Ordway, Katherine Gretta. Diary, 1910-1911

Vassar College

Detailed entries every day. In this volume, written during her sophomore and junior years, she describes student life on campus, including "fancy dancing" class, concerts, a YWCA conference, Vassar College Christian Association, sports (track, swimming, basketball, bicycling, rowing, and tennis), plays, Founder's Day, the Miscellany, the Sophomore Tree Ceremonies, planning the Junior Party, the Student Association, Daisy Chain, Commencement, and Class Day. She frequently transcribes quotes and anecdotes from religious services, classes (especially German, bible study, and Biology), and lectures. She notes books that she is reading, daily schedules, and assignments. Of particular interest is her involvement in the Debating Society & Argumentation class--she includes the motions they discuss (e.g. topics in immigration law, women's suffrage, Dred Scott). She also describes her home and family life, particularly her father's work as a preacher, her close relationship with her younger sister, and her family's move to Newark, NJ. There are brief mentions of the "Mexican situation" [Revolution] (May 7) and a debate motion about sending US troops to the Mexican border (May 15). She describes a rehearsal for the Sophomore Party where girls performed in blackface (October 20). She has an active religious life, and teaches sunday school and participates in a letter exchange with Vassar graduates who had become missionaries (October 22). Throughout, there are references to a flirtatious relationship with a male friend.

Student Diaries

Vassar College. Class of 1913

Women college students--New York (State)--Poughkeepsie

Women--Diaries

Vassar College--Students

Academics

Athletics and Physical Education

Political and Social Activism

Student Life

Ordway, Katherine Gretta

1910-1911

Diaries

Bound volume; approx 229p; 10 x 8 inches; Iron gall ink on aged paper

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