Fidelia Nash Field Gate

History

The Field Gate was a gift by her children in memory of Fidelia Nash Field, daughter of a generous donor to the Seminary. It was built in 1912.

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.

2287 Fidelia Nash Field Gate: front "Fidelia Nash Field Gate So. Hadley Mass 2287" A real photo card; too bad the postmark bled through!; back Postmarked in South Hadley Feb 9, 1914, 10am, divided back. "Poor lady, I'm so sorry you're so miserable. Please get better quickly. Wish you were up here in this lovely, lovely country; then you'd have to get well so's to enjoy it all. This is our new gateway of which we're so proud. Exams are over and I didn't flunk any." and up the side: "Don't be ashamed of me tho' when you hear my marks this year. I really have tried. Much love, Madeleine Please give my love to Miss Nell and Uncle George"
Untitled: front no text on front, but a lovely real photo card, with snow! The telephone wires are solid in the original, but the scan of the card didn't do them justice.; back not postally used, stamped "Forbes Library", inscribed "Entrance Mt Holyoke College"
The Gateway: front "No. 1101, C. A. Gridley & Son", along with "The Gateway, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." A smiling stick figure was added in front of the gates.; back Divided back, postmarked Sep 23, 1922 5:30pm in South Hadley. Published by the Albertype Co, Brooklyn, NY, "Back again. Everything lovely here as usual. Love, Anita."
Field Memorial Gate: front "Field Memorial Gate, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Published by the A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass, divided back. Postmarked Jan 16, 1928 5:30pm in South Hadley, Mass. "Dear Elizabeth, It was so good to hear from you through Miss Sibley. How fine it is to have a friend like her! I have thought of you so much since hearing & wish I was near enough to drop in and see you. Remember I am thinking of you & the sweet acquaintanceship of the old days - Lovingly, Gertrude S. Hyde" Addressed to Elizabeth Whelden.
Field Memorial Gateway: front "Field Memorial Gateway, Mount Holyoke College"; back Published by $5 Photo Company, Photo Park, Canton, New York, undivided back, unused
P9080 Fidelia Nash Field Gate: front "P9080 Fidelia Nash Field Gate, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." Photo by Underwood & Underwood, NY; back Divided back, postmarked Nov 30, 1914 5:30pm in South Hadley. "Thank you for your kind thought of Esther. I know she will appreciate it. She has been very, very ill, but just now is more comfortable. What a struggle she has had! Yours with love, S. E. Smith" Addressed to Mrs. Myron N. Sherwood.
The Gate: front "The Gate, Mount Holyoke College. South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked June 12, 1922? 10am in South Hadley. Counterstamped by the Cleveland Public Library. Names and address were removed by erasure at some point in the past. Inscription surviving says: "Dear ...: Our train lost an hour and a half but I got here in time for lunch. While I was waiting for a street car in Holyoke two ladies picked me up in their car. It rains pitchforks every few minutes then the sun comes out bright and hot. With ..."
Untitled: front A beautiful untitled photo of the Field Gate. I found this one at the Brimfield Flea Market; I passed on it at first because I thought I already had it. When I got home and checked my collection, I found out I didn't have it, so I went back two days later (a 160-mile round trip) to buy it. Just goes to show you how obsessed I am!; back Divided back, postally unused. Someone wrote "GATE, MT. HOLYOKE COLLEGE" in pencil along the top. The postcard dealer? Probably. It doesn't look like antique writing.
Field Memorial Gate and Mary Lyon Tower: front "Field Memorial Gate and Mary Lyon Tower, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Massachusetts". Check out those outfits; this card looks like it was photographed in the 1950s. I also own the negative that was used to create this card.; back Divided back, unused. Artvue Post Card Co., 225 Fifth Ave, New York, NY
Field Memorial Gateway: front An untitled horizontal sepia of the Field Gate.; back Divided back, unused. "Field Memorial Gateway Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Massachusetts" The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, NY.
Field Memorial Gateway: front An untitled vertical sepia of the Field Gate.; back Divided back, postmarked Oct 3, 1940 5:30pm in South Hadley. "Field Memorial Gateway Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Massachusetts" The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, NY. Published by Mount Holyoke College Bookstore, South Hadley, Mass. "No. Mandelle Dear Norma - This coming wkn. Donnie must be coming home. Bob was here Sun. Don't forget to remind Don about the T-shirts! Love Cathy"
Mount Holyoke College Gates: front An untitled horizontal sepia of the Field Gate. This is a unique shot; unlike the others, which were taken from the street, looking in toward the campus through the gate, this photo is taken from the campus and looking out into the street, which makes the South Hadley Center School visible.; back Divided back, postmarked in January 1993 in Brooklyn NY. "Mount Holyoke College Gates South Hadley Center School built 1868" Elite Printing Co., So. Hadley, MA. Yes, this one was written out to me! "Dear Donna: Thought of your interest in historic postcards when the S. H. historical society was selling this. Hope all is well. Val Barr finally got me to join the world of email! (I've told Sheree and Sarah) robrtsnn@acfcluster.nyu.edu. Will I see you at reunion? My 15th, your 5th or are we off cycle? Nancy Robertson." Well, she was half right; she's class of 1978, and I'm class of 1983, so it was her 15th and my 10th. And yes, I went! I never miss a reunion!
Gateway: front "Gateway, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, stamp box, unused. C. A. Gridley & Son. #1101 Printed in Germany. "The gateway given by Mrs. Helen Field James and her brother Joseph Field, in memory of their mother, Mrs. Fidelia Nash Field. Situated just south of Mary Lyon Hall, it leads to the main part of college campus, from which the driveways and walks branch to every other part. The gateway gives the college an imposing entrance."
Field Memorial Gate and Mary Lyon Tower: front "Field Memorial Gate and Mary Lyon Tower, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Massachusetts"; back Divided back, unused. Artvue Post Card Co., 225 Fifth Ave., New York, N. Y.
Gateway: front "Gateway, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked May 20, 1935 10am in South Hadley. Frank E. Anson. Bro 1101 South Hadley, Mass. Made in Germany. Addressed to Mrs. R. E. Juergens. "5/18/35 I am spending the weekend with Sara Downer. I am being treated royally, staying in Safford guest room, breakfast trays, etc. The mountains and the apple blossoms are grand. Addition to the Lib is rising fast. There is a new physics building. E.F.B." The physics building was built in 1932; the tower to the library was finished in 1935.
Field Memorial Gateway: front "Field Memorial Gateway, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Undivided back, postmarked Jun 14, 1921 ?am in Stamford, CT. Blurred purple counterstamp. "Dear Grace I wish you could have come back to this reunion for it's being the best ever - I'm going to write you all about it. The campus is beautiful Have you seen this gateway? Lots of love. [smiling stick figure]" Addressed to Mrs. Thomas Billings.
Gateway: front "Gateway, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, stamp box, unused. Gridley #1101 Made in Germany.
Untitled: front Untitled; back Divided back, postmarked May 1927,1943 12:30pm in South Hadley. Pencil dated 5-29-43 along righthand margin. "Field Memorial Gateway Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Massachusetts" Published by Mount Holyoke College Book Store, South Hadley, Mass. and The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, NY. "Dearest Larry - Everything is grand - I'm so glad I was able to come. The shower was such a nice surprise - I'll tell you all about it later. I found out it would be all right to ask Esther so I wrote her immediately. Love, Nonnie"
The Gate: front "The Gate, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, unused. Published by Robert A. Glesmann, South Hadley, Mass. and The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, NY.
Field Memorial Gateway: front "Field Memorial Gateway, Mount Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked Sep 22, 1914 12:30pm in South Hadley. Published by A. S. Kinney, So. Hadley, Mass. #F3276 "This is the gate I entered last night. I registered at once in building at left, my room is in the [building] at right. I was some tired and never so dirty in my life. Tell Mother my lunch was grand and I had bushels and have lots left now. I found Matt's letter waiting for me but no postage and my box hasn't come. Isn't it queer nuf box no is 392 almost like one at home, combination DD. Love Edith. Hustle & get better but do be careful."
The Gateway: front "The Gateway, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." And in the left bottom corner: "No. 1101 C. A. Gridley & Son."; back Divided back, postally used but undated. Addressee heavily crossed out in blue ink. "Dear Marion, I wish in some way I might give you an idea of how beautiful it is here. Another 1916 girl and I are back for a few days. I hope you can come some day. Lovingly, Dorothy Str[...]
Field Memorial Gate: front "Field Memorial Gate, Mount Holyoke College. South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, unused. Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. and The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, NY.
The New Gateway: front "The New Gateway, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked May 20, 1913 12midnight in Newtonville, Mass., flag cancel. Published by R. A Glesman [sic], So. Hadley, Mass. An Excelsior card. "Dear Kate, I was at Mt. Holyoke for the pageant rehearsal. I thought of you in the New and Old and send you a bit of the "newest". I saw Miss Bowers and we talked of you and I wished I had asked her of of the "Rhubarb pie episode." Margaret McGill"
Field Memorial Gateway: front "Field Memorial Gateway, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, unused. Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass.
Field Memorial Gate: front "Field Memorial Gate, Mount Holyoke College. South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked Jun 6, 1925 12:30pm in South Hadley. Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. and The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, NY. "Dear Ned: I hope you may see this lovely place some day, when it is full of life as it is to-day. The heat is terrible we are trying to forget it. With love from Grace."
Field Memorial Gate: front "Field Memorial Gate Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Massachusetts"; back Divided back, unused. Published by Robert A. Glesmann, South Hadley, Mass. and The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, NY.
The Gate: front "The Gate, Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Mass." Hand colored.; back Divided back, unused. Published by Robert A. Glesmann, South Hadley, Mass. and The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, NY.
Real Photo: front A real photo of the Field Gate.; back Divided back, stamp box, postally unused but inscribed "Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." AZO.
The Gateway: front "The Gateway, Mt. Holyoke College So. Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, stamp box, unused. Published by R. A. Glesman [sic], So. Hadley, Mass. An Excelsior card.
The New Gateway: front "The New Gateway, Mt. Holyoke College So. Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked Oct 8, 1913 12:30pm in South Hadley. #F2030 Published by R. A. Glesman [sic], So. Hadley, Mass. An Excelsior card. "Write me about Simmons from the commuter's point of view. Do you happen to know Deborah Harrub? She is Mt. Holyoke '13, and is taking secretarial work. Yesterday was Mountain Day, which I celebrated by a 12-mile hike along the Mt. Holyoke range. Ate lunch on Mt. H. Great! Alice. Box 446"
Field Memorial Gateway: front Untitled view of the Field Gate; back "Field Memorial Gateway Leading to Mary Lyon Hall Mt. Holyoke College South Hadley, Mass." Divided back, postmarked Jan 18, 1965 in South Hadley. #MA1391 Published by Bromley and Company, Inc., Boston 16, Mass. Also #56325. "Sunday, Jan. 17 Dear Grandma and Grandpa, I decide[d] to take a break from studying and write you. Classes end Tues. and exams start Friday. Most of my daily work and all my papers are done. I should start studying for exams but I dread reviewing all the books and notes. Hope your Christmas was as wonderful as mine was. It seems so far away but was only three weeks ago. Thank you very much for the money. You knew exactly what college girls want. Barbara"
P9083 Fidelia Nash Field Gate: front "P9083 Fidelia Nash Field Gate, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." Photo by Underwood & Underwood, NY; back Divided back, stamp box, unused, but had been glued into an album.
Field Memorial Gate: front "Field Memorial Gate, Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked Feb 10, 1934 6:30pm in South Hadley. Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass., and The Albertype Co. Translation thanks to Enis Turcan: "February 10, 1934 My dear sister, Please send me a copy of my diploma from the gymnasium [the equivalent of US high school]. But you should send me not only the copy but a translation of it as well that must bear an official seal from the government. The reason for this is that the college demands it from me. Please , it is very urgent. Today the director has congratulated me because of the grades that I have gotten. I am very happy. Regards, Leman"
Field Memorial Gate: front "Field Memorial Gate, Mt Holyoke" Drawing by E.S. Tauffer.; back Divided back, postmarked May 19, 1934 3pm in Holyoke, Mass. "May 19, 1934 We are delighted you are attending Alumnae College in June, and acknowledge with thanks your registration and $2. Mary C. J. Higley J. Alumnae Secretary Mount Holyoke College" Addressed to Miss Caroline Keeler.
Field Memorial Gateway: front "Field Memorial Gateway - 1912 Mount Holyoke College"; back Divided back, stamp box, unused. "Mount Holyoke College Field Memorial Gateway" Published by The Charles Overly Studio, Sudbury, MA 01776
Field Memorial Gateway: front "Field Memorial Gateway, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Undivided back, postmarked Sep 26, 1921 5:30pm in South Hadley. "Just a card today I saw my rug on a truck this noon. Met the other Spaul.- girl in English class last period. Got Mother's fine letter and - thanks for it. Money holding out very well. Wonder if Father is having a party? Love, Hattie." Addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Edgar L. Spaulding.
Field Memorial Gateway: front Untitled real photo of the Field Gate.; back Divided back, stamp box, postally unused, but inscribed "Tis gate is erected in memory of Fidelia Nash Field by her children 1912 / So. Hadley College Oct. 7, 1914" A Cyko card.
Mary Lyon Gate: front Untitled view of the Field Gate.; back Divided back, stamp box, unused. "Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Mass. 01075 Mary Lyon Gate" HOL-8, also numbered #54273-C. Ektachrome by Bob Wyer, Delhi, NY. Published by Bob Wyer Photo Cards, Delhi, NY.
Untitled real photo view: front Untitled real photo view of the Field Gate.; back Divided back, stamp box, unused.
The Gateway: front "The Gateway, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." And in the left bottom corner: "No. 1101 C. A. Gridley & Son."; back Divided back, postmarked Mar 14, 1914 7am in South Hadley. "Dear Mrs. Danielson, Sarah asked me to drop you a card saying that she would come home Tuesday instead of to Danielson. She is tired and a little 'under the weather' so is at the infirmary for a few days. You needn't be worried about her. All she needs is a little vacation. Sincerely yours, Ruby Higgins"
Untitled real photo view: front Untitled real photo view of the Field Gate.; back Divided back, postmarked Oct 9, 1912 5:30pm in South Hadley. Addressed to Charles P Rodenbach of Naugatuck Conn. "Just dedicated this morning and is very good looking we are having a grand time but we miss the others who are not here. The exercises are splendid. Wish you could see this college in its gala dress. It is rightly pretty. R.F.B. [different handwriting] Charles, you ought to be here, you would be just in your element. Great big punkins lighted by electricity hanging up in all the trees. - only trouble is they aren't green pumpkins with red inside! Samuel [?]"
Untitled real photo view: front Untitled real photo view of the Field Gate.; back Divided back, postmarked Oct 9, 1912 12:30pm in South Hadley. Addressed to Mrs. Horace I. Bartlett of Newburyport Mass. "Wed. morn. The new gateway is pretty, isn't it? The weather and everything is fine. Be good to yourself. G. [different handwriting] Wish you had come too. Lots of love S."
Field Memorial Gate: front "Field Memorial Gate, Mt Holyoke" Drawing by E.S. Tauffer.; back Divided back, postmarked Feb 17, 1928 7am in South Hadley. "Ill [sic] hang around the Information Bureau between 1.30 & 2 - Saturday. I'll wear a red carnation in my buttonhole - so you can't miss me - Josephine"
The Gateway: front "The Gateway, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass. No. 1101, C. A. Gridley & Son."; back Divided back, postmarked Oct 14, 1918 5:30pm in South Hadley. Published by the Albertype Co, Brooklyn, NY, "Oct. 14 - 1918. Mr. R. & I have stopped here for a few days on our return from a wonderful 24th wedding anniversary trip to Lake Placid Club at Lake Placid N.Y. in the heart of the Adirondacks. Scenery beyond description. Came back via Plattsburg Lake Champlain & Lake George. I have marked Ruth's Hall with a cross - her room is on the 3rd floor back. (25 Brigham Hall) and her room mate is from Haverhill, Mass. Laura Sargent - a very nice girl & they get along splendidly to-gether. They are so glad to get back to Brigham again as that hall was turned into an infirmary & the girls had to move "out" on a few moments notice. 250 cases in the College of the Influenza but very few severe cases. We were so thankful Ruth escaped. She is well & happy. We return home to-morrow. Love. Millie"