed. Which brought in Misses
Preston, Swayze and Hamlin.
The [sic] got quieted down soon
and went to rest again
It was kept pretty quiet all
day but at night Eva R.
came up and heard the
news and said she was
going to frighten the girls
and sure enough she did.
About two hours after a
deputy came up from the
1st South to know if they
should barricade their windows
to keep people out.
and Lottie and Jen yelled
out as soon as I got home
to know all the story about
Miss Pennell


[printed] THURSDAY, March 16th, 1854.
May's man is growing.
To-day the story is that he
got in the window and
had a heap of jewelry out
and was just going off
with the watches and
when they screamed he
ran. He went through several
stages before he got
to this. Miss Hamlin
says he was all made by
the watchman shutting
down the windows when
it began to rain. Anyhow
it was nice for a little
excitement. Jen slept
with Lottie Last night and
left me to guard the ...
side of the house ... ...
Miss Morse sent for ...
and told her she ... ...
down stairs on account of
[line too light to read]


[printed] FRIDAY, March 17th, 1854.
Yesterday my home letters
came so I received ...
to-day. My boys promised
what I asked without a
... for which I was
gladder than I have been
...anything for a long
long time. St. Pat's
day and we had tea at
... ... gyms were
to come in the evening
but we were excused
from them so I did
not have to walk. Wrote
to Mr. McCandless which is
one of the hardest things
I have to do and I am
thankful it is done
Have withstood Etta's
teasing so far and guess
I can stand it till the
... Wrote to Mamma & sent
it yesterday.


[printed] SATURDAY, March 18th, 1854.
Spent all the morning
studying Rhetoric. It is
a shame to always give us
harder lessons for Monday
than any other day. Prac
tised in the afternoon and
did one or two other
things and Saturday was
gone. Nothing happened
more than usual and
I am glad vacation is
coming when there will
be a chance to rest.


[printed] SUNDAY, March 19th, 1854.
... ... classes excused
...
... ... was sick. May
and Etta and I walked
... B. c. time up and
... the observatory
path. It was a most
delightful day. That
at way off looks as
if I were studying Latin
Wrote to Christine that
I had fully made up
my changeable mind
to stay here during the
Easter time. I expect
to have a gay time reading
then if ... don't worry
the life out of me before
then. May is helping her
so it is much as possi
ble


[printed] MONDAY, March 20th, 1854.
Made up my mind to
go to Brooklyn. Had a long
letter from Papa and he
sent me Parson's Essays,
Hohnes Mechanism of thought
and Scripture paradoxes and
gave his explanation
of what I wanted to know
Gave in my ticket at cor
ridor meeting. Don't want
to go very much but
guess I will to please
my parents


[printed] TUESDAY, March 21st, 1854.
Letters to-day which frustrated
my plans of yesterday.
Miss Spelman
writes that she has to
go away from home to
nurse her sister so that
I cannot go there. Can't
say I am very sorry but
... will be. Letter from
Julia wanting to know
when I will be in B.
so that she can come
and see me. Am not
going to tell the girls of
the change in my
ideas for I don't want
to die before my time
by worrying. Told Miss
Hamlin to keep it quiet
and so she will.


[printed] WEDNESDAY, March 22nd, 1854.
Small explanation this
evening on examina
tions. The three weeks
review determines whether
we pass in our studies
and the two days are
for the benefit of the
examinating committee.
President Raymond made
several little jokes, about
our changing our names
and having pet names
go down to posterity. He
wants good names and
respectable if not beautiful
go into the Vassar
Catalogue. Thankful I
have not one of that
sort.


[printed] THURSDAY, March 23d, 1854.
Letter from John containing
a riddle. Why
is a man eating soup
with a fork like one try
ing to kiss his sweetheart.
Heard of the revolution in
Paris, mean to read up
Sunday. President
said in Chapel that they
had written to Mr Gough
and if he came he would
be here about eleven to
morrow. May he come.


[printed] FRIDAY, March 24th, 1854.
Went to Delta and saw
Much ado about nothing.
It was first rate. How
the girls get up their
costumes I can't see.
They are almost as good
as if they were regular
actors and had everything
instead of having to borrow
a little here and a
little there. Society Hall
was about as full as it
could be, teachers in abundance.
Letter from Papa enclosing
a notice of Dr. Harper and
some seeds which I hope
had nothing to do with
Mr. Buckley. Did not think
they would take at my
word so quickly. Mr
Gough did not come though
we watched all 4th Period.
One girl said a watched
pot never boils. ...


[printed] SATURDAY, March 25th, 1854.
Read In Trust all the
afternoon and am
sorry I wasted my
time so. It would not
be so bad if there were
not so many simple
remarks in it, especially
about the broad high
forehead, expressive mouth,
and roman nose of the
three weeks old baby.
Miss Douglass appears to
think the first duty
of a married woman
is to have a baby to
go down to posterity-at
any rate every one
had one in less than
a year from when
they were married.


[printed] SUNDAY, March 26th, 1854.
Wrote to John, Miss Spelman
Matha, Clara, Julia, Papa
In the afternoon and
evening Dora read Dream
Life by Donald G. Mitchell
It is good and leaves one
something to think of besides
babies I seem to
go by starts, usually I
read nothing and now
I have read two books
in two days. Called on
Miss Brown and she
told me some queer
stories about Alice
Clark and others
I wonder how much
she knows about the
Carters. I hope not
so much as I do for
their sakes.


[printed] MONDAY, March 27th, 1854.
Nobody ever had more different
plans. This morning
I was as fixed in
my resolve to stay here
through the vacation as
possible--to night my trunk
is packed for going to
Philadelphia. All because Papa
said I might run over
there for a day or two from
Brooklyn. I thought if I
could go at all I might
as well go for the whole
time as I cannot go to
Brooklyn. But I must take
back my invitations to
Clara an [sic] Julia. I will
go and see [squiggle] on my
way back here Monday
if nothing happens


[printed] TUESDAY, March 28th, 1854.


[printed] WEDNESDAY, March 29th, 1854.
Meeting of the Students Asso
ciation lasting till after
eight. The President was
caught on the way out of
Chapel and reminded of
his promise to explain the
reasons why the Faculty would
not let the S. A. Support Mary
Kneisel any more. He ex
plained very satisfactorily
to me, and then said he
would answer any questions
they wished to ask on the
subject and the [sic] asked and
he answered, in the meanwhile
giving quite an animated
speech on the want
of Trust the S. A. had in the
Faculty. After he left they
discussed Founders Day again

-decided to ask H. [initial] Beecher
before finally deciding on
Prof. Raymonds reading

[printed] THURSDAY, March 30th, 1854.
Our trunks were toted off
this afternoon to my delight.
Had a letter from
Papa enclosing check for
fifty dollars. And the
news that he had resigned
as C. I. R. but he did
not say what he was
going to do. May he
have some business that
will bring him North.
A glorious concert this
evening by four Philharmonics
under Prof.
Ritter. Miss Lloyd and
Miss Mussel played. The
Misses Lord sat right in
front in the gallery with
white kids on and an
opera glass and looked
childlike and bland
and mighty simple.


[printed] FRIDAY, March 31st, 1854.
Arrived in Phil. 8-15.P.M.
Went down to Po'keepsie
in a carriage with
May, Etta, Alice, Abbie
and Kiersted. The first
three went on the 12-20
train and we others
wandered around town
till the 1-15. Over 130 of
us went down. Was Piloted
to the ferry by Lott. W. and
then I was leader and
piloted the Tituses and
Shultis across the
Ferry and to the cars
myself. Talked to Mr. Hon
ell most of the way to
Phil. A Gay Old Gentleman.
Kate asked me to join
their party. Miss Hamlin
came to talk to me in the
cars but I was cool and
calm. She don't like me


[printed] SATURDAY, April 1st, 1854.
April Fool's Day. The
clock face was covered
with paper and we
all looked at it and
were fooled. It rained
all day long. Began my
green tidy and made a
little tatting. Played Rounces
all the evening till
after ten before one game
was finished Poor Uncle
John Aitken seems pretty
feeble. Wrote to Julia and
Clara Raynor telling
them not to come to
Vassar during the vacation
to see me.


[printed] SUNDAY, April 2nd, 1854.
Went to Sunday School
and Church. There were
not many people in
either place and I
should not wonder if
the society was broken
up soon. It is a pity
people are poor and
fight so. Mary, Fannie
and Sue. Aitken came
over in the afternoon
and Ben brought Mary
and Lizzie Snyder to see
me. Wrote to Harry and
home. We sat in the
parlor without the gas
lit all the evening and
talked books and authors
The boys had to take the
girls home. Glad I aint
boys to have to go home
with girls whether or
no I want to.


[printed] MONDAY, April 3rd, 1854.
Spent the evening at Fanny
Aitkens. Dont think she
is the most ladylike girl
I ever saw. If I was a
boy I would not like to
have cold potatoes thrown
at me in my face and
on my good coat. If I
were to sling one my pere
would give me a short
address on the evils of
my ways. It rained all
the evening and we were
caught in it in the after
noon. Rode up in a car
without paying any
fare. Ella under took it
but in the crowd could
not find the conductor.


[printed] TUESDAY, April 4th, 1854.
Was a little extravagant
but I could not help it
because it was for Sallie
for her birthday. Poor Uncle
John is worse. I don't
think the children realize
how sick he is, or else
I think he is worse
than he is. It seems as
though he might go off
in any of the smoth
ering spells he has. Ben
is most to be pitied for
he seems to think so
much of his father.


[printed] WEDNESDAY, April 5th, 1854.
Had a real good time at
Lizzie Snyder's last night
and danced the ... again
Awkward looking
body I guess I am in
them as it is the second
time since nine years.
Hope I have spent my
last cent for I have
not much more than
enough to get back on
Have only been extrava
gant in two things this
time which is pretty
good for me. We went
over to Mr. Smith's store
and got weighed. I
weighed 142 1/2 pounds
Am coming down a
little or else had on
thinner clothing


[printed] THURSDAY, April 6th, 1854.


[printed] FRIDAY, April 7th, 1854.


[printed] SATURDAY, April 8th, 1854.
Fussed over my dress all
the morning and in
the afternoon we went
to the matinee; it was
decidedly a mixed up
play that we saw and
there was considerable
dancing. The last scene
was very beautiful, but
on the whole it was dif
ferent from what we ex
pected and I did not
admire it much but
I was glad I went for
it was something new.
Our escort told us to tell
anyone who might ask
us about it that "it was
very deep." Spent half
an hour after I came
back bathing Mary's head.
She seemed entirely worn
out.


[printed] SUNDAY, April 9th, 1854.
Saw Mr & Mrs Ballon
in church. He sent her
up to the altar to see
what those young girls
were doing with the
flowers and then she
recognized me. On my
way down stairs to wash
some ivy he stopped me &
asked me lots of things with
out knowing me. In the
evening lost a lock of my
hair and read spots of
Innocents Abroad, selected
by Ben. Saw Dr. Harper
go by in the afternoon
but had no chance to
call to him. Wish I
had for I wanted to
talk to him so much.
Sat up with Ella and
the boys till everyone
had gone to bed.


[printed] MONDAY, April 10th, 1854.
Left Phil. on the 3-10
train. Made a very
quick trip to Newark
When I got there they
put me down at the
wrong place and I
had a gay time find
ing where the girls
live Guess I'll not
be such a fool next
time. Took a walk
in the evening and
got some ice cream
and after we went
to bed talked till very
late. They scolded me
for not coming on Sat-
day. Saw Mrs Guyger in
the evening and Mr
Pinney.


[printed] TUESDAY, April 11th, 1854.
Went over to New York
at little past nine.
Found that my trunk
had not yet left
Philadelphia and had
to telegraph for it. Call
ed on Mrs Lockwood
who was at dinner,
fortunately for us. She
has a beautiful new
house with alcove bed
rooms beautifully furnished.
Called on
Clara and got another
sound scolding for
not coming before.
Hope my friends will
hereafter expect me
when I say I'll come
and not when they
take a kink I will
be there.


[printed] WEDNESDAY, April 12th, 1854.
Studied a little last eve
but not much for I
was tired. Went to class
to-day without knowing
very much but
got along tolerably well
as we had dictation in
French. A great many
of the girls are not
back yet. Etta and
Alice came this morning.
May did not take our
advice but came back
on time. The girls say
they had a gay time
here boating excursioning
etc. But I don't wish
I had stayed. Found
letters from Harry
and Mary.


[printed] THURSDAY, April 13th, 1854.
In choral class this
morning the second
sopranos were as stupid
as before the vacation
and I am ashamed
of them. Fin
ished the first vol
ume of Philip the Sec
ond. Am beginning to
feel as if there had
been no vacation. It
is so easy to get back
into the old habits.
Had gymnastics. The
prohibition on walk
ing after five o clock
has been removed
for which I say three
cheers. Am going to
have Mrs Green make
my skirts. Tuttle told
me about her trouble
as Prep. Special.


[printed] FRIDAY, April 14th, 1854.
Got out Philip the
tooth. In the evening
wrote up my small
diary and read and
talked instead of studying
Latin. Studied my
French in the afternoon.
My trunk came yesterday
to my great delight
but I had to
pay two dollars and a
half for it. Guess my
fifty won't be near
fifty very long at the
present rate. Wrote to
Mrs McCandless;and
wrote to Rob telling
him not to worry
for my trunk was
here all correct &
unpacked. [two lines
too faint to read]


[printed] SATURDAY, April 15th, 1854.
Studied a few minutes
in the morning and
most of the rest of
the day I fussed over
my dress. Lottie read
some of the Newcomes
to me while I worked.
Miss Morse sent for
May and told her she
would have to give
her Miss Irwin for
a roommate which
was mean consider
ing that she had
told her that she
need not have any.
Studied Latin in
Mays room with Miss
Meeker who is quite
an addition to we
folks. I like smart
folks to study with


[printed] SUNDAY, April 16th, 1854.
Had a "... ..." to
preach for us to-day. For
a wonder the sermon
was not about Martha
& Mary. He was an ugly
little fellow with a
crooked, one-sided, wig.
Preached us pretty near
to sleep, but had such a
cracked voice that we
did not set quite to
it. Tuttle wrote to Harry
and it was a gay old
letter notwithstanding
she said I held the baby
for the little girl who
told me the way in
Newark when I did
not at all. Read a
little in the library
in the evening


[printed] MONDAY, April 17th, 1854.
Letter from Mamma
saying I must get my
calico dresses here, so I
guess I'll not get any
at least not till I am
sure about going home.
Took May and Tuttle over
to Mrs ...'s. A goose
chased us and frightened
May. We sat down under
one of the trees to
play euchre on the way
back but it was so
near the road and in
such plain sight of
the building that we
only played one game
before coming in.


[printed] TUESDAY, April 18th, 1854.
A wasp stung me
just before Silent time
but by putting mud
on immediately I
seemed to draw out
the poison. Got a
piece of classical
Latin poetry (as I thought
... three classes for I
did not have a chance
to look at it in
Latin class when I
read the accompany
ing letter. Subject of
it was "Carmen"


[printed] WEDNESDAY,April 19th, 1854.
Sunday April 19, 1868
Today I wrote to
my old uncle I wonder
how soon he will answer
me. Papa is quite
sick to day and Mary
is trying to be.
Mrs Harper goes tomorrow.
I don't think
there is much of a
chance at present
of my going to the
Xenia seminary to
take singing lessons
We have broken all
ties to Slippery Dick
and have declared war
To day the Sentinel
denounces Papa and
the Mail defends him
What a change from last
winter! We may have to
leave the State yet


[printed] THURSDAY,April 20th, 1854.
Prof. Backus was not
in Rhetoric if Miss Clard
did ask him to come
in every day till we
did not care whether he
came or not. We were
quite Smart last night
We translated about 120
lines of Cicero in an
hour and twenty min
utes, a line and a
half a minute. This
is our last night
with that author I
trust and believe
A beautiful mist is ov
er all the earth like
some soft veil to hide
the preparations for natures
beautiful appearance
on a sunshiny to-mor
row.


[printed]FRIDAY,April 21st, 1854.
Annie Love spent the
evenity with me, mir
abile dictu, and over
our ravelling ... had
quite a pleasant talk
for nearly two hours, on
clothes and people.
Saw Miss Darling, whom
I supposed to be still
away and was reminded
that I must call on
her soon.


[printed] SATURDAY, April 22nd, 1854.
Rose ce matin at half
past six and was
dressed by the time the
rising bell rang and
went down and fix
ed May's hair for her
picture. Worked on
my dress rouchs all
the morning while Etta
darned. She and May
are going to belong to
Tuttle's croquet club. There
is a quiet sort of row
going on between Etta
and Alice, sorry to write.


[printed] SUNDAY, April 23rd, 1854.


[printed]MONDAY, April 24th, 1854.
[initial]T. told us the news
at supper that she had
run off and gone to town
this afternoon. She walked
in and a young gent
brought her out in his
buggy to the lake steps
Pretty risky business
but it must have
been fun. I am afraid
she talked too
much at supper and
that my friend of
the big eyes knows
of it. Some one made
a noise in Cor. meet
ing and I know Miss
Hamlin thought I did
it for she stared at
me so. She suspects
me of everything I
guess now 2 days.


[printed]TUESDAY, April 25th, 1854.
It is after half past
seven and I have just
returned from the Students
We have had a long discus
sion on Mary Kniesel, the
last I hope for she is to
send here [sic] dressmakers bill
her [sic] to be paid and the rest
of the money for her is to be
sent to Mr. Van Meter. Her Sem
inary has been burned and
she dont know just what
she has lost except two
pairs of corsets. She must
have had three pairs for
she had one on, a good
lot for such a poor girl.
They want us each to pay
fifteen cents more for
Founder's Day. I have paid
as much as I am going
to for one.


[printed]WEDNESDAY, April 26th, 1854.
not go to Chapel. Jen
and Fan and lots of
others have been called
up for something. They
two got off quite easily
as they had only done it
once for fun. F had to
tell this afternoon where
she got the cigarettes
so probably Lot. will be
sent for. I should
think that in all
this investigation Tut
tle would tremble.
It is said that Nell
Epler received a box of
Cigaretts [sic] every day from
one of the Bizby boys.
Fred Hinkle is the
go between. I expect
the President will give
us a fine speech on the
subject next Tuesday.


[printed]THURSDAY, April 27th, 1854.
Great excitement throughout
the building not for Founders
Day but for the row
on the gambling smoking
and drinking question
also the flirting with
the Bizby boys. Rumors fly
all over the college. Every
time Jen and I meet we
have some new edition to
relate. The last was that
Misses Ledue and Cornell are
as deep in it as the others
and were found gambling
after ten also drinking. 4
girls were to be publicly ex
pelled tonight in Chapel but
they weren't. There are
thirty or forty others who
are to be privately expelled
Two girls were so drunk
last Sunday that they could


[printed]FRIDAY, April 28th, 1854.
The latest to night is
that Waltby and Dane
have hid out of the
fuss and Epler alone
told the truth and is
alone to be expelled. Dane
mean. Of course every
one is furious at that
Epler has the sympathies
of the teachers. We will
probably hear of it in
Chapel Tuesday. Up
till twelve at the F.[ounders] D.[ay]
performance. It was too
long for any use. The
reading lasted over two
hours. Lough and Safford were
so cold in the beginning that
we almost suffocated. The
music was good except the
singing which was not much
count. The tableaux were fine
but not worth thirty dollars.


[printed]SATURDAY, April 29th, 1854.
It was lucky I sewed
all day yesterday for not
an earthly thing have I
done to-day, except working
an hour in the garden
In the afternoon just
as I was beginning to study
Miss Brown came. She
was very blue and, as
usual in such cases, talked
all the time about the
sad condition of the Waltham
school and the bad way it
is of educating the N. C. children
outside the church. I am
sorry the school is so but
as I can't help it I am sorry
that she is always complaining
of it to me. She is rather sceptical
[sic] of the stories about
the scrape of Maltby Dane & Epler
May she be in better spirits
next time she comes.


[printed]SUNDAY, April 30th, 1854.
Fooled away most of the
time between Bible class
and Chapel so did not
get to writing till after
noon. Wrote six letters
though before nine. Then
read a little in Philip
who passes away slowly.
Annie Love was up in
the evening to see Miss
Hamlin who, as usual,
was not at home. She
must be in the scrape
or she would not want
Miss Hamlin so much.
Lottie Rossiter is too I
guess by her looks. I wonder
what they had to do.
Annie always is very envious
when on [sic] goes to tell
her anything and when she
is told says O yes she kows [sic]
all about it!


[printed]MONDAY, May 1st, 1854.
Written 1868
I am one year old this day
My first birthday outside
the paternal mansion
and it is rather a lone
some affair. I have told
no one that it was my
birthday so did not even
get a good luck wish. But
such a good letter from
Mamma came that it
was not so very bad. It
is queer what she likes
me for. If I was some
one else I would not
like me a bit, it seems.
I mean to suggest going
out west next time I write
home. The south is not
fit for decent people
to live in when they
belong to our persuasion
I hate the place.


[printed]TUESDAY, May 2nd, 1854.
To-night the expected blow
came. He began "Smoking,
Drinking, Card playing, Clandestine
correspondence with
young men, going on in Vassar
College" and then went on
to say what he had heard
from fathers and brothers. He
then said what he had found out.
In two cases cigars had been sent, and
came. The cigars had been smoked in a
frolic and the wine drank [sic]. He
fussed lightly over that. Then enlarged
on the girl's unwillingness to help him
discover the facts. In two cases such
was alowable [sic]- in Honor among Thieves
and in shielding good men from tyrants
It was wrong here. He read the girls
names out in Chapel. Said he would
rather have ten scourgings than do it. I
never felt so sorry for anyone in
my life as those three poor girls. They
are not to pass the front fence or
the stream back or to receive gents
in the parlors. The cards he skipped.
A birthday package from Phil. came
this afternoon. My friends are too good
to me. It makes me want to do
what I cannot. I have thought
much of George to-day. Wonder if
he thought of me yesterday. Though
he may be ever so good in future.


[printed]WEDNESDAY, May 3d, 1854.
Yesterday it appeared that
some other people remember
my birthday besides Mamma
Very pleasant for me.
It appeareth strange that
Mrs. McCandless don't write
I must heap coals of fire
on her head next Sunday
Walked with Dora out in
the woods in the rain
so that she could get
some flowers to anylize
[sic]. Began my pink
bracket It will not
be handsome but it
will answer the purpose
and fill a place
on the walls. We fear
that Mrs Humphries
called this morning
and found our par
lor in disorder.


[printed] THURSDAY, May 4th, 1854.
Prof. Hinkle was in
Latin this noon. Came
just as I was finishing
luckily. I drew a
picture of him. Very
good picture but not
much like him. Noth
in in particular to
say. Two ladies from
Phil, principals of schools
have been here. One
wears a cap on her
head like a crown.
Trimmed up with
purple feathers. Looks
like Queen Victoria would
if she were an old maid
and fixed her hair in
little bunches of curls
sticking out the front
and the side under
her crown.


[printed] FRIDAY, May 5th, 1854.
Left two things out of
my letter to Ella that
I meant to put in, about
my cold and my brack
et. Will speak of them the
next time I write. Have
nothing to say. Am afraid
that John is still sick
as no letter from him
has come yet. I hope
for one to-morrow. I
am so sorry about poor
Mary ..., that she don't
get better. I hope that
they will have sense
enough to make her go
away some place and pay
attention to getting well.


[printed] SATURDAY, May 6th, 1854.
Had a delightful ... in
Papa's letter that they think of
coming north in the fall-
not in so many words but
I guessed it and I am going
home in June I guess. Did
not eat any supper last night
except a doughnut I stole. As
I felt the same indisposition
to eat this evening I did not
go down at all, preferring to
eat the remaining doughnut
in Silent time to sitting
half an hour at supper
doing nothing. Hope my
cold will get well soon.
Also that the supply of
coal will not give out
again this spring, or I
will have another.


[printed] SUNDAY, May 7th, 1854.
Went to chapel and
found it was cold
and that Prof. Orton
was going to preach
so I left just before
the sermon. Heard after
wards that it was a
very good one. Read
the Messenger till the
service was over when
I went to walk. Took
a roasting hot bath
and went to bed under
a pile of covers
last night in hopes
of bettering my cold
but succeeded not
at all. Hope to be
better to-morrow


[printed] MONDAY, May 9th, 1854.
Have just been hearing a
most romantic story from
Lottie Walker of a Mrs Dick
Colwell in Jersey. Hope to
it remember. Discovered
that I made a mistake
in my planting l'autre
jour and planted pinks
for mignonette et vice
versa. Don't think Miss
Lerow is nearly as good
a reader as Miss Swayze
She is too monotonous.


[printed] TUESDAY, May 9th, 1854.
Practised with Emily
Dane in gymnastics to
day during the steps. Etta
fooled over the dumb bells
and I chastised her. Then
she would not take my
arms so I left the
ranks. Then Miss Colwell
asked if I would practise
with Miss Dane. Saying
yes, I did so while Etta
stood by the wall and
grinned. Determined to
have my picture took.
Am in a pickle about
what to wear. Mr Kirtz
wants us to wear white
but I guess my silk
will be light enough
for this time.


[printed] WEDNESDAY, May 10th, 1854.
Cecilia has a soiree tonight.
Wish I were a
member. I would go instead
of studying Latin.
Conundrum business comes
on slowly. One of last
night was Why is the Pres
ident like a Wildcat. Because
he is related to pussy. an-
other-Why is a horse
running away like a
dress being slit down the
back. Because they both
go licketty split. They
were both rejected.
Taken-When is a man
in the smallest possible
space.-When he is in a
pickle. Miss Bennetts
name was proposed for
membership in the
Philaletheau, to night.


[printed] THURSDAY, May 11th, 1854.
Tried to draw a picture at
supper to-night of we'uns
studying Latin. May sprawled
across the foot of the bed
Etta with her feet cocked
up on the foot board.
Me seated at the top of
the bed, Kiersted alongside
of me, Alice in the rocking
chair side of her. Etta was
saying "I have that in my
notes" Kiersted "May what
does hospitio mean" Alice
"I have the order of that"
I, "wait till I find my
notes" May "Please read
your notes Bertha." It
was not a success in
the artistic line, though
very expressive.


[printed] FRIDAY, May 12th, 1854.
After much consideration
have made up my mind
not to go to ... Fields lecture
on French Literature
this evening. Because by
close calculation I have
decided that if I don't
go this evening I can
almost finish my dress
tomorrow. Got the two
skirts finished this afternoon.
May is sick this
afternoon. Prof. Backus
officiated in Chapel. Wish
the President would resign to
him. Miss Clark told us yesterday
that a gentleman Principal of a school
visiting here said he was much
confused to see that there was
communication in every class
he saw.[three words too light to read] to that
Lady & said she was delighted
with the girls here because
they did not [two lines too light to read]


[printed] SATURDAY, May 13th, 1854.
Changed my mind
and went to the lecture
whh.[sic] lasted a period and
was splendid. The President
had her change her subject
to "What French will do
for you." She said that
even if we learned French
pretty well it would not do us
much good in French society
for the people were too sel
fish and fond of good conversation
to invite anyone to
their parties who could not
enjoy them and be an or
nament to society. Said it
would do us a great deal of
good in reading French writing
Memoirs and Letters) It would
teach us to give parties and get
up general converse instead
of having off people for the eve.
Told us the story of the french
gentleman she gave a reception
to who wanted to know why
the Americans were so ...
in asking information
about France. Each taking ...
... alone ....


[printed] SUNDAY, May 14th, 1854.
(Written Monday.)
Had a most splendid
... talk by Prof. Back
us before the society of
Religious Inquiry. It was
on Home Missions. It was
the most interesting thing
I have heard in the College
He is an American in
sentiment and don't believe
in letting the enthusiasm
of foreign missions
drown the home miss
ions He spoke of how
wonderful a thing it
was that Christianity kept
pace with the population
But it is no use trying
to repeat. I only spoil it.
Etta came in afterwards
and we read Dr Johns
till ten o'clock. But we
were not very interested


[printed] MONDAY, May 15th, 1854.
Had my picture taken
this morning. He took
the girl that should
have come after me be
fore me so I was late
to noon Latin. As there
was a good excuse and
it was not my fault
I suppose it won't matter
Heard that the soft look
ing minister who has
been here several days
and who preached yesterday
is going to write
us up in "Scribners." He
appears better in the pulpit
than out. It would be well
if he could always stay
there. He is about the
softest looking specimen
that we have had here.


[printed] TUESDAY, May 16th, 1854.
... was at the gymnasium
this afternoon
Wonder if he will report
about the girls shoes. If
he does ,woe is me! Etta
and I came suddenly
upon him on the front
steps after supper, when
we went out to see if
it was warm enough to
go out and read Dr. Johns
It was warm enough and
we went out and read.
But, if I were a man visit
ing a ladies college I would
let them know when I was
around so they would not
be startled at coming suddenly
upon me. Also I would be
too bashful to be always perambulating
the halls just
when all the girls were there
going from one place of duty
to another so I would. He don't


[printed] WEDNESDAY, May 17th, 1854.

Sunday 68
Today morning Papa started
for the Presidential Con
vention at Chicago. He expects
to be gone about
two but I expect he will
be gone three weeks
We are still waiting
like the Micawbers for
something to turn up
The Senate have as good
as acquitted Andrew Johnson
and there is very small
chance of the State being
admitted in less
than two months if it
is at all. If it isnt
we will all of us turn
up in some other state.
The 2 states I particu
larly want to be in are
the states of health and
wealth. May we be in
both very soon Even so


[printed] THURSDAY, May 18th, 1854.
Guess I wont rub out
the record of three
years ago. It seems
like six since the
summer I used to
write now and then a
day up by my window
in Mrs. Weiss house.
Yesterday Pussy sent for me
I went down in fear
and trembling for fear she
would give me a roommate
But she only wanted to know
why I was absent from Chapel
2 weeks ago. Told her I had a
cold and the Chapel was cold
she excused me from that and
for being late to Latin Monday
As I ... was going out she
said "I suppose you would like to
know what your marks are" said I
"yes mamm." She said they were
very good with the exception of
one month in Latin. A little
more study would make them
perfect. I am very glad of it Would
like to know that month Thanked her and
... how I had wanted to find out
about them.


[printed] FRIDAY, May 19th, 1854.
Went down to supper this
evening with Corinne and
we were the first in
the room and when we
saw what a horrid old
supper there was we left
after pocketing some cookies
from our respective tables
It was well we were in
soon or we would have
had to stay An illustration
of how the early bird catches
the worm. When I went
at noon to the mail
Miss Preston said in her
ugly way you won't look
so smiling when you see
its only a paper. I told
her it was just what I
expected. I wonder why
she need be so disagree
able.


[printed] SATURDAY, May 20th, 1854.
In our walk around the lake
before tea May told me of
her plan for next year. She
is going to stay at home
and see what she can do
to make the folks there
happy as she says she has
never done for them but
the contrary, them for her
But je ne le crois pas ...
She is to keep on with her
French and Latin. I wish
I knew enough to be able
to do the same thing. Lucy
Sellers father came for her
this morning and she is
started for California having
passed examination in
her studies. She is lucky!
Have on a summer dress
for the first time. This is
a good place not to wear
out summer clothes in.


[printed] SATURDAY, May 20th, 1854.
A nice looking old goat
preached a good sermon
to-day. But he has the
snarliest voice I ever
heard which most marred
it. He looked too sweet to
have such a voice. His
sermon was full of poetical
quotations from Paradise Lost
to the Queen of the May. Very
funny. Called this "a unique
seminary" "a seminary of secular
learning for young persons"
etc. Had the greatest
hunt to-day for letters and
the clover I had to send
the girls. I always have
to hunt for things. I
hope I may get out of
the habit before a
great many years. This
is the first gloriously hot
day.


[printed] MONDAY, May 22nd, 1854.
Miss Hamlin is so good
I wonder what is the
matter. She kissed me
said she was glad to see
me and asked if I miss
ed her. and altogether act
ed as though she had been
away a month instead of
two days. I did miss her
when Miss Preston came trotting
around ten o'clock, but
was not very down hearted.
Poor Dora is sick with a
sore mouth. Etta is
right-pert again. I caught
Miss Kapp's eye today in
class and she looked so
nice that I have been
homesick almost, ever
since. Miss Brashir rubbed
out one of Lou Kellogg's
exercises for Bible class topics.
Lou got in just in time to see
the last of it disappear.


[printed] TUESDAY, May 23d, 1854.
chronology made distaste
ful to us here? By the stars
and giving us dates. Why
at the end of President
R's sermons are we like
carriage wheels? Because
we are tired. When is
a woman not a woman?
When she is a-bed. When is
a man not a man? When
he is a miss. Why is a
thoughtless man like the
wrong side of a looking glass?
Because he never reflected
What is the diff. between a
man facing the west in
the morning and a woman
doing the same in the afternoon?
One casts a shadow before, the
other " " " behind. Why
is the world like a dog's tail? Be
cause it wags. Why is the
icing on cake like a
hen? Because it is a layer
[ printed page number] 10


[printed] WEDNESDAY, May 24th, 1854.
Had nothing to say yesterday
in this account Not
much more to-day. This
has been rather full of
work. Had a tremendous
French lesson and at nine
have to practice "Down in
the Dewy Dell." Have just
been talking with Jennie
about how she is to introduce
her conundrums.
I think a good way would
be to tell how each was
thought of. I guess I will
write down some so as
to remember them in the
great hereafter. First, in reference
to the row at the
Chapter meeting. What
was the word "well"
supposed to be worth? As
sent (a cent) How is
over backwards


[printed] THURSDAY, May 25th, 1854.


[printed] FRIDAY, May 26th, 1854.


[printed] SATURDAY, May 27th, 1854.


[printed] SUNDAY, May 28th, 1854.
Have nothing to say
at all any more than
the skipped days but
have time to say the
nothing. Have written
four long letters, at least
three were long, and
am now on a fifth
to Lizzie Snyder. Friday
night Jen came off
gay with her conundrums.
Took a part from
Hiawatha, twisted to
suit the purpose, for
the heading. Thursday
we drew for things. First
in fun then by the decision
of a tossed penny
in earnest. I came
of ... to my thinking
Lottie the same to
hers, Jen the worst ...


[printed] MONDAY, May 29th, 1854.


[printed] TUESDAY, May 30th, 1854.
Had a lecture by the President
on the frivolity of
the Literary society. It took
him forty minutes to get
to the point of his discourse
what all the rest was introductory
to, namely, that
the girls must not wear
masculine attire in their
plays. Reminded us of the
character of actresses. Said
he had been invited many
times to go but never went
for fear of having his moral
sensibilities wounded.
Poor man! If he is ashamed
to see a girl's ankle
he better never go to gymnastics.
He said too much
of the time was spent on such
things for the good of our intellectural
growth.
(according to recollection)


[printed] WEDNESDAY, May 31st, 1854.
Added up my account
to-day and came 2 dollars
short this month, at
least, I am sure that
about everything I bought
I set down, so cannot see
where it has gone to.
Someone must have
it, as I haven't. I am going
to hide my purse
this week and see how
it will come out next
month. Had a very
easy time today though
the Rhetoric was twenty
four pages long. Slept
the sixth period. ...
came up from eve
ning choral class where
we have been singing
Down in the Dewy Dell
Ten till ...


[printed] THURSDAY, June 1st, 1854.
President modified his
Tuesday night's remarks
a little to-night. Wonder
if Minnie got after him.


[printed] FRIDAY, June 2nd, 1854.
Played croquet after
tea with Misses Hastings
Pennell and Brown, who
asked me yesterday. Had
a first rate time. Hastings
and I played together
and came off ahead. I
would like to play a
little more so as to
be in p (two days after) ractice
for the summer campaign.
Read most of the
afternoon. May came just
as I wrote the above ...
and asked me to Delta.
Had a real good time.
They gave up the grand
show they expected to have
on account of the President's
remarks. But they had
essays and music and
every one enjoyed it.


[printed] SATURDAY, June 3d, 1854.
The one who seemed
least to enjoy the show
last night was Miss Blisses
young man. I should
think the poor fellow
would have been scared
at being with so many
of "the sex." Sewed some
on my new waist and
studied Latin in the
afternoon. The morning
was all taken up in
Student's association and
in going to Mrs Green's
for my dress and taking
my new one to make, at
which I most came
to a grease spot. The
officers were elected with
out any fight, but it
took over two hours. Miss
Crocket was mad at being
put on the committee


[printed] SUNDAY, June 4th, 1854.
Miss Lord told us we would
only have one more Bible
class. I divided Bible
as Colonel Reynolds does "...
ch." Sleepy sermon on
commerce. Had the
grand honor of sitting in
Miss Lord's place. She would
not let me change when
she came in and when
the bananas were passed
around she made me
help myself first.
Walked with Lily Lewis
after supper. The sun
was out and it rained
so I had to come
clear up to my room
for my umbrella.


[printed] MONDAY, June 5th, 1854.


[printed] TUESDAY, June 6th, 1854.
Have finished our last
night in Virgil. Didn't
read tomorrow afternoons
lesson for we think we
know the end. Have
... up for Sunday.
Slept a half an hour
after dinner and read
half and hour in the
Journal. Then studied
all rest of the afternoon
on Rhetoric.


[printed] WEDNESDAY, June 7th, 1854.
Letter from Mary Glenn
this morning which has
made me feel rather sober
to-day. Uncle John has gone
home to rest. I wonder if
we will ever be good enough
to rejoice when one
of our friends is taken home
from a life of pain. We
ought to, but we never
do and always feel sad.
Though we are glad he
went so quietly with so
little pain. I am
sorry too for poor Mary
who was getting along so
nicely in the country
when she had to go home
to watch by the sick bed.
May it not take away
all the country benefit
and leave her weaker.


[printed] THURSDAY, June 8th, 1854.


[printed] FRIDAY, June 9th, 1854.


[printed] SATURDAY, June 10th, 1854.
At last my wish has
been fulfilled and I've
been to the old graveyard. It
contains, sixteen trees, mostly
apple, eight tombstones, grape
vines, lots of shade, also
weeds, and the ashes of
eight people. From the dates
I think they are two old
peoples, their three sons, one
son's wife, and two grandchildren.
Some stones were upset.
One one was cut in something like
"Stranger stop on passing by
As you are so once was I
As I am so you will be
So prepare to follow me.
Underneath in pencil "To
follow you I'm not content
until I know which way you
went" I know who wrote the lat
I told Miss Lord at the table
and she was very shocked
and didn't even smile. We told
Miss Hamlin who laughed and
wanted to know what else funny
was there. Such is the difference
between peoples.


[printed] SUNDAY, June 11th, 1854.


[printed] MONDAY, June 12th, 1854.
Nothing in particular hap
pened to-day but I have
had a right lazy time. Was
not called on in French, luckily.
Prof Farrar and a Boston teacher
were in Rhetoric class and
only three girls recited.
The rest of the period was
taken up by his asking
questions and discussing
History and Fiction. He
told Miss Clark at the
end that the young
ladies in his class
seemed to have a mind
of their own. We ought to
have. Did not have any
Rhetoric much to study as
we review the last half
which I knew so after
reading it over and reading
the girls Latin I spent
the afternoon reading.
Now for study


[printed] TUESDAY, June 13th, 1854.
Nothing to say but that
I am no longer a Prep.
there was the usual rustle
over the chapel when
he said he would read
the names of those who
by a vote of the Faculty
were admitted. I guess
everyone was as some of
the simplest I know
were. Dora told me
yesterday that my name
was on the board to return
my book but I
am not going to till I
finish it to-morrow. It
is so dark I can't see
We keep forgetting to buy
some matches and our
borrowed ones have given
out.


[printed] WEDNESDAY, June 14th, 1854.
Miss Morse has been persecuting
Jennie again. When they
drew for rooms she didn't
draw on Fannie's corridor as
she wished so she changed
with a girl who was on that
one. To day Pussy gave it out
that there was a rule against
changing, when they had to go
to her to tell where they had
chosen. Asked Jen where she
drew, made her change back
again, made her hopping mad
She went to Dr A. to no purpose
Dr. said next year if she
could not stand her present
quarters she might change her
We draw next. I am going
to strike for Miss Thornton's
room in the corner.
Then, if the fates permit
Etta will get there with me.


[printed] THURSDAY, June 15th, 1854.
Drew for rooms. When I chose
I mustered up courage enough
to ask Miss Morse if Etta
could have the same room.
She said "none but Seniors
choose their roommates, let
us hope she will draw there"
Thinks I "many thanks for the
permission to hope." but did
not hope much. The
Freshmen talk of "cutting
Latin tomorrow as it is
printed to come off at
"11.P.M." instead of "A.M."
Guess they will be stopped
Letter from Clara. She has
been sick, which is why
she did not write
sooner. (according to
recollection Friday night)


[printed] FRIDAY, June 16th, 1854.
Etta drew on 1st North
Tried to change with Miss
Shultiss but Pussy forbad
it after two hours search
she found a sick body
who had to go down on
account of her health. As
she had first choice she
easily got in my room
lucky we. O nos beatos. As
I expected the Freshy were
stopped by a neat little
notice to the effect that
they would "please go to
recitation at 11.AM." They
asked me to Delta's last
meeting. It was very
pleasant. Miss Hawke had
the good bye for the Seniors
-not as good as she can do
May is going to sleep
with me. After this Annie
Love till the end.


[printed] SATURDAY, June 17th, 1854.
Skipped to-day and
have now Sunday) nothing
of consequence, as
all the other things in
this book are, to write.
Wrote to Mrs McCandless today
stating when I would
be there Rather an
awkward thing to do as
I have not heard from
there lately but it had
to be done. Still hope
to hear from there before
Wednesday.


[printed] SUNDAY, June 18th, 1854.
Have nothing say in particular
except that I am feeling
considerably provoked with Etta
just at present as I have
just learned from Alice
that although the swelling
has gone out of Etta's feet
as Etta herself told me-it
is now gon higher in the
calf of her leg- as she didn't
tell me. The girl is crazed
not to get medical advice
about it. I am much afraid
of dropsy and wish
I could go to the library
and read up on the symptoms
of that disease. Very
likely I am nervous because
of Uncle John's recent death,
but it must be something
serious when anyone swells
up in that way, especially
about the feet. If the girl had
sense she would not let it go so.


[printed] MONDAY, June 19th, 1854.
Lottie pinned up my overskirt and on my
bows behind but they
were put on so loosely
that I was in a state
of fear the whole time
till after our first sing
then I came up stairs
to fix tight not noticing
how soon our next sing
came and when I got
down it was over, sad
to say. I don't see how
they ever got along without
me. Had a nice letter
from Mrs. McCandless
and the forwarded one
from Mamma. This
is all written from
memory tomorrow before
the Philalethean address. It
is a fine thing to have so
fine a recollectionary organ


[printed]TUESDAY, June 20th, 1854.
Have enjoyed the day exceedingly
so far and am
now writing down the
events before packing up
my book. Now that we are
through I am in a hurry
to go away and get out
of all this muss. The
history of the Senior class, by
Miss Glover was first rate
and the prophecy was very
good. I would like to be
Miss Hopper in that
beautiful place on the
Mediterranean. The Sibyl
was rather rough on poor
Dora Hileman and I should
think that Miss Monks
would hope that the cat
would soon be buried and
forgotten. Miss Folger and Miss
Jewett did well at the ...
The Juniors and Sen. like to fling
at one another!


[printed] WEDNESDAY, June 21st, 1854.
The end


[printed] THURSDAY, June 22nd, 1854.


[printed] FRIDAY, June 23d, 1854.


[printed] SATURDAY, June 24th, 1854.


[printed] Balance of pages in this item
are blank.