In 1908, while attending Syracuse University, Alice Mabel Allen (1886-1976) kept a diary which is being published each week. In last week’s entries Mabel had returned to her hometown of Adams in Jefferson County, NY for winter break. This week she returns to school.
Monday, February 17
Studied trig with Helen Beattie. After Latin I walked downstreet with Grace and engaged seats for The Man of the Hour. Asked Lillian who was much pleased to go. We walked down. Sat in orchestra circle but far to the front. The play was a story of graft & political bosses. Orrin Johnson and Frances Ring took the leading parts.
Tuesday, February 18
Postal card from Edna [her older sister]. Had to read in elocution. Asked Miss Ready, a friend of Della Drummond’s, over for dinner as she was obliged to stay over for an algebra exam. After supper Lu came in and slept with me until Lillian came back.
Wednesday, February 19
A letter from mother told of the rumor that Mr. Archer was already married and that Harriet was to sue for breach of promise. I hope it’s not true. Helen Beattie came back with me after trig. The rest of the time I studied Latin. The quiz was easy but I had not prepared myself. Went to the organ recital at Crouse with Lu and Lillian. A violin solo by Mrs. Ormsbee was fine. Fooled with Lu and then went in Grace’s room to write on my report. Went over to see Katherine a short time.
Thursday, February 20
Mother forwarded Edna’s letter that told of Judge Dunmore’s engagement. The Journal also came. Took Jean up to Eng. VIII. After dinner Helen Beattie came over to study Trig. Found it more difficult than former lessons. Went in to study with Jean but talked instead about Ethel, mainly. Jean calls me self-centered. After dinner we danced downstairs and then went over to Hill’s, the ‘big ones’ treating the ‘little’ ones. Lu and I came in on that. Finished report on the Return of the Native and wrote a theme on Jean.
Friday, February 21
After trig. staid with Helen Beattie to see Mr. Pratt. Went down in classical club room to study Livy. As there was a mass meeting, only a short session of Eng. VIII. Helen Beattie came over to study Trig. We were both hungry, so I took her over after some hot chocolate. It did not, however, quicken our wits for Trig. After supper went over to corner store with Harriet. All the girls gathered in Leta’s room to watch her dress for a Washington’s Birthday party. I made fudge in Lu’s room out of brown sugar. Went to sleep on their couch. A letter from Mildred Bemis asking Edith and me over for tea.
Saturday, February 22
Awoke at 5 and went and crawled into Harriet’s cot. Ironed most of the morning — Lu’s and my clothes of last week. Lu pressed my black skirt. A letter from father came with check for $30. After dinner I went in with Lu and embroidered. At 2 Harriet, Lu, Lillian and I walked down to the city to see the parade. It was windy and it was very cold. Stopped in Park Bakery to get warm and bought some cup cakes. At five I met Edith at Hunter-Tuppen’s and went out to for tea at Mildred Bemis’. Had a perfectly fine time. Came back and started a letter to Rollin but Harriet and Lu came. Lu is making me hot lemonade for my cold.
Sunday, February 23
This morning as I was hoarse, the girls brot me my breakfast in bed. Harriet came in and we talked until late. Dressed in my voile for dinner. Harriet and I went down to concert given by Harvard Club consisting of an orchestra and vocal by Mrs. Dunfee. Coughed and had to leave before the last two selections. Went to St. Pauls but could not get seats. After lunch went in Jean’s room. Lu taught me a poem by Lord Byron. Water turned off because of leakage in pipe: Grace slept with me last night.
Photo: Crouse College at Syracuse University.
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