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Wed. A.M.
Jan. 5 – ’25
My dear Mama,
Your loving daughter made the honor roll after all with an average of 93.2. The average of the school is 82.8. There were only 17 of the 420 who were on! Justine had the honor, too, and has to close our window every morning because of it. (We had a bet about it, you know)
I’m anxious to know more about Evelyn. Let me know whatever you hear.
I tho’t perhaps we’d have Vespers this Sunday, but I guess we won’t. Perhaps it will be a week from Sunday. Miss Evans sent word that I should come to choir practice tomorrow night to practice a solo part for the anthem for Vespers. She is going to make up two or three lessons which I missed last quarter, and is going to train me in my Spanish solo; so you see I’ll be getting quite a bit of music even though I’m not taking lessons.
No, I don’t believe I’ll come home this week-end even if you don’t come, for I’ll be seeing you very soon anyway.
Don understands my situation and is helping me out by “having something planned” permanently whenever I need it as an excuse for S., see? I can’t bear to hurt Stuart because he is a splendid fellow and has been very fine to me, but if it must be, perhaps it will be easier to break by degrees than suddenly. I don’t know I’m sure. What do you think!? I’m not at all anxious to do it. Justine says I want to “have my cake and eat it, too.”
I had to have my suede oxfords tapped. It cost 90 cents but it is a fine job.
Marian saw my grey gloves and would like to send for some like them for her mother. If you are coming this week, will you bring the catalog please, and if you are not could you send it?
I’m resigning from the Y.W. cabinet. I never went to the meeting anyway, and it wasn’t fair to hold down the manager preventing anyone else from having it!
Let me know when you are coming to Ripon so I can meet you. There isn’t anything on this week-end that I know of unless it be basketball games.
I rec’d a letter from Ignaty yesterday (she has been very busy and so couldn’t write) and one from Mildred Hotchkins who is to be in Ripon over the week-end of the 23rd. Margaret Trimbell is here on a visit – married!! She didn’t bring her husband, so I can’t say whether or not I approve. Margaret is as unusual as ever.
Play practice has begun, and we’ll be very busy until after the 17th of Feb!
The meals at the Commons are really good. – much better than when I left.
How does your coat look? If it looks well, wear it all the time while it is in style, and if it doesn’t wear it for common and get a new one in the January sales. It was just a year ago that I got mine.
Help May if she need it.
I guess I’ll take this letter up town, for you’ll probably get the afternoon mail from the O.E.S. hall this P.M.
Much love always,
Pearl.
Wed A.M.
Jan 6, ’25
Dearest Momsie;
Probably you stayed up town last night and are ready for the O.E.S. work now. I hope you have a nice time and that everything goes off smoothly.
Once more Dear Dr. Mutch has wiggled me through a difficult and saved me from taking education, and I’m taking both dramaturgy and composition. It will work out splendidly, I’m sure. If I don’t teach I surely won’t need it and if I do Dr. Mutch has a scheme whereby I can “get by”. Of course I’m only free for this quarter. I’ll have to take it next quarter. In place of music I’m taking a 1 hour course in education which will be very interesting along the line of research work. I’ll send a schedule and details later.
Yesterday P.M., Don gave me my first skiing lesson, we were out all the P.M. and had lots of fun. I took about 17 ungraceful tumbles, but didn’t get hurt because of the soft snow. Skiing is great sport. We’re going again Saturday I’m so anxious. I’m sure you’r [sic] glad Don is teaching me.
Yes, S. was on the train and carried part of my luggage to the hall.
I have to get the Bible class (the whole of it) started tomorrow morning for Dr. Evans won’t be here.
Everything will be running smoothly in a day or so.
The new post office is in running order.
Don’t work too hard.
Hastily + lovingly,
Pearl
Sunday 1/11/’25
Dear George;
If one of the girls had not gone after the mail last night, I wouldn’t have gotten your letter until tomorrow. As it is, I’m using my Sunday leisure to answer it, fearing the first part of the week. Besides, it is somewhat of a habit to talk to you on Sunday.
I enjoyed such a quiet contentment during Christmas vacation that I didn’t exactly want to come back to this high strung life. But here I am. Often I realize during a lecture that I haven’t heard a word the prof. has been saying. Day dreams are the most fatal of all dreams.
My schedule for this quarter is the same as last except for the elimination of music on Mon. + Thur. And teaching on Mon. evenings, and the addition for a 4:15 class on Wednesdays. I’m earning a little money this quarter (35 c. pert hour) by correcting themes for the composition department. I won’t get more than one batch a week, and not that unless I have plenty of time. It will be interesting work, and quite a new experience to earn my own salt. I have felt like a parasite for so many years!
The Commons isn’t half bad. There is a very nice group at our table, we save a lot of time, and the meals are much better than they were when I left. There is more of the college atmosphere, too.
Wheeeeee! Justine got on the honor roll and as a penalty has to close the windows every morning this quarter!! It was a bet between us – I knew she would get on, and she knew she wouldn’t --. She is saying without grumble saying, “It’s worth it!”
The Rowell Club, a literary organization, had a twelvth [sic] Night party last week, at which all the members representing in speech and action some historic or literary character. It was the fun of the evening to guess whom the characters where. I was Gunivere of Tennyson’s “Idylls of the King” and characterized her by wearing a white robe and crown and speaking her words, “It was my duty to have loved the highest. It surely was my profit had I know. It would have been my pleasure had I seen. We needs must love the highest when we see it.” Then a huge bake was out, and the persons receiving the piece containing the bean, pea, or clove were king, queen, and jester respectively for the evening. After the election of a cake-cutter for next year, the king issued a proclamation that the Christmas trees should be taken out on the campus and burned to mark the end of the Christmas season. All this was patterned after an old English custom of celebrating the arrival of the wise men on the Twelvth [sic] Night. It is to be a tradition of Rowell Club.
Saturday night, we girls went to see the movie, “Abraham Lincoln,” which was exceptionally good. It was true to fact and absolutely clean. Most movies sadly fail in those two respects. Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, and U.S. Grant, especially, looked just like pictures we have seen of them.
Isn’t the weather wonderful! I’m so glad you can still run cars! Perhaps the worst of the winter is over.
I must close and get busy.
Faithfully,
Pearl.
P.S. Monday. Your pictures just came, and I’m so pleased!! Although I still like them both, I have a slight preference and am sending back the other. Thank you!!!
Jan. 13, ’25
Dearest Mama,
Sunday, I wrote a lot of letters that I owed (to Sidnie, Nina, Lula, and George) and didn’t have time left to write you. Hope you aren’t worried, because I’m O.K., sleeping well and feeling fine.
We girls went to see “Abraham Lincoln” Saturday evening. It was splendid.
I went to C.E. Sunday evening because Mr. Tutunjian spoke of a contrast between the Christianity of the Orient and Occident, and he is always very good. After that I went to the Forum discussion on the question, “Should there be a double or single standard of morality for men and women?” It was interesting.
I got two of George’s pictures and am keeping the one I like first.
I’m wondering when you are coming. I’ll wash out the few things that are soiled, then you can be free to come when it seems most convenient.
The drama class is to produce a play of Spanish life Feb. 17, in conjunction with the annual Spanish program. I’m a minor character in the play, but have a solo in Spanish for the program.
I must rush off for class now, but will write again soon.
Lovingly,
Pearl.
Feb. 2 ’25
Dearest, dearest, Mama;
Yes, my henchmen carried my bag from the depot! But maybe he’ll get disgusting after awhile, for Mrs. Plzak just invited Marian, Harold + me to a little luncheon Sunday P.M. + evening!
Be sure to let me know what Mrs. Holt’s condition is and what your plans are. I’ll be anxiously waiting.
I feel fine, and upon looking back over the week-end find it to have been a very pleasant and profitable one. You are such a dear to listen to my wild raving with patience and understanding. You are the tonic that brings me back to earth and reality when I have been flying the heights or swimming the depths. For all, I’m very grateful, and love you.
Your own
Pearl.
Feb. 5 ’25
Thur. P.M.
Darling Momsie;
I haven’t time to really write a letter, but a note will serve the purpose of telling you that I am well and love you.
Your letter came this morning, and you are absolutely right. There is nothing in this world worth worrying about. If things could be benefited by it, that would be justification, but nothing ever is. I’ve sworn off!
Stuart is respectfully keeping his distance which makes no drastic measure necessary. Perhaps he senses the situation a bit and is on his guard. I hope so!
There is Vespers this week and next week!! I am to sing the 23rd psalm at the R.O.T.C Vespers this week. Norman Angel a very note Englishman will speak on the Sunday George is here. Won’t that be nice?
We planned our menu the other night for our party. Justine has written to her sister to fry chicken for us. (We’ll warm it up) We’ll make salad + have mashed potatoes and tort if Mrs. H. will make it for us. If you happen to go home, we’d like a glass of jell that would go well with chicken, and a few cookies. However, if you won’t be at home then, don’t bother because we really don’t need them. If you send it, give it to George to bring.
No, I don’t believe I ought to go to Milwaukee with you. We’ll go sometime when the trip could be less hurried.
Your own,
Pearl
Mon. evening.
2/9/’25
Mama, dear,
I haven’t time for but a note, but that will tell you that I’m fine and am very busy with 6 weeks’ exams.
The play is postponed to Wed. 25, which may make some difference in your plans. Of course, I’d love to have you here at that time, but don’t let that influence your wisest decision.
Stuart + I went for a walk Sat. P.M. and had an enjoyable visit. Don + I went to S. Woods on our marshmallow roast Sat. evening in spite of the fog. We built a fire in a natural fireplace at the foot of a rock cliff, and within its shelter we were warm. Had a nice visit.
Sunday, Justine + I were invited to Hunold’s to a lovely dinner. Woe is me! I couldn’t eat very much because I was to sing in Vespers, but what I did eat was delicious. Vespers went off very well although I was rather frightened. The speaker, a Scotchwoman, Miss Frasier, was splendid. She is Scotch by birth + Am. by adoption, and is now doing social service in Ellis Island for the W.C.T.U. Her theme was “What it means to be an American.” I’ll tell you all about it when I see you.
After Vespers, Marian + Harold, Florence Mace + Willie Wenger + “John” + I went over to Plzak’s for the evening. (Dorothy Dudly was shocked at my going out with three men in 2 days!) We had a chicken supper, told stories, played stunts, and had a very enjoyable evening.
I’m so glad that Mrs. Holt doesn’t have to go to the hospital! You’ll be writing soon of your plans.
I’ll write a note to Florence Dopp, I think.
Justine is studying “The Five Philosophies of Life” by Hyde and would like to have you send my copy with George. It has a paper cover on it and I believe is on the parlor table. If it isn’t, don’t trouble about it. I would like “Madam Bovay” and “Madam Chrisantheme” of my new books, too. Grace Michaels has some which I care more for and perhaps we’ll trade. I want one of my boxes of X mas stationary, too. I’m all out. Perhaps George won’t have room to carry all this. -- If not, leave some of it out.
I’ll be very busy this week with exams and play practice, but I’m feeling fine and everything is O.K.
Lovingly,
Pearl.
Feb. 17, ’25
Mama, dear,
I hope you had a [sic] enjoyable week-end. Did you spend it at Owens’ or where? George didn’t know. He said he was going to ask you about your plans at L.A.S. but he heard Edwin say “What’s George talkin’ to Fannie for,” so he didn’t. Anyway, I hope you had an enjoyable time.
I had a wonderful week-end Saturday night, George + I went to a movie, “Peter Pan,” the most beautiful I have ever seen. Then we came back to the party, and altho I like to dance with a good dancer, we had an awfully good time.
Sunday noon we had a chicken dinner at the Grand View Hotel, and in a P.M. a splendid speech by Norman Angell at Vespers. It was one of the strongest speeches I have ever heard in Ripon – so strong that I had difficulty in following his train of thought! He spoke on democracy, as American politics runs it, with a biting irony. I anxious [sic] to tell you all about it, but I haven’t time today.
After Vespers we went directly to the lower parlors to fix up the room and get supper. The fellows helped us as part of their entertainment and I believe they enjoyed it. The supper was delicious. Punch left over from the informal was our cocktail, pears left over from the punch were our salad. In addition we had mashed potatoes, cranberries, chicken, jelly (thanks for it and the cookies). Mrs. Rw. Ingrahram gave us eight cup cakes! Mrs. Hunold made tort (90 cents). Adam (you’d think he was Irish instead of Scotch by his wit) was toast master and everyone had to make a speech. Don + I played our instruments while the rest sang until 9:30. It was a very enjoyable evening!
Monday morning I gave an exam. To my religion class in Mr. Mutch’s absence, and had the rest of the morning free to visit with George.
He seemed to have a fine time. Harold’s roommate was away over the week-end, so they had a nice room all to themselves. All of them urged him to come to stay with them next time. He likes them all and they all like him. I think he’ll enjoy coming to Ripon more, now that he knows the fellows and really has a place to stay besides the hotel.
I taught Bible this morning and will Thur. also. Dr. Evans is away.
We are having play practice nearly every night now, but it will all be over in another week. Are you coming for it? I wish you would! Will you go to Milwaukee next week? I’ll probably get a letter this morning about your plans.
Justine rec’d a telegram from friends out west that Billie has been seriously, if not fatally injured in an auto accident. She’s very brave but of course, she’s quite broken up about it.
I have been and still am, very busy; but I’m not tired. I slept late Sun morning and went to bed around 10.
Did you get my Valentine? You didn’t mention it in your letter, and I wonder if anything has happened to it. I mailed it Friday.
If you come Saturday we’d have a fine visit but unless you stayed until Thur. You wouldn’t see the lay. Which would you rather do? I’d love to have you stay as long as you’d be happy here. I don’t know whether I can get away to come home this week-end or not but I ought to know by tomorrow. I’ll write as soon as I find out. Don’t let that interfere with your plans, tho:
I’m well and happy and hope you are, too.
Your loving,
Pearl
PS. I’m enclosing a Valentine I got from Stuart. Laugh!! I guess he tho’t he’d jar me into something!
Sat. 2/28/25
Mama, dear,
I’m glad you reached Milwaukee safely and I’m sure you are going to thoroughly enjoy your visit. Don’t let any little worries spoil your good time. You get away from Wild Rose so seldom that you must make the most of this chance to enjoy an outing.
I got a note from Jess E. this morning with a letter to you enclosed. I’m sending both. Strange that he didn’t like Dr. M. and Prexy, isn’t it? Still, I can understand how he might not.
Everything here is running along smoothly. I don’t hear of any more mumps. I’m just resting this week-end – obeying orders you see. I obeyed orders further by refusing to teach English this week for Prof. Toussaint who is gone on a tour with the debating team. I know you appreciate that. If it had been a remunerative job, I might have taken it anyway, but I don’t believe it was, for when he asked me he suggested that it would be good practice for me!
I wish you could have stayed longer in Ripon but you must come for a longer time on your way back. It is a huge relief to know that you are not at home alone, but are with “Aunt Date” whom you can’t help but love and enjoy. It is best for me not to come to Milwaukee when the visit would of necessity be short.
Don’t forget that you have already given me my birthday present!
I got a National Catalog which has been lots of pretty things in it. We can get some ideas for your gingham dress and my blue one. I also have a pictorial review.
Have a good time.
Love
Pearl
Tue. P.M.
Mar. 10 ‘25
Dearest Mama;
I was glad to get your letter this morning and to see the address on the envelope. I am ashamed to admit that I have wracked my brain for days trying to recall Hughes’s Street – and all in vain. Now that I have it, I may write.
I just called up the Le Roy to get the bus schedule. They leave here at about 10:00 in the morning + 5:00 in the P.M., and arrive from Oshkosh just a few minutes before the [sic] leave for there. How does this suit you? I could leave here Fri. at 5:00, stay at Hughes’ over night, shop Saturday morning and come back to Ripon in the P.M. on the bus that gets here a little before 5:00. You would stay here over Sunday, go to Berlin for as long as you wished and come back to Ripon before going home. The connections are better that way; and, besides, I want you to be here as much as you can. I’m so anxious to see you!!
Tonight is to [sic] college play. I wish you were here to go, but as it is I’m going with the girls. (Stuart takes his F+A.M. degree Tue. night.)
By the way; he came over Saturday, and we reached something of an understanding, but we aren’t going together, at least for awhile. I’ll tell you Friday.
Sunday evening services went off so well that we were asked to come back next quarter. Don’t sermon was much better than I had hoped it might be. Vera read very well. I sang “In the Garden” with my guitar. Sunday P.M., I sang in a quartet at the funeral of an old man in town.
Saturday evening, Dr. Goodrich invited a few of us girls over to her home for a little party. We had a lovely time.
Friday night Henrietta, Vera + I went to Wild Rose with “Prexy” to hear his lecture. We got there in time for the program to begin + came back right afterward. The roads weren’t very good, but we enjoyed it. I wish I could have seen you. George wasn’t there either. He had been drawing potatoes and got three working too late, and stayed home writing a letter to me when I was within 6 miles of him!! “Tragedy!”? Several people asked us to stay over night i.e: -- Louise, Mrs. W.E. Jones, Rev. Ferris, but Dr. Evans wanted to come right back. So did we.
Dr. Fisher sent my tablets.
I’m feeling fine. I’m taking P.M. naps.
Your loving,
Pearl
P.S. If you’d rather, I’d come some other day, let me know. I’ll just as soon cut classes. I don’t believe we’ll have Vespers.
[POSTCARD] dated Mar. 18, 1925
Dearest Momsie;
You are probably at home by this time. I’m so glad you had a good time in Berlin.
Everything here is O.K. I had a very pleasant birthday although of course it would have been more pleasant if you could have been with me.
Coming home Friday night.
Pearl.
Sat A.M.
Apr. 4 ‘25
Dearest Momsie;
There’s but a minute in which to write you a note, but I’ll do it and take it to the train so you’ll know that I’m feeling fine and that everything is O.K. as usual.
I’m so glad the Holt’s are coming and that Mr. Jones is still alive. I’m glad to that you can be of service to them, for they are people who would appreciate it.
I’m going over to pay my bill now $151.50. How was my account? Don’t use your $100 if you can possibly help it. I might better pay a little interest here.
Adam + Justine, Vera + Don, Catherine Gibbs + Ethan, S. + I had supper in S. Woods last night and had a lovely time. Stuart acts just as he always has, + I’m immensely releaved [sic]. I haven’t mentioned the late developments yet.
I’m going to the formal. I crossed off once and it made such a scene that I tho’t it was cheaper to go. There were only 10 going and they were angry at the rest of us for being quitters, so we signed up again and now there are about 20 couples. I haven’t asked anyone to go yet. There’s no hurry, + I want to await developments.
Your lovingly,
Pearl
Tue. P.M.
4/28/25
Dear Mama,
No particular disgrace fell upon your hatless daughter yesterday morning on her return to Ripon, although she felt a wee bit conspicuous. Stuart met the train and we are going for a little ride this evening.
He and Vera had their date Saturday night with a result that Vera developed quite an alarming case on him. If he responded with one on her, it would simplify my problem quite a bit – but he seems to have no intention of doing so. I don’t see how any man could resist Vera she is simply adorable! He told her that all the fellows who went to our formal took particular delight in reminding him that he wasn’t there.
I have just drowsed through an education lecture. Why do people have to listen to men like Huebner try to lecture?? Don’t be ashamed of me for nodding; he is used to lecturing to a class of sleeping beauties. If I didn’t have to sit in the front row, I’d take some work to class with me. Oh well, it is presumably worth it to be able to teach.
Now, mama, don’t do too much heavy work!!! I don’t want you to. Leave the housecleaning for me to help with. I’m so sorry about your dress! Do you suppose you could have Mrs. Sage help you cut it, or can you wait until I come home again?
Your loving,
Pearl.
I have a chance to apply for a position in New Richmond about 15 or 20 miles from St. Paul, with a salary of about $1450. That is delightfully near Gladys.
Ripon
5/4/25
Mama dear,
It’ll begin a better tonight and plan on sending it after I get the mail tomorrow morning which may bring a letter from you.
The Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra will be here a week from tomorrow night and I want you to come!! –If you will, I’ll stay here this week-end and we’ll have our visit here instead of at home. Then, you see, it will only cost for the ticket as we won’t be out any R.R. fare. I’m sure George would like to come if he weren’t coming to go to Shiocton on the 15th.
I have just written a letter to Monroe, just out of the best H.S.’s in the state with an exceptional teacher! It may be 10 mos. school tho’, I don’t know. Positions are pretty scarce and it’s a comforting feeling to know that my life doesn’t depend on getting one. I’m going to try my luck, though.
Last night, the C.S.C. conducted services in Green Lake again. I had forgotten about it, so had to borrow a guitar. I sang some negro spirituals with their explanations “Steal Away,” and “Swing Low Sweet Chariot.” The audience seemed to enjoy them. Vera gave two splendid readings, and Mr. Winn gave the talk.
We had the most fun Saturday P.M. Stuart and I started out an hour before Marian and Harold, and Vera and Don to blaze a trail by tying white strings on fences for them to follow. We all congregated at the end of the “white trail” and had supper.
Marian is making big plans on our trip to Shiocton, and I hope nothing prevents George from going.
There will probably be a postscript to avoid tomorrow morning after the mail comes.
Goodnight,
Pearl xx
Tue. A.M.
A letter from G. says that he’s quite sure he can get away on the 15th, so he won’t want to come to the concert. But you come if you can. If you can come, it might be best for me not to come home this week-end altho [sic] there are lots of things that I could help you do after being at Bowen’s so long. Make the plans that seem best for you.
Lovingly,
Pearl.
Don’t work too hard at Bowen’s.
Fri. A.M.
May 1 ‘25
Mama, dear,
This has been a busy week. Tuesday night Stuart took me to a show in Berlin. It was a movie of “R”. Do you remember the book?
Wednesday evening Henrietta + I, with an eye for helpful hints, went to see three 1 Act plays put on by the H.S. pupils. I’m afraid I had my idea of what can be done with them set too high. Oh well, it will be fun to see what I can get out of them in a dramatic line next year.
Last night the two Wescott girls came to their home town to give a vocal recital. They have been away studying music for some time. Their voices are splendid! They are members of a talented family. A brother, now in Europe, has just written the best novel of the year, so higher criticism says. You remember, I told you about a call which S. + I made at their home some time ago.
Henrietta has invited me to “Fondy” over the week-end of May 24. It is to be her birthday and she’s entertaining several of us girls at her home. I told her I thought I could go.
Marian is planning on having us come home with her on the 15th, but if we go we’ll need to get back Sunday in time for Vespers. It will surely be fun.
I finished the topic on moral Education on which I was working at home, and I’m going to begin another this P.M.
Thanks for sending the laundry, alto, I had enough to get along on without it.
How are you coming with your dress? I wish I were there to help.
I do hope the people support the land. It is one of the few community things Wild Rose has.
Lovingly + hastily
Your own
Pearl
Tue. A.M.
May 12 – ‘25
Dearest Mama;
I wrote a note to Mary this morning and sent off the New Richmond application. This morning, Mr. Graham consulted me about a fine position in Weldon, Ill. It is quite desirable except for the location – we probably wouldn’t want to go that far away. However, I wrote to see about it.
The party was quite a success. Everyone seemed to have a good time and to enjoy the eats. I’m glad it’s over. The apple blossoms kept fine.
The Glee Club concert isn’t until a week from Wednesday, so I can rest tomorrow night.
It rained here hard Saturday afternoon and evening. I hope you have had some there by now.
Wish you were to be here for the concert tonight, but don’t forget that you must come to the play and any other time when you want to.
I must close now, but will write developments as they occur.
Lovingly,
Your own
Pearl
Monday evening,
May 18, 1925
Mama, dear,
We had such a pleasant week-end!! Saturday we chased away the rain and frost by singing and playing various instruments. Harold plays the violin quite well, and Marian’s fame goes without saying. Sunday morning we went to hear Rev. Conkle preach a very good sermon on “Jealousy.” He reminds me a bit of Abe Lincoln in his uncouthness and sincirity [sic]. In the P.M. we walked up the Wolf River to enjoy the scenery. Too bad Saturday wasn’t nice enough day to make a more extended trip possible. About 4:20, we started home and ate our dinner along the way. George seemed to have a very good time.
Stuart went home Friday night after receiving a long distance from his father who wanted him to help in the store Saturday. He brought the car back with him Sunday and would have called for me had I been home!!!!
This P.M. school was called off to witness an R.O.T.C. review which was an interesting glimpse of military tactics. After that, S. and I drove clear around Greek Lake. It was a beautiful drive.
Tonight Catherine Gibbs was initiated into Δ.Δ.Β.
We don’t go to Henrietta’s until Saturday noon which will give me all Friday afternoon and Saturday morning to work. My work, by the way, is coming along quite well.
The week-end of the 30th Stuart’s “frat” is having a house party at Green Lake and he expects me to go with him. I stalled off my answer until I could see George about it. He (G.) saw the situation clearly and is willing that I go. What do you think about it? The only reason that I hesitate is because I don’t like to have him spend so much money on me. However, I know he’d rather spend the money (even though he is Scotch) than to be embarassed [sic] by a refusal.
By the way, I heard from the R.C. scholarship. Due to the death of Dean Kent very recently, the Council is unable to issue scholarships this year. Mr. Kent had the funds in charge, and no one else has been found capable to continue his work. However, they hope to be on their feet again by next year. They kept my application and recommendations for consideration next year if I should still desire it. It is probably better that way until the future is more dear.
Thanks for sending my shoes and the little cakes which we ate on the road. George said over and over that he had never tasted such good cakes.
The date of the play isn’t set yet, but I’ll tell you when it is. Can’t you come down besides when you come for the play? I’ll come home if I can get away. I haven’t seen my mama for so long!
Lovingly,
Pearl.
Dear, by all means go to the Club conference. You don’t know how disappointed I’ll be if you don’t go!!!
P.S. again,
George seemed to feel quite well on the trip. I’ll write to him about taking care of himself.
Thur. A.M.
May 21, 1925
Dearest Mama,
I do hope you have gone to the Federated Club Conference! You ought to go and I want you to!
George said in his letter that you seemed to be working hard—perhaps too hard. Now I shall have to scold you. You know it doesn’t pay to overdo, and besides, there are very few things that won’t wait until I get home to help. I’m feeling unusually well this spring and will be able to do lots of things after school is out. Please don’t work so hard!
My term topics are coming along famously. Two are all done, and I’m to finish another tonight.
Two or three of Stuart’s friends are coming to look over Ripon this week-end, and Friday night we are going to take them on a weiner [sic] roast with some “B” girls I’ll pick out for them.
Henrietta’s folks are coming after us with the car Saturday noon and will bring us back Sunday afternoon. So there won’t be any R.R. fare. We are getting her a little gift for her birthday.
Last night the Girls’ Glee Club concert was very good.
I have been doing quite a bit of corresponding of late. Within two days I have written Nina, Dean Barber (who asked me to let him know about the fellowship), Mrs. Conkle, George, and you. Quite remarkable for me, isn’t it?
I surely hope you went to Waupaca. You seem to be whirring about enough to keep yourself occupied even though I’m not home. I’m glad you went to Wautoma, but don’t work too hard at the neighbors or at home.
Yours lovingly,
Pearl.
P.S. Your letter just received. Thanks for the pretty hanky. I’ll see when I get to Fondy what is best to do about Andersons.
Sat A.M.
5/23/25
Mama, dearest,
Your letter came this morning, and I’m so glad you went to the convention and had such a nice time!
I have two pair of white stockings and won’t need to have the others sent, as I’ll wash these out as they get soiled.
I’m going to Fondy thus noon and will probably look up Muriel. Henri says they live rather near Cotton St.
Had a nice time last night entertaining Stuart’s pals out at the lake. They seem to be good boys.
Oh dear! Another complication is successfully maneuvered. Stuart suggested taking me to Wild Rose the Sunday of the house party to see you. I didn’t dare let him come, and I didn’t see how I could tell him not to. Finally I told him that George wanted to some down once before commencement, and that if S. came to W.R. I’d have to let G. come here. (There isn’t any time for G. to come anyway, but it was an excuse.) I guess S. felt rather hurt, but it’s just as well for him to get prepared for a probably break-up at the close of school. I guess it will have to come, and after commencement would be a logical time for it—letting it be remembered as surely a college affair and nothing more. Altho [sic], I’m very fond of S. as a pal, I think I care more for G. Perhaps it is silly to let one’s feelings rule one’s judgment, but I don’t know how else it can be done.
I haven’t as yet thought of anything for Stuart’s commencement gift. It must be something he can keep as a tangible memory of our beautiful college companionship, and I don’t know what it can be. But something will come up, I presume.
Mildred Hotchkiss came Thur. morning for the week-end. I love to have her here, for she isn’t a bit of bother. Last night I found on my table a pretty plaid silk scarf with black and white, yellow and green coloring from Mildred. I was so surprised and pleased. I’m sending my old one home for you to wear, and you must wear it too.
I love you,
Pearl.
There is nothing in my laundry that I want back. I’m washing my own socks.
Ripon
May 25, 1925
Dearest friends,
This is the beginning of a brand new trip for our Robin, who for two days has had no messages in his pocket under his wings. It may not be hard to guess the reason—the messages are under quarantine for small pox. As soon as I finish this missive, I’m going over to Don’s window to have him dictate his contribution, and then our little Robin will start on its way to Gwen’s house.
Gwen, you must never, never allow the horrid thought to enter your head again—the thought of the possibility of our never being all four of us together again. A cold chill crawled up and down my vertebrae at the mere suggestion. Of course we will all of us meet again, perhaps not for some time, but we will meet and perhaps the joy of it will be the greater for the very postponing of it.
Perhaps the meeting will be next fall when Gwen comes back to Ripon. It will surely come then if I am at home. But plans for next year are as yet a very interesting gamble; and it may be, for ought any of us can tell, that Gwen’s prophecy about the Fiji islands will come true. I’m not particularly anxious for it to, however.
Yes, Don, life is a beautiful story. We four are rich in having enough inward and outward vision to realize it while we are living at its height. Far too many people wait until old age to contemplate youth. And here we are, youthful, but looking at youth with the eyes of youth! What have we done to deserve the joy of it? Isn’t it strange that we should all catch the vision at the same time? and have our eyes opened by the same dear marksman? Who said, “Cupid and love are blind”?
No, I didn’t get the fellowship Gwen. Dean Charles Foster Kent died a few weeks ago, and the council is left without a leader and without the funds of which he was to be the solicitor. The council has kept my application and letters of recommendation for consideration next year when it hopes to be back on its feet. If I want it next year will be as good a time as any to get it; but if I don’t, I won’t have lost that valuable time.
Last night I got back from a visit at Henrietta Groes’ home in Fondy. It was really a houseparty [sic], for four of us went from here, and relatives from Milwaukee arrived soon after we got there. It was all in celebration of Henrietta’s birthday. We had a very enjoyable week-end. Saturday afternoon we went out to “the ledge” a short way from town. It is a part of the limestone formation which extends in a high ridge around lake Winnebago and marked the shore line when, centuries ago, the lake was much larger than it is now. We found some shells for conclusive proof. It is a lovely place with rock piled on rock and path on path, with honeysuckles and pink trilliams [sic] between. We found a cave large enough to hold six of us at once. At the back of it is a small entrance into another, but, although it was solid limestone, we remembered Collins and didn’t venture through. If you’ll take me to the ridge someday this summer, George, I’ll show you the cave, and the shells and the flowers and lake Winnebago stretching out in the distance.
A week ago, George and I visited the Conkles’ in Shiocton. George told the truth when he said that we had a good time.
Mildred Hotchkiss (do you remember her, Gwen?) has been staying with me since Thursday morning. She graduated two years ago and has been teaching in Stevens Point since. It seems so good to have old chums come back on visits! I hope my friends will feel the same next year!
I must run along to Don’s house now, or Robin won’t get started before dinner.
Yours,
Pearl.
Wed. 5/27/25
Mama, dear,
I think it’s getting through. The inspector was very favorably impressed with us, and all that we need now is Prexy’s O.K. which we hope to get when he returns next week. The trustees and deans are quite enthusiastic, and we Δ.Δ.Β. girls are so excited that we don’t see how we can keep it a secret for another whole week. Won’t the campus buz [sic] when it finds out the news?—“Bartlett, the dumping grounds, the last to form a sorority—the first to become national!!” It seems sort of a poetic justice after all the criticisms we have endured!
It will mean so much to us girls, too. The very strong national organization will keep us in touch with each other better than we ever could do by ourselves. Whenever any of us go to Chicago, or to the coast or anywhere else where there is a chapter we can write them and will be shown around and “sistered” during our stay. The Nat. officers are coming some week-end next fall to give the three degrees, and we seniors will all come back to be admitted as alumni members.
At least I have cumplied [sic] with your wishes and bought some new slippers. ($6.50) They are to be used at present for dress occasions on which satin pumps might be inappropriate. They are very pretty black patent leather with a narrow strip of tan across the vamp for style and a little black bow at the end of the strap. [Drawing of shoe]
They are very stylish and dressy, and I’ll wear them carefully so they’ll last a long time.
The math club picnic last night was lots of fun. We all went to Sandstone Camp for supper (weiners [sic], buns, salad, coffee, cake, ice cream, pickles) and after supper took launch trips around the lake.
No, dear mama, I won’t make any important decision until I see you again. Everything is running very, very smoothly now, and I want it to continue so until the close of school. I’m sure it will, too. Your advice and fellowship means so much! I’m anxious for the time to come when we can be together again.
The date of the play isn’t as yet announced. I’ll let you know as soon as it is.
Yours lovingly,
Pearl.
Friday A.M.
[June 1925]
Mama, dear:
When your letter came I was just getting ready to go out to Christenson’s to order some tulips for Decoration Day, but as you are ordering some I won’t need to. I wish I could be at home with you, dear, over the week-end, but of course that is impossible now. However my heart and its love are with you all the time, and soon we will be together for a long time. I wish this long absence could have been prevented, but I hope to see you very soon.
There are only two weeks of college left for me, but although I love Ripon, I don’t regret that it is over. I feel that I have exhausted the institution as far as growth is concerned, and it is time to try something else. Of course, the hard thing is the parting from the friends. But the sorority will unite most of us, at least until new friends present themselves in new fields.
You surely have been kept busy with one thing and another of late. I’m afraid you are getting tired. If so, please don’t do so much. You can’t afford to do so much, even to help the neighbors.
The bottle of “white wash” came through in good shape. We are going to the lake about 4:30 this afternoon, and I expect to have a very nice time. We are to have two nice cottages. The larger one will be occupied by the girls and chaperones who happen to be Mr. and Mrs. Groves. Isn’t that nice? I’m glad we aren’t to be at a hotel where we have to be on our best behavior and wear our best clothes all the time. Real camping is so much more fun! The different couples will take turns getting meals.
I must write a nice letter to George today so he won’t get blue about the week-end.
This is senior chapel week. That is, the seniors march and members of the class conduct the service. Thus far, debators [sic] have talked. I don’t know what will happen today.
My work us coming along fine.
Isn’t it strange why so many people are ill or dying this spring after such a moderate winter? I’m so sorry about Tosten Thompson, the little Georgeson girl, and the splendid Mr. Upton. I mean I’m sorry for those who are left behind, but they are probably happier than before. We don’t know in what state they are, but they must be living, for how could so superb a thing as the human soul cease to live?
I had a very fine letter from Frona yesterday. She is such a dear girl! I hope to see her again sometime. And so long as she lives in Milwaukee there’s a pretty good chance.
I must close now, but will write again soon.
Good by, dear mama, for this time.
Pearl.
P.S. I really don’t think I need long gloves, but if I must have them I prefer beaver (it would match my coat I imagine) or would pongee be best?
Tue P.M.
June Jan .2 – 1925
Dearest Mama.
Your letter just arrived, and I want to reassure you that I know nothing of the house party when I was home. I wasn’t invited until after I came back. You ought to know from experience that you hold all my confidence – then why should I keep from you so small a thing as a houseparty? I wrote you of it as soon as I was invited.
I did want to be at home last week-end, and my thoughts were with you all the time. The houseparty wasn’t a choice, but it seemed the only wise thing to do after I had spent much serious thought upon it. George was splendid about it, as I knew he would be. A letter from him this morning reassured me.
Would you like to have me come home this week-end? I would like to come if it seems reasonable to do so. Probably it isn’t, but if you want me, we’ll throw reason to the wind. You’ll have time to let me know. The Spanish Club picnic is to be on the lake steamer Saturday P.M. and evening, but no one is going whom I care anything about, so I don’t want to go.
The commencement play won’t be until the Friday before commencement – i.e. a week from Friday. Amy can bring you down for it and take the car back Saturday morning. I want you to stay over for the whole thing. Saturday will be class day with exercises in the afternoon, two out of door plays in the evening and the annual bond [sic] fire. Sunday is baccalaureate, and Monday commencement. George will probably come for commencement and you can get a ride back with him. I’ll probably have to come on the train with my trunk.
The invitations are here – twelve of them. Should I send them out now or after commencement? If now, to whom should I send them? It’s a problem.
No, I have enough tablets to last ‘till I get home.
I’m sorry you are letting the house cleaning worry you, for I am feeling fine and will be glad to help after I get home. Please don’t work so hard! I don’t want you to!
As far as the gloves are concerned – none of the girls are wearing long gloves this season. In fact most of them wear none of nay kind, even to church! Of course, I’ll wear my white kid ones for commencement.
By the way, I am class poet, and am to read my poem at the class day exercises. (It isn’t finished yet, but will be by then).
Yes, I had a very time on [sic] the house party and I’m sure it caused no harm, except that of beeing [sic] unable to come home. I [sic] surely has been a long, long time since I saw you, Mama dear but it won’t be much longer.
I haven’t a position as yet, but there are apt. to be a lot if superintendents around during the next two weeks. If I haven’t a job when school closes, I’ll join an agency if it seems best.
You will enjoy Mrs. Taylor’s visit. Just settle down and make the most of it without fussing about the work which can just as well be left for me to help with.
Have you been having the nice rain lately, too? I presume you need them in the sandcountry.
Write soon to your loving
Pearl
P.S. Sunday evening.
Alice Parmenter came to call and stayed for a lunch on left overs and cantaloupe. We talked shop, and I really got a lot of good suggestions from her. This evening we called on Dr. Goodrich, and had a delightful time of course. On the street we met Mr. Becker and Mr. Allen, who were very cordial. Mr. Allen isn’t going to N.Y after all but is staying in Ripon to write.
Letters transcribed by Parissa DJangi and Bryan Schneider
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