Part I – My College Years:

Call for Knitters: Campus during the War

While the United States did not enter the World War I until 1917, the events in Europe did impact American’s lives at home. The United States declared a “non-intervention” policy in 1914 at the conflict’s outset. Other events on the world stage turned American attention towards Europe, particlarly once a German u-boat sunk the Lusitania in 1915, which included Mount Holyoke alumna Dorothy D. Allen, ’09, and 128 other Americans. As an anxiety grew at home, a “Preparedness” movement began to prepare the country for entry into the war.

Americans and Mount Holyoke students alike were divided about whether the United States should enter the war or remain isolated from conflict. Despite some campus ambivilence, students did rally to raise funds and ready supplies for the growing war effort.

Three black and white photographs mounted on black. One shows three women huddled together in winter coat, two kneeling and tow standing; A woman standing with a man in a soldier's uniform; the man and woman from behind walking together down a sidewalk — ^{_{Three images, one of four women bundled in winter coats, one of a woman with a soldier, and one from behind of the two walking down a road, circa 1910-1920}}

Three black and white photographs mounted one black. One shows a woman sitting on outdoor steps holding a cat; the other two photographs who soldiers marching in a field in formation — ^{_{Three images, one of a woman with a cat sitting on steps, and two of soldiers marching during World War I, circa 1910-1920}}

A flyer on pink paper with black typewritten text advertising the sale of bonds — ^{_{Bond Advertisement, 1917}}

“We are in a little cottage called Pearsons Annex”

In early Septemeber, first year Ruth Parker wrote home to talk about her dorm mates, the food, and her courses. What will you study? How will you describe your dorm mates to your families?

Handwritten letter on browned paper — ^{_{Letter from Ruth Parker to her mother, September 17, 1913. Click on the image to read the entire letter.}}

Lights out at 10pm, or else: Dorm life

A line of women dressed in all white walk along a sidewalk outside a dormitory. Two are holding signs. — ^{_{Members of the Class of 1917 march in the laurel parade at their 50th class reunion, 1967}}

Ruth Parker described some of the touches of dormitory life in 1913. While there are some enduring features of campus life at Mount Holyoke, students in 1913 were governed by strict rules and routines. The campus issued regulations that guided the day-to-day lives of students such as 10 PM bedtime, no men in residence halls, and daily physical exercise. Many outside connections were best maintained with weekend visits and letters. How will you maintain connections to home during your first months at Mount Holyoke?

Four black and white photographs mounted on black. Two show the interior of a dorm room with desks, chairs, and decorations on the walls; one photograph is an exterior shot of the front of Blanchard; the final photograph is an exterior shot of campus featuring the front gates. — ^{_{Top two images show the interior of a dorm room, the bottom images show (l-r) the exterior of Blanchard, and the entrance gate, circa 1910-1920}}

^{_{Five images of the interiors and decorations of dorm rooms, circa 1910-1920}}

^{_{Students take a group photograph outside the original Rockefeller Hall, circa 1910-1920}}

Photograph of interior of dorm room, includes table in the center with photographs, notebooks, and table with tea set. The back wall has three large windows with curtains and sunlight coming through. — ^{_{Interior of Rockefeller Hall, circa 1910-1920. L. Feder and C. Henderson lived in this room during the 1915-1916 school year.}}

_{^{Eunice sits on the floor of her dorm room reading letters from her suitor}}

^{_{Five men stand in a dorm with flags from Colby, Brookline High School, and Holy Cross, circa 1910-1920}}

“I tell you those doughnuts were nice!”

In November, 1914, Hortense Hubbard, Ruth Paker’s housemate, writes a letter home documenting some of her financial and academic challenges. She expreses appreciation of the doughnuts her family sent to her as a care package. What types of food will miss the most from home?