[Pencil inscription at the top of the first page: "Dec 10/1937"]Mother dearest
I am trying hard but simply cannot hear the speaker, so may as well use the time to advantage. Last night the Glee Club sang in Holyoke in a beautiful Gothic church, - it inspired us all, and I am sure everyone in the audience enjoyed as much as we did. Mr. Hammond - remember the paunchy white-haired organist, - played for us till some lassies were moved to tears. People started coming in over an hour ahead of schedule and many stood, - the doors had to be locked. Miss Douglass says that is the most impressive experience the club has, because the trip to New York is wonderful, but Town Hall isn't as gorgeous as this Congregational church. Mrs. Eckard loved it too -.
She is giving me two o'clock permission tonight to go to the Military Ball - and because I've had a slight cold for a few days, she has had me go to bed early every night, - for the sake of the Glee Club, I think, more than for the dance.
Excuse the immodest air - but I must tell you that my D+ was somewhat redeemed by an A in a second quiz we were given in Greek sculpture. Thank goodness; - I think Miss Shoe was as happy as I!
About the trip to New York: The Glee Club gives us the price of the round trip New York-Holyoke, and we pay any extra. Now Jimmy Mandrey says we can stay at her family's apartment in the city the night of the concert. Next day (Saturday) Mr. Mandrey is driving down to the Institution (he's head of Five Points, a place for underpriveleged [sic] children) - so he'll take us with him. Monday morning he'll drive me back to the city - to take the train - I don't know which one. All that will cost me - one meal, and the extra from New York to Boston - after I've used up the $5.80 from the Glee Club. Doesn't that sound wonderful!
The NYA is paying today - I don't know how much I rate - but if I used any more - you'll hear very soon.
Don't send the red coat - I can get it Xmas. With only a week to go - I guess I can stand the coolth. It's practically time for skating, - at least we've had freezing winds blowing across the campus for several days.
Betty Wright (you haven't met her but she is a sweet classmate of mine living on the third floor of Byron Smith) - cut varying widths of material from the bottom of my blue dress with the net sleeves. You see - that sounds destructive, mother, but I am tired of stepping on the bottom of it & of having laddies do likewise. Anyway it's done now - you can give her the dickens sometime.
My Xmas cards came this morning, thank you - with a note from Eleanor Whitehead, - you may remember we almost looked her up in Hoyey's.
With much work to do -, and I am cutting down on my evening sprees - I must stop. Everything is going well so far -. Be good, ma famille - I'll be home in less than two weeks to take care of you.
Love 'n' kisses,
Barb -