President's House

History

The President's House was designed by Horace Frazer of Boston and built in 1908. It was partly funded by gifts from trustee Joseph Skinner and the Northwestern Alumnae Association. President Mary Woolley had been living in a suite in Brigham. Jeannette Marks, member of the English department and a former student of Woolley at Wellesley, and members of the president's official family, such as her secretary Harriet Newhall '14, shared the house with her.

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.

2295 The Woolley Residence: front "Pres. M. E. Wolley's [sic] Res. So. Hadley Mass. 2295"; back Divided back, unused.
P9084 The President's House: front"P9084 The President's House, Mt. Holyoke, College, South Hadley, Mass." "Photo Underwood & Underwood, NY"; back Divided back. Postmarked Apr 16, 1915 5:30pm in South Hadley. "Very glad to get your letter but so sorry you have not felt quite as well. I hope that warm days will be good for you. The paper about Miss Chute was interesting. I sent it right to Miss Stevens. Much love, S. E. S."
President's House: front"President's House, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, stamp box, postmarked Jun 13, 1911 10am in South Hadley. #B6088. Published by A. S. Kinney, So. Hadley, Mass. Made in Germany. "Is not this good weather for they [sic] ivy they planted this A.M.? It is proverbial 1911 weather. H- came over Sunday night for Vespers & I was in Amherst yesterday P.M. It is a fine place there. He is much better but looking thin. With love Cathie."
President's House: front"President's House, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back; addressed, stamped and postally used, but no postmark. Published by C. Gridley & Son. B. I. 854 Made in Germany. "Dear Gammie, Isn't this a pretty house, and it is even prettier inside! The weather is beautiful! Love, Helen."
P9091 The President's House: front"P9091 The President's House, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." "Photo Underwood & Underwood, NY"; back Divided back. Postmarked Mar 26, 1917 2:30am in Greenfield, Mass. "Nina went back to College early this morning. I plan to go down again tomorrow for a day, and then be in Boston Thurs. and Fri, reaching home Sat. Hope to get a line from you while here. You want to be sure to look after the washing of Papa's underclothes. Love from Mama. Greenfield Mar 27."
President's House: front"President's House, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked Sep 25, 1920 5:30pm in South Hadley. Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. Printed in the United States. An Americhrome card. "Dear Elsie, - College is certainly wonderful!!! Everyone who has seen my couch cushions, thinks the Wohelo one is the best. I have met 2 Camp Fire girls and they are lovely! We began regular lessons to-day, & it's very thrilling. I'm going to a party now so will stop. Love, Ruth H. Box 224 Mt. Holyoke College So. Hadley, Mass."
President's Residence: front"President's Residence, (North and West sides), Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, flag cancel. Postmarked June 12, 1917 11:30am in Springfield, Mass. Published by Glesman [sic] Bros., South Hadley, Mass. #5. Also labelled #B6719. Made in Germany. "Tuesday a.m In spite of rain we are having a grand time. Vick and I are certainly making up for lost time. Are going up today for alumnae meetings and luncheon. One of our class is national president. I think now Vic will come down with me tomorrow for the ride if it is pleasant. Don't fuss. I will bring some things to eat as we have been away so much the things I got ready haven't got eaten. Hope boys are well & haven't tired you all out. Too bad it has been so rainy. Love to all. Eleanor."
President's Residence: front"President's Residence, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, stamp box, postmarked Oct 11, 1923 10am in South Hadley. Stamp has been removed. Published by The Springfield News Company, Springfield, Mass. #E3308. Printed in Germany. "34 Safford Hall S. Hadley, Mass. Dear friend, Hope you are feeling fine again. Gramma told me you were feeling better. I suppose Theodore is almost as busy as I am with his lessons. Remember me to Mr. and Mrs. Perry, won't you? Much affection, M. Midgley
Untitled: front Untitled; back Divided back, unused. Published by The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, NY. "The President's House Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Massachusetts"
President's House: front"President's House, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked Nov 12, 1910 7am in South Hadley. Published by A. S. Kinney, So. Hadley, Mass. #B6076 Made in Germany. "Nov 11, 1910. I am sorry this will not reach you today and sorry that it can be only a postal card. But it carries warmest greetings for the day and year. I hope you and yours are well and that you are as happy as you are wont to be. My mother has been ill in bed ever since college opened. My sister spent the summer in Germany. With love, C. F. Stevens."
The President's Home: front "The President's Home Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmark illegible. Published by Robert A. Glesmann, South Hadley, Mass. Also labeled The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, NY. "We are having a beautiful time. I got 4 cups & saucers for you. Mrs. Shattuck graduated in 1894. There are six of her class back. I have been talking to a graduate of 1889 who knows all the Cratherns! Have seen several of my own class. I am a guest of the college! as a companion to a sixty-year reunioner! Very nice. Going back to Salt Point Monday & home on Tuesday. E. B. S."
The President's House: front "The President's House, Mount Holyoke College."; back Divided back, unused. "The City" Post Cards, from photographs made by The Maynard Workshop, Waban, Mass.
The President's House: front "The President's House Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, unused. Published by Robert A. Glesmann, South Hadley, Mass. Also labeled The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, NY.
President's Residence: front"President's Residence, (South and East sides), Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, flag cancel. Postmarked June 21, 1921 12:30pm in South Hadley. Published by Glesman [sic] Bros., South Hadley, Mass. #6. Also labelled #B6720. Made in Germany. "To-day we have taken a ride to see Mt. Holyoke College. It is very beautiful & we are enjoying it immensely. This p.m. there is a hall-game & more fun. Love, Gertrude." and in pen near address: "via Gift, to C. E. Hayward. from Leonard I. Lamb -> died 5/23/65"
President's Residence: front"President's Residence, (North and West sides), Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked Oct 21, 1916 5:30pm in South Hadley. Published by Glesman [sic] Bros., South Hadley, Mass. #5. Also labelled #B6719. Made in Germany. "My dear cousins: I'm right in the midst of work. But I like it a lot. Some day when I feel real brave I'm coming to this house to see Miss Wool[l]ey, the President. She is wonderful. Try to come up to S- some time. Lots of love to you all. From Edith"
President's House: front"President's House, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked Feb 1, 1910 12midnight in South Hadley. Published by A. S. Kinney, So. Hadley, Mass. #B6076 Made in Germany. "Thank you for your sweet Christmas card. I have been waiting in the hope that I might get a letter written to you. I am anticipating seeing you in April. How I'd like to see you tonight! Lovingly F. Purington Jan 31. 1910." Addressed to Miss Nell Swift.
President's Residence: front"President's Residence, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, stamp box, postmarked Sep 19 12:30pm in South Hadley. Published by The Springfield News Company, Springfield, Mass. #E3308. Printed in Germany. "Dear Mammie, This afternoon Katharine Wells my roommate, and I went over and met Miss Woolley at S. A. H. Then we took a walk. Love, Lina."
President's House: front"President's House, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, stamp box, postmarked Jun 14, 1910 7am in South Hadley. #B6088. Published by A. S. Kinney, So. Hadley, Mass. Made in Germany. "Greetings from the class of '95 holding 15th reunion, June 13, 1910 F. E. H." Addressed to Miss Annie S. Halsey.
President's Residence: front"President's Residence, (North and West sides), Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked Sep 28, 1912 12:30pm in South Hadley. Published by Glesman [sic] Bros., South Hadley, Mass. #5. Also labelled #B6719. Made in Germany. "Dear Molly Anne - Was glad of your card & to know you are where you wanted to be. 1913 came out in caps & gowns this morning - a great occasion you may be sure. I love mine already & feel quite at home in him. Not much studying being done yet as everyone is working for the 75th. It is going to be beautiful, if only we can have weather like today. Come on out! Must do a little German. Write, & I'll do likewise, soon's I can. Love - Al."
President's Residence: front "President's Residence, (North and West sides), Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." Image is off-centered to the right, showing a bit of another postcard on the left.; back Divided back, postmarked May 21, 1911 4:30pm in South Hadley. Publishing information is missing because the card is off-centered. "Dear Frances, The Art Nook people have not found your gloves nor did you leave hem at Mrs. Miller's, I am sorry to say. Of course Holyoke is the best, though other places are very nice indeed. Am mighty glad you could perceive this fact in such a short time. Will you tell your mother I'd very much like to have her stop here even for a tiny while? I think, though I'm not sure, that ex-president Seelye preaches here next Sunday morning. Love from L. W. B."
President's House from the Back: front Real photo view. Pearsons Hall visible in the background on the right.; back Divided back, postmarked Oct 18, 1909 5am in South Hadley. "Reached here before 600. Thursday. Had a perfectly grand time. Saw Esther again Saturday in Springfield. This is a picture of President Wooley's [sic] house - back of Pearsons where I live. Ruth"