Stanford Student Letters and Memoirs

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[typed] first time. They were to meet Friday but did not on account of Mrs. Pease's funeral. She died in child birth, and the dear little Harold and Allan are left motherless beside the little new-born one.

Theodora has decided upon History as her major as it is a stronger course than drawing. She has made out her program satisfactorily. I am not yet quite decided upon mine.

We have a bouquet of yellow gorse on our bureau that fills the room with fragance. That reminds me that I have read the Bonnie Briar story andthink it the sweetest thing I have seen for ever so long. So full of simple pathos and keen wit.

I caught a glimpse of Mrs. Maitland the other day and she said she was so glad we brought down some of the magazines that se she had wanted to get them down but had had no opportunity that was convenient. I have not seen Mrs. Dunn or Mrs. Hudson. I have a big "trade you last" for you from Prof. Hudson. Speaking of the summer course in Tennyson he spoke of it as being unsatisfactory, but, he said, of course for any one like Miss Dow who is well-read and familiar with most everything of Tennyson, it is very interesting" etc - it may sound like more of a last for Hudson, but then most of his compliments seem to turn out that way. But I must write to Helen Lathrop - so bye bye- with love to everyone in San Jose and most to yourself- Your loving --- ---

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[typed] much to our surprise. But Mrs. Miss Thompson didn't know we were out and Mrs. B. would have taken offense if we had declined. I think she is very anxious for us to join the Cappa fraternity. What do you think about it? I am not going to join! tho' I think Rose after all her adversion is rather inclined to. Bessie showed me a collection of Vickerey's Missions of California - exquisite - photogravures or something on that order. And I immediately thought of Miss Rhoda - wishing so much she might have a set if she has not already been satisfied in that direction. The next time I am in S.F. I will see how much they are and don't you think it would be a nice thing to give her Christmas? Last night was our Roble reception to the Profs. and I really enjoyed it after I recovered from my stage fright. Rose had been assistant decorator and the halls did look lovely - A profusion of Bamboo - and little tables with flowers on them the length of the corridor - was the refreshment room. I felt like a cat in a strange garret at first but when my eyes got accustomed to the strange sight, I began to have a good time. Rose had snkched (?) me into my lavendar and I felt about as stiff as a sawdust doll. Rose wore her black silk decollté and looked beautiful. I took Prof. Griggs bless him, out to refreshments and the dear man said if I was doing all the work in Ethics 3- even tho' I weren't registered if I passed the exam he would give me credit for it. Wasn't that lovely of him, And he didn't know at all who I was except that I was a Payne. Prof. Hudson said he would remember to class me with the Paynes here-after . I think he thinks you are a Payne too. Miss Jones inquired very obsequiously after you did Mrs. Maitland. What a strong grand woman she is! I like her very much.

Tues. Oct. 22nd.

It seems as if purposely I had left my letter unsent until today, when I could thank you for you dear cheering letter, tho' I had in fact quite forgotten the exact day of my birthday, thinking I would forget

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[typed] were the foresters and they looked too pretty for anything in their tan and hunters green, they thought it a great lark to smile at their friends in the audience. Genie Mabury came down to go with Paul and she took luncheon with us. She looked ever so pretty in her brown Eastern suit. I am sorry to say that my good marks in my last exams quite turned my head and I have done very poor studying ever since, but it is not going to continue for this has been a day of resolves. This morning I went to church and heard such a good sermon from Mr. Peete - it is such a privilege to hear such a good sermon so often. I always try to sit in the seat we sat in when we went but it is nearly always filled when I get there, as I always walk (both ways) Mr. Peete wants the Roble girls to see to the church decorations every third Sunday. Oh, our dresses for the S.A.E. party a week ago were lovely. Theodora's was so rich and she was the queen of the evening. Mine was pretty too and I enjoyed dancing so much I thought I had forgotten how, but a beautiful floor and music and good partners made it all come back to me. Their house is such an elegant one - so rich and plain. They had a millionaire member - Mr. Sayre-who evidently has beautiful taste and as Prof. Hudson said "knows hows to hie" There is great excitement over the Thanksgiving game Berkeley has a very strong coach and team and is winning games right and left, while our men have shown much enthusiasm. I am afraid the outlook is dubious. I don't know whether I can go to the game or not - I don't believe I'll have the money so if I can't I'll stay home with a story, it may have lots of swear words in it though. Its a shame that you have such a tug with you sewing - but no doubt you have a great success to look forward too as an inspiration. Therarteritum is so gorgeous now with its Toyon berries in full crimson. There is such a quanity this year and they are more loyal than ever. Yes-

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[typed] Stanford University, Cal. Tuesday, September 29, 1896

My dearest Nannie -

There is only a minute before the lights go out but it will be time to begin a line to my precious Nannie. Last Sunday, Helen & I hired an inexpensive little rig with a good horse and drove down to San Mateo to see and surprise Lolie. It was such fun and I never enjoyed anything more in my life. We left here at eight o'clock, reached San Mateo at ten-thirty & home again by six-thirty with dinner & visit with Theodora in between. The lights went out and I went to bed so shall finish this now. We came home about six-thirty hungry as bears after our ride - The country is so beautiful all about here, it is an education and a happiness just to live in it. At San Mateo we went into the beautiful little stone Episcipol Church and saw marvelous stained glass; the first that I ever saw in my live and the texture of the garments, the coloring and the expressions of face & figure was wonderful.

Everything has heaped up this week but I enjoy the work all the more - that reminds me - Prof. Hudson requires his class to get his so new book___ so[written] may not I send it on to you when I am through with it. I shall take good care of it & be so pleased to have you have my copy. I don't like Hudson nearly as much now as when a Freshman, perhaps Prof. Andersons genuiness & depth has spoiled me for Hudson's chattering superficiality.

Next Saturday the Glee Club is going to San Jose, and Laura has asked Mr. Abbott, Mr. Holbrook and me to stay in their pretty flat. There is to be a football game in the afternoon, and so I have several errands to do to do in S.J. I think I shall go; especially as I have a ticket I bought for my extra baggage coming here. I forgot to say that Gertrude had spent the night with Theodora so we saw her too when in San Mateo.

When I was at Mrs. Dummis the last time she gave me little amateur photo of her rose-garden to send to you - it shows the oak trees & hills prettily in the distance. Laura comes over to the Hall for her luncheon about all the time now which is very jolly.

Every afternoon at four there is football practice & you should see our enormous[written] great coach from Yale! Cross is his name & he is a giant. Also a splendid athlete.

To-day I was sadly laughed at in Shakespeare - I had to give a report on Queen Elizabeth in Richard III and was just getting hugely conceited because I didn't get rattled when I voluntered the information that Henry VII didn't wish to marry the princess Elizabeth after his accession to the throne, & when Prof. Anderson asked me why he did marry her then. I frantically answered "because he promised" instead of saying it was to join the houses of York & Lancaster. Prof. Anderson laughed & so did the whole class - I am consequently unmercifully "joshed" for my ----- & belief in mankind. The lunch bell has rung so bye-bye.

Your loving, Toodles.

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[typed] Sunday Morning Nov. 22, '96

My precious Nannie--

It is too rainy to go over to Palo Alto this morning and I am heart broken to think I can't go to chapel, but yesterday was one of those obstinate days when one can't study even though there is nothing else in the world to do. So today I have to make up for it. Yesterday I read two of Crawford's short stories - one "The Upper Berth", the other "By the Waters of Paradise". The first a very ghostly, oozy,ghost story, the other a very charming, pretty ghost story. Beside that I read one ofBret Hart's vulgarly realistic California stories, and I think he is horrid. Today Mr. Bete has all the campus Episcopal girls meet at Prof. Fairclough to "get acquainted" and to arrange about having _____ regularly to the church Sunday mornings - a good idea. Prof. Hudson read "The Blessed Damozel" beautifully in class the other day, I am enjoying Rossetti very much and am so glad I have the course. We take up Byron soon with Anderson, just as soon as we finish Wordsworth.

I envy your hearing Ian Maclasen - Bonny Bru's Buch will always be associated in my mind with the summer in the mountains when I was late for dinner because I would finish Dr. Mclure. I don't see why you were so anxious to put down that carpet I am sure I should be tickled to death to have some one else do it. The slippers are blessings, and just the right size. You remember those Mama made me were very much too large, but these are too cosy and warm for anything.

There was a great football rally the other evening in the chapel. Of course it was exceedingly crowded and the boys as usual crawled in the windows & joshed everybody & everything. Several of the professors spoke & the coach - Mr. Cross, and the big men on the team, ex graduate & anyone the men could conjure up. Mrs. Stanford was there & sat right in front of us, she was very sweet and amiable & enjoyed the college spirit & fun, wondering what it all meant. Our team is not nearly so strong this year & the Berkely team is especially good so there has been considerable gloom, but you would never have guessed it at that wildly hilarious & confident rally. Here I intended writing only aline but can't seem to do it. I had a letter from Gertrude who is well & very sweetly asked me to spend Thanksgiving with her, but deliver me from San Jose in a boarding house on such an occasion. A number of us will stay here & muster such good things to eat as we can and try not to wish ourselves at the game.

The winter rains have begun, but we suffer so little from mud here on account of the asphaltum everywhere that I don't mind wet weather.

Tuesday we have an examination in History 23 - 18th century in Europe and I simply must study for it now even if this page isnt quite full - I can't think of another blessed thing to write.

Bye-bye5- Your loving Toodles