Allabach correspondence

I have now on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, first English Prose, taught by Professor Griggs, formerly of Indiana, which is a critical study of what constitutes good prose style and creticism of the best prose writers. Second, Ancient Greek and Persian History, taugh by Professor Howard, formerly of the Nebraska State University. Third, Reading and study of Chaucer with Professor Anderson, formerly of the Iowa State College.

Tuesday and Thursday mornings I have, "The Art of Writing" by Professor Griggs; this seems rather elementary but will no doubt do me good. Also German reading from Heines Prose & Poetry with Professor Griffin. In the afternoon of these days I have free-hand drawing. You see I have three studies in English, as this is my specialty, Art of Writing, English Prose and Chaucer. Professor Anderson is English professor and he directs what studies I pursue. Having had fifteen hours recitation a week for the four years, under his direction I shall be able to take a degree in English. This is the plan of the University. If history of Science is your specialty, you are under the special professor of that study.

O, I must tell you. Professor Howard of our Des Moines High School, and his wife are here. we were so surprised and pleased to see them. Pred. Jordan telegraphed to them only last week and they came immediately. Mr. Howard is to assist the Latin and German professors. It seems so nice to see them. Mrs. Howard is going to school. They are doing light house keeping in part of a small cottage near Pres. Jordan. This is the only thing they could do as there is no place to board any where near except the Hall and then Mr. Howard would have to be at Encina and Mrs. H. here and they did think of trying this till something better offered, but the boys are so noisy Mr. Howard could not study. It does one good to see any one you know when you are so far from home. Yesterday an excursion of a couple hundred people visited the school in a body They walked up and down our halls and every where. I went out to look at them though I never saw any of them before.

We have breakfast at seven; lunch at 12:30 and dinner at 5:00. Chapel is at 8:15 and recitations begin at 8:30 and last till 12:30. There are a good many afternoon recitations but mainly advanced work.

I can't tell you what are the rules. There will be no rules of conduct but there will be certain suggestions and things expected of one. Miss Leach simply said if any of the girls "who came", "of course it would be none of us," became unpleasant or objectionable to us they would have to board elsewhere" There are to be printed house rules but are not printed yet. They boys have electric lights now but we are still using candles and a few lamps for parlor and halls. The light is expected soon and I hope it will come I'm sure.

Minnie and I walked to Menlo Park on Friday afternoon. The distance is nearly two miles and more than half the way through the ground that belongs to the Stanford residence.

This is the Palo Alto farm residence and on this farm is the school and all and it is a very large farm.

The residence grounds are beautiful. Before you come to them you pass through long avenues of pines, at the end of one of these is the Mausoleum where Leland Stanford Jr. is buried and when his father and mother are to be placed. Near here is a wonderful Cactus bed where the ugly horny plants stretch their ungainly arms in all directions and many grow as high as ten or twelve feet.

Then we passed through the vineyard where we helped ourselves to grapes. We also helped ourselves to figs and chestnuts from the trees that grow along the road side but ripe figs are not good and chestnuts need frost. Then we came to the lovely lawn which is acres in extent and as green and fresh as can be. On it grow palms and other tropical trees of all sizes and descriptions besides the live oaks and pines. Many of these trees have been planted by notes people and little white boards tell you by whom and the date. The foliage beds are wonders. One large one has the name Palo Alto and the two dates 1876 - 1891. Others are wonderful designs beautifully clipped. There is an immense clock among these foliage beds. The drives and walks are hard gravel and bordered with rose trees, gay flowers of all kinds in full bloom. Here and there are immense beds of blooming roses. Urns, statuary and those sprays for attaching to the hose seem to be every where. In the midst of all this is the house which is very large, built of light stone. It is partly covered with vines and around its foundation are vines and plants that make it seem to come out of an immense flower bed. I told Minnie I did not know but I'd rather visit the Stanfords than go to their school. It is said they have five residences. One is in Washington, D.C.

Menlo Park has an old wooden arch standing over its gate and the date 1856. I don't know what it was used for. There is no grass anywhere except what is planted, so though the trees are fine they cannot make a place seem inviting. The towns of Menlo and Mayfield, one east of us and one northwest, have more beer places than anything else and the stores are even worse than Ringoes store. The drug stores do pretty well but you can't buy much nearer than San Jose.

They say there are many pretty residences near and we are going to try to see them.

How is Helen. Don't let her worry herself sick. I'm not homesick but I'd so like to see you and I can't bear to think that this is October and that I must wait till June. I wish you would send me your pictures for a Christmas present.

With much love to Helen and Papa, I am your loving daughter,

Lucy Allabach