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[April 30, 1924]
Darling Mama,
Another lovely day! How much the weather can influence the way we feel!
The faculty is of course very kind, but I’m going to get on the roll call anyway, I guess—But we don’t care a bit do we.
The robe came this P.M. It’s lovely of you to send it even though I don’t need it any more. Given thinks it is very pretty. Is my lavender dress done? If it isn’t could you send my blue dotted for me to wear evenings over the week-end. Don’t trouble if it is too much bother.
I got a commencement notice from Lila Smith. What shall we do?
Pearl.
[May 6, 1924]
Tue. A.M.
Dearest Momsie,
Your letter came. I am always so glad to hear!
You needn’t send my dresses, for I’ll get them when I come home. The lavender dress is just right and quite becoming. Be sure not to forget your own sewing on making things for me. Get a good coat! No, I have no need or desire for one.
I’m not on roll call! Aren’t the professors fine to me?
I’ll be coming home Friday night by car. If anything happens to detain me until Saturday P.M., I’ll telephone if it is too late to write. As it is, expect me.
Glad you went to O.E.S. It won’t be so hard now.
My Spanish is all made up, and I have nearly decided to enter the contest. What do you think?
Lovingly,
Pearl.
1924
Darling Momsie,
You were such a dear mama to work so hard to give us a good time! I appreciate it, and I’m sure Gwen and Don do too. They seemed to have had a very nice week-end.
I hope you are rested by now. I had a long night of sound sleep last night and feel like an athlete today.
I received a nice letter from Sidnie yesterday. I hope everything will turn out O.K. between her and me. It will be a pity if a small barrier must part two friends like us. I don’t believe it will—she said nothing about the thing in her letter.
I am to have a rehearsal every day from now on. It is coming along pretty well.
I wish it would rain Chinese poodles for a few days and then clear up for a while.
Yes, I’ll be home Thur. noon and I’ll be so happy when I can be with you for good.
Lovingly,
Pearl.
Friday morning Sept. 26, 1924
Dearest Momsie;
Isn’t it a lovely morning?! The weather helps so much when changes must be made!
From your card, I judge that you aren’t having time to get lonely, and I hope it continues to be so. Vespers is a week from Sunday, but I’m sure Dean Graham will excuse me if I’m not there if I explain the circumstances. I just have to come home then.
It has been a busy week. There was a formal after noon tea given by the W.S.G.A for all girls at Lyle yesterday, and a reception of Prexy’s for all of the students last night.
Both affairs were horibly [sic] formal. I don’t see why people insist on having things like that when they know no one enjoys them. Mrs. Evans had five gallons of punch left over and is giving it to Bartlett. Consequently Bartlett “old girls” are giving a tea for the new ones this P.M. Oh dear! And tonight there is the walk-around. I may go. All this isn’t exactly fun, but I ‘spose it’s good for us.
I partook of my first meal at the Commons and decided it would be my last! So I am eating with Justine Schwingie, Esther Haase, Dorothy Pasties and Ruth Davis, at Mrs. Hunold’s quite near the campus. She loves to cook and is taking boarders for that reason. I don’t see how she can break even with five dollars a week serving such wonderful meals. This week, I have been going to breakfast which costs a dollar extra. Tell me what you think I should do about it – if I eat in my room it won’t cost quite as much. Don wants me to go to Mrs. Hobbs with him, but she doesn’t hold a candle to Mrs. Hunold, and it’s a long ways to her house, too.
The frosh seem to be very nice and I like my new roommate much. She is a splendid student, very neat about the room, and very generous.
I have seen the Wild Roses several times. They are moaning over the fact that they can’t be in Bartlett, for Lyle is rather unpleasant to them. By the way, the frosh made a successful party.
I had a date with Stuart Wednesday P.M. We sat on the campus and visited – but no one saw us. He doesn’t appeal to me at all anymore, and I think I’d rather have my good times with the girls. However, I’ll do nothing drastic for a while – and perhaps I won’t need to, for he isn’t especially delighted with my company either, I guess.
My bill was $122.00. It seems as though prices are up, I haven’t had a voice lesson yet, and if I don’t like Miss Evans I’ll drop out. The board bill is to be paid weekly.
Must run down to the post office with this, so you’ll get it today.
I love you,
Pearl
I wrote George, and rec’d a platonic letter from him this morning.
Saturday evening Sept. 27, ‘24
Dearest of mothers;
This has been a strenuous week but the routine of work will bring more leisure to write home and do other things quite as essential.
Yes, I went to the walk-around, and you’ll undoubtedly be shocked to learn that I took for my pardner [sic] Robert Page Sims, a negro from West Virginia. He is a freshman here and there isn’t one white man in a hundred who has as much culture and gentlemanliness as he. I saw him on the campus and realizing that he would undoubtedly not get a chance to go to the walk around, I conceived the idea of asking him. First, I went to Don to ask his advice. He said he had been talking with Mr. Sims and believed him to be splendid; adding that it would be fine of me to take him. He asked him for me and came with him to call for me last night. (Don took Justine.) Well, we went and everyone treated him very nicely. He is very retiring, but an especially interesting conversationalist. I have heard that his father is president of a southern negro college; but he didn’t tell me. I can see that he has had a refined environment. I’m sure I lost nothing by taking him, and it was an extremely interesting experience. Prexy told Marian that there were only two or three other girls in college who could have gotten way with it. He and others seemed much pleased. I’m telling you this only to make you feel better about it.
I am so glad Miss Shepherd is to be with you this week-end. You will have good company. Don’t stay alone when you are blue or lonesome. I’ll ask Dean Graham about coming home Friday. Pretty sure he’ll let me come.
I like Justine better all the time.
Sunday
Anna has been in Ripon over the week-end. We went uptown to the frosh initiation yesterday and to church this morning together. The services were inspiring. Instead of S.S. they have an “inquiry group” led by members of the faculty. Dr. Goodrich talked this morning and was most fascinating as usual. Miss Evens, the new vocal instructor, leads the choir and sang a solo this morning. Her voice is lovely – much more so than Miss Armstrong’s, I have my first lesson tomorrow and hope she is as good an instructor as she is singer.
Don and I are going to call on Mrs. Knot, an invalid, this P.M. He and Gwen used to visit her last year.
Mrs. Graham asked me to call on her soon. I saw the children and Marian remembered me! The Grahams are just as lovely as ever. He is to talk in C.E. tonight.
Mrs. Gardner and I are quite congenial.
The delicious meals at Mrs. Hunold’s still continue. Mrs. Hobbs telephoned the other day to say Hello and told me she was going to invite me over some time to eat supper with Don. She has a big crowd to cook for.
I’m so pleased with my course with Mr. Allen. I’m sure I can use dramaturgy wherever I go and as for comp --!!!
I might write more, but I must retire.
Good night + + + O
Pearl.
Mon. Morn. Oct. 20, 1924
Darling Momsie;
The fog was so thick last night that we didn’t get to Ripon until 11:15. Had to drive very slowly. It seemed good to sleep this A.M. until seven, altho I did want to stay at home longer. It seemed as tho we didn’t have any visit at all this time, but you must come down soon to make up, I did so enjoy being at home with you!!!
Yesterday P.M., I believe someone began to see my point of view. We were very frank. I told him that like all other women, I wanted the greatest thing in the world, but that until I knew I was getting it, I couldn’t forget the goals I have been working toward all my life. I told him also that a man married as a matter of course and went on with all his activities just as before, while to a woman, marriage is everything – She must drop her profession as well as many other things to become a wife! When she is getting real love in return it is vastly worth the sacrifice, but until I know I’m getting it I’m not going to throw away my life. To all this he agreed. I don’t suppose anyone ever talked to him like that before and it opened his eyes. He feels that a great responsibility rests upon his shoulders for if we married and it didn’t turn out right, he would be responsible for my loss of everything else. On the other hand, I told him that if he was quite sure he loved me and refrained from telling me because of that fear, he would be doing me a greater injustice. In conclusion, we decided to let time do the deciding for us, and in the mean time to go on as before.
Now, as to Stuart. I told G. ‘ that I had been going with him some, and he said that so long as it afforded me any good times that I might otherwise miss, he didn’t mind. So that’s all right. Now the next thing is to tell ‘S, that G. is, coming to Homecoming. I’ll let you know the results. It’s interesting. I’m playing a pretty exciting game of chance all by myself!
How thankful I am for a mother who understands!! So many girls are denied that privilege!
Your own loving,
Pearl.
Oct. 27, 1924
Darling Mama;
I was glad to get your card telling me that you were to spend Sunday with the Holts. I didn’t want you to be all alone.
Probably George told you of the great surprise that came to both Lawrence and Ripon Saturday with a 7-7 tie. Everyone expected that we’d lose at least 60-0, so a tie was as good as a victory and for Lawrence as good as a defeat. It surely was a thriller. People haven’t gotten over it yet.
The Alpha Chi Alpha initiatory service went off beautifully. It was so impressive that Catherine Whittier who was receiving the degree, fainted and had to take the rest of it on the davenport. It was quite a family reunion, for all but five members were back. Dean Kingsland, the honorary member, and her daughter Mary, a charter member, (in whose home we had the service) served a lovely breakfast.
After that George and I went to the glen to spend the day – and such a beautiful day I never saw. It was very quiet and restful out there.
Had a very nice time all the week-end. Sidnie and Mildred Hotchkiss stayed in my room but I didn’t see much of them. The other girls entertained them to meals for a change.
Hastily and most lovingly,
Pearl.
P.S. I’m expecting you this weekend.
Fri. A.M. Oct. 31, ‘24
Mama, dear,
So sorry I can’t come home this week-end – but I don’t dare ask to be excused from Vespers. I’m sorrier yet that you aren’t coming until Friday. I haven’t seen you for so long!
I hope your eye really isn’t sore. It’s a shame, but you shouldn’t stay home because of that!
By the way, bring my white slippers and a pair of white stockings with you. I need them for the play.
S + I went for a walk yesterday and talked things over for the first time. He said he wasn’t overjoyed at the company I had over the week-end but that he was glad to continue as before if I cared to do so. I told him that I enjoyed his friendship and company. He asked if I didn’t want him to come to W.R. last summer, and I told him that I hadn’t felt equal to facing the gossip. He said that during the summer someone in Waupaca sent him a clipping of our trip to the Dells. Oh well, it’s a relief to have an understanding. I’ll tell you more when I see you. I’m going with him to hear Miscla Elman Tuesday night. How I wish you could come!
Tonight the R.O.T.C. is giving a Halloween masquerade in the gym. If we can figure out some costumes, maybe we girls will go. It’s a non-date affair. Maybe we’ll be witches.
Went to a Halloween party at the Congo ch. Wed. evening and had an awfully goodtime.
Six weeks’ exams are next week, but I’ll have the week end to get ready for them.
Your card just came I think it would be lovely for you to go to Oshkosh from here, but you mustn’t go until you have made me a good visit.
Your loving,
Pearl
Sunday eve. Nov. 2, ‘24
Mama, dear,
I wish you had been here today. Where were you? Did you stay at Aunt Effies’? Is Dell still there?
Vespers was quite thrilling today although I didn’t care particularly for the speaker, pastor of the First Congregational church of Oshkosh. The Seniors marched into their places while the organ played a Prelude Processional and the congregation rose in a body. I’m not used to such distinction, and the whole service, especially my part in it, seemed very unreal. I can’t realize that I’m a college Senior. The fact that I am one is wholly due to the labors of you and Papa. I can see that I lack the ambition to have done it by myself without your support. And I am grateful.
Yesterday afternoon Stuart had to go into the country on business. He borrowed a car and took me along. On the return trip we went to Green Lake where the waves were rolling up onto the shore in a white fury. It was truly an “awful” sight. The red sunset tinted to [sic] white caps beautifully. The biggest reason why I enjoy being with Stuart is that he takes my mentality to the utmost. I have to sharpen my intellect to meet him on his own ground. It is fun, too; but other than that there is nothing you know.
Yesterday was the formal opening of the new Fargo Jeweler store. Deidrich’s had attractions too. They gave away a bon bon dish just like the silver and gold one Ning showed us, you remember, for every dollar’s purchase. I bought a dear incense burner which is a little piece of statuary in itself. It is a cherub holding a bird’s nest in which the incense burns. It cost $1.20, and so we have 2 very nice Christmas gifts cheap. Fargo’s gave away a diamond ring, a pearl necklace, a man’s watch and cuff links – but of course I didn’t draw the lucky number.
Ning sent me the wax ornament she was making. It is very pretty. They are moving into a home of their own and she is quite elated over it.
Justine’s friend, Mr. Ender, was here Friday, and that night we had a party for them in the parlor – Don + Vera Root! Stuart + I. It was a fudge party, but the fudge wasn’t good. Had an awfully good time. Afterward we went over to the Halloween masquerade for awhile. It was quite a concession for Stuart as he hated dancing. Vera and I bought some penny balloons and wore them on our dresses. Cut idea, eh? There were some very clever costumes and some that weren’t so clever.
I have been studying hard today, for this is a busy week. We’ll be practicing quite a bit for the play, and I have to talk in Rowell (literature) club on tendencies of modern American poetry, Wed. night. It is easy to prepare for I just finished reading Amy Lowell’s book on that subject for advanced comp. I’m glad that I’ll have my duty done in that club for the year. Mischa Elman plays Tue. night, you know.
I haven’t been at C.E. since I got rid of the presidency. Guess Rev. Ingram thinks I’m backsliding. He’s right and I’m glad of it. It’s a relief to be rid of the responsibility.
Come as early as you can this week. I’m anxious to see you, dear.
Your
Pearl.
P.S. I’m using some of A.X.A’s stationary. It pays to be president.
P.S. no 2. I forgot to tell you that after the first artist course number Stuart took me to Reichmuth’s with Don and Justine. He asked me if I’d like to go, and said, “I told Don that I had never been able to get you to go to Reichmuths.” !!!
Nov. 2, 1924
Dears,
The weeks are blithely passing by, and our Pearl has been so preoccupied in doing worthless nothingnesses that she has neglected Robin shamefully, if shamelessly.
This afternoon, the noble Seniors marched in stately caps and gowns to Vespers. The stateliness was not so habitual as it was expedient, for the slightest inclination of the head might have resulted in the tumble of the “mortar board.” It was a thrilling experience, but I hardly realize what it meant. The thing which I have read and reamed of since I was a little child, seemed in it reality very unreal.
I love college, but sometimes I am quite impatient with its superficialities. We rush about on the hill in an endless sequence of “activities,” little dreaming of the vital problems the people in the valley are facing – problems of life and death, of food and clothing. Is it any wonder that they look upon us with a little resentment that makes their drudgery a little less bearable? It is they who make it possible for us to sit on our pretty pedestal – and it is well that many of them don’t realize it. Oh, I want to get down and live!! I have my theories – now I want to use them!
But more than anything else at this moment, I would like to talk the whole thing over with you three who mean so much to me. Writing is so unsatisfactory, because all I can do is thrust my little thoughts upon you without getting any answer outside my imagination of what you might say! You are very near – so near that it seems as though my ears must have lost their keenness. Please, won’t you speak a little louder? I want to be reassured that you understand!
Tomorrow night I teach Community Religion, Tuesday night we hear Mischa Elman play his violin, Wednesday night I give an hours talk on the tendencies of modern American poetry for the Rowell Club, Thursday night is dress rehearsal of “The Well’– Remembered Voice” by Barry, and Friday night we present it in the Little Theater. Incidentally, there are nineteen hours of classes and six-weeks’ exams! Thus the weeks fly past.
My thoughts are inexpressable [sic], and rather than be dull I’ll say,
Goodnight.
Pearl.
P.S. I just read this of the middle ages – and people really believed it – “Bear’s grease, coming from animals thickly covered with hair, is recommended to all who fear baldness.”
Friday evening.
Nov. 14, ‘24
Mama, dear,
Br – r- r ! Isn’t it cold?! It must warm up again though before winter, for we haven’t had Indian summer yet.
Evelyn Mc. road on the train with us Mon. morn. + said that Evelyn Anderson came home Sat. night to stay until Christmas. Perhaps we’ll have a real visit yet.
Sat. Morning
have a bright idea for your Study Club stunt – if you can use it. Get English walnuts in the shell (enough to go around) Pry them open and scrape out the insides, then put a capsul [sic] (some of those I got while I was in the hospital) inside, and glue them (the halves of the shell) together again. Tell them you are giving them the key to good health, have them open the walnuts and ready the funny stories aloud. Is that O.K.?
I’m glad you are having such an enjoyable week and that you are to be with Mrs. Darling this week-end! It was lovely of George to take you to O.E.S., as far as the extra drive was concerned, but I’m sure he enjoyed doing it for he likes your company very much. However, most men wouldn’t have thought of it. He is very unusual in that as in other respects.
Don’t mind Edna. Perhaps she has cause to be offended if you haven’t talked to her or called on her for a long time. In spite of her petty faults, she is a friend worth keeping. It doesn’t make a bit of difference to me what she thinks about George and me.
Thursday was the day when all the Sororities did their pledging. We had a beautiful little ceremony Thur. nite for 7 pledges, followed by a delicious lunch and songs. Had an awfully good time.
“L Ombra,” Tuesday evening wasn’t as a good as I had anticipated it to be. I don’t believe you would have enjoyed it, for the words of the songs were almost indistinguishable. Consequently, it was hard to get the story. The voices were quite good; I liked “The Impresario” of last year much better.
I have to sing my solo part in church tomorrow.
It seems good not to have to practice “the Well-Remembered Voice.”
The sun shines brightly this morning, and I hope it will warm up. If it doesn’t, I’m not going to the game this P.M. for it is cold sitting on the bleachers.
The president of Lawrence died yesterday. Their Homecoming which was to be this week-end is postponed of course.
Lovingly, your
Pearl.
Dec. 8, 1924
Mon. morning
Dearest Momsie;
Your letter and tablets just came. I didn’t get any tablets myself, so I’m glad of these. I don’t feel any bad effects from going without them.
The Holts are lovely, aren’t they. [sic] Yes, I think it would be nice to give Alice some little thing for Christmas. If I can get cloth, maybe she’d like one of those candy dolls like Gwen gave me. We’ll see about it when I get home.
Please tell me what to get you. Would you like cloth for a new dress?
About my book ends: I don’t think we’d better spend money for them until commencement time. Justine is getting some for X mas and will use them in our room.
About a dress: Justine’s sister is giving her a new one and Justine will sell me her lovely satin faced canton crepe, dark blue if I want it. She just got it thru a friend of hers at wholesale for $25 and will give it to me for that if I want it. I don’t think I want a dress now, for I’ll have to have some in the spring. I wore my blue taffeta yesterday and like it, the neck is O.K., so don’t worry about that. My red dress is still stylish and my brown one is awfully cute and I like my black one a great deal.
You needn’t send any more of my laundry nor my bathrobe. I have pleanty [sic] of things to last ‘till I come home.
Hope you decide to come Sunday.
Now listen, I don’t want you to spend any money on me for Christmas!! I mean it. There is nothing that I have the least desire for. I don’t believe I even want combs, for they seem to take the natural wave all out of my hair. Don’t order those short ones anyway. Those down here are short too, but I’ll get some long ones somewhere sometime if I want them, and I don’t think I do. I’ll be needing things later and I’d much rather not get much for Christmas. Please, mama!
There is a lovely bill fold up town laced around the edges and with a small masonis emblem on the inside in gold. It is a beauty and will last a life time, but it costs $6.00 (maybe I can Jew it down to $5.50) I’d rather get something nice for George and scrimp on other things. None of the cheaper ones are any good. You tell me honestly what you think, I won’t get it till I hear from you, and of course not then if you think it unwise.
S. asked me the other day what I wanted for X mas. Course I didn’t tell him! ‘Spose I’ll have to give him some little trinket.
Your own devoted
Pearl
Friday. Dec. 12, ‘24
Dearest Mama;
Your letter with Mrs. Hughes’ came, and her proposition looks quite good, doesn’t it? She seems anxious for you to come, and we could see each other, often, I think you would enjoy spending a time in Milwaukee too. There are so many things to see – and Kate is so nice!
I got the bill book, and it cost $6.00!!! But you must save on me. See? Justine’s dress will cost $15 if I get it. I don’t feel as though I need a dress, but here is what I’m going to do. I’ll bring it home with me Friday, and then mail it to Justine if we decide not to keep it. It has very straight lines and you may not like it. We’ll see when the time comes.
Mr. Allen has given me addresses of magazines to which he wants me to send my poetry. He says even though I may not find a sale for it, it is well to get the editors acquainted with my name.
I don’t believe I can get home before Friday night, but if I can I’ll let you know. I think I’ll have an exam Fri. P.M.
Wish you were to be here Sunday. Can’t you possibly come? Mr. Dawes Ripon trustee and cousin to the vice president is to speak. This the [sic] vesper service of the year. And the cantata is beautiful! I’ll go down to the train tomorrow P.M. anyway in case you might change your mind.
My term topics are all done!!! All that is left is the cantata and preparation and writing of exams.
I love my mama so much,
Pearl.
Mon.
Dec. 15, 1924
Dearest Mama;
It is just as well that you didn’t come as far as Mr. Dawes’ speech was concerned – it was punk! However everyone said the cantata was beautiful, and I so wish you could have heard it.
Yesterday was a most busy day. The A.X.A. initiated 3 new members early in the morning and had a sorority breakfast afterward. Then I sang in the choir at church and at Vespers. In the evening, the cantata, followed by a Bartlett Christmas party. We had drawn names for presents and I got a box of lovely face powder. After the party was over, we all went out singing carols at the various dormitories and faculty-members homes. It was lots of fun and nearly everyone seemed to appreciate it.
The Scribblers came out Saturday, and I spent the P.M. addressing them to H.S.’s of Wis. Seven of us worked. I’ll send you one.
No one called for the apron you send for the Y.W. bazaar, so I kept it, and we can give it to someone else. I bought two pretty articles. One was a pink linen handkerchief with tatting around the edge for only 25 c. (we can give that to Ethel) The other was a beautiful pin cushion that looked something like this: (picture of item). We can make others like it. We might give this to Gladys. One of the girls bought a pattern of a cute rag doll which I’m going to copy off as a possibility for Beverly. I got some cloth to make little candy dolls for youngsters. (Like Gwen made me – you know.)
I’m coming home Friday night. Whenever!! Presume G. will meet me, so don’t make other plans. It seems too good to be trust that I’ll be home 16 whole days.
So sorry about Dewey! Fate seems to be against him, but I have an institution that he’s going to make good sometime. Please PLEASE don’t worry about it. It doesn’t do a bit of good and only makes you less able to stand up under things. If you never get the $2 back (I believe you will) you’ll have [sic] very good excuse for not loaning any more to that party.
I’ll be so glad to get home.
Lovingly
Pearl
Letters transcribed by Parissa DJangi and Bryan Schneider
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