Allabach correspondence

Last Friday evening the first social event of the University took place which was a reception by Miss Leach and the young ladies of Roble Hall to the young men and faculty. Of course we had candles for light, but in the parlor were bright fires in the fire places which are at either end. Then there is plenty of room for on the first floor is a large reception hall and from it ascend two broad flights of stairs to the second floor where is the parlor. On this floor are the two pretty little music rooms which are furnished in bamboo, with an art square on the floor and a piano in each. They are to be used for instruction and practice while the grand in the parlor is for our amusement, and we do amuse ourselves quite often by dancing when some one will play.

But I was telling of the reception. What to wear was a great question, for we have been requested to dress simply, and I believe Mrs. Stanford suggested grimgham and calico. Of course this did not meet the approval of the girls for all occasions and they were most afraid to wear anything. I was not troubled for I knew I should not be requested to change any of mine for a simpler. Many of the girls wore their street skirts and some of us wore our white dresses. I wore my red sash and tie and was complimented by the girls as usual, but I am not satisfied with a

good appearance only, so don't worry, mama, I just received your letter so shall have to put two to your credit. The reception was a very pleasant affair and they were all gone at fifteen minutes before ten and we felt better because we knew some of the boys; and the boys because they knew the girls. Some of them seemed nice, many I know were not, and some if they were nice were bores

Next Friday the faculty give the students a reception, the next Friday we girls call on the faculty ladies; and so on every Friday, something in a social way. But the hours will be early, and that will be all, so we can't be very giddy.

The towns around are so small and the nearest mile and a half away over dusty road, so we feel

Dear Mama:

I have not met Mrs. Stanford though she is here nearly every day, but she is here to see if all goes well and to give suggestions about things for she wants it to be managed after her ideas. She is not a very attractive looking woman but I imagine a good woman though many think rather overbearing but perhaps she has to be in giving orders in order to have them carried out. Professor Jordan, as soon as he saw the names on our letters said, "Yes he had been hearing of us right along", and he was very pleasant. There was nothing special that he could do but he walked from his office with us and showed us the way to Roble Hall. Professor Anderson is quite kind and helpful but rather brusque in his manner at times. He gave us credit for our Eng. Lit. which was no allowed on our cards you remember. And it was a mistake that our Algebra was not credited which they made all right, as soon as we showed it them. The girls here do not seem to be anything particular, that is either very rich or poor, educated or the reverse. That is they seem to be just ordinary nice girls, most of them desirous of improving though at the same time wanting their fun.

Many undoubtedly come from wealthy homes though all the dressing is plain. I have worm my red wrapper a great deal on Saturday and Sunday mornings. I put on my plaid wrapper for the first time this morning. Of my other dresses I have only worn my blue, my green and gray. I've worm the eton with the green. One reason I have not is because I've plenty of time and I want something new to put on as time goes by.

I don't see any need of a white dress. They don't wear white at all in San Francisco, not even wool and silk. The southern Cal. people wear it in the summer time but mine is not worn out yet, and I perhaps will not have it on till next spring again. I know all the girls except two or three who came this week. They are sociable in a general way and soon know each other but real friendships take time here as elsewhere, though there is a small number of girls whom we have seen quite a little of and whom we shall perhaps be most friendly with of any. They are Christian girls and pleasant, thoughtful ones. One is a junior and one a senior. They are most of them from San Jose and all attended the University of San Jose together. I guess some of the boys are rather wild, but there are very few giddy girls and these few are more giddy than anything else.

Tell papa I don't feel much different than when I was home. So far it has just been a continuation of the weather I left at home. My appetite is very good, also, my digestion.

There is a doctor employed to take care of us free of cost so it would be a good place to get sick. As I must get ready to go to church I will close with best love to you and papa.

Your daughter, Lucy Allabach

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Roble Hall October 18, 1891

Dear Mama:

I am glad you are not going to wait for some thing to say and so run the risk of neglecting me. If you only knew how I wanted to know every little thing you are doing at home you would know that you always had something to say. I will tell you about my studies. I am not far enough advanced to enter the University latin class and though there are some people attending school here who are recommended as tutors the terms were twenty dollars for the year and so I thought I would let it go and put all my time in University work, though I should like to take it up.