Nicole
File
Edited Text
...[mo]untain air, and ... ...I gained, ... ...last. Abbie,... ...left for home ...We did ...
Grateful acknow[ledgement]
'69 [ac]counts, these [com]plemented by references
...[mo]untain air, and... ...I gained, ... ...last. Abbie, ... ...left for home ... ... We did ...
...I found... ...for Sunday,... ...and [image] [drin]king it will ...I hope... ...of your..
25 cents Thos. C.Platt vs.Mae Wood (Over)
Vassar Records Vassar College From 1865 S.S.Stilson '69 For complete accounts, these jottings may be supplimented by references to Journal.
1865 Vassar College opening day was Wednes. Sept. 20, 1865. Noon of that day first students' dinner in dining hall. Menu: Roast beef, corn beef, potatoes, beets, tomatoes, bread and butter. For dessert watermelons. About 300 hoop-skirted maidens sat down. Dr. Raymond asked the blessing and Mr. Vassar sat at head of table his face beaming with happiness for the climax hour of his life.
Evening first service in chapel, Dr. Raymond reading a psalm and offering prayer. The first hymn sung in the chapel was "My faith looks up to Thee."
First Sabbath service at Vassar was Sept. 24, 1865. Hymn, "Safely thru another week" Reading of scripture Prov. IV. Prayer. Singing "Rise my soul and stretch thy wings." Sermon on Prov. IX. 10, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Theme: The importance of beginnings-with the timid, the courageous,...Advice to Vassar students in this beginning...promise of the future. (For full report see my journal) Hymn "Guide me O thou great Jehovah."
During the following week examinations of candidates by Prof. Buckham in English, Prof. Farrar, Miss Sal[e]s, Miss Braislin in arithmetic, Prof. Knapp, Miss Fessenden, et al. in language......See first catalogue for names of faculty and teachers.....Mr. Swan in evidence as superintendent
Oct. 31 Hallowe'en ... some fun on the sly.
Nov. 4 Journal says Cynthis Smith, Clara White, and I go to
Po'keepsie in stage in charge of Miss Scott. ... room is 66a.
Nov. 10 evening party in room 59. The Curt[] girls Cynthia Smith, Clara White, and I think Bonb[]ghs and Emily Dennis and others. Nuts, candy, and merriment.
Tues., Nov. 28 Dr. Raymond in chapel gave a scathing philippic on girls flirting with young men at the lake. This had taken place the day before, I think.
Tuesday, Dec. 5. Formal adoption of Constitution and bylaws of Philalethean Society and Election of officers. Previous to this many meetings held.
December 7 Thanksgiving Day. Sermon by Dr. Raymond. Evening tableaux in chapel... "The Bashaw and Slaves;" "Sultan and dancing girls;" "The ... of ...family"- our (...Raymond) the other a sack of flour; "Marco Bozz[]'s widow receiving the traveler Strauss," and others.
At Christmas holidays []rly all separated.
1866
Saturday March 3 President Raymond in morning chapel made speech in favor of outdoor exercise and specially beneficial in case of rain... An impromptu illustration of his speech was planned by Hattie Griggs and Nellie Baker and carried out by the "water-proof brigade" about 200 strong marching single file in front of President's window out to the lodge and back, solemn black hooded figures like a train of monks filing towards the catacombs. Miss Lyman was enraged at the girls' impertinence, but Dr. Raymond saw the wisdom of accepting it all as a joke and waved his handkerchief at
the procession from his window. That evening the name Philalethia was decided on for the literary society. Friday, March 9. Great excitement in college as to whether the Philalethean badge should be [] or []. Evening joint
meeting of the three chapters of Philalethia in an entertainment where Dr. Raymond read from "Mid-Summer Night's Dream". Tuesday ... 10 My journal says "Clara White, Belle Strong, and I []ed together. Friday April 27 Whole college rehearsed the march of escort for Mr. Vassar for Founder's Day. This was after tea.
Monday April 30, 1866 First Founder's Day Celebration (This was celebrated on the 30th; for tho his birthday is the 29th, this came on Sunday this year. For days and weeks preparations had been going on, money contributed, committees elected, and committees planning, competitions for parts in the program, and excitement increasing as the time approached and the decorations began to go up and rehearsals enacted.)
The hour arrived, afternoon of Apr. 30, 1866. Long procession of girls extending from college to lodge standing awaiting the coming of the hero of the day. His carriage appeared at the gate! An outburst of the song of greeting "Welcome father welcome! Joyously we sing!".....Girls walked befoe strewing flowers in his way, and all turned and walked beside the carriage where beside Dr. Raymond sat Matthew Vassar, the Founder, so surprised and overjoyed that his eyes overflowed with tears. The carriage stopped before the front steps at the top of which stood Prof. Wiebe and the choir leading the chorus of welcome to its close.
The chapel all decorated was an inspiring scene. Miss Abbie F. Goodsell was President of the day. Prayer by Dr. Raymond Music Prayer from "Der Freischuetz" Lillie Murick Salutation Julia Eli[] Bush Essay "The World's Advance Harriet A. Warner Music "I'm a merry Zingara" (song) Mollie Holz
Recitations representing women of different ages Jewish, Song of Deborah A. S[]llas Grecian, Xanteppe Lizzie Williams Roman Emilia and Perpetua (The Sacrifice) M[] Ely and Talbot
Medieval Joan of Arc Virginia Butler
Modern "The Princess" D. Graves
Music Polka de Concert [] Gould & S[]tzes
Poem Hill-Top Idyl S. L. Stilson
Floral Tribute
Flora Fannie Maquire
Attendants Mary Babcock Emma S[]tzer, M. Barker, Nell Stuart Lilla Burs Representative Student Annie Day (presenting crown of flowers to Founder) Original Song "Our Father and our Friend," by Choir Doxology Collation Promenades, social converse, gayety. Happy day.
Saturday, May 26 Evening a sort of dress costume masquerade in 66,67, one an Indian girl, one a flower girl I think, one a fairy (?).
Present Lillie Murick, ...Bonbright, Lizzie ..., I think M[] Constant, de []lyss, and Clara White. (?) I remember playing the old apple woman. Monday May 21 Had the honor of a call from Mr. Vassar in Room 66! He has been very polite to me since the poem "Hill-Top Idyl" of
Founder's Day ....He told of his visits to Europe, his puzzling over what work to engage in to benefit the world, then his anxiety for the higher education of women, when his eyes filled with tears. He spoke of his discouragements in building. .....his hopes for the future of American womanhood.
June 5 1866. Mr. Vassar called for me in Mrs. Campbell's room to tell me he was going to publish Hill-Top Idyl (a copy having been
given him at his request []ly after Founder's Day I think) and hopes I had not objections. He has been very cordial to me. June 18 Mr. Vassar called and brought a package of the printed copies of Hill-Top Idyl which he presented to me! [These were
sold in office - all gone in six hours!] June 26 No graduating class hence no commencement. Pulbic exercises, the program being an original colloquy acted
by Philalethen Society composed by S.L. Stilson. 1867 The first half of college year owing to absence from college at Martinsburgh earning money for tuition there are no
records here. Sunday April 21 A cordial welcome back from Mr. Vassar after church. April 29. The second Founder's Day celebration Program of recitations, music, et al. closing with colloquy by S.L. Stilson. May 6. Sent for in the office by Mr. Vassar! He was very cordial, fatherly, kind. June 1867 Vassar's first graduation, class of four. --1869 Class Records-.Friday, May 10, 1867 First starting of '69 to organize. Committee app[ointed] on resolutions and constitution, c[om] of three, the writer of
these records being chairman of ... (My journal records breaking the rules repeatedly by studying after 10 in the
bathroom!
Friday May 24 1867 Meeting of class in K (?), adoption of resolutions as a constitution. Election of officers: Annie Gliddin President, Sarah Schuyler Vice President, M[] Bonbright Secretary, S.L. Stilson class poet, Lizzie Williams, class wit, [] Austin historian. And '69 was thus organized and fairly launched as the Sophomore class of Vassar College. Matters discussed, not decided.
June 8, 1867
Invitation of Mr. Vassar, Founder, to "Springside," Mr. vassar's country home. Lovely day, beautiful spot, a pleasant occasion as the founder's guests. 1868. Absence again at Martinsburgh teaching, earning money to return to college is reason why there are no notes of the first
semester. April 18, 1868 (Class of '69 now juniors had begun to have little meetings and socials of our own.) Evening of this day we juniors had
a little play a take off on physiology gotten up by Lizzie Williams. Fun. May 29, 1868 Juniors ('69) gave farewell party to '68. For many days we had been rehearsing songs and speeches. This was
pronounced a great success. Saturday June 20, 1868 Juniors ('69) held funeral obsequies on Draper's Physiology. Sexton Annie Glidden; Parson, Emma Hubbard; chief
mourner, Pauline Waddington; lawyer and executor Lizzie Williams; comb-band choruster, Lyra Stilson. Solemn march to grave the pall bearers and band robed in deep mourning moving to slow music of comb band to strains of Dead March in Saul. Funeral matins at grave, solemn and eloquent by Emma Hubbard. Burial to slow music. Reading of will by Lizzie Williams. Burial near bridge at foot of Sunset Hill.
Tuesday June 23, 1868
Class day of '68, Mr. Vassar died. At the annual meeting fo the Board of Trustees he had nearly finished his formal address, had just reached the place where we are offering mutual congratulations and thanks to Heaven that no death has occurred within these walls ..... He paused, looked up, and was gone! Consternation followed.
The class day public was given up, but the class of '68 quickly gave the exercises later in the chapel, and the next day the commencement was held amid a thrillingly solemn atmosphere.
1869
Thursday April 1, 1869. '69 now seniors.
Delta's April Fool joke on Alpha was about the completest joke ever perpetrated in the Vassar halls. Lizzie Williams was at the bottom of it. A letter received purporting to come from Achsah Ely former Pres. of Alpha promised a set of rich costumes for use in our coming play. A committee went clear to Po'keepsie for them and brought the box to the college with great gusto, Delta secretly watching. When the box was opened and found to contain rags and paper and pebbles, the rage of Alpha at the hoax and the overflowing delight of the Deltans can be imagined.
Friday, April 2.
Public exercises of Chapter Alpha closing with original colloquy or drama "The Moorish Captives" by S.L.S.
Thursday, April 22. Very spirited meeting of Students'Association on the question whether or not to accept offer of trustees to pay for
collation on Founder's Day. Spirited speeches by Pauline Waddington, Lizzie Williams, Nellie Babcock, Lily Adams, Lily Burs, and others. See my journal. Tuesday May 18 Exciting meeting of Seniors ('69) on planning for Class day. See journal. Wednesday, June 16 Hattie Raymond's wedding, the famous "daisy wedding" of Vassar. Beautiful scene, beautiful ceremony. Sunday, June 20. Baccalaureate Sunday for 1869. Dr. Raymond's text "And afterwards I will build my house." Monday June 21, concert. Tuesday, June 22, Class day. See program. Wednesday, June 23 Commencement. See program.
Thirty-four received diplomas and we were at last graduates of Vassar! Henceforth our records would be no longer as a unit, as a class but as individuals.
Record of '69's reunions.
'69's first reunion after graduation was a reunion breakfast in the gymnasium Tuesday, June 20, 1871, two years after graduation.
Present: Misses Babcock, Beers, Bonbright, Burnham, Carter, Colby, Daniels, Davis, deClerq, deGolyer-Baldwin, Gay, Goodsell, Hubbard, Liggett, Morrison, Sayre, Sill, Stilson, Strong, Talcott, Waddington, White, - 22 present.
Program (After reunion breakfast) Music by M. Bonbright Poem by S.L. Stilson Music by L. Beers Singing by class Song by B.A. Strong
Then general jollification.
II.
The second reunion of '69 was held on the forenoon of June 27, 1876 in room on 4th corridor north. Belle Strong-Miller presided. Present Babcock, Beers, Burnham, Constant, deClerq, DeGolyer, Daniels, Gay, Goodsell, Hubbard, Ladd, Morrison, Stilson, Strong, Talcott, - 15.
Program: History by Kate Sill read bt Lillie Beers; poem by Lyra Stilson; prophecy by Lizzie Williams Champney, read by
III.
The third reunion of '69 was held in the forenoon of June 21 1881 in 1st corridor north. Present Daniels, Gay, Goodsell, Liggett, Stilson, Waddington, White, - 7. A quiet meeting. Roll was called. Letters read from absentees, a long interesting one from Lizzie Williams-Champney descriptive of life in Spain.
IV.
The fourth real reunion was not nominally so, but impromptu, (on account of being the 25th anniversary of the college) hence not formal. It was held in the parlor of the Lady Principal, Ablin Goodsell, June 10, 1890. Present Nellie Babcock-Brown, Laura Gay, deClerq-Moore, Colby-Smith, Goodsell, Gilbert-Hinsdale, Hubbard, Stilson. Next day appeared Ladd-Franklin and Davis-Martin, - in all ten. 10 present. It was not formally called to order; but letters were read from absentees while members were tying ribbons on diplomas of graduates.
V.
The fifth reunion of '69 was held June 12, 1894 our own "silver anniversary," in "W" part of old art gallery. Present Babcock-Brown, Beers-Berthelot, Gay, Gilbert-Hinsdale, Hubbard, Lacey, Stilson, Strong-Miller, Talcott, White, Williams-Champney, - 11.
Proram: Election of President Mary Gilbert-Hinsdale
Reading of resolutions of memory and regret for the dead, Misses Collins, Sill, Wright, Glidden, Goodsell by Emma Hubbard. Reading of class history by S.L. Stilson. Voted to meet in five years, 1899. Class supper. VI. The sixth reunion, June 13, 1899, was held in Raymond Hall Room 111 6 p.m. It was the 30th anniversary. Present,
Babcock-Brown, Colby-Smith, Daniels, Gilbert-Hinsdale, Leggett, Stilson, Williams-Champney, - 7. Meeting called to order about 6 Mary Gilbert Hinsdale presiding. Miss Daniels read the minutes of last meeting. Mrs. Babcock-Brown read the treasurer's report. Voted that the contributions for Vassar (amount now received being $23.00) be increased to $500 if possible and it be presented next commencement to Prof. Ely's department (mathematics) thru Vassar alumnae association.
Voted to hold next reunion in 1904.
Next in order was the necrology, resolutions in memory of Laura Gay deceased July 29 1894 read by Emma Colby Smith and voted on by class. Next followed class history of five years read by S.L. Stilson. Class supper, social reunion, and delightful occasion.
The seventh reunion of '69 was held in the Vassar Observatory Tuesday, June 7 1904, the President Mary Gilbert-Hinsdale in chair. Present, Daniels, Hubbard, Gilbert Hinsdale, Stilson, Waddington-Hol[] and next day Babcock Brown (detained by family illness) - in all six. 6.
Minutes of last meeting read and approved.
The necrology of five years was read by Pauline Waddington Holmes who offered resolutions (which were passed by the class and ordered sent to relatives of the deceased) to the memory of Mrs. Cornelia ("Lily) Lacy deceased Jan. 10 1901
Mrs. Mary Ross Stanton [deceased] Sept. 6 1902 Mrs. Caroline Davis-Martin [deceased] May 6 1903 The class voted to present our contribution of $125 to Prof. Ely. The class history of five years (with brief resume of the preceding) was read by S.L.Stilson The history of the historian was then read by Emma Hubbard - a joke on the historian.
Next followed class supper at which all were the guests of the President Mary Gilbert-Hinsdale. Seated "around the festive board" members gave free rein; such a free and easy informality, all so bubbling over with funny reminiscences or news of absent ones from whom letters were read then and there that in spite
Class adjourned in a body to Pres. Taylor's reception where all put in a plea for Mary Ross-Stanton's daughter Laura a senior. Another of our colleages daughters is Anne Holme a junior. Next day at trustees' dinner '69 was represented by Nellie Babcock Brown. VIII. The eighth reunion of '69 was held on nearly the 40th anniversary, June 8, 1909, in the evening in Room 110 of Strong
Hall, Vassar College. Present Lily Adams-Atwood, Nellie Babcock-Brown (who however was called away by her brother's death), Sophie Burnham, Emma Colby Smith, Mary Constant Wilson, Mary Gilbert-Hinsdale, Emma Hubbard, Lyra Stilson, Belle Strong Miller, Clara White, - ten out of 25 living.
At a pleasant class supper all were guests of the President, Mary Gilbert Hinsdale, who presided at the proceedings later. Program: Reading of class history by S.L. Stilson. Roll call, each name responded to in a personal report by those present and by the reading of a letter from those absent. It was voted to present the class contribution which amounts to ($751) seven hundred and fifty-one dollars to the
endowment fund.
It was voted to hold the next reunion in six years, that is in 1915 because that will be the fiftieth anniversary of Vassar, a red letter day.
S. Lyra Stilson was elected secretary, historian, and curator of the archives. A vote of thanks was passed to the President for his delightful entertainment. A vote of thanks was passed to the Secretary for the pains-taking history and records. Formalities being concluded, there followed impromptu comments over nuts and candy, - reminiscences, jokes, details
of old times fond and funny, items of absentees ancient and modern, - wit and wisdom, a "feast of reason and flow of
soul." In short all separating for the President's reception voted it to have been a "splendid time" one that renewed our youth and set back at least a decade the clock of time.
At trustees' lunch on Wednesday '69 was represented by Emma Hubbard. It was a privilege to greet Pauline's daughter Hilda in class of 1910. Anne the other daughter graduated in 1905. Mary Constant Wilson's daughter a graduate we also met. Another sister alumna of out daughters is the lamented Marie Champney. '69 has had 4.
Grateful acknow[ledgement]
'69 [ac]counts, these [com]plemented by references
...[mo]untain air, and... ...I gained, ... ...last. Abbie, ... ...left for home ... ... We did ...
...I found... ...for Sunday,... ...and [image] [drin]king it will ...I hope... ...of your..
25 cents Thos. C.Platt vs.Mae Wood (Over)
Vassar Records Vassar College From 1865 S.S.Stilson '69 For complete accounts, these jottings may be supplimented by references to Journal.
1865 Vassar College opening day was Wednes. Sept. 20, 1865. Noon of that day first students' dinner in dining hall. Menu: Roast beef, corn beef, potatoes, beets, tomatoes, bread and butter. For dessert watermelons. About 300 hoop-skirted maidens sat down. Dr. Raymond asked the blessing and Mr. Vassar sat at head of table his face beaming with happiness for the climax hour of his life.
Evening first service in chapel, Dr. Raymond reading a psalm and offering prayer. The first hymn sung in the chapel was "My faith looks up to Thee."
First Sabbath service at Vassar was Sept. 24, 1865. Hymn, "Safely thru another week" Reading of scripture Prov. IV. Prayer. Singing "Rise my soul and stretch thy wings." Sermon on Prov. IX. 10, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Theme: The importance of beginnings-with the timid, the courageous,...Advice to Vassar students in this beginning...promise of the future. (For full report see my journal) Hymn "Guide me O thou great Jehovah."
During the following week examinations of candidates by Prof. Buckham in English, Prof. Farrar, Miss Sal[e]s, Miss Braislin in arithmetic, Prof. Knapp, Miss Fessenden, et al. in language......See first catalogue for names of faculty and teachers.....Mr. Swan in evidence as superintendent
Oct. 31 Hallowe'en ... some fun on the sly.
Nov. 4 Journal says Cynthis Smith, Clara White, and I go to
Po'keepsie in stage in charge of Miss Scott. ... room is 66a.
Nov. 10 evening party in room 59. The Curt[] girls Cynthia Smith, Clara White, and I think Bonb[]ghs and Emily Dennis and others. Nuts, candy, and merriment.
Tues., Nov. 28 Dr. Raymond in chapel gave a scathing philippic on girls flirting with young men at the lake. This had taken place the day before, I think.
Tuesday, Dec. 5. Formal adoption of Constitution and bylaws of Philalethean Society and Election of officers. Previous to this many meetings held.
December 7 Thanksgiving Day. Sermon by Dr. Raymond. Evening tableaux in chapel... "The Bashaw and Slaves;" "Sultan and dancing girls;" "The ... of ...family"- our (...Raymond) the other a sack of flour; "Marco Bozz[]'s widow receiving the traveler Strauss," and others.
At Christmas holidays []rly all separated.
1866
Saturday March 3 President Raymond in morning chapel made speech in favor of outdoor exercise and specially beneficial in case of rain... An impromptu illustration of his speech was planned by Hattie Griggs and Nellie Baker and carried out by the "water-proof brigade" about 200 strong marching single file in front of President's window out to the lodge and back, solemn black hooded figures like a train of monks filing towards the catacombs. Miss Lyman was enraged at the girls' impertinence, but Dr. Raymond saw the wisdom of accepting it all as a joke and waved his handkerchief at
the procession from his window. That evening the name Philalethia was decided on for the literary society. Friday, March 9. Great excitement in college as to whether the Philalethean badge should be [] or []. Evening joint
meeting of the three chapters of Philalethia in an entertainment where Dr. Raymond read from "Mid-Summer Night's Dream". Tuesday ... 10 My journal says "Clara White, Belle Strong, and I []ed together. Friday April 27 Whole college rehearsed the march of escort for Mr. Vassar for Founder's Day. This was after tea.
Monday April 30, 1866 First Founder's Day Celebration (This was celebrated on the 30th; for tho his birthday is the 29th, this came on Sunday this year. For days and weeks preparations had been going on, money contributed, committees elected, and committees planning, competitions for parts in the program, and excitement increasing as the time approached and the decorations began to go up and rehearsals enacted.)
The hour arrived, afternoon of Apr. 30, 1866. Long procession of girls extending from college to lodge standing awaiting the coming of the hero of the day. His carriage appeared at the gate! An outburst of the song of greeting "Welcome father welcome! Joyously we sing!".....Girls walked befoe strewing flowers in his way, and all turned and walked beside the carriage where beside Dr. Raymond sat Matthew Vassar, the Founder, so surprised and overjoyed that his eyes overflowed with tears. The carriage stopped before the front steps at the top of which stood Prof. Wiebe and the choir leading the chorus of welcome to its close.
The chapel all decorated was an inspiring scene. Miss Abbie F. Goodsell was President of the day. Prayer by Dr. Raymond Music Prayer from "Der Freischuetz" Lillie Murick Salutation Julia Eli[] Bush Essay "The World's Advance Harriet A. Warner Music "I'm a merry Zingara" (song) Mollie Holz
Recitations representing women of different ages Jewish, Song of Deborah A. S[]llas Grecian, Xanteppe Lizzie Williams Roman Emilia and Perpetua (The Sacrifice) M[] Ely and Talbot
Medieval Joan of Arc Virginia Butler
Modern "The Princess" D. Graves
Music Polka de Concert [] Gould & S[]tzes
Poem Hill-Top Idyl S. L. Stilson
Floral Tribute
Flora Fannie Maquire
Attendants Mary Babcock Emma S[]tzer, M. Barker, Nell Stuart Lilla Burs Representative Student Annie Day (presenting crown of flowers to Founder) Original Song "Our Father and our Friend," by Choir Doxology Collation Promenades, social converse, gayety. Happy day.
Saturday, May 26 Evening a sort of dress costume masquerade in 66,67, one an Indian girl, one a flower girl I think, one a fairy (?).
Present Lillie Murick, ...Bonbright, Lizzie ..., I think M[] Constant, de []lyss, and Clara White. (?) I remember playing the old apple woman. Monday May 21 Had the honor of a call from Mr. Vassar in Room 66! He has been very polite to me since the poem "Hill-Top Idyl" of
Founder's Day ....He told of his visits to Europe, his puzzling over what work to engage in to benefit the world, then his anxiety for the higher education of women, when his eyes filled with tears. He spoke of his discouragements in building. .....his hopes for the future of American womanhood.
June 5 1866. Mr. Vassar called for me in Mrs. Campbell's room to tell me he was going to publish Hill-Top Idyl (a copy having been
given him at his request []ly after Founder's Day I think) and hopes I had not objections. He has been very cordial to me. June 18 Mr. Vassar called and brought a package of the printed copies of Hill-Top Idyl which he presented to me! [These were
sold in office - all gone in six hours!] June 26 No graduating class hence no commencement. Pulbic exercises, the program being an original colloquy acted
by Philalethen Society composed by S.L. Stilson. 1867 The first half of college year owing to absence from college at Martinsburgh earning money for tuition there are no
records here. Sunday April 21 A cordial welcome back from Mr. Vassar after church. April 29. The second Founder's Day celebration Program of recitations, music, et al. closing with colloquy by S.L. Stilson. May 6. Sent for in the office by Mr. Vassar! He was very cordial, fatherly, kind. June 1867 Vassar's first graduation, class of four. --1869 Class Records-.Friday, May 10, 1867 First starting of '69 to organize. Committee app[ointed] on resolutions and constitution, c[om] of three, the writer of
these records being chairman of ... (My journal records breaking the rules repeatedly by studying after 10 in the
bathroom!
Friday May 24 1867 Meeting of class in K (?), adoption of resolutions as a constitution. Election of officers: Annie Gliddin President, Sarah Schuyler Vice President, M[] Bonbright Secretary, S.L. Stilson class poet, Lizzie Williams, class wit, [] Austin historian. And '69 was thus organized and fairly launched as the Sophomore class of Vassar College. Matters discussed, not decided.
June 8, 1867
Invitation of Mr. Vassar, Founder, to "Springside," Mr. vassar's country home. Lovely day, beautiful spot, a pleasant occasion as the founder's guests. 1868. Absence again at Martinsburgh teaching, earning money to return to college is reason why there are no notes of the first
semester. April 18, 1868 (Class of '69 now juniors had begun to have little meetings and socials of our own.) Evening of this day we juniors had
a little play a take off on physiology gotten up by Lizzie Williams. Fun. May 29, 1868 Juniors ('69) gave farewell party to '68. For many days we had been rehearsing songs and speeches. This was
pronounced a great success. Saturday June 20, 1868 Juniors ('69) held funeral obsequies on Draper's Physiology. Sexton Annie Glidden; Parson, Emma Hubbard; chief
mourner, Pauline Waddington; lawyer and executor Lizzie Williams; comb-band choruster, Lyra Stilson. Solemn march to grave the pall bearers and band robed in deep mourning moving to slow music of comb band to strains of Dead March in Saul. Funeral matins at grave, solemn and eloquent by Emma Hubbard. Burial to slow music. Reading of will by Lizzie Williams. Burial near bridge at foot of Sunset Hill.
Tuesday June 23, 1868
Class day of '68, Mr. Vassar died. At the annual meeting fo the Board of Trustees he had nearly finished his formal address, had just reached the place where we are offering mutual congratulations and thanks to Heaven that no death has occurred within these walls ..... He paused, looked up, and was gone! Consternation followed.
The class day public was given up, but the class of '68 quickly gave the exercises later in the chapel, and the next day the commencement was held amid a thrillingly solemn atmosphere.
1869
Thursday April 1, 1869. '69 now seniors.
Delta's April Fool joke on Alpha was about the completest joke ever perpetrated in the Vassar halls. Lizzie Williams was at the bottom of it. A letter received purporting to come from Achsah Ely former Pres. of Alpha promised a set of rich costumes for use in our coming play. A committee went clear to Po'keepsie for them and brought the box to the college with great gusto, Delta secretly watching. When the box was opened and found to contain rags and paper and pebbles, the rage of Alpha at the hoax and the overflowing delight of the Deltans can be imagined.
Friday, April 2.
Public exercises of Chapter Alpha closing with original colloquy or drama "The Moorish Captives" by S.L.S.
Thursday, April 22. Very spirited meeting of Students'Association on the question whether or not to accept offer of trustees to pay for
collation on Founder's Day. Spirited speeches by Pauline Waddington, Lizzie Williams, Nellie Babcock, Lily Adams, Lily Burs, and others. See my journal. Tuesday May 18 Exciting meeting of Seniors ('69) on planning for Class day. See journal. Wednesday, June 16 Hattie Raymond's wedding, the famous "daisy wedding" of Vassar. Beautiful scene, beautiful ceremony. Sunday, June 20. Baccalaureate Sunday for 1869. Dr. Raymond's text "And afterwards I will build my house." Monday June 21, concert. Tuesday, June 22, Class day. See program. Wednesday, June 23 Commencement. See program.
Thirty-four received diplomas and we were at last graduates of Vassar! Henceforth our records would be no longer as a unit, as a class but as individuals.
Record of '69's reunions.
'69's first reunion after graduation was a reunion breakfast in the gymnasium Tuesday, June 20, 1871, two years after graduation.
Present: Misses Babcock, Beers, Bonbright, Burnham, Carter, Colby, Daniels, Davis, deClerq, deGolyer-Baldwin, Gay, Goodsell, Hubbard, Liggett, Morrison, Sayre, Sill, Stilson, Strong, Talcott, Waddington, White, - 22 present.
Program (After reunion breakfast) Music by M. Bonbright Poem by S.L. Stilson Music by L. Beers Singing by class Song by B.A. Strong
Then general jollification.
II.
The second reunion of '69 was held on the forenoon of June 27, 1876 in room on 4th corridor north. Belle Strong-Miller presided. Present Babcock, Beers, Burnham, Constant, deClerq, DeGolyer, Daniels, Gay, Goodsell, Hubbard, Ladd, Morrison, Stilson, Strong, Talcott, - 15.
Program: History by Kate Sill read bt Lillie Beers; poem by Lyra Stilson; prophecy by Lizzie Williams Champney, read by
III.
The third reunion of '69 was held in the forenoon of June 21 1881 in 1st corridor north. Present Daniels, Gay, Goodsell, Liggett, Stilson, Waddington, White, - 7. A quiet meeting. Roll was called. Letters read from absentees, a long interesting one from Lizzie Williams-Champney descriptive of life in Spain.
IV.
The fourth real reunion was not nominally so, but impromptu, (on account of being the 25th anniversary of the college) hence not formal. It was held in the parlor of the Lady Principal, Ablin Goodsell, June 10, 1890. Present Nellie Babcock-Brown, Laura Gay, deClerq-Moore, Colby-Smith, Goodsell, Gilbert-Hinsdale, Hubbard, Stilson. Next day appeared Ladd-Franklin and Davis-Martin, - in all ten. 10 present. It was not formally called to order; but letters were read from absentees while members were tying ribbons on diplomas of graduates.
V.
The fifth reunion of '69 was held June 12, 1894 our own "silver anniversary," in "W" part of old art gallery. Present Babcock-Brown, Beers-Berthelot, Gay, Gilbert-Hinsdale, Hubbard, Lacey, Stilson, Strong-Miller, Talcott, White, Williams-Champney, - 11.
Proram: Election of President Mary Gilbert-Hinsdale
Reading of resolutions of memory and regret for the dead, Misses Collins, Sill, Wright, Glidden, Goodsell by Emma Hubbard. Reading of class history by S.L. Stilson. Voted to meet in five years, 1899. Class supper. VI. The sixth reunion, June 13, 1899, was held in Raymond Hall Room 111 6 p.m. It was the 30th anniversary. Present,
Babcock-Brown, Colby-Smith, Daniels, Gilbert-Hinsdale, Leggett, Stilson, Williams-Champney, - 7. Meeting called to order about 6 Mary Gilbert Hinsdale presiding. Miss Daniels read the minutes of last meeting. Mrs. Babcock-Brown read the treasurer's report. Voted that the contributions for Vassar (amount now received being $23.00) be increased to $500 if possible and it be presented next commencement to Prof. Ely's department (mathematics) thru Vassar alumnae association.
Voted to hold next reunion in 1904.
Next in order was the necrology, resolutions in memory of Laura Gay deceased July 29 1894 read by Emma Colby Smith and voted on by class. Next followed class history of five years read by S.L. Stilson. Class supper, social reunion, and delightful occasion.
The seventh reunion of '69 was held in the Vassar Observatory Tuesday, June 7 1904, the President Mary Gilbert-Hinsdale in chair. Present, Daniels, Hubbard, Gilbert Hinsdale, Stilson, Waddington-Hol[] and next day Babcock Brown (detained by family illness) - in all six. 6.
Minutes of last meeting read and approved.
The necrology of five years was read by Pauline Waddington Holmes who offered resolutions (which were passed by the class and ordered sent to relatives of the deceased) to the memory of Mrs. Cornelia ("Lily) Lacy deceased Jan. 10 1901
Mrs. Mary Ross Stanton [deceased] Sept. 6 1902 Mrs. Caroline Davis-Martin [deceased] May 6 1903 The class voted to present our contribution of $125 to Prof. Ely. The class history of five years (with brief resume of the preceding) was read by S.L.Stilson The history of the historian was then read by Emma Hubbard - a joke on the historian.
Next followed class supper at which all were the guests of the President Mary Gilbert-Hinsdale. Seated "around the festive board" members gave free rein; such a free and easy informality, all so bubbling over with funny reminiscences or news of absent ones from whom letters were read then and there that in spite
Class adjourned in a body to Pres. Taylor's reception where all put in a plea for Mary Ross-Stanton's daughter Laura a senior. Another of our colleages daughters is Anne Holme a junior. Next day at trustees' dinner '69 was represented by Nellie Babcock Brown. VIII. The eighth reunion of '69 was held on nearly the 40th anniversary, June 8, 1909, in the evening in Room 110 of Strong
Hall, Vassar College. Present Lily Adams-Atwood, Nellie Babcock-Brown (who however was called away by her brother's death), Sophie Burnham, Emma Colby Smith, Mary Constant Wilson, Mary Gilbert-Hinsdale, Emma Hubbard, Lyra Stilson, Belle Strong Miller, Clara White, - ten out of 25 living.
At a pleasant class supper all were guests of the President, Mary Gilbert Hinsdale, who presided at the proceedings later. Program: Reading of class history by S.L. Stilson. Roll call, each name responded to in a personal report by those present and by the reading of a letter from those absent. It was voted to present the class contribution which amounts to ($751) seven hundred and fifty-one dollars to the
endowment fund.
It was voted to hold the next reunion in six years, that is in 1915 because that will be the fiftieth anniversary of Vassar, a red letter day.
S. Lyra Stilson was elected secretary, historian, and curator of the archives. A vote of thanks was passed to the President for his delightful entertainment. A vote of thanks was passed to the Secretary for the pains-taking history and records. Formalities being concluded, there followed impromptu comments over nuts and candy, - reminiscences, jokes, details
of old times fond and funny, items of absentees ancient and modern, - wit and wisdom, a "feast of reason and flow of
soul." In short all separating for the President's reception voted it to have been a "splendid time" one that renewed our youth and set back at least a decade the clock of time.
At trustees' lunch on Wednesday '69 was represented by Emma Hubbard. It was a privilege to greet Pauline's daughter Hilda in class of 1910. Anne the other daughter graduated in 1905. Mary Constant Wilson's daughter a graduate we also met. Another sister alumna of out daughters is the lamented Marie Champney. '69 has had 4.
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