Alice Mabel Allen (1886-1976) grew up in the village of Adams in Jefferson County. Mabel, as she was known, first attended Stanford University and later Syracuse University. In 1908, while at Syracuse, she kept a diary in which she described the joys and travails of college life 115 years ago. Each week throughout the year, New York Almanack is publishing entries from Mabel’s diary.
Monday, January 13
This morning I studied Latin with Fuzzie and then we went for a long walk. Letter from Edna [her older sister] and one this P.M. from Mary Wick. Went over in library to study and stopped for Lu in basement. Bought some molasses cookies of the janitor’s wife. Went to tutoring class in algebra at quarter of seven. Afterwards Fuzzie and I slid down the icy walk past the supply store and then we went skating on the rink. I had Cassie’s skates. Studied geometry a short time. Went down in Fuzzie’s room.
Tuesday, January 14
Came home after English and found a letter from Melvin [her sister Dora’s husband]. Snowed hard all day. Wrote theme on Country Newspaper for English. Could not get articles I wanted. Came home and went in Jean and Ethel’s room. After math class Lu came over for me and we went to crew mass meeting. Good meeting but dragged out. Rowing machines and trophies were on stage. The night out is clear and beautiful.
Wednesday, January 15
Called on for geometry but could not remember propositions. Splendid letter from Jo telling about her vacation at Pacific Grove. Before Latin received a note from Miss Minch telling of her illness with the grip [influenza]. Went over to library and studied. In Lu and Harriet’s room before tea. Math class. Miss Beattie over to do algebra but we did not succeed in getting far. The wind blows hard. Wrote Edna’s birthday letter and sent handkerchiefs.
Thursday, January 16
Edna’s birthday. I wonder what she did all day. A letter from father with letters from Dora and Edna enclosed; also the Journal, full of news. Went over to Katherine Arnold’s for lunch and studied afterwards. Walked home in moonlight. Stopped to inquire for Miss Minch who has the grip. Found a note from Alma who had been here with Edith. Wrote theme to-night on the Country Newspaper. Everyone has gone to bed or at least is quiet and I am writing by Jean’s candle which flickers in the wind. I do not know whether I shall go home or to Boonville after mid-years.
Friday, January 17
Went to the last recitation in math this morning. I only hope it is the last for me–but I fear not. Had letter from Jessie Torrey, who is still in St. Luke’s hospital. Went over to see Alma after Latin and we came over to the supply store for chocolate and then went up to watch the skaters. Lu came in and we talked before supper. After math Jean took Harriet and me down to Walker’s for chocolate sundaes. Went in her room afterwards and ate wafers. Am writing up my diary in Harriet’s room. Cassie went home sick this P.M.
Saturday, January 18
Slept with Fuzzie. No class in English VII but rather a discussion of texts. Studied geometry some. Fuzzie up and we talked. Swept the room after dinner; washed with Lu. Dusted room. Lu taught me “Solitude of Alexander Selkirk” because my eyes bothered. After math went over to library to study. Waited until 10 for Lu who had desk work. Bought book supporters for study table.
Sunday, January 19
Crawled into bed with Harriet a few minutes before getting dressed. Breakfast this morning not eatable. Sang in parlor. Went to First M.E. Church with Harriet. Walked both ways. Edith came over and asked me over to dinner. Afterward we went down to see Mrs. Hannahs and Helen at Mrs. Eddy’s on University Ave. Before lunch read “Rab and His Friends” by Dr. Brown and essays by Symonds. After lunch wrote to Rollin T. and the people [her parents] and learned “Life! I know not what thou art.”
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