September 1921

Wednesday morning.

Dearest Mamma and Papa,

It is almost 6 o’clock and the rest of the house is quiet with sleep.  I just woke up,

and got up to write to you, as I am sure you are anxious to know how I am getting

along I thought this would be the best opportunity to write, as I shall probably be

very busy the rest of the day.

We did not register yesterday but will do that first thing this morning.  Our trunks

came soon after we got here, and it took the rest of the afternoon and evening

to unpack. Everything came in good order but I’ll have to press a few of my dresses

sometimes.  We are going to make the curtains today, and when we get those up

our room will look quite like home. 

I went to supper last night without any trimmings on, but today we have to braid

our hair in two braids after parting it in the middle.  After breakfast we are to go

up town to buy some green paper to tie it with.  The supper tasted very well and

I had plenty to eat.  We had warmed up potatoes, cold sliced beef which was not

tough, pickles, rye and wheat bread, good cake, and sauce.

The frosh freshmen tried to have their party last night, but the sophomores caught

most of them.  I didn’t know there was one on, for there aren’t many freshmen on

first floor.  I was glad I didn’t try to go, because I was rather tired, and a storm

came up which would make it unpleasant.  As that party was not as success they

will have to keep trying until they succeed.

I hope that grandpa is behaving himself and that he didn’t cause you any trouble

last night.  Don’t let yourselves be lonesome, for I shall see you again soon, and

don’t worry about me, for the girls are very nice to me.  Mary is saving me from

a lot of foolish trotting around even thought she is a Soph.  Don’t think for a minute

that the dear home ties are weakened by my going away to school  They are

strengthened tenfold and I love you both more and more because of having to be

separated from you.  It makes me appreciate to a fuller extent your wonderful kindness

and sacrifices in giving me an education.  As soon as you are not tied at home by

grandpa I want you to come to Ripon where we can all live together.

I must close now, but I’ll write again soon.

Yours lovingly,

Pearl

Bartlett Hall, Ripon, Wis.

Sunday Oct. 30, 1921.

Dearest Mamma and Papa.

This has been a terribly busy week or I would have written you a letter, but I just

didn’t have time.

We had exams in public speaking, Latin and English composition.  I got 85 in Latin

but I haven’t received the standings from the other yet.  I suppose you’ll be getting

my report card sometime soon.  Don’t expect my standings to be what they were in

H.S.  What I worked the hardest on was my note book for biology.  I thought we had

two weeks to get it ready in, but Thursday Dr. Groves told us to have it in Sat. morning. 

I had several eight page themes to write, class notes to prepare and a long comparative

outline to make, besides four drawings and other question to answer.  I worked every

night until quite late, and every day as much as I could to get it ready, but I couldn’t

possibly get it all done until last night.  I got it into Ingram about six o’clock, but I may

be put on the honor roll (a list published on the college bulletin board containing the

names of those whose standings are questionable) because it was a little late.  I don’t

imagine that I’ll get on, but if I do, I know I did the best I could.

Yesterday was a very busy day I went to lab two hours in the morning and worked

on my note book the rest of the time.  At noon Elizabeth, Earl, John and Marvin came

in the car.  They had no dinner so we had them come in here and eat fruit, Uneda

biscuits and jelly to save time.  We went to the parade, which consisted of the

college band and a float from each of the dormitories.  Some of the floats were beautiful

and some were funny.  Then I went to the game which was quite interesting in spite

of the drizzling rain the unevenly matched teams.  Carroll took her defeat well.  The

Roberts’s went to the show last night.  The rest of the girls from here went to

the big “Homecoming Dance.”  I was so tired that I went to bed at eight-thirty.  I slept

a little while, then was awakened by the music and noise over at the gym made by

the dancers.  I couldn’t sleep, so I got up and started a letter to Evelyn A.  Then

Mary came home and we visited until twelve when the party was out.  I went to

bed again and slept a little while when I was awakened by the sound of singing.  I

got up and found that the Bartlett girls were being serenaded by the boys of

Woodside dorm.  They sang popular and classical songs for about ¾ of an [sic]

hr., ending up with “Good Night Ladies.”  I went to bed again and staid until morning.

This morning I went to Sunday school and Mr. Graham gave a very inspiring talk on

friendship as typified in the life of Christ.  He says that an individual can make only

three or four true friends in a life time.  He who makes six or more is an unusual

person.  It was one of the finest talks I have ever heard.

There is to be the Cinncinati [sic] symphony orchestra here Wednesday.  The tickets

are on $, but I think it is wroth it as there are about 80 players and only a very few

orchestras in the U.S.  Those who have heard it say to be sure not to miss it.  I’ll try

to go if I have time.

How is the Wild Rose Mercantile Co. progressing?  Who clerks there?  Is the sale lasting?

  Do may people patronize it?  Have you heard anything more about Ray?  Are the

Stuarts there yet?  I hope you aren’t awfully tired.  I hope you don’t’ have to sit up

with Grandpa any more.  How is he?  Is he gaining or loosing strength?  Did he know

Lucy and Willie?  Is Addie still there?

I went over to Sidnie’s for a little while this P.M.  I feel so sorry for her.  She has to

go around along so much only when I’m with her.  She gets so tired of washing dishes

sometimes.  She is going to Chicago to spend thanksgiving with Juanita, and is going

to see some good thing there.  I’m so glad she can go.  Her folks have just told her

that she may have to quit school after this quarter unless financial thins are better

then than [sic] they are now.  I suppose that means if he get the P.O. I hope she

wont’ have to leave, as I’ll be so lonesome with her.

Elizabeth brought Mary the most wonderful birthday cake I have ever tasted besides

some lovely wool hose and fruit.  Her mother sent Mary a lovely blanket, but I don’t

imagine I’ll get the inner room as she hasn’t said anything about it yet.  But I don’t

care anyway.

I went to one act play given by the college actors last week entitled “The Valliant.” 

It was the story of a boy who had left home and hadn’t written to his folks for six years.

  He committed murder but because of some fine reason would not give any of the

details of the case.  He plead guilty and was sentenced to be killed.  All the time he

refused to tell his identity for fear his folks would know he was a criminal.  Finally a girl

came to see him to see if he was her lost brother.  He recognized her as his little sister

but told her that her brother was killed in France.  She went away happ and he died

with the satisfaction of knowing that his mother thought he had died a hero.  He was a

wonderful character.  John D. was in the play.  He did well as usual.

Goodnight, dears.  I must study a little before going to bed.  Here’s your night kiss + +;

sleep tight.

Lovingly,

Pearl

Thanks for the fruit + cookies.

Bartlett Hall.

Oct. 3, 1921

Dearest folks,

I just sent you a card but I am starting a letter which will probably be written on

the instalment [sic] plan at the moments when I am least busy.

Well, to begin with a gloomy subject—in Eng. Composition class this morning, Miss Finch,

our instructor read some of our themes aloud criticizing them as to their betterment

next time. Of course, only the one who wrote the paper knew whose it was. She read

several, criticizing them thoroughly when she opened one which she said was a pitiful

tragedy. She read it aloud praising it for the imagination shown, the choice of words

and general technique. 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. with any, so I see

where I make use of my little dictionary in looking them up. In spite of what she says

I would rather have an imagination than be able to spell, for one can’t buy imagination

and I can buy dictionaries if necessary. It is just the thing that will help my spelling,

even though it is a little severe. By the way, --D. is just getting through by the skin

of ones [sic] teeth. But, believe me, I’ll get more than that on my themes hereafter,

for I’ll look up every word if necessary.

I was brushing my clothes this morning and hit my watch crystal breaking it to bits.

I’m glad I didn’t get a new one when I thought of it. I suppose I’ll have to have it

fixed right away. I’m lost without it.

There were 92 in my biology class, so some of us have to have our laboratory work

at another time. It was my ill luck (ever thing is ill today) to have lab work from eight

to ten on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings. I don’t like the idea of working

on Saturday at all, because I’ll be absent when I come home, but it can’t be changed

at present. Probably, later, when some of the class drop out, the hours can be the

same as before.

There was a Frosh at the train, and the poor fellow had to carry both our suit cases

to Bartlett. Of course, I was glad not to have to do it myself, but it was mean on him.

You see, lots of things have happened today—mostly unlucky—but I’m sure they’ll be

better tomorrow. I’ll go to bed now and have a good rest. (“Scany” said it was alright

for me to miss gym once.) 

Thursday evening.

I joined the Y.W.C.A yesterday. It was a very beautiful service of candle light.

Each girl who was joining carried a candle lighted from a large one which an old

member held. I think I shall like it, as the nice girls all belong.

Latin hasn’t been the very likable so far, but I am sure I shall like it as soon as I get

onto the hang of it. You know, I never did like a subject that was hard to master. I

am determined to get it, so, of course, I shall. Mr. Webster makes us work hard, but

I’m sure we’ll know more about Latin when we finish than those last year who went

about it as fast.

I am getting to know quite a few of the girls. They are nice, all that I have met. It is

the better class, as a rule, who come to college, I think.

Edith and Enid are going through here on their way home from Chicago. Sidney, Mary,

and I are going down to the train. We shall have to start soon.

The upper class girls of Bartlett are giving a party to the Barlett frosh tomorrow night.

They are very nice to us. It is set for eleven o’clock in the evening, and I don’t know

how late it will be when it’s out.

About my Saturday biology work—I think I can be excused some Sat. and make up

my work in one of the classes that recite at a different hour. I’ll come home as soon

as there are some coats in our wonderful new store. I haven’t had time to go to the

St. Paul depot yet—I have even been too busy to finish this letter.

I gave my first public speech today, and am glad the first time is over, as I won’t be

so frightened next time. I spoke on “the newspaper.” It was taken from a theme I

wrote for high school last year. Probably you remember it. It dealt with the featuring

of criminal cases rather than the reader. Of course I was criticized as they all are,

but I rec’d several compliments on it from the students afterwards.

I am getting more into the run of thing [sic], and like it very much better than I did.

Monday night I guess I was too tired to think straight then. I’m getting rested up now.

I only have two classes tomorrow—Eng. Composition at nine and Latin at 3:15. It will

be an easy day. I’ll try to get some letters and cards written over the week end.

Miss Scanlan promised to call me for gym Wednesday morning. She forgot, and I slept

until 6:30. I got up, went to her room, saw that she had gone, and decided she had

forgotten me (my watch was not running). I dressed in my gym clothes and went over

to come back with the girls. Scanny did not mark me absent because it was her fault.

I have gotten out of gym easily thus far.

I hope your [sic] well, and that grandpa isn’t causing you any trouble—go whenever

you can. I’m glad you were able to have Study Club, but I wish I had been there to

help you.

The table runner fits fine, and looks well.

Mrs. Bintliff (the music teacher) played several selections on the pipe organ in the

chapel this morning. Her music is inspiring.

I must go to bed soon and there is a little studying to do first, so will close for now.

Goodnight. I love you mo’ntoncantell [sic]

              Yours always,

              Pearl.

P.S. Was invited to another 9:30 spread, the other night, given by Verna Taylor. Had

a dandy time.

November 9, 1921

Bartlett, Ripon, Wis.

Wed. morning

Dearest Papa and Mamma,

I arrived here safely Mon. morn. And I am not very tired.

The “spread” went off fine.  There were fourteen of us and we all had a great

pleanty [sic]. Oh, no, there were only twelve here because Evelyn Windsor was sick

so Stell staid home with here [sic].  I took what was left in to them in the morning. 

We had a good time.

I have gym class from 7:30 to 8:30 every Monday night now.  We play volleyball, and

it is really lots of fun.

Last night I went to the second number of the lecture course given by two famous

pianists Guy Maier and Lee Pattison.  They play on two pianos, and we couldn’t tell

one piano from the other for their time was perfect.  They played on Chickering pianos.

The honor roll – (rather – the roll call) is to be posted this noon.  I don’t think I’ll get on

for I got “B” on my biology note book.  If I don’t get on, I can have my Bartlett pin soon.

  No girl who gets on the roll call is entitled to one.  They cost $7.50, which is a pretty

big price.  They are set with pearls and look something like this – (drawing of pin)

The campus is beautiful with the white snow on the evergreen trees.  The limbs are piled

six inches high with snow and bend almost to the ground.  I didn’t realize there were so

many fir trees until the snow came I suppose there is more water in the cistern now.

I didn’t miss anything in Sunday school by being at home, for Mr. Graham was unable to

be there and Miss Finch, my English teacher, took his place.  The girls who went said it

wasn’t very interesting.

Tomorrow night there is a C.E. mask party at the Congo church.  I don’t know what

costume I’ll wear, but I shall find one somewhere.  I think I shall enjoy it, for I never

was at a masquerade before.

Next Mon. night is the 3rd no. of our Lecture courses.  It is the greatest woman violinist

in the world, Erika Morinin, who is only 17 yrs. old.

I don’t know whether I’ll go to Appleton or not.  I don’t care much about it.  There is

a special train.  I’ll go if I care to.

I’m not on the roll call!  I just found out.

I hope Gramp is more quiet.  I hope he minds about keeping still at night so you can sleep. 

Do you like the new method of “every other watch?”  I wish I could help.  How do you

get along without Addie.  Have her come back if you have to work hard.

Your with lots, oceans, and continents of love,

Hastily your,

Pearl

Nov. 12, 1921

Bartlett, Friday A.M.

Dearest folks,

I got your letter this morning and am so glad that you rest better nights.  Does Gramp

eat as much as ever?  How is his strength compared to what it was last time I was home?

I hope you went to the social as it will do you good to get out even for so short a time.

Go every chance you get, as the horrible monotony of taking care of Gramp is hard on

ones nerves.

I went to the masquerade party last night and had a good time.  I didn’t mask or wear

a costume, for very few of the girls did.  We couldn’t find costumes.  There were some who

were rediculously [sic] disguised and it was lots of fun guessing who they were.  We

played games such as we used to play at church parties at home such as “Simon says”

“Thumbs Up” etc.  We had a lunch of delicious pumpkin pie and coffee.

I think the blouse pattern you sent is very cute to be made up out of the green cloth. 

I am glad to find some way to use it, for it is really fine material.  With that blouse I

don’t want a blue sailor blouse this year, so don’t send for samples.  Can you make it

without fitting me?  If you like, you can leave it until I come home at Thanksgiving, for

I won’t need it until after that.  Be sure not to get material for sailor blouse, for I don’t

want it now.  I like the way the green one is to be made especially as it is a little

differant [sic] from what everyone else has.

The Y.W.C.A. had a sandwitch [sic] sale after Chapel this morning I helped sell.  Two

girls stood at each door of the chapel with a bushel basket of them, and they went off

like hot cakes at two for five.  I helped make them this morning too.

I don’t think I’ll go to Lawrence.  I don’t care to, and I have a great deal of studying

to do.

This afternoon is a half holiday. (Nov. 11)

In haste and with all the love I possess.

Yours,

Pearl.

Sun. morning.

Dec. 4, 1921.

Dearest Papa and Mamma;

I started this last night but didn’t have time to write it.  This has been a very, very busy

week I had to get my Biology note book in by Sat. and I worked hard all the week on it,

but I managed to get it in on time.

I had my pictures retaken Wednesday morn and they are much better.  I ordered 1 ½ doz.

Cards and ½ doz. Folders.  The bill will be $7.00.  That is an average of about $.30 (cents)

a picture.  He gave me the cards for (1 ½ doz.) for $4.00 + the and the [sic] folders

(1/2 doz.) for $3.00.  They will be done in about 10 days.

Monday, I was initiated into the B. society.  It wasn’t bad.  The ideals are personality,

democracy and scholarship.  We are working hard to have the highest scholarship of

any hall on the campus.  I hope we can succeed.  There in no roll call this 6 weeks but

an honor roll on which those with A’s appear.  Of course, I won’t be on, but I’m glad

theres [sic] no roll call for I may be able to catch up by next time so that I won’t be on. 

They are given every other 6 weeks, there being 3 or each during the year.  I got 60 on

my Latin exam, but I am doing better work now, for I spend three hours a day on it.  I’m

sure it will turn out O.K. Mr. Weostes offered to help me, but I must learn it for myself. 

He is a Mason I saw his pen.  Maybe my being an O.E.S. will help me.

I talked with Mr. Lutungian in the library a few days ago.  He told me more of his life in

Armenia.  He was comfortably situated in his home and was buying vinyards [sic] around

it.  There is continual warfare there, and the Armenians have to bank up their windows for

months at a time to prevent being killed by the Turks.  It is garilla [sic] warfare.  His home

was twice destroyed, and he became discourage, telling his father that he was coming to

America to get an education, which would be something the Turks couldn’t destroy except

by killing him.  So he came to America, not knowing a soul except a college professor living

in Boston who recommended Ripon to him.  He is a brilliant student, but he is spurred on to

scholarship by a great ambition for the future.  He gets homesick, but he is not a quitter. 

He hears the call of his miserable people, so he is going back there as a teacher and doctor

when his finishes his education here.  He is the most eager for knowledge of any person I

ever saw, but he has a great motive to spur him onward.  We could all do better if there

was something fine that we were called upon to do.  His life will be one sacrifice, for he will

give it up to his people in doing good for his countrymen, and forsake the wealth and

leasure [sic] that he could gain if he stayed in America.  If I could write, his story would

make a fine book – one of those of self-sacrifice – you know what I mean.  I guess he

doesn’t have a very good time.  He works so hard.  It would be nice for me to make a

little X mas box + send to him [sic] without letting him know who it was from.  I’m sure it

would please him greatly.

Thursday evening I went with Sidnie to see “The Great Divide.”  It was wonderful!  The

whole account is given in the Sunday paper.  Maybe Bessie will let you read it.  It’s

to [sic] lengthy to tell in a letter.

I had the most wonderful spread last night.  I invited 4 B girls, and Sidnie, + Martha Pilger it

was a peculiar thing, but the other day in Lab. Carl Fehlandt (Mary’s admirer) came up to

me and asked me if we girls liked spreads.  Of course, I said we did.  Well, he said he and

his mother feel sorry for the girls in the halls who were away from their mothers’ cooking,

and that they would like to have me be hostess of a spread which they would furnish

everything on the Q.T.  They didn’t want me to tell where I got the stuff.  I accepted, and

they send me a cup of jelly, a loaf of bread, some butter, some fudge candy and salted

nuts, the most delicious pumpkin pie I ever tasted (It had pink whipped cream on top)

and 10 monstrous boughten [sic] apples.  The spread must have cost 3 or 4 dollars. 

I can’t understand it, but we had a good time anyway.  The girls were dying with curiosity

to know where I got the “eats,” so I told them that it was from a kind lady who felt sorry

for us and who didn’t want her name exposed.  I’ll probably tell them sometime.  Sidnie

came and stayed over night with me.  Thus far I have given three spreads.  I think that is

enough for me.

I went to S.S. this morning.  Mr. Graham talked on the “Will.”  As usual it was fine.  Went

over to Pilger’s a while this P.M.  Just got back from C.E. There is the C.E. convention at

Oshkosh Fri. Sat. + Sun. 9, 10, 11 of Dec.  There are about delegates from our C.E.

expected to go.  There was a committee meeting tonight and they decided on who they

wanted to go to represent our C.E.  They want me to go.  All expenses of carfare are

paid, and we are taken to private homes for our room and breakfasts.  All I would have

to buy would be my Fri. + Sat. dinner + supper.  We would go on the bus Fri P.M. and

come back Sun. P.M.  There are going to be several good speakers, Prof. Graham + Pres.

Evans included.  My dollar rebate from the Commons would more than cover all expenses. 

Do you want me to go?  Nordie is going and she says it is a good rest and inspiration. 

Let me know as soon as possible so that I may tell them.  I aught to hear by Wed.  It

will be a good opportunity to meet nice people and to hear some good lectures.  I think

my work will stand it.  I must really close now, with bushels of love to you both.  I hope

Gramps continues to be little trouble.  If you want me to go, is there anything you want

me to get in the line of Christmas presents or shopping.

Love and kisses,

From your,

Pearl.

P.S.  Two weeks from tonight I’ll be suggly [sic] at home with my dear folks to stay

for two weeks.  We get home Fri. or Sat. when we get through writing finals.  The Mon. +

Tues. after New Years are registration days so I’ll have almost 3 weeks at home.  I’m

sending you a poster.  I think I’ll go to hear the harpest [sic] Wed. night, for I don’t feel

that I can afford to miss hearing Sal... [Unreadable], the greatest harpest [sic] in the

world.  I’ll economize or, something else. 

Letters transcribed by Parissa DJangi and Bryan Schneider