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.
Monday, September 28
Dr. Coddington arranged alphabetically this morning, putting me between Miss Adkins and Miss Allenell [?]. Felt absolutely lifeless this P.M., but finally found enough energy to press my skirts.
Helen came for me at 4:30 and we walked down to the castle where we talked under a “spreading chestnut tree.” She came up after supper to finish Latin, but had to leave early on account of the rain. The rain was glorious after weeks of drouth. Harriet’s cousin is staying with her over night.
Tuesday, September 29
No letter from Edna [her sister]. Much colder so that we had to wear coats and even then, shivered thru out the day. After dinner Jessie came for me to do Latin Prose. After class I went home with her and we feasted on bakery stuff and then studied Latin Prose for next week. Was somewhat late for supper. Harry and Thetis went to the library and I spent most of the evening in studying.
Wednesday, September 30
Very cold all night and we had difficulty in keeping warm. Helen came down to do Latin. The mail brot me a post card from mother, and letters from Lu and Bina Legg. Studied this P.M. until four when Helen, Fawn, Mildred Churton and I went up to play tennis.
As we could not get a court, we went over to watch football practice & then went down to castle grounds and ate apples. Went for a walk down by the bridge and got baked stuff at a bakery. After supper Helen and I went over to the library to study. My eyes have been bothering me very much of late, making it difficult to study.
Thursday, October 1
Eng. II met this morning and work in the course began. Miss Richards gave an interesting talk on technique and personality. Called on in Chaucer for scansion. Started to read this P.M. when Lillian came over to write up Psychology notes.
As it was dark after she left, I dressed and went down to meet Bina, who went over to Wellesley. She took me out to lunch and later I took her into Huyler’s for cream. I went down to station to see her off and when I came back, went over to Pearl Degenkolb’s where some of the girls gathered. Had post card from Russel and letter from Della.
Friday, October 2
After Latin I endeavored to get conditional sentences thru my head. Psychology was very interesting. After dinner I studied and later Helen came to study Psychology. After supper Harriet went over to the library and I finished Ivanhoe. Reba Shapp had some of the girls in for chocolate, wafers and cheese.
Saturday, October 3
After work on the hill, Pettie and I washed down in the laundry. Intended to study in the afternoon, but there was too much excitement. Pettie and I went up to hear the Yale returns, but did not stay. Went down to the city with Mildred Churton. Bought a stand for our room. Yale won 6 to 0.
After supper Harry, Pearl Degenkolb, Miss Thomilson and I went down to Emma’s room and ate grapes. Went over with Pearl and stopped in to see Lillian. Emma is staying all night with us. Fixed over the room to-day. Long letter from mother.
Sunday, October 4
After breakfast, I hurried to dress to go over to the orphanage with Helen where we taught classes. I am in hopes to go over every Sunday. We went over to Calvary Baptist church, but the service was short on acc’t of communion service. Walked home by the Davis estate [now Thornden Park].
Found Harriet, Emma & Miss Thomilson here. Studied Psychology after dinner and then went up to Vespers with Helen. Studied until lunch time with her. We all sang in the parlor and Ruth King sang “Der Asra” for us. Wrote home to-night; took a bath and will start my long theme.
Photos: top, Mabel Allen; bottom, Carnegie Library at Syracuse University
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