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.