Williston Memorial Library

History

Built in 1905 on the site of the 1870 library and named for A. Lyman Williston in 1917. Additions to the building were constructed in 1935 and 1968, and then most recently in the 1990s.

The Images

All cards are available with both front and back scans, and comments about what is written on the front or back, either by the user or by the publisher, are included below.

Williston Memorial Library

front "Williston Memorial Library and Mary Lyon Tower, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Massachusetts"

back Artvue Post Card Co., 225 Fifth Ave, New York, NY. Divided back. Postmarked Nov 6, 1958 5pm in South Hadley. "Dear Miss Devereaux, The hoola-hoop has even invaded Mount Holyoke. I'm getting pretty good from all the practice. Believe it or not, I work pretty hard too but I just love it hear. [sic] I hope to see you during vacation. Sincerely, Jean Colyer"

Library

front "Library, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." The writer added "Decoration Day 1907" to the left, and "Yours M. W. P" on the right. Decoration Day was the original name for Memorial Day. The holiday started when Northerners began decorating the graves of Union soldiers killed in the Civil War.

back Postmarked May 8, 1907 in Plainfield, Mass. Transit marks on May 31 1907 10am in Charlemont Mass, and May 31 1907 4(?) pm in New Haven, Conn.

Mount Holyoke College Library

front A real photo card, untitled, but with the inscription "Mount Holyoke College Library" penned up the left side

back Divided back. Postmarked July 12, 1909 in Skaneateles, NY. "On the way here visited this. Found several at work so had a satisfactory visit. Alas made a pilgrimage to the new library of Smith, still unfinished. None fine as ours! Will write later. A. U. Skaneateles July 1."

P9098 Library

front A real photo card. "P9098 Library, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass. Photo Underwood & Underwood, NY"

back Divided back, postmarked on an unreadable date in 1915 in South Hadley. "Sunday morn. I am going over to Amherst this morning to have dinner with Annie Crowell and Cora Durgin is coming in to see me very soon, so I am afraid I cannot get your letter written. I will send one off on Monday, if possible. Love from S. E. S."

Untitled

front A real photo card of a snow scene

back Divided back. Postmarked April 10, 1916 at 7am in South Hadley. "Dear Mater, It just occured to me you might be wondering about my cold. It is really all gone, & that's why I didn't think of it. Isn't this a pretty picture of the lib? Love, Peggie"

The New Library

front "The New Library, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."

back Photo only copyright 1906 by Edgar T. Scott, Germany. Undivided back, postmarked Sep 19, 1910 5pm in South Hadley. "Love to the bunch - Anything doing in the school line? Gertrude"

H12466 The Library

front "The Library, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass." Signed at the top, but unclear; maybe "A. Wiltschburd"?

back Divided back, postmarked 1909, published by The Robbins Bros., Co., Boston, Mass and Germany, #H12466. "Brigham Hall I was very sorry not to see you and your mother to say good-bye, but we had company with us to the end so I didn't have time to see anyone. A successful year to you! Yours, A. W."

Interior Mt. Holyoke College Library

front A real photo card, untitled, but inscribed with "Interior Mt. Holyoke College Library" up the right side

back Unused, divided back.

Interior Mt. Holyoke College Library

front A real photo card, untitled, but inscribed with "Interior Mt. Holyoke College Library" up the right side

back Unused, divided back.

Reading Room

front "Reading Room, Williston Memorial Library, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Massachusetts"

back Unused, divided back, published by Artvue Post Card Co., 225 Fifth Ave., New York, NY

Interior Library

front "Interior Library, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass"

back Unused, divided back, stamp box, published by Glesmann Bros., South Hadley, Mass. Printed in Germany.

Library

front "Library, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."

back Divided back, postmarked Sep 23, 1912 5:30pm in South Hadley. #92 Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. "Sept 23, '12 Sorry I didn't see you before coming away. We didn't have an Aloha picnic as Miss C.- is busy moving. Her father and mother are coming up from Hartford and are going to live in Wellesley's so Miss Calder will be a neighbor of yours. Please remember me to the family. Aloha nui loa, Beatrice"

Library

front "Library, Mt. Holyoke College. South Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "Jan. 6, 1908."

back Divided back, postmarked Jan 6, 1908 5?m in South Hadley. #A3966 Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. An Excelsior card. Germany. "This is where Maud and I spend a great deal of our time. Hope you are over your cold by this time. It is quite cold here. L. E. I."

The New Library

front "The New Library, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."

back Divided back, postmarked Dec 6, 1909 10am in South Hadley. #51238 Published by Glesman [sic] Bros., So. Hadley, mass. Printed in Germany. "Dear Mrs. Southard - That fudge was certainly the best I ever had. I meant to write and thank you for it before. It seems so good to get things from home. How are you all? I'll be there to see you in sixteen days. B. T."

Library

front "Library, Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Mass."

back Divided back, postmarked Dec 3, 1936 2pm in Holyoke, Mass. Published by J. C. Fringelin, Stationer, Holyoke, Mass. and The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, NY. "Dear Mrs. Pullen think of me so far from home. weather fine but cold had my first ride last night. Hope you are as usual. Love Cora Ordnoy 291 Linden St Holyoke Mass. I forgot the Phone Book."

The Library

front "The Library, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."

back Divided back, unused. Published by Robert A. Glesmann, South Hadley, Mass. and The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, NY.

Library

front "Library, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."

back Divided back, stamp box, postmarked Mar 22, 1915 7am in South Hadley. #F3272 Published by A. S. Kinney, So. Hadley, Mass. Made in Germany. An Excelsior card. "Sunday Afternoon Dear Cos, I was very glad to receive your letter, and if I were not coming home Tuesday, I would answer it today. The days can not go fast enough until I get home and then I don't care how slowly they pass. We won in our debate over Vassar last night. We had a grand bon fire and an exciting time. Lots of love will see you later. Ethel."

Williston Memorial Library

front "Williston Memorial Library, Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Massachusetts"

back Divided back, postmarked Dec 2, 1933 12:30pm in South Hadley. Published by the Albertype Co., Brooklyn, NY. Translated by Enis Turcan: "1/12/1933 My dear uncle, I have sent to you 2 letters before. I am very sorry that you have not received these. Here is like paradise. I am very tired, because I have to do my homework for the college. How are you? I wait for your letter. My health is ok. I am very happy with my residance here. Regards, Leman Avni"

Williston Library

front Untitled

back Divided back, postmarked May 1937 5:30pm in South Hadley. "Williston Library Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Massachusetts" The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, NY. Addressed to Mrs. Lucy Cope Shelmire in Philadelphia. "How many times my thoughts have been back with you since arriving last evening! And while we're here in the chapel waiting for a choir concert, I'm wondering if you know it is to be broadcast and will hear it. A thrilling moment this morning was at the close of the symposium when Miss Woolley read out your name and the beautiful tribute which told a wee bit about the one Polly Leonard stood to represent. Certainly you were here with us all at that moment! A lot of love to you. I'm here with Mother & two friends. [...] we are going to motor up farther in NE. for several days. Catharine"

Library

front "Library, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "Best wishes for a happy birthday & a very happy & fruitful year after it. Lovingly your classmate Alice L. Y."

back Undivided back, postmarked Feb 19, 1906 10am in South Hadley. Transit mark Feb 19, 1906 12midnight in Springfield, Mass. #3324 Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. Germany. Addressed to Irene E. Jerome.

H12467 The Library

front "The Library, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."

back Divided back, stamp box, unused. #H12467 The Robbins Bros Co, Boston, Mass and Germany.

The Library

front "The Library, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."

back Divided back, unused. Published by Robert A. Glesmann, South Hadley, Mass. and The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, NY.

Library

front "Library, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."

back Divided back, postmarked Oct 1, 1908 10am in South Hadley, Mass. #B3033 Published by A. S. Kinney. Made in Germany. An Excelsior card. "Just to think, dear little Frances that you and your mother came to call when I wasn't at home. I looked all around the campus for nearly an hour, and nowhere did I find a little girl in a white bonnet or pink blouse. Maybe you'll come again. I hope so. Tell your mother how sorry I was. Love to Ruth Clara."

The New Library

front "The New Library, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."

back Undivided back, stamp box, unused. #51238 Published by Glesmann Bros., South Hadley, Mass. Germany. Pencilled in right bottom corner: "Cousin A."

Williston Memorial Library

front "Williston Memorial Library Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Massachusetts"

back Divided back, postmarked Jun 2, 1946 12:30pm in South Hadley. Published by Robert A. Glesmann, South Hadley, Mass. and The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, NY. Addressed to Mrs Robert Juergens. "June 1 1946. Roomed with Ruth last night in Pearsons. 91 back - rain held off long enough for the parade of 1100 alumnae. Cold and raining. Wish you were here. Genie."

The Library

front "The Library, Mt. Holyoke College. South Hadly [sic], Mass." Inscription: "Hello! I am going to Randall tomorrow morn so will write when I get up there. M. S."

back Undivided back, stamp box, postmarked Aug 9, 1909 6pm in California, PA. #2547 Published by The Rochester News Company, Rochester, NY, USA. Leipzig-Berlin.

New Library

front "New Library. Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." #P921 Published by J. B. Sutcliffe, Holyoke, Mass. Inscription: "Hurrah! Good for you, Brother! Just keep it up, and I will bet on you. How are you getting along? Are you getting back into the way of studying yet? It will be easier after a little while. E. C. L."

back Undivided back, postmarked Jan 29, 1906 5pm in South Hadley. Transit mark Jan 29, 1906 8pm in Springfield, Mass.

Williston Library

front Untitled

back Divided back, unused. "Williston Library Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Massachusetts" Published by Mount Holyoke College Bookstore, South Hadley, Mass. and The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, NY.

The Library

front "The Library, Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Mass."

back Divided back, postally unused, but inscribed: "look at all the floors - you can easily get lost. Away on the R. Hand side is our Book store" Published by Robert A. Glesmann, South Hadley, Mass. and The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, NY.

Interior of New Library

front "Interior of New Library, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."

back Undivided back, stamp box, unused. #51287 Published by Glesmann Bros., South Hadley, Mass. Germany. Pencilled in right bottom corner: "Cousin A."

The College Library

front "The College Library, So. Hadley, Mass." #3383 Published by C. A. Gridley & Son. Inscription: "March 19, 1908."

back Divided back, stamp box, postmarked Mar 19, 1908 12midnight in South Hadley. Incomplete transit marks for Barre Plains MA and Leicester MA. N. E. Paper & Stationery Co. Mfrs. Ayer, Mass. "The score for our game was as follows. Sophomore, 17, Juniors 46. It was a fast & exciting game, but the Sophs couldn't do a thing against the Juniors. They were so tall. Marybelle."

Library

front "Library, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."

back Divided back, stamp box, unused. #1057 C. A. Gridley & Son. Made in Germany.

Library

front "Library, Mount Holyoke College" Inscription: "Dear cousins, Am having a fine time here. Have to work hard but lots of pleasure with the work. This is a picture of our new library. Should be very glad to hear from you, Affectionately, Cousin Edith. Mt. Holyoke College S. Hadley, Mass. Box 139."

back Undivided back, postmarked Oct 11, 1905 10am in South Hadley. Transit mark Oct 11, 1905 6pm in Troy, NY.

The Library

front "The Library, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."

back Divided back, stamp box, postmarked Jun 9, 1919 10am in South Hadley. #F3428 Published by The Springfield News Company, Springfield, Mass. Made in Germany. An Excelsior card. "Probably I have sent you a picture of this before, but it is a building in which I am very much interested for it was just completed as we entered college. The vines and bushes are so rampant now that the place is greatly improved. Having the time of my short life & so glad I came. I shall look back on all summer. I like my two weekends. I wished you were here too. Elsie.

Library

front "Library, Mount Holyoke College. South Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "We are reading Middle English literature now. I wouldn't mind your bringing a copy of Dickens' Child's History of England. This is a splendid view of the "libe.""

back Divided back, postmarked in South Hadley. Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. and The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, NY. "Thursday night Dear Mother, I received your letter today. Yes, I got the check all right. There are some things I wouldn't mind your bringing, if it wouldn't be too much trouble. They are a tumbler, a fruit dish (or anything for the purpose) some more old rags, one of the vases on the mantle, a spool of black silk, and possibly a dish-towel. None of these things are very important, tho. I got the package from Cat today. She also sent me a huge cake of chocolate and a brown leather belt. Tonight we went to a lecture on vocations. Love, Lina."

Williston Memorial Library

front "Williston Memorial Library, Mount Holyoke College"

back Divided back, unused. "The City" Post Cards. From photographs made by The Maynard Workshop, Waban, Mass.

Library and Tower of Mary Lyon Hall

front "South Hadley, Mass. Library and Tower of Mary Lyon Hall, Mt. Holyoke College."

back Divided back, stamp box, postally unused but inscribed: "Property of Mrs. F. S. Hatch 434 Pembroke". Glue marks. #34613 Published by Glesmann Bros., South Hadley, Mass. Made in Germany.

The Library

front "The Library, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "On trip in the N. Hampshire Mt. was delightful. Here for a week. Yours. G. M. Jerome."

back Undivided back, stamp box, postmarked Oct 12, 1910 5pm in South Hadley. #7984 Published by The American News Company New York, Leipzig, Dresden. A Poly-Chrome card.

Library and Tower of Mary Lyon Hall

front "South Hadley, Mass. Library and Tower of Mary Lyon Hall, Mt. Holyoke College."

back Divided back, postmarked Jun 19, 1921 1am in Springfield, Mass. #33856 Published by Glesmann Bros., South Hadley, Mass. Made in Germany. "We were so sorry you couldn't be with us, Grace. We had a splendid reunion. 55 back, so with the '03, 05, & 06's there too, we had lots of visiting to do. The campus & buildings [...] all look more beautiful than ever and it was so good to see the girls again. Alice B."

A Real Photo of the Library

front A real photo of the library. Inscription: "Elsie didn't come till Wednesday noon. Frances feels cheerful over her exam. Mildred not so! G."

back Undivided back, postmarked Sep 24, 19?? (somewhere between 1905 and 1909) 5pm in South Hadley. "Our trunks have come and are all unpacked. Frances has had four classes already and likes them. I will try to write a letter to-morrow for my classes don't begin until Saturday. We have Dept meeting this afternoon. I had only ten papers to correct so did them up Tuesday all right. Lots of love to all. Grace."

Mount Holyoke College

front "Mount Holyoke College"

back Divided back, unused. "Mount Holyoke College/Mount Holyoke College Library Complex/South Hadley, Massachusetts/Mount Holyoke College's impressive three-building information complex contains the new seven-story Miles-Smith Science Library and the Dwight Computing and Information Center. The renovated and expanded facility, dedicated in 1992, currently holds 590,000 volumes." Copyright 1993 Impact, Glen Burnie MD 21061 Designed and distributed in the USA. Printed in Japan. #14655 G-2693 Recycled paper.

back Same front, same text on reverse, different design. Produced by Photografx Worldwide in 2001.

Williston Memorial Library

front Untitled

back Divided back, postmarked Aug 11, 1966 4pm in South Hadley. "Williston Memorial Library Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Massachusetts" Color photo by Robert Grenier. #MA1544 "10 August. Dickinson House Mt. Holyoke College So. Hadley, Mass. 01075 Dear Louise, Can't remember if I sent you a picture of my new bailiewick. Anyway, here it is. I'm in the Guest Rm. until my apt. is vacant. Everyone very nice. Have been to various eating places & to see Dr. Zhivago with various members of the staff. Band concert last nite. Appreciated Emily's note. Love to both, Betty" Inscription under the address: "ans. Sept. 6"

Williston Memorial Library

front Untitled

back Divided back, stamp box, unused. "Williston Memorial Library Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Massachusetts" Natural Color by Mike Roberts, Berkeley 2, California. #SC3251 Distributed by Mount Holyoke College Bookstore. No ZIP code on the California address implies this card is pre-1963.

11691. Library

front "11691. Library, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." Copyright 1908 by Detroit Publishing Co." Transit mark from Izmir, Turkey.

back Divided back, postmarked Sep 13, 1934 in New York, NY. A Phostint card. Translation thanks to Enis Turcan: "My dear sister, The last letter I sent to you was 15 days ago. I have not received any letters from you in the last two weeks. I hope you are all well. I am very well. My holiday is passing very well. Tuesday the 18th I will be back at the college. I have paid Mrs. Ahter her $70.00. How is my uncle? Here is the weather a little cold. It is raining very often. Zekiye is staying here at the house. I have been in New York twice. Regards, Leman Avni 9 September 1934"

Reading Room

front Untitled

back Divided back, stamp box, unused. "Reading Room Williston Library Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Mass." Natural Color by Mike Roberts, Berkeley 2, California. #SC6291 Photo by Raymond D'Addario, Holyoke. Distributed by Mount Holyoke College Bookstore. No ZIP code on the California address implies this card is pre-1963.

Williston Memorial Library

front "Williston Memorial Library, Mt. Holyoke College Series 14" Real photo, post-1935, with tape discoloring all four corners.

back Undivided back, stamp box, unused. AZO.

Williston Memorial Library

front Untitled pen and ink drawing of the library

back Divided back, stamp box, unused. "Williston Memorial Library Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Mass." Drawing by Frank Gnatek.

Library

front "Library, Mount Holyoke College" Inscription: "Dear Stella: I have not forgotten what you suggested, so here it is. B. M. Smith."

back Undivided back, postmarked Oct 9, 1905 12midnight in South Hadley.

Stimson Room

front Untitled artwork of the Stimson Room

back Divided back, unused. "Stimpson Room, 1994 Lithograph on paper (Williston Library, Mount Holyoke College, S. Hadley, Massachusetts) Jean Choi" This card was a giveaway at Reunion 1998.

Williston Memorial Library

front "Williston Memorial Library, Mount Holyoke College"

back Undivided back, unused. "The City" Post Cards. Published by The Maynard Workshop, Waban, Mass.

Library and Mary Lyon Chapel

front "Library and Mary Lyon Chapel, Mount Holyoke College. South Hadley, Mass."

back Divided back, postally unused, but inscribed: "Dear Catharine, I have just been on a tiny visit to New Haven where I saw the Yale laboratories, on to New York to visit schools, and home via South Hadley. The campus looked as lovely as usual. I do hope that you are feeling better. Sincerely, H. G. S." Published by R. A. Glesmann, South Hadley, Mass., and The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, NY.

Photo, September 7, 1998

photo I took this photo of the new addition to the library on September 7, 1998 to display here, since I had no postcards of it in my collection.

Photo, September 7, 1998

photo I took this photo of the new addition to the library on September 7, 1998 to display here, since I had no postcards of it in my collection.

Stimson Reading Room

front "Stimson Reading Room, Williston Library, Mount Holyoke College"

back Divided back, unused. From photographs made by The Maynard Workshop, Waban, Mass.

Williston Library

front Untitled view of the library

back "Williston Library Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Massachusetts" Divided back, postmarked Oct 3, 1949 5:30pm in South Hadley. Published by Mount Holyoke College Bookstore and The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, NY. "Fri. Dear Ted - Finally I'm here - and plunged right in to work. I told Syl. Sandberg your address & no doubt she will call you sometime. Say hello to Ray. Cathy."

The Library

front "The Library - Mt. Holyoke College. South Hadley, Mass. Designed by Glesman [sic] Bros. So. Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "Arrived all right - met a lot of the girls on the train - It is hot as pepper here. E. S. P."

back Undivided back, postmarked Jun 15, 1907 5pm in South Hadley. Flag cancel. Transit mark Jun 17, 1907 6am in Peabody, MA.

Williston Memorial Library

front "Williston Memorial Library, Mount Holyoke College"

back Undivided back, postally unused, but inscribed with purchasing information. "The City" Post Cards, published by The Maynard Workshop, Waban, Mass.

Williston Memorial Library and Mary Lyon Tower

front "Williston Memorial Library and Mary Lyon Tower, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Massachusetts" I also own the negative to this card.

back Undivided back, unused. Artvue Post Card Co., 225 Fifth Ave., New York, NY.

Williston Memorial Library

front "Williston Memorial Library, Mount Holyoke College" I also own the negative to this card.

back Rought draft of a divided back and stamp box.