South Hadley, Mass.
"Bower of Bliss" Feb. 18, 1880.
Mr. Jos. Robbins
My Dear Father:-
Your letter came to me this morning when I was in one of my discouraged moods, and it helped me ever so much. It was such a delightful surprise! Every word I hear from you dear home folks is full of interest and enjoyment to me.
We are making "the rapids" next week is reviews, and the next the examinations for this series.
The examinations are public but as the farmers around here are too busy to pay much attention to us, I don't anticipate a very formidable array of visitors. If you get along all right during reviews, your [sic] safe, and I mean to do the best that lies within my power, during the coming week.
The latest excitement, is the prospect of getting an elevator. Our buildings are five stories high and part of the recitation rooms are on the fifth floor, and the flights of stairs are very long. The most tiresome work I have is climbing the stairs to recitation.
It is going to [go] in the centre of the main building, running from the 1st to the 5th story, donations towards paying for it are acceptable from any one who is willing to aid.
I noticed in the last "Yale Courier", 250 of the Amherst college students have applied for the position of "Elevator tender", at the Mt. Holyoke Seminary. (?) Imagine a boy desecrating the sacred precinct of the Sem!
In another week we change rooms, that is we are all gathered up in a bunch shook up and dumped out in another part of the building, with dear knows who, or what sort of a room mate I've no idea who will be my fate. (will be) but there will be nothing left but to grin and bear it with the best possible grace.
Miss Ward is quite an expert at reading chorcicler [sic], (at least thinks she is) and she couples the girls off a very queer way some times.
I belong to "Knight of the Round Table," it is modelled after Tennyson's "Idyls of the King," one of the most talented young ladies in school is "King Arthur" our object is our own improvement and the elevation of mankind in general, we discuss the beautiful in Literature.
It's simply inspiring, I always come away in a very exalted state of mind.
When I get lonely I dive into Tennyson and he helps, he says such strong, beautiful things, it makes you feel stronger and better. I have been waiting to hear from Chillie's Chain, but the P.O's about given it up, I will hear for sure in a few days.
Love to you all,
Affectionately
Gertrude
Anna sends her love.