To George
Thur. P.M.
Dear George,
Your letter yesterday morning was a pleasant surprise. I hadn’t expected one quite so soon.
Last night you had your “debut” initiating O.E.S. candidate. I’m sure you were a credit to the order and I wish I might have been one of the on lookers. I haven’t heard anything the Ripon installation, but perhaps it had already occurred before school began. My diary tells me that in two former years it came the first Friday in January. I wish it would be in a couple of weeks – then you might be able to come.
Once more, dear Dr. Mutch has slipped me past a difficulty. You know I didn’t want to take education under professor “Chloroform” (Heubner), but I couldn’t see any way out of it. I told Dr. Mutch about it and he said, “Nine chances out of ten you won’t need it. You might get a scholarship or get married.” (I laughed up my clever) “And if you don’t, perhaps the H.S. where you teach won’t require it. Don’t take it this quarter, you can’t take it next quarter because it isn’t offered, and you can’t take it under Mr. Huebner next summer because he won’t be here. If you have to have it when the time comes, I’ll give it to you!” All the time his eyes were twinkling. If he give me the course next summer I’ll probably read a book, tell him what’s in it and get credit for the course. That’s one way of getting out of something that would never do me any good!
Justine and I just return from making two afternoon calls on professors wives – Mrs. Groves and Mrs. Woodman. It is expected of senior girls you know. I dreaded it a little but found the ladies so informal and cordial that the task became a pleasure.
Don gave me my first lesson in skiing Tuesday afternoon, and I took Seventeen ungraceful tumbles, but it was great sport. Don spent a week in Racine on the way back to Ripon and explained with a huge sigh, “don’t know why, but it gets a little harder every time to leave that place!” He kicked the snow with his foot like a seventeen year old boy. Gwen is well. They received our Robin, but he didn’t say when it was coming back our way.
I truly didn’t expect you to come over Monday night because I know you would be tired after such a heavy day, and I was pleased that you would really trust me to understand the situation. I hope you feel no ill-effects from over-exertion. Don’t work too hard even though you [sic] hired man did “beat it.”
I hope everything at your house is in shipshape and that the grip is a thing of the past.
Your
Pearl.
To her parents
Dearest Moms and Pops,
I’m so pleased that you are spending Saturday and Sunday at the Dells and I certainly hope that the weather there is not as warm and sultry as it if here. I know you’ll both thoroughly enjoy the scenery and the outing. I’m glad Mrs. Coon and Mrs. Clark can go with you. Write all about your trip.
I’m waiting for definate [sic] news about your coming to the play, so I can get tickets. You just have to come! and you must stay just as long as you can. I won’t have any studying to do over the next week-end, so I can spend all my time with you folks. I’m so anxious for you to come!
Mary R. came Friday night and stayed until this noon. (I was very glad she could spend the time with me, although it did break into my plans quite a bit. However, I’ll get along all right, for my one-act play is all done and my resume about half completed. It will come out all right—things always do.
Nordica Busian is visiting in Ripon for a week or two. She looks very well and seems to be feeling well, but she can’t teach for a year or so because of her eyes which are still rather weak. She was very sick I guess. It must have been a great hardship for such a girl, usually so healthy, to have to stay in a hospital for six weeks. We heard she was in town, so Mary and I went to call on her yesterday afternoon. She was over here for a while this afternoon.
Mary had a date last night with Lowell Watson, so Stuart and I went to the show. It was quite an experience for both of us, for I haven’t seen one in ever so long and he hasn’t been to a “movie” for a year. It was quite good, but I don’t care for them especially. I can’t understand why good literature can’t be staged at a profit to the manager just as well as that melodramatic rot.
Marian Conkle and I are beginning to the “The Syrian Christ” aloud during our spare moments. It is a splendid book, very highly graded as literature and quality. It seems to be the explaination [sic] given by a Syrian man, born and reared at the home of Christ, of the things in the Bible which people who do not know the Syrian customs can not understand.
We had a purely musical program in C.E. tonight and it was splendid with a fine crowd to hear it. I imagine the rain prevented some from coming.
I was voted into the Alpha Chi Alpha one day last week, and I imagine there will be initiation soon.
Mr. Allen is preparing to go to Europe for the summer, so we won’t have our last class in advanced composition. I don’t have Bible this week, because Prexy is giving lectures to only those who are below car and have to take an examination. It is a relief not to have to teach any more.
I must close now, and get to my resume again.
Hoping to see you very soon,
Pearl.
The Crimson comes out tomorrow—am anxious to see them.
When you come will you bring my box of paints and my brushes please? I want to make a little picture for Stell’s graduation.
I got an invitation from Dorothy Smith. Shall I get her something or are you getting something from us all?
Saturday night.
Dearest folks in all the world,
I’m so, so, sorry that you can’t come to spend tomorrow with me, but hope to see you soon anyway. You know the informal is next Fri. night so I can’t come home then, but hope to come home the next week.
I’m glad you rec’d the flowers O.K., and that you like them.
Don’t wait for my laundry this week. I have been out to the woods with the girls today and haven’t had time to mail it. There isn’t much need and I don’t need it at all. My white dress doesn’t need washing at all.
I’ll write a letter tomorrow.
Love always,
Pearl.
Dearest, dearest folks,
What do you ‘spose!!? Mr. Tutunjian asked me tonight after C.E. to go on the League house party over next week-end! (The League is composed of the college men who don’t live in dorms.) Each man who does takes a lady with him. I think it will be at one of the hotels. Of course, it will be well chaperones. Won’t it be a fine chance to have a last visit with Jian! I had been feeling quite badly to think that this busy college life was keeping me from ever seeing one of the finest men I have ever known. Don’t you think it’s alright for me to go? There are several other very nice girls from the house who are going and whom I can be with most of the time. But be sure to let me know what you think about it.
Instead of taking the ten mile hike out to the old distillery yesterdaym I went with Stell and Jo (who are the tennis champions at Ripon) to Lawrence for the tournament. We went in a hired car, and had a very nice time, but the rain came and prevented the finishing of the game which was a disappointment for our girls had the lead. It stormed dreadfully all the way home, but the car was tight and we didn’t get wet.
The informal was a splendid success. It was so decidedly informal that everyone had a wonderfully good time. We had refreshments down stairs in the club rooms consisting of cookies and colored ice cream moulded [sic] in the shape of flowers and fruit. It was very pretty. The decorations, though simple, were beautiful. The banister of the stairway was wound in pink and white, our colors, and the parlors had crepe paper streamers running in a canopy effect from the light in the center of the rooms. We had “confetti” and threw it around on everyone. All of the men hated to go home when the time came to go. For fifteen minutes we had “open house” when everyone took a look at all the rooms. For once, Bartlett was spick and span.
Did I tell you that Mr. Hamley took the Christian Service Club out to a bluff from which we could get a good bird’s eye view of Green Lake last Thursday after school? He pointed out all of the interesting points in the history of the Winnebago Indians which he had known personally all his life. You know, he had been a missionary among the Indians for years. The talk was very interesting and instructive. We had a nice time too.
This week Tuesday, I go to Rosendale, and one Friday to Greek Lake—that is, of course, if you want me to. Those are the only two extra things that I know of for this week.
Today, I have been spending restfully and I feel fine tonight. I’m not overdoing. I haven’t gone anywhere except to C.E. By the way, the C.E. wants me to be one of five delegates to go to the summer C.E. conferences at Green Lake at the Bible Institute for the 2nd week in July. The society and church will pay 60% of our expenses which are ten dollars besides car fare. What do you think of that? Is it going to be during the busy time at home? If it is, I won’t go.
You asked me how I told Donald C. that I wouldn’t go with him on Decoration Day. I simply told him that I had been going with another young man and that he expected me to go with him. D. said, “Alright, I’ll get someone else.” Ha! I wonder if he will. I had hoped that this would be the end of his foolishness, but he grins at me just as much as ever. I see Stuart about once in two weeks, but that offered the only possible excuse.
I can’t write any more now, because it is getting late.
Good night.
Love and kisses, xxxxxxxxx
Pearl
P.S. I’m so sorry I didn’t get time to mail my laundry, but I’ve been so rushed! I don’t want you to send back any of those clothes for I won’t need them and I’ll just have to take them again. Don’t make an extra wash for them.
P.S. again.
We stopped in Oshkosh to supper on the way home last night and Gorgon Dopp walked into the “restaurant” and saw me and came over to speak to me. He was in a hurry, for he was working somewhere up town and had only come in for lunch and had to go right back to work. He is looking well.
I finished my term paper in history today. One more job off my hands.
Bartlett, Ripon, Wis.
Sun. P.M.
Dearest folks,
I went to Sunday school this morning, and Mr. Graham gave a very interesting talk as usual. He always asks if there are any questions to be askes before he begins his lecture. This morning there were two, “How do we know if our life is a success” and “are we sinners when we are tempted.” He talked nearly half a [sic] hour on each of them. I never saw a person who could talk without preparation in such a manner as he does. Beautiful thoughts seem to flow out of his mouth one after the other on any subject one could mention. He invites us to come to him during the week if we need help along any line. If there is ever a time when there is not time to get advice from home about something important I feel sure he would be glad to give it to me.
Mrs. Rev. Wilson of the Congo church was just in to call. She is a wonderful woman, and all the girls adore her. She is the Bartlett house mother. (Mose stayed with them, you remember). I told you that I had joined the C.T.G. Mrs. Wilson is the head of it although only a few college girls belong. At each meeting there are interesting talks given by different girls. The time when I joined it met in the church basement, but hereafter it will be in the homes of the town girls who are members. In that way, I’ll get into the nicest homes of Ripon. I think it meets once a month. We pledge our dues which go to missionary work. I’ll probably give $1.00. Is that alright?
There was a football game here yesterday between Northwestern “U” and Ripon College. It wasn’t so very interesting for me because I don’t understand the game, it rained and the score was 28 to 0 in favor of Ripon which was rather too one sided for enthusiasm. It seems cruel the way the boys get hurt all because of fun and college loyalty. There were no serious accidents yesterday.
I am coming home next week end if I possible can, and if there are coats in by that time. I’m sure I can arrange to take my lab at some other time so that I can come Friday night. I hope I can come as I love my mamma and papa and home so well! I am very, very busy all the time, so I don’t get time to get homesick, and I imagine with grandpa in his present condition, you are too busy to get lonesome for me. I hope he is causing you less worry and trouble now. I am so sorry, and I wish so much that I could help.
I have been so busy that I haven’t written to a soul this week except you. I owe quite a lot of letters as usual. Everyone is good to write. I have been very few days without any mail, I read a lovly [sic], long letter from Mrs. Darling. If you happen to talk to her, thank her for it and tell her I’ll write as soon as I get time.
Thank you for the apples, laundry bag, shades, candy and everything, especially letters. You needn’t send me a box as I don’t’ care to eat between meals, and the food at the Commons is good. I usually have fruit in my room.
Mary, Verna Taylor and I made fudge last night in our kitchen. We put salted peanuts in it and it was delicious. I wish you could have had some of it. We made cocoa too, from the surplus milk and chocolate. It only cost us 15 c. a piece.
I have joined C.E., not as a charter member, but only as one so long as I got to college here. I suppose I shall go tonight. It lasts from 6:30 to 7:30. The meetings are usually good. A different member leads each time, so I fear it will be my fate sometime to do likewise.
Oh, yes, I almost forget to tell you. I got a 93 in [sic] my first Latin examination. Wasn’t that wonderful? I felt like sending you a telegram if it wouldn’t have cost too much. I’m sure I’ll like it better after I get more used to it. That standing made me feel pretty good anyway.
The first number of the Artists Lecture Course is Wed. night. I have my season ticket which the college students get for $5 (it is included in the college bill) and $10 for others. It is considered a part of the college education. I’m sure it will be worth while. I hope you can come to hear Freda Hempel.
I have two themes to write for tomorrow so must close.
Lovingly yours
Pearl
Dearest folk;
Just a note before supper. –
I like the way you are planning my dress. It aught to be very pretty. Be sure to make the waist long, and the shirt not very long because the other girls’ dresses won’t be very long. If it is possible, you might turn it in at the top to save the material. If most of the gathers were on the sides of the skirt, it would have more the appearance of over-drapes. I believe the skirt is quite full + will gather well. What are you going to put under the silver in the waist? or doesn’t it need any? I am going to take George Burgan, a very bright fellow who does not dance. He was one who went to Yellowstone this summer + came back part way by canoe. He hiked to Wild Rose once with Henry Jones several years ago. I have sent him a formal invitation + have rec’d his acceptance.
I sleep quite well now + am drinking egg nog between meals – I bring it ready made each morning from the commons. A medical missionary, Miss Harriet Davies, of Oshkosh was here to speak to + council the Y.W., + told me to do it by all means. No, the work is not hard for me. I am able to concentrate to quite a great degree now which enables me to get my lessons in about ½ time.
I’m afraid I can’t come home before we go to Oshkosh, because my “incomplete” must be made up along with my history. I want to come always, but am afraid I can’t now. After I get everything made up I’ll feel like coming home every week-end.
I can’t write more now, must hurry to buy silver-c before supper + mail it.
Your lovingly,
Pearl.
To her mother
Darling Momsie;
This has been lovely week-end – and I haven’t overdone a bit. Saturday night Marian and Harold, Gwen and Don, and Stuart and I took our supper in South Woods, and this afternoon we spent in Mitchell’s glen. He took the car both places. The woods and glen are simply beautiful in their green spring cloak! The glen is always spoiled for me by seeing how mean that woman is to poor Mr. Mitchell. He is about the same only more hurt looking. I mentioned it at supper tonight and Mrs. Hobbs said that the daughter has always been very cruel and that she has been in sanitariums several times.
Dr. Mutch + Mr. Huebner told me they weren’t going to report my incomplete for roll call. Aren’t they wonderful! I made up the last of my Spanish this morning, so I may not be on the list at all. If I am, I don’t mind in the least. It isn’t even worth considering.
I go to meals now and it doesn’t tire me in the least. I’m going to see if my tonio [sic] has come tomorrow.
We cleaned the cupboard yesterday and the room is once more a place to study instead of a combination kitchen and dining room. It seems good.
I’m sorry I couldn’t write a letter during the week, and that there won’t be much more than cards this week, for I’ll be very busy. So long as you know I love you and am not doing it out of neglect it will be alright I know.
Your own
Pearl.
Dearest Mama,
Your letter is received + I’m disappointed that you aren’t coming to the harpist. I think you’d enjoy it. Mrs. Simons is glad to go. Yes, your plan for the week-end is fine, although Mr. Rock had given me permission to be late to class Monday morning, it’s probably best your way. Then I’ll bring the car home the next Friday instead of going to Madison. You see the sub-district contest will be the 23rd and I may have to go. (It won’t be at New London after all.) With the uncertainty of it I’d better postpone the Madison trip to a more certain time. I may be able to get out of going to the contest. If I can’t I’ll drive some Saturday morning.
Try not to worry over things at home any more than you can help. It will all turn out al right in time. I’m sure. My advice is – sell the potatoes! It’s a wonderful price and you can’t afford to worry about them another minute. There are too many other things to occupy your mind. Tell Uncle Franks to go to the dickens about seed. You don’t have to bother about it. Let them get it as they can. By this time you have heard from Otto. If he doesn’t want the land perhaps it’s just as well to let it rest as Uncle H.P. suggests. Don’t try to drive too firm a bargain with Otto, they are so good to us.
Call the Sorensons if you haven’t heard from them, or write them to find out what they’re going to do.
Wish I were home or you were here so we could talk it over together. It’s unsatisfactory to write about it. But don’t worry you know it doesn’t do any good, and you have enough so that every cent doesn’t have to be laboriously accounted for, I’m disappointed not to see you tomorrow, but I’ll come home Friday + see you then.
Lovingly + hastily,
Pearl.
Mon. Evening,
So sorry about Mrs. Clark.
Mon. evening.
Dear Mama mine,
Isn’t it wonderful that we have such perfect weather. I’m so glad that I was home during the bad weather.
The catalog came. Thank you! There is a sale down town on satin slippers, and I’m going down to look them over. If there is a big enough reduction, I presume it would be wise to get them here. If not, I’ll send to the National. I don’t like to spend money for slippers now, but my old ones aren’t safe to wear to a party. I’ll try to get something practical.
Saturday P.M., I went skiing for a little while with Stuart. It was lots of fun. I’m getting a little more skill, so I didn’t take so many tumbles. Don was over for the evening and we had a great old visit.
I went to church to sing in the choir Sunday morning, and to C.E. to hear Mrs. Graham read in the evening. I was at Anna’s a few minutes in the morning, too.
Today, I had a music lesson to get ready for my Vespers song, and I have another Thursday.
George is O.K., but didn’t write because he was busy.
Saturday P.M., Justine + I went down to have our Senior pictures taken. Do you think I better order any?
I’ll be very glad to have you come for the play although I haven’t an important part.
Mildred H. is coming to Bartlett for the week-end, and will probably stay in my room, but I won’t need to take her out to meals because our table at the Commons is full.
I hope you’ll have a good time out at Dopp’s. I’m sure you will. It would be very nice for you to got to Pine River for a few days, too. Is Addie there this winter?
You might send me a few tablets. Mine are nearly gone, and I might need them before I get home.
I’m very busy all the time, but don’t seem to get much done that amounts to much.
Hastily,
Pearl.
P.S. I sent Mrs. H’s letter to George.
P.S. Muriel came back today. She has been having a felon on her finger.
P.S. #3. I held up this letter until I could get my proofs. I can’t decide which I like the better, can you? The photographer likes 1 and 3 the best. I’m allowed 12 of each negative without extra charges. If I order less than a dozen of more than 1 there will be 25 c. extra charges. I took this chance to have the application pictures taken in case I need them (Cap + gown pictures aren’t acceptable.) but I don’t’ have to have any developed now if I don’t want to. What do you think ?
Fri. A.M.
My darling mama;
Your letter is received and I think someone will meet the train. A letter which I received said, “I’ll see you and Gwen + Don Friday.” If he shouldn’t be there, I’ll get the bus to bring us out.
Marian and the others can’t come, so don’t make any preparation for them. Marian Cole has had a little difficulty with her friend Mrs. Rasmussen, so the trip is called off.
I hope the weather clears up, but we are bringing enough music and reading to have a nice time anyway.
Lovingly + hastily your own
Pearl
Dearest Mama,
Your letter just came and as always I was glad to get it.
Hope you enjoyed Study Club yesterday, and I’m glad you carried your mesh bag. I got it for you to use, and it might not be pleased if you don’t do it.
The concert last night was marvelous as I expected it would be but really, it was for the most part too classical to be thoroughly enjoyable.
Tonight, Henrietta and Dorothy are giving a spread to which Justine and I are invited.
I’m all rested up after taking an hour’s nap every day. It makes a world of difference.
Now don’t work too hard cleaning house, because it can just as well be postponed until I can help you. And you know I really enjoy that kind of work. By all means let George pound the carpets—it is too heavy work for you, and you might better put up with him than to try to do it yourself.
I hope the week-end is nice, but if it isn’t we’ll have a good time with all the music and reading we can do. Vespers isn’t until 4 o’clock so we won’t have to hurry back. Oh yes—if my old girdle is handy, you might send it along in my laundry box. I happened to think o fit yesterday and wondered how it would feel to wear it. I’m a little tired of round garters.
I don’t suppose I’ll have time to write on Sunday, but I may write a note before we leave for Shiocton.
Your own,
Pearl.
P.S. No, Stuart didn’t have any place to put the apple blossoms, so I didn’t give him any.
Friday.
Dearest Mama,
Wheeee! I’m going to the military ball—one of the biggest affairs of the year, with John Liska, a new student. I got the date thru his sister Mrs. Plazak who lives in town and whom I know and like very much. The boy is a frosh who just entered college on a $4,000 scholarship for writing the best essay on “better roads” of any H.S. student in the U.S. and provinces! He is a very nice boy, and my going to the “Hop” with him is wholly harmless. Grace Michaels has a new party dress and is giving me her last year’s one to wear. I’m sorry, now, that we hadn’t made mine; but I’ll do something for Grace sometime in return. The dress is very pretty and I’m anticipating a wonderful time. It is the first all-college ball I ever attended.
I hope you are having a good time out at Dopps. A letter from George said, “Maybe your mother will come to our house, too.” Wouldn’t that be nice? I’m in a big hurry, for there’s lots to do before tonight.
Love,
Pearl.
P.S. Mrs. Higby, the new patroness of Delta Delta Beta is entertaining us at tea tomorrow P.M.
Tomorrow night, Marian, Justine, and I are entertaining Harold, Adam, and Don in the lower parlors at a little party.
P.S. I had to buy some satin slippers.—On sale, they cost $4.85 and are very pretty.
Mama, dear,
The party was wonderful! Mr. Liska is very nice even tho he is just a boy. Here is his picture cut out of yesterday’s Sunday paper. He is a splendid dancer, the music was fine, the decorations and lighting effects were lovely and all the girls looked so sweet and pretty in their formal gowns! I’ll describe the whole thing in detail when I see you.
Mrs. Higby, Δ.Δ.Β.’s new patroness entertained the sorority at tea Sat. P.M. in her magnificent home.
Harold Rafoth and Adam Aichison had birthdays this week and Justine and Marian asked Don and me to join them in a party in B. basement Saturday night. Had a good time.
I didn’t step outside the hall yesterday except for meals—I worked so hard!
It was fine of George to take you to “Abe” wasn’t it! I’m so glad you could see it and that you’re having a good time at Dopp’s. Don’t hurry home! I’m in no hurry for the tablets.
I love you,
Pearl.
Keep the picture and papers for me.
Monday evening
Mama dear,
I’m writing another note to tell you that Mrs. Lothrop is here to stay until the 15th or there about. I thought you’d be relieved to know that I’m not alone. Although I didn’t get lonesome, it’s of course more pleasant to have someone else in the house.
The first day of school was rather strenuous but enlightening. After I get used to it, it will be a snap. I wasn’t at all frightened today.
So far as I know now I’ll be home Friday night.
Your loving,
Pearl.
I’ll mail that at the depot.
Letters transcribed by Parissa DJangi and Bryan Schneider
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