The Louise Randolph Letters

History

These letters were written to Mount Holyoke alum and professor Abby Turner by another alum/professor, Louise Randolph. She mailed these when she was away from campus, working or on vacation.

The Images

All documents have at least a portion of the first page scanned, and comments about their contents are included below.

A Postcard Written on Mar 2, 1921, from Louise Randolph to Abby Turner

front Artwork by J. F. Millet, "The New-born Lamb" at Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

back Divided back, postmarked Mar 3, 1921 1am in Boston, Mass. Addressed to Miss Abby H. Turner at Faculty House. "Boston, Wednesday evening / Have had two fine sunny days here - with chance for two interesting visits to the Museum. Shall return by 4 oclock train to-morrow and should like to call at your door, on arrival. If Miss Wilmarth will be so good to take care of my bottle of milk, that comes Thursday morning, I shall be glad to take it up stairs as I go. Am much cheered by coming here - and am told to use the cane less! Affectionately L.F.R-"

A Letter Written on Jan 27, 1927, from Louise Randolph to Abby Turner

envelope Addressed to Professor Abby Howe Turner at Faculty House. Postmark blurred. Transit mark Jan 29, 1927 8:30am in Cairo on reverse.

page 1 Full contents of letter, though only the first page of the letter is scanned.

A Postcard Written on Jul 2, 1927, from Louise Randolph to Abby Turner

front "Firenze - Panorama dal Piazzale Michelangelo" An inked cross is visible near the waterline at the far right.

back Divided back. Postmarked Jul 4, 1927 in Firenze (Florence), Italy. Addressed to Dr. Abby H. Turner at Mount Holyoke College, and forwarded to Marine Biol. Lab. in Woods Hole, Mass. "Flrence, July 2, 1927. Dear Friend: It was so very good to get a letter tonight from you! I thank you, too, very much for the addresses which I'm sure I shall find useful - thus far we have been fortunate in getting nice places to stay, perhaps because we are a little "behind the season" in Italy. - Here in Florence our rooms at Pension Jennings Riccioli look directly across the Arno to the lovely, wooded heights of San Miniato. It is almost like being in the country and yet in easy walking distance to the Cathedral and palace squares - and other interesting centres. I have marked the house where we live - directly on the river, as you are - The street is called the Way of the Graces! Only the other day in the Medici Chapel I came face to face with Emma Tucker and her friend Miss King! Later they came to see me, and I went out to Tivoli together[.] Both look well and reckon on making home [...] soon - Emily D & I go to Venice soon. Love & all best wishes affectionately L. F. Randolph."

A Postcard Written on Nov 1, 1927, from Louise Randolph to Abby Turner

front "London. Cheapside and Mansion House"

back Divided back. Postmarked in London. Addressed to Professor Abby H. Turner at Mount Holyoke College. "Nov. 1. '27 Dear Friend: The morning paper tells that the Lord Mayor of London is making ready in fine fashion to celebrate his day at the Mansion House the ninth of November -. - farther [?] that all of London will unite in observing the historic "Lord Mayor's Show" - I was here once for the annual "merry-making" - and should like to witness it again! I write this on the first of the month= and, day after tomorrow, we sail from Southampton - Montnairn. C. P. [Canadian Pacific] Line due in Quebec Nov. 11th or 12. Thank you very much for the delightful "vacation card" - with happy anticipations and my my [sic] best greetings to The Table - Lovingly yours, L.F.R-"

A Postcard Pair Written on Jan 12, 1928, from Louise Randolph to Abby Turner

front "Hill Auditorium, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor."

front "New Museum, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor."

back "Ann Arbor, January 12, '28 Dear Friend: On the same street with Hill Auditorium here a "New Museum" has recently been building as you know -. of which Michigan is Justly proud - The exterior seems quite complete - but I hear there is still much to do on the interior. On the upper part (attica) of the "corner-facade" - shown in the accompanying postcard - are the words - clearly written on the stone "Go to Nature. Take the facts into your own hands Look and see for yourselves" - Agassiz. I seem always to have known Michigan University - since a number of my relatives, beginning"

back "with an uncle and then a brother followed by cousins and nieces and a nephew - have studied here - Two cousins were among the first women to graduate from the University - As it seems quite natural to have Caroline near taking part in the academic work. She is finding real pleasure - and much real profit, too, in the task, especially the language end - Toledo is not far away & it is easy to come & go - in the family car or by Main. I am spending this week in Ann Aror, staying with Caroline at the "Michigan Union" a very attractive abiding place & so comfortable. Thank you many times for the lovely Christmas greeting Caroline joins me in heartiest best wishes to you for the New Year. Ever with love L. F. Randolph"