The Grand Spring Party and the German Essay: More from Great Great Aunt Fanny's college diary

The dresses got their show at a party that Fanny hosted in April and soon after the end of the vacation seemed to be looming as she started back to working while still hunting for a teaching position:

Thur. April 13, 1905

Had a vocal lesson. Letter from Vin & wrote to him. My waist came from Art Exchange and I began work on it. Bertha came up just before dinner, & I showed her my new clothes. B. Cooley & I mailed Vin’s letter at station. Went to a party at Martin’s where were seniors [?] & faculty only & sewed more on my waist. Slept with Maud.

Wea. Wet Snow 2 in. of it. Friday April 14 [1905]

Decorated all A.M. & P.M. till 6:30. White shades & yellow bulbs. [????]. all R2 and QM furniture, similar draped on tables, daises for places, daffodils for decoration. Got my low-necked white waists sleeves turned up side down from Miss Clarks. Wore my new light silk & like it. Banquet success. Favors small gold lockets. Sophie Spring spent night with me. Sylvia and Genie in here till 1:30

Wea. Little more snow but not [????] Sat. April 15, 1905

Cleared up chapel & cleaned room. Took nap. Tried to study in Sylvia’s room while she & Genie were working at Beverly of {???stark]. Bertha & Erclls (?) then came up for a few minutes. Put on my white dress. Danced in chapel a few minutes. Went to Biological at the KZ.

Wea: Windy, cold and shine. [April} Sunday 16

Started at 9:53 for church. Mr Frost sang “the Palus” beautifully. Vin’s Howitzer [his yearbook, see link] came and I spent the rest of the day reading that. Letter from mother & I wrote to her.

Wea. Cold  Mon, April 17, 1905

Hard worked all day. Made out ???? program P.M. Wrote to mother. A application for job at Genessee, N.Y. Letter from Hubert’s friend Katherine Baxter saying she wouldn’t come down this vacation. Read Maeterlinck’s Intruder, The Blind & Princess Maleine. Sylvia slept with me.

Wea. Cold. April 18

Read 1^st Act in KE. Bertha and I walked down to Hooke’s and back beforehand, Worked a little on my German essay. Practiced. Studied Hist. & Eng.

 Much warmer. Wed. April 19, 1905.

Saw Dr. MacKensie about the job in Millbrook again. Met with Sylvia & Genie to see about S’s hat. We visited in KE with Dr. Moore. Lovely weather.

 Thursday [April] 20

Tried to work on my German essay.  Took a vocal lesson in Mr. McKnight’s newly furnished rooms. Read Lavender and Old Lace 

Life of a Senior Collegewoman, 111 years ago: Great Great Aunt Fanny's April 9-12,1905 Diary Entries

My Great Great Aunt Fanny Barber -- sister of my Great Grandfather Alvin Barton Barber -- was in here Senior Year at Elmira College in 1905 and started her yearly diary there in January. Several years ago, my cousin Helen Mattenson gave me this diary and I have always meant to transcribe it. In April of 2016, I started posting her entries from April on the same day on my Facebook account and people enjoyed them. I've gotten a little behind and besides some people may have missed entries so I'll start up here in the more controlled format of the blog.  From April 9-20, she appears to be on Easter vacation, with time to shop, visit with friends, have a party and do some studying:

Weather Warmer Sun. April 9, 1905

Went to Baptist Church with Cousin George, Mary, & Bessie & came home with C. Mary in the carriage. Edith and I took a walk, quite short & she went to bed again before dinner. Went up to Cousin Williams after lunch, & found them all half sick with the grippe tho’ about to start. Letters from Bertha and Fisk, telling me of a job in Genesee, N.Y.  so spent that evening typewriting recommendations.

Wea. Rainy Monday, April 10 [1905] Warmer Ther.

Visited 5 classes R.E.H.S, etc. Lunch with Clara Coit. Applied to Mr. Wilcox for a job. Got a letter from Vin asking when I could come down, and answered him. Went for a fitting at Miss Conlons. My dresses are lovely but will be expensive, I guess. Ruth & Mary Taylor came over in the evening.

 

Weather: Gusty, rainy & dark.

Tues, April 11, 1905

Got up late & had a late breakfast. Washed my [???] waist & ironed some. Packed. Letter from Father with check $25.00. My dresses came here and both are pretty, so is the bill. Made up accounts & read Jocelyn on the train. Martha Smith go on at Canandaiguia & and we got on time. Took car home & visited with Sylvia. I must use a fine pen for my diary hereafter. Party dress box pleated & pretty trimming.

Wea. Fine Wednesday [April] 12 [1905] Ther. Cold

Spent an hour this P.M. seeing about a position Dr. Mackenzie has for me at Millwood, N.Y. Went downtown with Sophie, Aug {Pug}, Beby & looked at skirts. Bertha was up & I visited with her an hour this a.m. & she came again P.M. but I was out. We went over to Clark’s after dinner but she wasn’t home.