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.

Stimson Reading Room: front "Stimson Reading Room, Williston Library, Mount Holyoke College" I also own the negative to this card.; back Rought draft of a divided back and stamp box.
The College Library: front "The College Library, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass." #3383 Published by C. A. Gridley & Son. Inscription: "Thank you so much for the good time at your home. Imagine Fannie rushing up these steps. M. H. T."; back Undivided back, stamp box, postmarked Nov 13, 1906 12midnight in South Hadley, plus a transit mark too faint to read. Published by N. E. Paper & Stationery Co. Mfrs. Ayer, Mass.
Library: front "Library, Mount Holyoke College. South Hadley, Mass." Gridley insignia in the bottom right corner.; back Divided back, postmarked Sep 23, 1921 4:30pm in South Hadley. Published by The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, NY. "This is where I shall be spending most of my time from now on as I am taking two reading courses. This is a grand life Last night the lights in the whole house were off and were just fixed up this afternoon. A few minutes ago my roommate went to connect a desk lamp and blew out a fuse, which means that this side of the house will be in darkness tonight. I miss the Ford like everything. Edna."
Library: front "Library, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, stamp box, postmarked Sep 28, 1914 12:30pm in South Hadley. #F3272 Published by A. S. Kinney, So. Hadley, Mass. Made in Germany. An Excelsior card. "Monday morning Dear Papa, I went to Chemistry lab. this morning prepared for three hours work only to find that lab won't be mine till next Monday. No. grief. I wish you could see my theme. It is a beauty. You all figure in it. I am going to play tennis perhaps if I can get anybody who is not busy. Love Annetta"
New Library: front "New Library, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."; back Undivided back, stamp box, unused.
Doorway of Library: front "Doorway of Library Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked in South Hadley, transit mark in Winsted CT on Jun 16, 4:30pm in an indecipherable year (but must be 1920). "Wish like everything you were here. Please send me your White Plains address. Katherine Hood and Margaret Judson are Soph. honor pupils! A. L. B." Addressed to Miss Marion K. Ober.
11691. Library: front "11691. Library, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." "Copyright 1908 by Detroit Publishing Co."; back Divided back, postmarked Oct 9, 1918 in South Hadley. A Phostint card. "Wednesday Dear Mother, The apples are fine, they came Monday morning. I'm glad of the calendar, too, for I've been having to use my diary. The papers came this afternoon. You must be just beginning your epidemic when we are getting through. One of our freshmen here died Sunday night, and there has been a Smith col. girl died too, but most of the cases are better and we expect to be free soon from the quarantine. Catharine"
Library: front "Library, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked Sep 23, 1909 7am in South Hadley. #B3033 Published by A. S. Kinney. Made in Germany. An Excelsior card. "My dear Mollie - awfully sorry I had to leave before you came home from the shore. It's such a long time since I have seen you. Pretty well settled already but hardly feel at home yet. I'm off-campus - almost six minute walk from recitations, but hope to be transferred soon, tho' I am not sure of it. Is it raining in H- [Hartford] the annual "Freshman Rain" is here to-day - Just as tho we didn't feel gloomy enough without a rain. Give my love to all the folks & be sure & write soon. Tell Marion I'll write or send postal to her soon. Lots of love from Lois."
Williston Memorial Library: front Untitled illustration of Williston Library. Signed by Charles H. Overly.; back Divided back, stamp box, unused. "Mount Holyoke College Williston Memorial Library" Published by The Charles Overly Studio, Sudbury, MA 01776
Library: front "Library, Mount Holyoke College. South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, unused. Published by A. S. Kinney and The Albertype Company.
Library: front "Library, Mount Holyoke College" Inscription: "Much obliged for bundle. Its contents are just what I want. Your letter was most interesting & welcome. I was hoping to hear. Do keep me posted. Last night Miss Dickinson gave a song recital. I wish you could hear her. She sings beautifully. Am feeling very well. Did not have Mountain Day this week. Mr. Pratt is to be in Worcester Tuesday to Thursday & may call on you. He expects to be hear [sic] Thursday. Lovingly, Lena."; back Undivided back, postmarked Oct 12, 1905 7am in South Hadley. Transit mark Oct 12, 1905 1:30pm in Worcester, Mass.
Williston Memorial Library and Clapp Laboratory: front Untitled; back Divided back, stamp box, unused. "Williston Memorial Library and Clapp Laboratory Mt. Holyoke College South Hadley, Mass." #MA-1394 and also #56322 Published by Bromley and Company, Inc., Boston 16, Mass. No zip code on Boston address implies it is pre-1963.
Library - Mt Holyoke College.: front A real photo postcard. Inscription: "Library - Mt Holyoke College."; back Undivided back, postmarked Jan 5, 1906 5pm in South Hadley.
Williston Memorial Library: front An untitled view of the library.; back Divided back, postmarked Nov 22, 1982 in Hartford CT. "Williston Memorial Library / Mount Holyoke College / South Hadley, Massachusetts 01075 / One of the most impressive buildings on campus, the library's main reading room was modeled after Westminster Hall, London." Inscription: "Friday, Nov 19 Dear E - Remember me? We have been away from home so much - Returned from Ontario and then turned around & came up here to visit Gladys our 90 year old friend. Saw Dr. Pattie & took Ethel Eltinge to LUNCH. Ethel used to be under all of us in Mead and has been a good friend since 1930. Have had a most hectic & fine time - Now - home to prepare for the holidays - shall never catch up on my correspondance [sic] - owe everyone! How are all of you? Do hope everything is going well. With love Sid" Addressed to Mrs. Emily Kloppenburg.
The Library: front "The Library, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." Bark peels back to reveal view of the library. Copyright 1906 by C. M. Nelson.; back Undivided back, postmarked Jan 10, 1907 in South Hadley.
The Library: front "New Library. Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." #P921 Published by J. B. Sutcliffe, Holyoke, Mass. Inscription: "Rec'd Papa's postal this p.m. Am sorry if I have caused you any worry. I shall not go away but will rest here if necessary. Only one more exam. I shall be so thankful when they are all over. Wish we had a few days vacation. Am all right. With love Mabel Mon Feb 5."; back Undivided back, postmarked Feb 6, 1906 7am in South Hadley. Transit marks Feb 6, 1906 8:30am in Holyoke, Mass. and Feb 7, 1906 1:30pm and 3 pm in Cincinnati OH.
#22 Library & Mary Lyon: front "Library & Mary Lyon Mt. Holyoke College Series #22"; back Undivided back, stamp box, unused.
Williston Memorial Library: front "Williston Memorial Library Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked Nov 14, 1939 6pm in Northampton, Mass. Published by Robert A. Glessmann, South Hadley, Mass. and The Albertype Company, Brooklyn, NY. "So. Hadley Mass. Nov 14 Dear A[...]: I received your letter yesterday - no before that. Glad you are all well. I had a good visit in Providence seeing old friends and came a week ago to visit Mary. This is really a lovely place with view of the mountains and good buildings & nice people. It is very cold now but pleasant weather. I plan to start South the 1st of Dec. and stop on the way a few days. The F's write the weather is lovely in Maine now. My best to all the Whites & Perrys. M.R.C.W."
2273 Mt. Holyoke College Library: front A real photo card. "Mt. Holyoke College Library So. Hadley Mass. 2273"; back Divided back. Unused.
Library Interior: front A real photo view of the reading room of the library, taken from the second floor.; back Divided back, stamp box, unused. Stamp box design dates this card between 1904 and 1918.