Blanchard Hall,
or the Gymnasium

History

Blanchard Hall was originally a gymnasium. It was named for Elizabeth Blanchard (class of 1858), principal and president from 1883 to 1889. In 1950, the building was converted into offices and the College post office. Its most recent renovation in 1988 has turned the building into a student center as well as the College post office and the College bookstore.

The Images

All cards are available with both front and back scans, and comments about what is written on the front or back, either by the user or by the publisher, are included below.

The Gymnasium

front "Mount Holyoke College THE GYMNASIUM So. Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "Dear M.: - Have been thinking about you lately. Where are you and how are you. Let me hear occasionally. Yours, Ethelwyn Dithridge. Nov 6, 1905."

back Undivided back, stamp box. Postmarked Nov 7, 1905 12 midnight in South Hadley. Transit postmark on Nov 8 11am in an indecipherable city in NY. Perhaps Union Hills, the postcard's ultimate destination?

2293 The Gymnasium

front "Gymnasium So. Hadley, Mass. 2293" I'm not sure if that little white cloud on the right border is a blotch on the photo, or on this particular card.

back Divided back. Postmarked Sept 19 10am in an indecipherable year and city. "Love and the best of good wishes for the twentieth! Sincerely, Dorothy Blair" Card was written to Edith W. Mank.

The Gymnasium

front "Mount Holyoke College THE GYMNASIUM So. Hadley, Mass." A duplicate of this one on the obverse, but the reverse is different. Inscription: "Holyoke College. H - O - L - Y - O - K - E Holyoke, Holyoke, are we. Ethel C. Anthony."

back Undivided back, postmarked Jun 9, 1903 in South Hadley (two times). Transit marks Jun 9, 1903 9am in Springfield, Mass., and Jun 9, 1903 9:30am in Chicopee, Mass. A Private Mailing Card.

Gymnasium

front "Gymnasium, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "Basket Ball. 'Oh! I think your [sic] horrid!' 'There goes my rat!' 'Look at Elsie scratch!' 'Oh! where's my side-comb'! 'Stop pulling my hair.' 'I won't play any more! So There'!"

back Undivided back, postmarked Oct 22, 1905 9pm in Hartford, Conn. Transit mark Oct 23, 1905 7am in Dalton, Mass.

The Gymnasium

front "The Gymnasium, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."

back Undivided back, stamp box, unused.

The Gymnasium

front "The Gymnasium, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "Twelve years ago everything was burned - this is one of the new buildings. It's a lovely place, and I am enjoying every moment. Kindest regards to all from N.A.R."

back Undivided back, stamp box, postmarked Jun 18, 1908 3:45pm in Northampton Mass. #A3386 Published by Glesmann Bros., South Hadley, Mass. Made in Germany.

Gymnasium

front "Gymnasium, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."

back Divided back, unused. Published by Robert A. Glesmann, South Hadley, Mass. Also marked by The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, N. Y.

H12459 Gymnasium

front "Gymnasium, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."

back Divided back, postmarked Nov 9, 1908 10am in South Hadley. #H12459 The Robbins Bros. Co, Boston, Mass. and Germany. "Dear Mabel:- Was so glad to hear from you and just as soon as I can make time I mean to answer your letter. You are by no means forgotten. We certainly miss the Seniors - and think of you often. Did you know that Marjory Cobb isn't back on account of her health. She is better and I think it was wise for her not to come back this year. Do write me when you can get time. With love, Ruth Seaver. Box 272 Nov 8, 1908."

Gymnasium

front "Gymnasium, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."

back Divided back, postmarked Sep 21, 1910 5pm in South Hadley. Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. #3329? Made in Germany. "This Gymnasium is next to my hall. Arrived here all right. Having a splendid time but rather lonesome, as my room-mate has not come. I'm rather mixed up about things but I'll get along soon. With love, Esther"

Gymnasium

front "Gymnasium, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."

back Divided back, unused. Published by C. A. Gridley & Son. #1245 Made in Germany.

Gymnasium

front "Gymnasium, Mount Holyoke College. South Hadley, Mass."

back Divided back, unused. Published by Robert A. Glesmann, South Hadley, Mass. Also marked by The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, N. Y.

Gymnasium

front "Gymnasium, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "A. E. S."

back Undivided back, postmarked Jun 4, 1906 7am in South Hadley. Transit mark Jun 4, 1906 7pm in Orange NJ. Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. #3328 Made in Germany.

Gymnasium

front "Gymnasium, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."

back Divided back, postmarked 1914 in South Hadley. Published by A. S. Kinney, So. Hadley, Mass. #3269 Made in Germany. "Dear Alan, This is where your oldest sister will try to climb ropes next winter. The basket ball games are held here and then there will be the fun and the class cheers and yells. It will be great. The colors I cheer for are red and blue. My color is red and the Junior's is blue. Write to me soon. Love Annetta"

The Gymnasium

front "South Hadley, Mass. Mt. Holyoke College The Gymnasium"

back Divided back, postmarked Sep 22, 1911 12:30pm in South Hadley. Published by C. A. Gridley & Son. South Hadley, Mass. #34009 Made in Germany. "Dear G. Don't forget that you owe me a letter. a nice long one too. I am having my first recitations today. Address Mt. Holyoke College South Hadley, Mass, Box466 Lovingly R."

The Gymnasium

front "The Gymnasium, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."

back Divided back, postmarked May 29, 1911 10am in South Hadley. Published by The Springfield News Company, Springfield, Mass. #E3225 Printed in Germany. "Thanks ever so much for the candy. Enjoyed it a lot and passed it around at Matties tea-party. Wanted her to meet all the girls and knew of no way to accomplish except by having a tea-party. Sorry I haven't time to write a letter. Mattie went at six and since then I've been doing my family letter. Pretty hard to study this hot weather but must do it now for two weeks. Love, [signature]"

Gymnasium

front "Gymnasium, Mt. Holyoke College, near Holyoke, Mass."

back Divided back, unused. Made in Germany.

H12458 Gymnasium

front "Gymnasium, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."

back Divided back, postmarked Jun 24, 1909 in South Hadley? #H12458 The Robbins Bros. Co, Boston, Mass. and Germany. "So. Hadley, Mass. June 23, '09. Not knowing that your plans for sailing had been changed until James came home last eve, I had already sent a S. S. letter for you, Harriot and Mme. Bauer to the S. S. Cassel at Baltimore. Altho I have sent on to have it re-directed I fear it may possibly come too late so I send this word of best wishes for an extremely happy and successful trip. G. E. Gaylord."

Gymnasium

front "Gymnasium, Mt. Holyoke College, near Holyoke, Mass."

back Divided back, postmarked Aug 4, 1913 4:30pm in Amherst, Mass. Made in Germany. "My dear Miriam:- They tell me this "gym" is a very interesting scene a great part of the year. Hope you are all as well as usual. Please remember us to your father and mother. With love Mrs. Panunzio Babies are fine."

Mount Holyoke College

front Interior photo of the Blanchard Student Center. "Mount Holyoke College"

back Divided back, unused. "Mount Holyoke College Blanchard Campus Center South Hadley, Massachusetts. Blanchard Hall, Mount Holyoke College's original gymnasium and auditorium constructed in 1899, opened up as the new Campus Center in 1988. Under the ceiling's brass chandelier and 54-foot yellow-pine cross beams, students enjoy coffeehouses, dances, and lectures. In addition to a bistro, this campus gathering spot also houses the College Bookstore and campus Post Office." #14651 G-2693 Recycled paper. Copyright 1993 Impact, Glen Burnei, MD 21061. Designed and distributed in the USA. Printed in Japan.

The Gymnasium

front "Mount Holyoke College THE GYMNASIUM So. Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "Mount Holyoke is great. The Freshman reception took place last Sat. The Senior-Fresh. reception comes in about three weeks. Wish you could hear the organ in the chapel. My address is Mount Holyoke College South Hadley Mass. Box 247. Helen R. Nutter."

back Undivided back, postmarked Oct 4, 1905 12midnight in South Hadley. Transit mark Oct 5, 1905 12midnight in Pittsfield, NH.

Gymnasium

front "Gymnasium, Mt. Holyoke College."

back Divided back, postmarked May 26, 1911 12midnight in Whately[?], Mass. "Am very busy so won't try to write this week. A lot going on and am working on your dress. Will send it the first of the week. Tonight we have the C. E. social and am going down to trim this afternoon. Went to whist club last night. Much love Florence"

Gymnasium

front "Gymnasium, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "where I hope to play basket ball this winter. Have just gotten fairly started in my work. The class rush at L. V. must have been great. G. L. M."

back Undivided back, postmarked Oct 3, 1906 6:30pm in Holyoke. Flag banner. Transit mark Oct 4, 1906 11am in Anneville PA. Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. #3328 Made in Germany.

The Gymnasium

front "Mount Holyoke College THE GYMNASIUM So. Hadley, Mass." Published by J. B. Sutcliffe, Holyoke, Mass. "My dear Horace, - I bet anything you are sliding down hill about this time. We have a good deal of snow here & a few sleighs are out so expect you have had some at any rate. I had to wear my tam today the first time to wear a hat around here. Please write me a nice letter. With love, Sarah"

back Undivided back, postmarked Dec 6, 1902 7am in South Hadley. Transit mark Dec 6, 1902 2pm in New Haven CT.

The Gymnasium

front "The Gymnasium, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."

back Divided back, postmarked Jul 28, 1918 4:30pm in South Hadley. Published by The Springfield News Company, Springfield, Mass. #E3225 Printed in Germany. "Dear R. I am going to try to find time to answer your nice letter while I am off on my trip, & if not, as soon as possible after my return. Lovingly yours Susan C. Hyde"

Gymnasium

front "Gymnasium, Mount Holyoke College. South Hadley, Mass."

back Divided back, postmarked in South Hadley. Published by The Albertype Co. Translation thanks to Enis Turcan: "Friday, April 13, 1934 My dear sister, I have already sent a postcard to you the last week. I am very well. The weather is nice. Bacolry has come. I have spoken with the professors and they have told me that they could give credits. I will inform you soon about their final decisions. Last week I have sent a postcard to Mubahat and this week I will send one to Nimet. I will be very busy with the lessons next week, so maybe I will not be able to write a letter to you. Many greetings to friends and to the family. Leman Avni"

Gymnasium

front "Gymnasium, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "February 2, 1906. Dear Raymond, - I'm not sick - not even dead - only this is exam. week, & I'm absorbed in the business of remembering the work coming, & forgetting what we've had exams. in. Laundry box ready to start. Love to all, May W. S."

back Undivided back, postmarked Oct 3, 1906 6:30pm in Holyoke. Flag banner. Transit mark Oct 4, 1906 11am in Anneville PA. Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. #3328 Made in Germany.

P9093 Gymnasium

front "P9093 Gymnasium, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass." Photo by Underwood & Underwood, N. Y.

back Divided back, stamp box, unused.

The Gymnasium

front "Mount Holyoke College THE GYMNASIUM So. Hadley, Mass." Published by J. B. Sutcliffe, Holyoke, Mass. Inscription: "College, June 15. My dear Mama:- I am coming when I said I would - Wednesday night. This afternoon there was the Baccalaureate sermon, and the choir sang. The chapel was crowded, and it was so hot there. The mileage came safely - thanks for it. I have all my cards back now except my German, and I took the exam only yesterday. I shall hear from it to-morrow, and I am dreadfully afraid I didn't pass, because I haven't done good class work, and my exam wasn't good, either. I had a picnic for my S.S. class yesterday, and I have decided to give up the class next fall. It is too much for me to manage. Very much love, Irene."

back Divided back, postmarked Jun 16, 1902 12midnight in South Hadley. Transit mark Jun 16, 1902 6pm in Springfield. My earliest picture postcard!

The Gymnasium

front "Mount Holyoke College THE GYMNASIUM So. Hadley, Mass." The sender pointed to that label and noted "My address is under the picture" There is a dash to the left of the building entrance, and an x to the right of the building entrance. Inscription: "Dear Grace - When is that long promised picture coming? I've been waiting in vain. The lovely postel [sic] received[.] This is our "Gym." but we have to spend 4 fifty-five minute periods in out-doors exercise. x is where I play tennis, because I have the craze. - is the Lake, where we row, study or visit. Back of it is Prospect Hill, where we go bird walking at daylight. I saw fourteen different kinds this A.M. bet. 6-8. Write soon. Love from. Adelaide Banta. Grandma died in Nov. did you know?"

back Undivided back, postmarked May 7, 1906 7am in South Hadley. Transit mark May 8, 1906 12:30pm in Milwaukee Wisc.

Blanchard Campus Center

front Fall portrait of the southern addition on Blanchard.

back "Mount Holyoke College Blanchard Campus Center" Divided back, unused.