Brigham Hall

History

After the Seminary Building burned to the ground in 1896, four dormitories were built in 1897 to house the students that were formerly housed in the Seminary Building. Brigham Hall is one of the four. It is named for Mary Brigham, former Seminary teacher and president-elect of the College. On June 29, 1890, Mary Brigham died in a train accident outside New Haven, CT, on her way to take office at MHC.

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.

Mary Brigham Hall: front "Mary Brigham Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass." The picket fence enclosed the back yard of Miss Cook's house which the college did not acquire until 1911. Inscription: "Can you possibly come out and stay over Thanksgiving? You can stay right up here in my room and eat right with me because many of the girls will be gone, and so we can have other girls in their places. I am wild at the project. We have great times planned and we can sit at Miss Wooley's table, a great treat. We are to have a fire in the fire-place and sit around and tell stories after dinner. Hastily J.B.H."; back Undivided back. Postmarked Nov 22, 1906 7am in South Hadley.
Mary Brigham Hall: front "Mary Brigham Hall, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." Transit mark from Izmir Turkey.; back Divided back, stamp box, postmarked Feb 20, 1934 7am in South Hadley. Published by C. A. Gridley & Son. #1099. Printed in Germany. Translation thanks to Enis Turcan: "February 4, 1934 My dear sister, On the way from library to my residence I have received (I think she has found a letter in her post box) a letter from the director of the college informing me that my scholarship has been renewed. Therefore I am very happy. You must be happy too. I have received your 18th letter with a $8.00 bill. I am very happy to hear from you that you did not need to change your glasses. I am very well. I received very good grades and one of the doctors has congratulated me therefore. I am on the same level like the American girls here. Regards , Leman Avni"
Mary Brigham Hall: front Untitled; back Divided back, postally unused but inscribed, and, from the inscription, mailed with a photograph of the sender. "Mary Brigham Hall Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Mass." Published by Robert A. Glesmann, South Hadley, Mass., and The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, N. Y. Inscription: "Merry Christmas, Aunt Carrie! I thought you might like to see my house at college where I am spending my Junior year, having a wonderful time - so I am making this my Christmas card to you. The picture is really me - only a little more serious than usual, and with hair a little redder than reality! I do hope you like it, and I wish the person in the picture could come and see you sometime soon! love, Mary."
Mary Brigham Hall: front "Mary Brigham Hall Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, unused. Published by Robert A. Glesmann, South Hadley, Mass, and The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, N. Y.
Mary Brigham Hall: front "Mt. Holyoke College MARY BRIGHAM HALL South Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "Went to the step exercises and Senior Dramatics yesterday P. M. and evening. It is raining this morning. Shall finish packing & then go to the graduation exercises. This afternoon at five o'clock we start for home. Love to you both, from, E. C. L."; back Undivided back, postmarked Jun 21, 1905 10am in South Hadley.
Mary Brigham Hall: front "Mary Brigham Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, stamp box, postmarked Jun 13, 1916 12:30pm in South Hadley. #1 Published by Glesman [sic] Bros., South Hadley, Mass. Also numbered B6715. Made in Germany. An Excelsior card. "This is some place. C. E. B."
Mary Brigham Hall: front "Mary Brigham Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."; back Undivided back, stamp box, unused.
Mary Brigham Hall: front "Mt. Holyoke College MARY BRIGHAM HALL South Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "Train connected well - Reached here at 11:30. Got along all right to-day - the "rocks" are all gone - Have a good deal of fun about Pinky's cookies - I saw her here today. The snow is going fast here. Hope you are not too tired after the supper. Rest up a while now - Lena"; back Undivided back, postmarked Feb 4, 1906 7am in South Hadley.
Mary Brigham Hall: front "Mary Brigham Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, stamp box, postmarked Nov 29, 1915 12:30pm in South Hadley. #F3279 Published by A. S. Kinney, So. Hadley, Mass. Made in Germany. An Excelsior card. Inscription: "Am visiting Miss Tapley here for a few days. She lives here in this Hall. It certainly is a beautiful college here. Everybody I have met seems so happy and lovely here and the college spirit is of a very fine quality. Sincerely Henrietta Noyes"
Mary Brigham Hall: front "Mary Brigham Hall, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked May 29, 1912 7am in South Hadley. #B6073 Published by A. S. Kinney, So. Hadley, Mass. Made in Germany. An Excelsior card. Inscription: "1.) June 14'th 2) Yes be sure and come back for school work unless your [sic] tired 3) Most emphatically I answer "yes." In the midst of exams. Bible to-morrow. Botany Sat. morn. Zoo and Education Wed. P. M. When do you go? Love M. H. (?)" Published by Robert A. Glesmann, South Hadley, Mass, and The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, N. Y.
Brigham Hall: front "Brigham Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked Sep 15, 1911 3:30pm in Skowhegan, ME. Inscription: "Sept 13, 1911 [...] Rowell Dear Sir I will let you know that I cannot come for very near two weeks, and if you can get any one to dig your potatoes you had better let them do it. Resp. yours Mr(?) S. E. Mahaffy"
Brigham Hall: front Untitled; back "Brigham Hall Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Massachusetts" Natural Color Card from Kodachrome. A Mike Roberts Color Production. Berkeley 2, Calif; Color by Cliff Scofield, Cheshire. Distributed by Mount Holyoke College Bookstore. Lack of a zip code on the Berkeley address implies this card is pre-1963. #SC3254
Mary Brigham Hall: front "Mary Brigham Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, stamp box, postmarked Sep 22, 1913 5:30pm in South Hadley. #E3220 Published by The Springfield News Company, Springfield, Mass. A Newvochrome card. "Study hard, Edith, and come to Mt. Holyoke. Bring someone along with you so you won't be homesick. Yours, Esther"
Mary Brigham Hall: front "Mary Brigham Hall, Mount Holyoke College. South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked Nov 30, 1925 10am in South Hadley. Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass, and The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, N. Y. Inscription: "Sunday 600. Nov. 29, 1925 My dear Florence: Thank you for your card and Thanksgiving greetings. I was pleased to have a word from you. Tues afternoon my sister and her Scot friend Jean have left after being here since Thanksgiving Day - and I was sorry to see them go. Miss Aunt had dinner with us Thurs., too. We had 18 at table. This fall has gone so fast. We are planning to go to N. Y. for Christmas. Please remember me to your mother. Love to you from Ella H. L. Crane"
Mary Brigham Hall: front "Mary Brigham Hall, Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, unused. Published by Robert A. Glesmann, South Hadley, Mass, and The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, N. Y.
Brigham Hall: front "Brigham Hall, So. Hadley, Mass." #3380 Published by C. A. Gridley & Son.; back Divided back, postmarked May 5, 1909 5:30pm in Waterville, ME, flag cancel. N. E. Paper and Stationery Co Mfrs. Ayer, Mass. "Dear Julia: - Ethel and I are coming down Sat the 8th and will see you in the P. M. and go to Manchester in the evening if it is O. K. Florence add. - 336 Main St. Box 258 Waterville Me"
P9088 Brigham Hall: front "P9088 Mary Brigham Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." Photo by Underwood & Underwood, NY. Tape mark in upper right corner. Postmark partially bled through from back.; back Divided back, postmark illegible. "Sunday morning. This is a picture of the hall where I live. There are two hundred and fifty girls just in the freshman class. Everyone is lovely and we have some awfully jolly times. It seems more than one tries are worth to get a chance & study, there's something going on all the time. Yesterday we went for a long walk with the juniors who live on the fourth floor. It was great fun. Mina"
2289 Brigham Hall: front "Brigham Hall So. Hadley, Mass. 2289" A real photo card.; back Divided back, unused.
Brigham Hall Living Room: front "Bingham [sic] Hall, Mount Holyoke College" I also own the negative that was used to make this postcard.; back Rough draft of a divided back and stamp box.
Mary Brigham Hall: front "Mary Brigham Hall, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked Nov 15, 1910 10am in South Hadley. #B6073 Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. "This is the hall in which I am living. It is a dandy. Corzella"
Brigham Hall: front "Brigham Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass." #3380 Published by Glesmann Bros.; back Divided back, postmarked Jun 2, 1914 9:30 am in Holyoke MA, flag cancel. N. E. Paper and Stationery Co Mfrs. Ayer, Mass. "Tues A.M. Dear Ruby - Your letter came yesterday, & I will try to get this card out early so you can get it today. We shall be very glad to have you come for dinner & please come early. Mrs. B. would like to have you place for supper with them. It's been so long since we have seen you that we must put in a good day. Lovingly E. B. Lyman"
Mary Brigham Hall: front "Mary Brigham Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." Transit mark for Webster MA. Flag cancel. "This is the hall I live in on the first floor."; back Divided back, postmarked Jan 27, 1908 7am in South Hadley. #A4850 Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. An Excelsior card. "I was sorry not to see you when I was home. How is school going? I suppose you are having a good time. Can't you write me a letter, With love, Edith Knowlton"
Mary Brigham Hall: front "Mary Brigham Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, stamp box, postmarked Jun 25, 1920 7am in South Hadley. #1 Published by Glesman [sic] Bros., South Hadley, Mass. Also numbered B6715. Made in Germany. An Excelsior card. "Holyoke College campus is so beautiful. I do wish you were here with me. The trees are wonderful and the college buildings so spacious and attractive. The conference is not large but we are going to have a fine one. Aunt Margaret"
Mary Brigham Hall: front "Mary Brigham Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, stamp box, postmarked Oct 7, 1918 7am in South Hadley. #F3279 Published by A. S. Kinney, So. Hadley, Mass. Made in Germany. An Excelsior card. Inscription: "Sept. 27. This is the hall I live in. Girls next door are Mary Clough and Alice Lee. Great fun. Will write as soon as possible but am awfully busy. Work is hard. Love Toodles. Will explain late mailing date in letter"
Mary Brigham Hall: front "Mary Brigham Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, stamp box, postmarked Sep 21, 1915 12:30pm in South Hadley. #F3279 Published by A. S. Kinney, So. Hadley, Mass. Made in Germany. An Excelsior card. Inscription: "Tues. A.M. Arrived safely last night about five. I'm awfully tired and glad to get here. Met several college girls on the way. They were awfully nice and helpful. Rained in torrents this A.M. D. is taking her math. exam now. her room is in this hall. E.C.W."
Mary Brigham Hall: front "Mary Brigham Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, stamp box, postmarked Oct 6, 1920 5:30pm in South Hadley. #E3220 Published by The Springfield News Company, Springfield, Mass. A Newvochrome card. "This is the hall where my room is. I have been up here for over a week and like it immensely. Alice Wilson"
Brigham Hall: front "Brigham Hall, So. Hadley, Mass." #3380 Published by C. A. Gridley & Son. Hand colored. "Merry Xmas. Annie C. Loomis"; back Divided back, postmarked Dec 21, 1908 12midnight in South Hadley. N. E. Paper and Stationery Co Mfrs. Ayer, Mass.
Mary Brigham Hall: front "Mary Brigham Hall, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, stamp box, postmarked Oct 10, 1913 10am in South Hadley. Published by C. A. Gridley & Son. #1099. Printed in Germany. "Dear Charlotte, Please forgive me for forgetting you. You just wait 'till you get to college & you'll forget everyone you ever knew in your life. Life here is one grand rush. Lots of Love from Dot R."
Brigham Hall: front Untitled; back "Brigham Hall Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Massachusetts" Natural Color by Mike Roberts, Berkeley 2, Calif. Distributed by Mount Holyoke College Bookstore. Lack of a zip code on the Berkeley address implies this card is pre-1963. #SC3254 Same as this card but its reverse side is different.
Mary Brigham Hall: front Untitled view of Brigham Hall.; back Divided back. Stamp box. Unused. "Mary Brigham Hall Mt. Holyoke College South Hadley, Mass." Published by Bromley and Company, Inc., Boston 16, Mass. #MA-1399, also #56331. Photo by Bob Grenier. No zip code implies that this card predates 1963.
Mary Brigham Hall: front Untitled view of Brigham Hall.; back Divided back, unused. "Mary Brigham Hall Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Massachusetts" Published by Mount Holyoke College Bookstore and The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, NY.
Untitled Real Photo: front Untitled real photo view of Field Gate and Brigham Hall.; back Divided back, postmarked Mar 6, 1913 10am in South Hadley. "Mar 6, 1913. Our new gateway - Brigham Hall shows in picture. Mary Lyon is just to the left. Mercury is visible now for about a week about 6:20 - 7:00 P.M. 6:35 about best time to see it. A little s. of west, near horizon - just a little north of Venus & much lower. Had nice visit at Smith Obs. yesterday. Called on Ruth but she wasn't home. Lots of love, Louise."
Mary Brigham Hall: front "Mary Brigham Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked Mar 11, 1912 5:30pm in South Hadley. #E3220 Published by The Springfield News Company, Springfield, Mass. A Newvochrome card. "Hello you next door neighbor! I really am too busy to write a letter, so this will have to do for now. This building is where Dr. Patterson lived last year. It's just great out here now. Say, if the people across the way tell you I was homesick two weeks ago don't you believe it. They insist upon saying I was. Will be home with my bunch Tues. 19th. Keep your windows closed if you want any peace then. Lovingly, Marian." [The key to identifying Marian was the "next door neighbor" in Peabody. There were two students at Mount Holyoke from Peabody that year, but only one was named Marian.]