A Letter Written on Oct 11, 1957

The Mount Holyoke News
South Hadley, Massachusetts

Editorial Board

10/1411/57

Dear Mom & Dad,

Seems something is always messing up the best of plans. This time it's Asian flu - or "upper repiratory infection["] as the physicians office insists upon calling it. Because of the number of cases of said disease on campus we are semi-quarrantined. Seems the bug is especially predominant on college campusses so we are not to go on weekends to any college, nor to have any guests from other colleges. This, of course, meant the end of the M.H. trip to Lake George as that trip was all college students. Sorrow, sorrow to our hearts! But we weren't the only ones whose weekend plans were ruined. This restriction is in force for an indefinite period - possibly even until Thanksgiving or even longer!!! The flu, as it has hit so far isn't serious - of only 3 days duration - but it is hitting left & right. The infirmary has been full for some time & at present 20 of 50 beds set up in the gym to accomodate [sic] the overflow are occupied. I suppose if it gets too bad they'll simply close college for a while, as some schools have already been forced to do.

This will, I'm afraid, affect our plans for next weekend and in this way. The college discourages anyone from leaving campus but leaves it up to the individual to make the final decision. I have felt fine, myself, been getting lots of sleep, etc. and feel I could go up to Norwich with a perfectly clear conscience but would hate to have you & Dad come up & then come down with this thing. Has Tom mentioned the flu at all and do you [know] if it is also making the rounds up there? I thought they might postpone Parents' Weekend as our big college dance next weekend has been called off. But this may be just an MHC idiosincracy. [sic] I don't think many other schools have resorted to quarrantines. [sic] Personally, I think the whole hullabaloo is senseless. The flu isn't serious & we'll probably all catch it sooner or later anyway. If you aren't afraid to venture into such a "contaminated" area, I'm game to go to Norwich. As you will. If I don't hear from you before then or if things change, I'll call you Wed. night.

This, of course, has been the talk of the campus since Wed. Thursday was Mountain Day & a beautiful day it was. We climbed Mt. Tom - a 15 or 20 min. walkup & then loafed. A lovely day all around. I don't know when campus has been more beautiful. The colors are magnificent & living in Mandelle really gives us a chance to appreciate them. Another advantage - I hardly have time to come home for lunch 3 days a week when I have 11 o'clock classes & have to be at the library at 1 so I've been lunching out in other dorms. This gives me a chance to keep in touch with the friends who aren't up here & at the same time saves a tremendous rush I'd otherwise have.

Classes are still good. News money is still coming in. The more we get now, the less to worry about later.

Missing Lake George was a blow & I do want to get away next weekend. Am anxious to see Cadet Bailey too. I did get a letter off to him but recently so I've had no reply.

Let me know what you want to do. If I don't hear, expect a call Wed. night.

Love,
Liz

P.S.
Watch band won't work on this watch as it has the wrong kind of attachment. Also - could you get me a couple of bras - cotton - Exquisite form #412 - size 36A. I couldn't find a store in Holyoke that carried them.