Alice Mabel Allen (1886-1976) grew up in the village of Adams in Jefferson County. In 1908, while attending Syracuse University, Mabel, as she was known, kept a diary which New York Almanack is publishing each week. This week she returns to Syracuse to begin her senior year.
Monday, September 14
Packed most of the morning except when I drove with mother to Mrs. Barrett’s after my gray skirt and downstreet to get some gloves. Uncle George came up to dinner and I made tomato soup. Said good-bye to the people which was very hard.
Father went to the train with me and Edith and Alma. Ruby Barrus’ brother came all the way with me and helped the dusty journey. Found Harriet here at 113 and later Miss Pettie, our other roommate came. Harriet and I walked and met Dora Norton, who went to the flower [?] rush with us.
Tuesday, September 15
Ate a lunch breakfast in our room, and then started out, Harriet and I, in search of a boarding place. As yet we have not made satisfactory arrangements. Went to chapel in Crouse College but saw few people that I knew. Straightened out my schedule somewhat later. Went for dinner down on Irving. Paid tuition, $54, during the noon hour.
Freshmen were at the [???] rush and at the wrestling matches. Hunted more for boarding place and walked over to library with Harriet and her cousin. Got acquainted some with the girls to-night and arranged my schedule.
Wednesday, September 16
Classes met to-day and I managed to get my schedule straightened out. We started out taking our meals at the Evelyn and altho it is not first class, yet it is better than the Campbell. Saw Cassie this morning and had long talk with Fuzzie down in the castle grounds.
After dinner we went down to the city and I bought a brush, nail paste and a collar. Found a letter from mother here on my return, with a post card from Clayton and invitation to Mary Kimball’s wedding. Wrote to Alice and Lucy. Helen Beattie over.
Thursday, September 17
Went to Sociology, Chaucer and Eng. III to-day. At noon Helen Beattie came down to do Latin and to-night I did some reading. After dinner Harriet and I walked up to see Fuzzie. Came back and started to put up the banners when father came. He had come for the fair. We walked over to the stadium and then went down to the library.
Saw the original of Christ’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem by Plockhorst (?) and also the last picture of the Columbian Exposition. Had lunch at Schrafft’s and then I saw him off on the train. Came home and read the [Jefferson County] Journal. Fixed the room at last. Harriet sleeps with cousin to-night. The housekeeper’s aged mother died this afternoon.
Friday, September 18
Had first recitation in Latin this morning. Helen came back with me to study Latin for Monday. Staid home most of the afternoon; finished “Measure for Measure” and wrote to Dora [her sister]. After supper I went down after Katherine Wright, who is down for a few days, and she came back with me and we talked, primarily of Shel Hungerford’s engagement.
Katherine will not be back until next year, and I am so sorry. Talked in Fannie Traver’s room, ate cheese crackers with Harriet and her cousin and then I went to bed.
Saturday, September 19
Attended 2 English classes and elocution which had not met before. I fear the History of English Language will be dry — at least it started out so. Came home and found Helen here studying. After dinner I went over to the library with Harry and read, then came home and walked over to see Rosina, but she was not at home.
In the evening I went to the Y.M. and Y.W. reception with the girls. Saw Carl Norton and congratulated him on being pledged ɸ ψ. Went to bed when we came home, but some of the girls had a spread.
Sunday, September 20
Went to church with Harriet to the Park Presbyterian. Sat with Carrie Washburn’s college friend. Read before dinner and afterwards walked over to see Katherine Arnold. Mrs. Clark’s funeral was held this afternoon.
After lunch, which was at 5:30, I went down in the parlor with the girls, who sang and played, Bertha King and Miss Dibble. Wrote home to the people.
Photos: top, Mabel Allen; bottom, Park Presbyterian Church
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