Wilder Hall

History

Wilder Hall was built in 1899, a gift of Charles Wilder of Wellesley Hills in memory of his wife, Mary Ware Wilder (class of 1852).

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.

Untitled: front Untitled; back Divided back, unused. Published by The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, NY "South Campus - Wilder and Mead Halls Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Massachusetts"
P9095 Wilder Hall: front "P9095 Wilder Hall Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass." "Photo Underwood & Underwood, NY"; back Divided back. Postmarked Nov 24 10am in an indecipherable year in South Hadley.
Mary Wilder Hall: front "Mary Wilder Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Undivided back, stamp box, postmarked Dec 24, 1908 5?m in South Hadley. #A3385 Published by The Springfield News Company, Springfield, Mass. An Excelsior card. "Thank you for the Xmas Greeting. Same to you. I'm going to write to you this vacation. Lovingly M. Galt." Addressed to Mabel H. Pratt.
Mary Wilder Hall: front "Mary Wilder Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." Scott photo #61. Germany. Inscription: "It has rained today but it is clear now and I have got my washing out. C-"; back Divided back, postmarked Sep 3, 1906 5pm in Upton, Mass. An Excelsior card.
Mary Wilder Hall: front "Mary Wilder Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass."; back Undivided back, stamp box, postally unused, but inscribed with an MHC history quiz! Answers, to some are given in pencil next to the penned questions.
1. When was Mt. Holyoke Seminary founded? 1837
2. When did the Seminary become a college? 1891
3. In what year did the fire occur?
4. What college buildings have been erected since?
5. When was Pres. Woolley inaugurated? 1900
6. Who was "the greatest ad we ever had?" Pres. Mc[Kinley]
7. Which building is the newest? Lib
8. When is Founder's Day? Nov
9. When was the Hartford Association formed?
10. State the Scripture reference on the seal.
Mary Wilder Hall: front "Mary Wilder Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, stamp box, postmarked Apr 8, 1909 12midnight in South Hadley[?]. #4848 Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. An Excelsior card. "Got here safely - Pear was up to the car to meet me - grass all green - heard something about Sam H. Send microscope, tin box when my clothes are sent. Got extension bag checked all right - Did I leave pictures of Maud and Perley at home - if I did I want them - B. F. H. want stamps"
Wilder Hall: front "Wilder Hall, Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked Apr 9, 1931 7am in South Hadley. Published by Robert A. Glesmann, South Hadley, Mass. and The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, NY. "Apr. 8, 1931 Dear Mrs. Feeter, - My sister and I came up here yesterday in all the rain; but it is lovely here to-day. Have visited several classes with Margie and her friends, besides attending chapel and going through a number of the buildings. It must be beautiful up here in the summer. Wilder Hall is where M. lives and is not far from where we are staying. With love, H. Walcott"
Wilder Hall: front "Wilder Hall Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked May 10, 1943 12:30pm in South Hadley. Stamp area inscribed "Free" and evidently card was mailed without postage. Published by Robert A. Glesmann, South Hadley, Mass. and The Albertype Co., Brooklyn, NY. "Pvt. Corinne F. Murray U. S. M. C./U. S. N. R. M. S. (WR)/Mt. Holyoke College/South Hadley, Mass./Arrived here about 8:30 last night and have been going ever since. Something tells me we're going to be quite busy at all times. May be back in N. Y. week end after next. Love, [signature]."
Mary Wilder Hall: front "Mary Wilder Hall, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, stamp box, unused. C. A. Gridley & Son. #1144 Made in Germany.
Mary Wilder Hall: front "Mary Wilder Hall, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, stamp box, postmarked Sep 24, 1912 5:30pm in South Hadley. #B6080 Published by A. S. Kinney, So. Hadley, Mass. Made in Germany. An Excelsior card. "My dear, Please forgive me for not answering your card before this. I was so busy I had no time to think of anything. This is the hall in which I am living this year. It's a lot nicer than it looks. Should be very glad to hear from you. Rowena Flynt Mt. Holyoke College South Hadley Box 175."
Mary Wilder Hall: front "Mary Wilder Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." Cross marks a window on the second floor to the left of the porch. Inscription: "The cross marks Mary A's room almost across from mine. This is where I live. The college buildings are all to the left of us. The building visible is the gym. It certainly is fine. It is as lovely inside as outside. Edith; back Undivided back, postmarked Apr 14, 1912 4:30pm in South Hadley.
36. Mt. Holyoke College: front "36. Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." View of Wilder Hall and Mead Hall, with labels of both printed over the buildings.; back Undivided back, stamp box, unused.
Mary Wilder Hall: front "Mary Wilder Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "Dear Aunt Lizzie, - Arrived here all right. My room-mate's trunk has arrived but mine probably will not come until morning. We have a very large room (a corner one with three windows on the ground floor of Mary Wilder Hall.) Our Post Office Box is 338, so my address is Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass, Box 338. It is beautiful here. The buildings are magnificent, many of them brownstone. The girls are very very kind to us Freshmen and a great many have called. I have marked my room with a cross. We are in one of the best Halls in the college. Yours with much love, Elsie M. Burnham."; back Undivided back, postmarked Sep 29, 1905 12midnight in South Hadley, and Sep 29, 1905 8:30pm in Newburyport, Mass.
Wilder Hall: front "Wilder Hall, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, stamp box, unused. Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley, Mass. An Americhrome card. Printed in the United States.
Wilder Hall: front "Wilder Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, postmarked Sep 22, 1921 10am in South Hadley. Published by C. A. Gridley & Son, South Hadley, Mass. "Thurs. So. Hadley. Missed train to N.H. Tues., but made good connections on subway so our clocks must have been wrong. Took slow local. Nice time with Whites. Left 8:30 Wed - arrived here noon. Too busy yesterday to write - had to meet Freshmen & help at Information desk. My three girls are all dears, and all live in Brigham near Dot & Judy. Slept with latter last night. Ellen's folks brought her up, and I saw them. Forgot rubbers, & white brush drying on porch. Please send soon. Rained all day yesterday. Feet very wet! Clear today. Love [Jean]"
Wilder Hall: front "Mt. Holyoke College Wilder Hall So. Hadley, Mass." The "Wilder Hall" part is a blue ink stamp on top of a misprint reading "Mead Hall". Inscription: "Well, Muriel, I found a great surprise waiting for me in So. Hadley. I am really on the campus. I have a very pleasant room on the 2nd. floor of this Hall, right over the front entrance. Beatrice was not so fortunate. She is off the campus - in a house, however, which is very near, in fact, right in sight of my window. She has just been in to tell me that she has passed both of her examinations and wishes to be remembered to you. With love and best wishes, I am, Lovingly yours, E. C. L."; back Undivided back, postmarked Sep 19, 1904 7am in South Hadley, and Sep 19, 1904 in Norwich CT. Flag cancel. A Private Mailing Card.
2277 Wilder Hall: front "Wilder Hall So. Hadley Mass. 2277"; back Divided back, unused.
Mary Wilder Hall: front "Mary Wilder Hall, Mt. Holyoke College, So. Hadley Mass." Inscription: "2nd floor back corner" with an arrow toward the building.; back Divided back, stamp box. postmarked Oct 2, 1918 12:30pm in South Hadley. #F3281 Published by A. S. Kinney, So. Hadley, Mass. An Excelsior card. "Wed. A. M. Dear Mother:- I was very glad to hear from you yesterday morning and I am sending this card to let you know that I am all right, quite "chipper" in fact. Stella feels quite a little better. She didn't have the influenza, just a severe cold. I hope that the epidemic is no worse at home, and that it has touched none of you. It is better here. Will write more later. With love to all, Dorothy."
Mary Wilder Hall: front "Mary Wilder Hall, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "I am wilder about life at Wilder than at Brunts. Cheer up I know it is bad taste to make puns. E." Cross on second floor room, to the left of the front porch.; back Divided back, stamp box, postmarked Apr 14, 1912 4:30pm in South Hadley. #B6080 Published by A. S. Kinney, So. Hadley, Mass. Made in Germany. An Excelsior card. "Dear Betty: How do you like my new residence OH - is it not? I have a dandy senior room. The cross marks Mary A's room and mine is on the rear and almost opposite Mary's. I have a wonderful view of the lake and "Prospect." E."
Wilder Hall: front "Mt. Holyoke College Wilder Hall So. Hadley, Mass." The "Wilder Hall" part is a blue ink stamp on top of a misprint reading "Mead Hall". Inscription: "My Dear Sidney Jane:- Arrived here safe and was never so tired in all my life. It's fine up here and I like it very much so far, but how I don't know. Please do write I do so want one. The girls are a very jolly set and we are having a nice time. Do go and see mother before you go, and please don't forget my pen. Remember me to your mother and Cassie with love Grace."; back Undivided back, postmarked Sep 21, 1903 5pm in South Hadley. A Private Mailing Card.
Wilder Hall: front Untitled view of Wilder Hall.; back Divided back, postmarked Sep 19, 1968 in South Hadley. "Wilder Hall Mt. Holyoke College South Hadley, Mass." Color photo by Bob Grenier. #MA-1358 and 54280. Distributed by Bromley and Company, Boston. "Dear Martha, Thank you so much for your letter (check too). It's so good to get mail. Book prices are outrageous. This is a picture of my Dorm. 'Fraid you can't see much of it. I'm on fourth floor. Write to me c/o Wilder Hall Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, Mass. 01075 Hi, Uncle John. love, Ginger"
Mary Wilder Hall: front "Mary Wilder Hall, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass." Inscription: "I am in this hall, I have a single room on the first floor."; back Divided back, postmarked Sep 24, 1909 7am in South Hadley. (The date slug is upside down!) Published by A. S. Kinney, South Hadley. #A4848. "Dear aunt :- Gertrude and I had a very pleasant trip and have had a pleasant time but recitations begin now so we will soon have plenty to do. I have my room nearly settled and my trunk unpacked for which I am very glad. Write to me if you have time. Clara. Box 545"
Wilder Hall: front "Mt. Holyoke College Wilder Hall So. Hadley, Mass." The "Wilder Hall" part is a blue ink stamp on top of a misprint reading "Mead Hall". Inscription: "Sincerely yours, Elsie A. Piper"; back Undivided back, postmarked Nov 14, 1904 12midnight in South Hadley, and Nov 15, 1904 7:30am in Walpole, Mass. A Private Mailing Card.
Wilder Hall: front "Wilder Hall Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass."; back Divided back, stamp box, unused. AZO.
Wilder Hall: front A real photo view. "Wilder Hall. Mt. Holyoke College."; back Divided back, postmarked Oct 10, 1912 10am in South Hadley. "Am here in Helen's room writing postals. Isn't it beautiful out here I wish you could have stayed here for the Pageant. It was certainly wonderful. I went with Helen to a recital given by Madame Homer last evening. It was fine. Am having a fine time. Love Alice O. Tan"