Vassar College Digital Library
Subject

Student Life

Aaron, Fannie. Letters, 1919-1923.

Abstract

Fannie Aaron (VC 1923) attended Vassar from 1919-1923. Her letters are of particular interest to researchers and students because Aaron was one of the only Jewish students on campus, and her letters detail the social, cultural, and religious challenges she faced while here. She wrote more than 750

View

Adams, Juliet Amelia. Letter, 1869

Date
1869
Abstract

1 letter from Adams to Minnie McInnes, a friend from home in Philadelphia, describing her first few days at Vassar. Topics include entrance examinations, classes, food, and the students' daily routine.

View

Adams, Ruth. Letters, 1900-1902

Date
1865
Abstract

85 letters from Adams to family, written between 1900 and 1902, and 1 letter from Flora A. Clarke to Ida, April 1901. Some of the letters are very brief notes or postcards. Adams' longer letters contain evocative landscape descriptions, references to student activities, orders for new clothing

View

Anderson, Irene. Letters, 1866

Abstract

VC Spec 1866-1867,1 letter, dated 10 Oct 1866, from Anderson (VC spec 1866-1867) to her brother Norton B. Anderson. Anderson promises to write every week and keep a daily journal of her experiences at Vassar College. She describes the geology walks led by Professor Tennyson, provides a comprehensive

View

Anthony, Constance E. Diary, 1915

Image
51258-Service File.jpg
Date
1915
Abstract

Detailed daily entries, beginning in the spring of 1915 and ending in winter 1915, addressing Anthony's sophomore and junior years at Vassar College. Anthony describes her semester schedules, January and June exams, the dismissals of several classmates from school for failure (Feb 3-5), lectures

View

Badgley, Mary M. Letters, 1866-1867

Date
1866-1867
Abstract

7 letters from Badgley to Kate Flanders, a friend from home in Milwaukee, about her 1866-1867 fall semester at Vassar. She describes entrance examinations, classes, the rooms, food, exercise, and prayer meetings. She also chats about news from home. In one letter (Oct 15) she talks about the

View

Banfield, Edith C. Letters, 1888-1891

Abstract

1 letter from Banfield to her friend (or relative) Mary Banfield, and 2 letters from Banfield to her family. The letter to Mary Banfield contains information about a visiting Episcopal minister, a prayer meeting, academics (including a brief mention of Professor Salmon), and social news about

View

Bromley, Frances M. Diary, 1870-1877

Image
46639-Service File.jpg
Date
1870-1877
Abstract

Frances Bromley (VC Ex 1879) was a prolific diarist, contributing seven diaries to Vassar College that chronicle her life from 1872 to 1877. Bromley's diaries all contain reflections on her daily activities, observations about other people, and literary and biblical quotes. Bromley also writes

View

DeWitt, Nettie (Brand). Letters, 1892-1894

Abstract

12 letters from DeWitt (VC Ex 1896) to her mother, 3 to both parents, 2 to her brother, 2 to her father, and 3 addressed to the whole family. The letters describe finances, healthcare and the Infirmary, social life and organizations, academics, and religion & bible study. She describes some

View

Elder, Lilla (Thomas). Diary, 1866-1873

Image
49682-Service File.jpg
Date
1866-1873
Abstract

Lilla Thomas Elder's diary documents the years 1866-1873; however, the narrative does not develop chronologically on consecutive pages. The volume's content includes Vassar events such as Matthew Vassar's death and how it changed Founder's Day celebrations, as well as routine activities, such as

View

Eldridge, Muriel (Tilden). Letters, 1911-1914

Date
1911-01-01T00:00:01Z-1914-06-30T23:59:59Z
Abstract

This collection contains 93 letters: 1 letter addressed to Eldridge's father, 1 letter to her family, 1 letter to her sisters, 1 letter to her parents, and 89 letters to her mother. They cover the winter of her freshman year through the end of her senior year. Eldridge's letters are affectionate

View

Elwell, Abbie (Nickerson). Diary, 1878-1928

Image
55673-Service File.jpg
Date
1878-1928
Abstract

Her diary entries describe her arrival at Vassar, entrance examinations, and details of student life, like walks to the cider mill, gymnastics, ice skating. She also includes descriptions and anecdotes from classes, religious services, and lectures. She mentions the Sophomore Party, the Society for

View

Elwell, Marion F. Letter, 1904

Abstract

1 letter, dated March 4 1904, from Elwell (VC 1906-1907) to her family. Elwell describes a birthday party, several plays, the election of Esta Saville (VC 1906) as the class marshall for commencement, entertaining "stunts" [skits] performed by the Lathrop tables, and the costumes for Washington's

View

Elwell, Marion F. — to family, March 4, 1904

Image
76340-Service File.jpg
Date
4 Mar 1904
View

Fales, Helen Augusta | to "dear Aunt Susan," Nov. 18, 1865 [TS]

Image
69261-Service File.jpg
Date
November 18, 1865
Abstract

1 letter, from Fales to "dear Aunt Susan." Fales complains about Vassar's strictness, particularly compared to the freedom afforded to students at men's colleges. She gives a detailed account of the faculty and staff at Vassar, including Dr. Raymond and Miss Lyman. She explains how meals are

View

Fitt, Harriet (Bradley). Letters, 1910

Abstract

VC 1913,31 letters, dated between 13 Jan and 8 Apr 1910, from Fitt (VC 1913) to her family. Fitt discusses a spring semester at Vassar College. She describes coursework, lectures, and exams in subjects such as geometry, Latin, medieval history, and Renaissance history. Fitt also discusses features

View

G., Nellie. Letter, 1866

Abstract

1 letter from Nellie G. to Isabel Treadwell Towne. Nellie G. reflects on Towne's absence from Vassar as well as other friends who did not return, expressing her loneliness. Nellie also shares concerns about her own health. She relates news from Vassar, including information about their friends'

View

Gaston, Mary E. Letters, 1874-1878

Date
1865
Abstract

17 letters from Gaston to her mother. She describes academics and examinations, fashion (including the gymnastics suits) and shopping, religious life, faculty, and housing. Regarding her social life, she relates a freshman-sophomore dance, the Philalethean Society performing The Merchant of Venice

View

Jackson, Helen (Basfield). Letters, 1875-1877

Date
1875-1877
Abstract

2 letters from Jackson to her cousin Ann Scholfield in April 1875 and Dec 1877. She shares family news, plans visits, and discusses the logistics of feeding Vassar's 400 students. In the later letter she describes winter visits, the Philalethean Anniversary, and the departure of Lady Principal Terry

View

James, Fannie (Shouse). Diary, ca. 1860s-1870s

Image
48192-Service File.jpg
Date
ca. 1860s-1870s
Abstract

From page 1 of the memoir: "Fannie [Fanny] Shouse was from Kansas City, Mo. She entered Vassar College Sept. 1869, preparatory department, and left on account of her father's death in April, 1873, and the following October, 1873, she married. The following is a copy of a sketch about her college

View
Subscribe to Student Life