A Letter Written on Nov 24, 1918

Mount Holyoke College
South Hadley, Massachusetts

Nov. 24, 1918.

Bub dearest,

Well, I've had my share of h--- to-day if I never again have any more of it. I was not alone, however, there were four of us involved. You remember my telling you about the grand old time we had down at a house party a week or so ago when we went canoeing on the Connecticut River? Well, all quite innocently we told one of our faculty friends about it. It would all have been O.K. but - the faculty who was our "chap" handed in her resignation the other day much to the surprise of everybody. The college here of course wanted to defend itself so - as a result - they have brought up every little personal detail saying she was unfit to chaperon us. We four kids were called to President Woolley's office today and told her how we hadn't acted up to the best that was in us etc, etc. that we had been unworthy of the honor & trust & faith and everything else that was placed in us. Ye gods, Bub, it was scorching for a while. Then we had registered away from college with a "chap" who was approved by the college at first and then we were hauled up. Believe me, we're all feeling very much below zero to-night. Wish the earth would open & swallow us all. Life wouldn't be such a bore then.

Have you heard from Ken lately or not: I wondered if you had any idea of his where-abouts?

We've been doing a bit of travelling since last I wrote you. We went down to the common council meeting the other evening in Holyoke. It was most interesting since the mayor had appropriated $50,000 more than he had available. Fun - my! some speeches those men did make. It certainly would make our honorable Mary Lyon turn in her grave. So interested were we that we attended the meeting last night. That was equally exciting. Then yesterday afternoon we visited the "Clark school" for the deaf. It was certainly remarkable the results the teachers did get with the youngsters.

I received a young blow while there though, Bub dear. In one of the advanced classes, there was a young fellow just about your age who was almost your double. He had a smile something like yours, only not half as nice - etc etc. but when he talked - My, it just made me shiver all the way round after I had once seen him.

Hadn't we at least ought to be thankful for having our senses which some people have not?

This week we have had various debates in chapel on whether or not on account of the prevalence of the "influ." we should have our regular Thanksgiving vacation. So far we are going to but rumor has it that we are are to be put in quarantine before Wednesday, the day of our departure from this here institution. Worse luck - if they do such a thing I'll just about pass out for I have to get out of here somehow and let off some steam.

Don't you think, Bub, that there would be any possible way of our seeing one another this vacation? Even if only to say "Howdy" and "good-bye" at the station it would be lots better than not seeing at all. I'll tell you what I'm doing - I'm coming in on the 1.57 from Springfield reaching N.Y. about 5.30 - If you could get over to see me then I'd be mighty glad of it. Or meet me when I come back on Friday. If you do this you could call me up at Aunt Alice's (981) and tell me you were going to.

You know, Bub dear, if you would only tell me some reason why you cannot meet me I would be satisfied but you just come out time & time again with - "I am afraid it will be some time before we see one another" or sometimes utterly ignore my questions.

Well, dear, I can't write any longer now but if I do not see you I'll write to you toward the latter part of the week. Maybe by that time I'll be feeling more like myself.

Always my love, dearest -
Fran.