Who was Pearl Dopp? Pearl Pierce Dopp was a student in Ripon College's class of 1925.  Originally from Wild Rose, Wisconsin, Pearl was an English major with an interest in journalism. The Pearl Dopp Collection consists of dozens of letters from 1920 to 1926 and a scrapbook of her college years.  The letters describe her experiences as a Ripon College student.  Some are written to her parents, others to her boyfriend George.  The scrapbook contains newspaper clippings, dance cards, invitations and letters.  Her letters: 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 Letters after graduation (1925-26) Undated Letters Speeches and Writings

Activities

• Alpha Chi Alpha-Journalism Sorority
• Christian Service Club-Secretary
• College Days-Staff
• Crimson-Miscellaneous
• Latin Club
• Rowel Club-Literary Organization
• Spanish Club
• WSGA-Women’s Self-Government Association
• YWCA-Cabinet-Missions

From what we read in her letters, it is clear that Pearl was many things to many people. Here is a short list of some of the roles she played during her years at Ripon College.

Pearl the Daughter

Pearl was a concerned daughter.  When her mother sent her food, she protested.  On April 25, 1922, she wrote “But, Mamma, you simply musn’t send things every

week as you have been doing! I don’t want you to. You shouldn’t waste your time

and strength that way.” She worried a great deal about her mother after her father passed away (c.1925). 

Pearl the Girlfriend

Pearl had three boyfriends in college.  Stuart Moffat, asked her out in April 1923.  

They dated until 1924.   George Burgan and Pearl dated from 1924 to 1925 and

were engaged for a short period of time. Pearl married George Dopp in 1928.

Pearl the Student

Pearl was a hardworking and active student.  Silas Evans, president of Ripon College,

wrote her a letter of recommendation.  Among her many projects was the Latin

Club's “Roman Wedding” play.

Pearl the Journalist

Pearl nurtured her interest in writing during her years at Ripon. As part of her

membership in Alpha Chi Alpha, a journalistic sorority, she was an active contributor

to the College Days and the Scribbler.  In 1925, she was the Scribbler editor.     

Excerpts from her letters home:

Oct.3, 1921

On her English composition teacher:

“Miss Finch, our instructor read some of our themes aloud criticizing them as to

their betterment next time. . . she opened one which she said was a pitiful

tragedy. . . She said, 'That girl can write. She has the talent and imagination,

but she can’t spell!' Of course the theme was mine. At the bottom of my paper

she wrote, 'Very good, but misspelled words make me give you a D.' There were

two words misspelled, but she refuses to mark above a D.” 

Sept.22, 1927

On meals (served at Bartlett):

“I have a ravenous appetite, but as the meals at the commons are unusually good

so far, my hunger is easily satisfied.  No, you needn’t send anything to eat, for it

is better not to lunch.”   

February 25, 1923

On the hospitality of professors and their spouses:

“The two nights before, Mrs. Inghram had sent me home made soup.—one night,

cream of celery soup, and the next night, oyster stew and some bread and butter

for toast and an egg to cook for breakfast. Haven’t they been lovely to me?” 

January 4, 1923

On the penalty of being out past curfew:

“The penalty we imposed upon Katherine Dunsmore for coming in the window was

loss of all privileges for a month.  That means that she must report to Mrs. Gardner

at 7:30 every night.” 

By Katherine Stotis