Raymond, Cornelia M. Diary, 1898

Vassar College

Short entries in a half page a day format. Raymond contemplates sermons and religious literature, including the sermons given by the famed Springfield pastor [Phillip Stafford] Moxom. She details the frustrations and and successes of supporting attendees of temperance meetings (including "Joe" [the host of the meetings] and "Smith") in their efforts to abstain from alcohol. Thanks to her temperance activism and proselytization, including the music that she performed at revival meetings, Raymond reports receiving an invitation from "Captain Eva" [Evangeline Booth, who was the daughter of the Salvation Army's founders and later its fourth general] to lead a volunteer meeting in Holyoke. Subsequently, Raymond refers to being placed on the Salvation Army board of finance (Aug 4) and meeting with multiple Salvation Army chapter heads (Sep 14). Raymond describes her summer travels in New York as consisting of visits to a Binghamton insane asylum, an Oxford prison (Jul 30), a "Half-way house" (Aug 2), and a "soldier's home" (Aug 5). Elsewhere in the diary, Raymond reports on traditions and news of Vassar College, such as the selection of a Marshal for commencement (May 21), theatrical performances (Oct 1), and the death of Professor [Henry] Van Ingen (Nov 18). She describes several visits to Vassar, including her first sight of See Raymond House and Rockefeller Hall (Mar 19); the basketball game, alumnae luncheon, class day, and class reunion on June 7th, and commencement (June 8). Raymond reports teaching anecdotes, her students' exam results (Sep 20), and her attendance of lectures on teaching in high schools (Oct 14-15). Raymond alludes to concerns for her friendships and for her mother's health. Raymond reports news of the battle of Santiago, [Cuba during the Spanish-American War] (Jul 2 and 4), and the sinking of the French steamer La Bourgogne "with over 500 passengers" (Jul 6).

Student Diaries

Vassar College. Class of 1883

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

Women--Diaries

Salvation Army

Vassar College--Students

Alum Activities

Political and Social Activism

Religion and Spirituality

Raymond, Cornelia M.

1898

Diaries

Bound volume; approx 448p; 7 x 3.5 inches; Iron gall ink on aged paper

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