Allabach correspondence

The tennis court is larger than the play court and made of asphalt, the marks being painted white. Around it is a high wire fence over which creep vines and on all four sides are seats, some under the trees, which being just outside the fence shade the court. A short distance from the house is a large rockery perhaps ten feet high. From its crevices grow horrible prickly cacti and other plants. A narrow path bordered with a low, well clipped hedge leads to it, gradually ascending as it leads around to the other side, when you find yourself at the top where is a rustic summer house made of poles and twigs. The vines on it were dead but it must be pretty when green and when you are there the trees so nearly hide all else that you could easily imagine no one living near. Coming down from the summer house, going past the rear of the mansion you see a large squirrel cage; and notice the fine large stable; and near the east porch is a large aviary (without birds now of course). Not far from the east of the house is a noticeable building, which reminded us of an oriental pagoda. A small one story building consisting of but one room and a warm porch running all round. Windows were in all four sides and these had inside shutters. The four posts, one at each corner, which supported the building went on up above the roof quite a distance and each one was tipped with a gilt cresent.

The dome-like roof had also a pole which bore a crescent, and at the one door were blooming plants and at the other, which was on the opposite side, were immense palms. A billard table inside showed what it had been used for, and little red glass panes in the dome gave coloring to the white walls, gaily trimmed with many colors. Outside it is also many colored. The main color is white but the porch supports are a giddy blue and little blotches of red, yellow, etc. are put every where to add to its eastern effect.

It seemed a pity that no one was there to enjoy all the beauty and that many things were unkept. Timothy is away, though I don't know where.

But I have not told the most important part yet. There are six acres of fine cultivated chrusanthemums all in gorgeous bloom here, comprising over six hundred varieties. There are acres of English violets and large patches of fine roses and more green house than in all Des Moines where grow ferns all kinds, roses, carnations and a few other kinds of flowers.

It seems that formerly all this was merely for the benefit of the Hopkinses but now Tim. has not inherited all the property and the green houses are turned into a money making scheme.

It is something to be allowed to visit such places I presume but we all thought it a shame that it was closed.

Mrs. Stanford soon goes to Washington I believe, then their home will be closed. There are some novelties at the Hopkins place which are not seen at the Stanford but I never saw so much ground in such perfect order as the Palo Alto home.

I have plodded aong this week, doing nothing much unusual. My lessons are no play and I had two examinations but I guess I did not disgrace the family.

Last evening we went to call on some of the Professors and their wives. They sent out cards announcing that they would receive students and faculty of the University as follows: President Jordan and Mrs. Jordan and some of the faculty on the third Friday of each month and names of the rest of the faculty who live in "Alvarado Row" for the first Friday of each month, each in their own homes, the hours being three till five and seven till nine.

So we made the first half last evening and called on all those receiving and had so pleasant a time and they all seemed so genuinely anxious to become acquainted.with us as individuals that all intend to

turn out on the third Friday and all succeeding Fridays, though when I become more acquainted I doubt if I try to make all in one evening but shall give more time to each one.

Well I seem to want to say so much and my hand becomes tired in endeavoring to keep pace with my thoughts that I can't write, but I want so much to get letters I will write.

Lovingly your sister, Lucy Allabach

__________________o___________________

Roble Hall November 7, 1891

Dear Mama:

The Allabach family has done nobly this week and you best of all. Here I have four letters this week from home. Tell Papa that I received the money all O.K. and thank him very much and to have the other or at least some of it here before Thanksgiving. Tell him I'll write Uncle Peter and Will as soon as I can. I don't see why we did not see Uncle Peter.

Give Mell and Emery my regards and it sounds natural for you to speak of their coming. I have had one letter from Mell. Emery sent me a Mother Goose picture and I wrote thanking him. George is the

only boy who has had more than one letter. I only wish I could write more letters, but I'll do the best I can and write to Aunt Bell if possible.

We have no gymnasium as yet but it is to come soon and till then we expect to have some marching and exercise in our Hall. My suit is what all the girls are providing themselves with for this. The Tennis courts will soon be ready and then I hope I'll have some time to play.

I don't seem to be thrown much with the boys any where, as I'm not that kind, and I guess it is usually shown in my manner and as report says there are many at Eucina who are not desirable and the faculty are going to thin them out so I'm going slow.

It is hard to tell who is rich here from externals. All dress well but not with much styfle and there is not much dressing and no one dresses better than Minnie and I. They all seem to be able to be free and easy with money to go to Frisco or buy what they want but more in that way than any other.

We have addresses in the Chapel on Sunday mornings, given by some city minister or other proper person. Dr. Jordan gave one and