The Robbins Bros. Series

[Scene at Mt. Holyoke]

History

The cards in this series that I have that are postally used date between 1907 and 1914. Several were marked as "Glesmann Bros" rather than Robbins Bros, though it seemed to have the same photo and numbering scheme.

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.

H12450 Campus
front "Campus, showing Wilder, Mead, and Rockefeller Halls, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass." They fixed that typo on this one!
back Divided back, postmarked Oct 8, 1908 7am in South Hadley. #H12450 Published by The Robbins Bros Co., Boston Mass and Germany. "Dear Almeda - The books came tonight and will be brought over to Wilder tomorrow AM. Thanks for sending them. I may be home sometime next week Tuesday or Wednesday. Lovingly, Marion"

H12451 Campus
front "Campus, showing Wilder, Meade, and Rockefeller Halls, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass." Of course, it shows Mead, not "Meade"!
back Divided back, postmarked Feb 24, 1908 7am in South Hadley(?). #H12451 Published by Glesmann Bros. "You may see me before you get this so don't be surprised. Had the best kind of a time. C. D. T."

H12452 The Walk to the Lake
front "The Walk to the Lake, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."
back Divided back, unused, stamp box. Published by the Robbins Bros Co, Boston, Mass and Germany. #H12452. Postally unused. Inscription: "Little Seth from Beatrice's mother"

H12453 The Walk to the Lake
front "The Walk to the Lake, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."
back Divided back, postmarked Sep 22, 1909 12midnight in South Hadley. Published by the Robbins Bros Co, Boston, Mass and Germany. #H12453 "Wednesday Morning. Dear Aunt Hattie: It has been raining here this morning. I am going to study and then go for a walk to the lake just before dinner. Harriet B. Blakeman." I have no idea who Harriet was; there is no alumna or staff member of that name known to the College.

H12454 Dwight Memorial Hall
front "Dwight Memorial Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass." Lower right corner missing.
back Divided back, postmarked May 31, 1907 1:30pm in Holyoke, Mass. Flag cancel. Transit mark May 31, 1907 2:45pm in Springfield, Mass. #H12454 The Robbins Bros Co., Boston, Mass and Germany. Lower left corner missing. "We are all well and working hard; will write when the rush is over a little. Paint & plant, wash and iron, cook and eat, sew and sleep, takes [up most] of the time. Love, [signature]"

H12455? Dwight Memorial Hall
front "Dwight Memorial Hall, Mt. Holyoke College. So. Hadley, Mass."
back Divided back, postmarked Nov 21, 1907 10am in South Hadley. #H124?5 Published by Glesmann Bros. "Heard you had been in Springfield. [initials]"

H12456 Scene at Mt. Holyoke
front "Scene at Mt. Holyoke, showing the Old Arch and Brook, So. Hadley, Mass."
back Divided back, postmarked Oct 18, 1907 5pm in South Hadley. #H12456 The Robbins Bros Co Boston Mass and Germany. "Fri noon. Dear Mamma, I have just got your card, and one from Gertie. I spent yesterday studying, going to classes, & setting tables mostly. Also went to a class meeting & to prayer meeting. We voted to have a Soph. picnic next Wed. somewhere. Don't know whether it will be a go or not. Have got through half of this hard day, but guess I shall keep busy the rest of it. Elizabeth & her sister had a suit-case from home last night, with apples, grapes & candy in it, so we are well supplied for awhile. Did the [...] have an operation? Well, I must get to work. Love to all, Edith."

H12457 Scene at Mt. Holyoke
front "Scene at Mt. Holyoke, showing the Old Arch and Brook, So. Hadley, Mass."
back Divided back, postmarked Jul 22, 1908 4:30pm in Holyoke, Mass. Flag cancel. #H12457 Published by Glesmann Bros. "Saw Smith College grounds, Mt. Holyoke and Amherst yesterday. Rode about forty miles on trolley. I hope you are much better. Lovingly Eva."

H12458 Gymnasium
front "Gymnasium, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."
back Divided back, postmarked Jun 24, 1909 in South Hadley? #H12458 The Robbins Bros. Co, Boston, Mass. and Germany. "So. Hadley, Mass. June 23, '09. Not knowing that your plans for sailing had been changed until James came home last eve, I had already sent a S. S. letter for you, Harriot and Mme. Bauer to the S. S. Cassel at Baltimore. Altho I have sent on to have it re-directed I fear it may possibly come too late so I send this word of best wishes for an extremely happy and successful trip. G. E. Gaylord."

H12459 Gymnasium
front "Gymnasium, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."
back Divided back, postmarked Nov 9, 1908 10am in South Hadley. #H12459 The Robbins Bros. Co, Boston, Mass. and Germany. "Dear Mabel:- Was so glad to hear from you and just as soon as I can make time I mean to answer your letter. You are by no means forgotten. We certainly miss the Seniors - and think of you often. Did you know that Marjory Cobb isn't back on account of her health. She is better and I think it was wise for her not to come back this year. Do write me when you can get time. With love, Ruth Seaver. Box 272 Nov 8, 1908."

H12460 Mary Lyon Hall
front "Mary Lyon Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."
back Postmarked August 5, 1908, 3pm in Holyoke Mass. Flag cancel. #H12460 Published by The Robbins Bros. Co, Boston, Mass. and Germany. "We are having a little rain to-day. Char"

H12461 Mary Lyon Hall
front "Mary Lyon Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."
back Divided back, postmarked Jun 16, 1909 7am in South Hadley. #H12461 The Robbins Bros. Co., Boston, Mass. and Germany. "This beautiful brownstone building stands on the site of the old building and the room with large window on the left hand of the picture is the chapel- Mary R."

H12461 Mary Lyon Hall
front "Mary Lyon Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass." Transit mark Jan 15, 1909 5:30pm in Manchester, NH.
back Divided back, stamp box, postmarked Jan 15, 1909 7[a]m in South Hadley. #H12461 The Robbins Bros. Co, Boston, Mass. and Germany. "Shorter length 15 1/2 in. 69 forgetmenots Longer [length] 18 1/2 in 79 [forgetmenots] Alternate blue with yellow center and white with blue center. Marion D. Weston."

H12462 Observatory
front "Observatory, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."
back Divided back, unused. #H12462 from The Robbins Bros Co, Boston, Mass and Germany

H12463 Observatory
front "Observatory, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass." Sender penned in "Mt. Tom" label, with a pointer to the mountain visible behind the Observatory.
back Divided back, postmarked Oct 24, 1907 5:30pm in Haverhill, MA. #H12463 from The Robbins Bros Co, Boston, Mass and Germany. "Dear H- This is where peope [sic] go "star gazing" on moonlight [sic] nights. It is some distance from the Campus & across the street. Mt. Tom & Mt. Tom House in distance. Am too busy to write a letter. With love Cathie."

H12464 Shattuck and Williston Halls
front "Shattuck and Williston Halls, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."
back Published by The Robbins Bros. Co., Boston, Mass and Germany, #H12464. Postmarked Oct 17, 1907 10am in South Hadley. Transit mark on Oct 17, 1907 6pm in Chesham, NH. "Dear Momma, My suitcase came all right, and I got the 5:00 car, and had plenty of time to set my tables. I was too tired to study last night and so was Elizabeth, so we went to bed and nine, and slept through all the retiring bells. Feel fine this morning. Got up and set tables for breakfast, and have been studying. The frosting wasn't melted, and the cake is fine. The girls like my hat awfully well and so do I. I hadn't really had time to see how it did look until last night. I hope you will be satisfied with yours and it will be a good swap. Love to all, Edith."

H12465 Shattuck and Williston Halls
front "Shattuck and Williston Halls, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."
back Divided back, stamp box, unused. #H12465 The Robbins Bros Co, Boston, Mass and Germany.

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."

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.

H13659 Mary Lyon Chapel
front "Mary Lyon Chapel, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."
back Divided back, postmarked Sep 30, 1910 9:15pm in Newton Center, Mass. Transit mark Sep 21, 1910 in Center Marshfield. #H13659 The Robbins Bros. Co., Boston, Mass. and Germany. "Dear Mary. Mighty glad to get your letter. See you Sat. sure. Am head over heels moving. At SS Paul St. now. Don't tell anyone of my marriage that I am secretly telling you now I guess you know the man. Picture is chapel at Holyoke with offices too. Great building. Give me best to Mac. also the family. Too bad about Ex. The Speares looked so strange at church, all dressed up stylish. Must hustle. As ever - Dorothea."

H13660 The Mary Lyon Chapel
front "The Mary Lyon Chapel, Mt. Holyoke, So. Hadley, Mass."
back Divided back, postmarked Nov 7, 1914 8:30?m in Springfield, Mass. Flag cancel. #H13660 The Robbins Bros Co., Boston Mass. and Germany. Stamped "Collection of N. C. Baker". "Had the most glorious day at college yesterday. We motored up, Pres. Taft was fine. It is beautiful here, wish you could see the mountains, the coloring is magnificent. Yours, [initials]"

H13660 The Mary Lyon Chapel
front "The Mary Lyon Chapel, Mt. Holyoke, So. Hadley, Mass."
back Divided back, postmarked Sep 1915 in South Hadley. #H13660 Published by The Robbins Bros Co., Boston. "Dear Carrie: Arrived at So. Hadley at 8 o'clock prompt. [Freda] very nearly losing our car at Amherst. Had to run for it. It is beautiful here. We have a good room. Lovingly, Faith."

H13661 Elizabeth S. Mead Hall
front "Elizabeth S. Mead Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass." Hand colored.
back Divided back, stamp box, postmarked Jun 12, 1912 5:30pm in South Hadley. #H13661 The Robbins Bros. Co., Boston, Mass and Germany. "Greetings Miss H. J. Stevenson"

H13672 Dwight Memorial Art Building
front "Dwight Memorial Art Building, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."
back Divided back, postmarked Sep 21, 1908 10pm in Holyoke, Mass. Flag cancel. #H13672 The Robbins Bros. Co., Boston, Mass and Germany. "Dear Agnes, I hope you will pardon me for not answering before. You know the old proverb better late than never. I hope you wont be so long in answering this as I was in answering yours. Your friend Mario Hayes. 13 Summer St. Holyoke, Mass."