College Choir

History

Postcards of students are relatively rare. These photos of the choir, however, seemed to be quite popular for postcards, as I have a number of variations. Since the "new" library is visible in the background, this photo was taken around 1905.

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.

Choir: front "Choir, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, unused (circa 1905), stamp box. Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. #C388.
Choir: front "Choir, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked Apr 13, 1917 7am in South Hadley. Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. #97. "April 12. Miss Young called to inquire - told me to tell you she was glad you are feeling better and hopes you will make good, steady progress. The roses were pink Kilarneys. It has been a fine, cloudy day although it threatened rain most of the time. I've been correcting papers hence this ink. Hope you have had a good day. Goodnight with love. S. J. A. Mr. Nichols writes to be remembered."
Choir: front "The Choir, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." The photo is signed by A. S. Kinney. This is a different photo than the other choir shots; I wonder if it was taken the same day, or if this is another choral group? The age is about the same, and it is the same publisher as the other choir cards, so it seems likely that it is the same choir photographed on the same day as the other more popular choir image. "Many thanks for the postal and the opera glasses - I do think that was the cleverest thing! I would like to be at [...] which you are there. Have a good time, but do not get tired out as before. Sarah. This is the college choir, which sings at Vespers, there are over 150 girls in it. Nov. 19, 1905."; back Undivided back, postmarked Nov 20, 1905 7am in South Hadley. Transit mark Nov 20, 1905 1:30pm in Worcester, Mass.
Choir: front "Choir, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked May 22, 1920 12:30pm in South Hadley. Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. "Love from Dorothy"
Choir: front "Choir, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked Oct 27, 1913 10am in South Hadley. Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. #F 3267. "Dear Aunt Addie - I don't seem to have time to write many letters, so write cards mostly. It is just pouring rain today. I don't like so much wet weather. I am getting over my homesickness and think I will be alright now. Have to work very hard. Has Linnie come yet? Love Miriam."
Choir: front "Choir, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked Feb 19, 1908 12midnight in South Hadley. Transit mark Feb 20, 1908 in Georgetown, MA. #A3961 Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. Made in Germany. An Excelsior card. "May you have a happy and successful anniversary day. With the best of wishes for yourself and Uncle Charles. Marion Dodge Weston"
Choir: front "Choir, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." Transit mark Apr 14, 1909 in Northboro, Mass.; back Divided back, postmarked Apr 13, 1909 10am in South Hadley(?). #B3039 Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. Made in Germany. An Excelsior card. "Went out on the dike on top of the dam this P.M. I never saw so much water at once! We made some fudge tonight. Friday night we are going for Mayflowers unless I come home, and I don't believe I can. I can get more work done up ahead if I stay. Got Mama's letter this noon. School goes finely now. Love, [...] B. The concert is postponed a week after all."
Choir: front "Choir, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." Inscription: I heard two Vesper Services Sunday, and a Xmas concert given by this choir. It was so nice to see college once more. Wishing you a happy Christmas-tide. With love. Margaret B. Abbott"; back Undivided back, postmarked Dec 19, 1906 2pm in Plainfield, NJ. Transit mark Dec 20, 1906 4pm in Meriden, NH. Flag cancel.
Choir: front "Choir, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked Apr 26, 1910 on Newp't & Spring. RPO RR. #B6097 Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. Made in Germany. An Excelsior card. "I have been hearing things about you; what you are going to do. Now do be careful, grandma and have a good time. I am on my way down to Lottie's and so can't write very well as the car isn't very steady. But thought you might like to hear a word from crazy."
Choir: front "Choir, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." #7622 Published by Glesmann Bros.; back Divided back, stamp box, postmarked 1913 in South Hadley. N. E. Paper & Stat'y Co., Specialty Printers, Ayer, Mass. "Dear Laura - You must send Marion here I know she would love it. The girls are wonderful. Love, Juliette"
Choir: front "Choir, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked Jun 5, 1909 7am in South Hadley. #B3039 Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. Made in Germany. An Excelsior card. "Saturday. Everything is going well. Don't forget mountain letters They ought to be mailed Tues. morning. Ask some of the girls to write. H. G. M." Addressed to Edith Mank.
Choir: front "Choir, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked Oct 9, 1912 12:30pm in South Hadley. Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. #97. "Wed. A.M. - My dear Mr. Sherwin - I wish you could hear these girls sing. It is glorious - you remember the Englishman who was asked what impressed him most in the U.S., replied "Niagara Falls and the choir at Mt. Holyoke." Am meeting many old friends - the Pageant yesterday was wonderful. Wish I could tell you about it - home. next week. L. H."
Choir: front "Choir, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked Jun 14, 1909 10am in South Hadley. #B3039 Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. Made in Germany. An Excelsior card. "June 14, 1909. You should have heard the choir yesterday. 150 voices, it was very beautiful. Have a fine time. With love, Mary R."
Choir: front "Choir, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked Nov 10, 1909 10am in South Hadley. #B3039 Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. Made in Germany. An Excelsior card. "Dear Mother, - Your letter, father's and Carrie's certainly rc'd a cordial welcome, tho' the receiving line didn't wear long white kids. I did send father the name of the owner of the brick-plant and his address but wil find out again as I've forgotten. Thanks lots to him for the money. The girls are in Vesper Choir surpluses here. I'm not in - Yet- but Soon. Every one laughs when I mention it here, but they won't when I do the solo parts and pay a dollar to hear me. I'll telegraph when I make it or send word by Adam's Express. Watch for the Delivery Wagon. I don't get home until Wednesday the 22nd. Don't bother to [pack?] up parlor curtains but have some choc. almonds and keep the minister. Lots and lots of love, Eleanor."
Choir: front "Choir Mount Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked Jun 15, 1923. "We missed you at our 40th. At Betty's suggestion, Springfield Republicans containing reports of commencement were mailed to each absent '83. Upon receiving the papers please notify Mabel Mason 253 Church St. Newton 58, Mass." Addressed to Martha Brockway.
Choir: front "Choir, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "Glad to get your good letter. I am working day & night but hope to get time to answer it soon. Sincerely E. P. C."; back Undivided back, postmarked Dec 12, 1906 5pm in South Hadley. Transit mark Dec 13, 1906 9am in Walpole Mass.
Choir: front "Choir, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." Transit mark Apr 14, 1909 in Northboro, Mass.; back Divided back, postmarked May 11, 1909 12midnight in South Hadley. #B3039 Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. Made in Germany. An Excelsior card. "Freshman, Sophomore, & Senior years one belongs to this motley throng. Three guesses for where I am - not!! Do they not look demure? Yes? No? R."