The Van Buren press., 1876-08-08
Our Correspondence,
CHICAGO FEMALE COLLEGE, ]
July 26, 1876. I


DEAR Mr.. EpIToR
After deliberating, for several months,
| have finally decided to send you an ac-
count Of our ol-days in Chicago,
which have been, to say the least, highly
enjoyed, and, Of course, we hope they
have been improved. Itwould certainly
require weeksto write so lengthy a letter
as would embrace the entire period of
our absence; SOL will limit this to a va
riety Of things.
The college is as pleasant home as
could desire. First, | will say, as home,
(and it is worthy Of being so called by
all who have experienced its earnest in-
huence) it is Just the place for US to be.
And, as Il school, it cannot be surpassed,
permitting me to Judge, We have every
thing that can possibly encourage a schol-
ar to learn; and, as that is the chief OBJ
ject Of our coming here, Of course it is
the very thingrwe need. In order that
you may understand more fully about
this home of ours, | will give youa little
description of it. -...
| The building is of brick, four stories
| high, with stone trimmings, and presents
an eleraut. appeasance. 1t will accom-
modate about seventy boarders, 1t Is
sittfhted on an~ninence overlooking Il
vast country, and is completely surroun-
dcd by trees, which add greatly to its
beauty. The grounds are large and
handsomely ornamented. The scenery,
from the building, is grand atfording
views of Lakes Michigan and Calunst.
the cities Of Chicago and Joliet, besides
numerous smaller towns, which arc to
be seen i'll every direction. From our
windows can be seen the trains on six
different railroads, steaming across the
broad plains, during all hours Of the day
and night, only our appreciation of the
latter privilege, ceases at the hour Of re-
tiring. The building is heated by turna-
ces, each hall and recitation room having
registers, while, in addition to this, there
is stove in every room. Gas and water
are introduced throughout the building.
The rooms are handsomely furnished in
black walnut, and nicely carpeted; they
are also heated perfectly. Our school
rooms are spacious and well-ttted for
their different uses. The chapel is a beau
titul room, tastetully decorated with de-
signs and notices, and hang with paint
ings. We have enjoyed some rare enter
tainments in Chicago, and if we have
been particularly studious, during the
week, we often spend Saturday in the
city, visiting Arttialleries, and other in
teresting places. One thing | came very
near forgetting, in this connection, and
that is, we always have two or three
teachers along with US, to which some OF
The girls seriously object. During the
| Spring we have enjoyed several picnics,
and boat-eXcursions, and had the pleas
urc Of being caught in II driving rain
storm, and We're thoroughly drenched.
When we got home, supper was ready,
and was partallep OF heartily by all OF
/ the girls. The vacation has been very
pleasantly spent, with reading, croquet,
singing, etc.
After all, ! would like. to see Van Bu-
ren, and all my old acquaintances.
suppose thatI woritd hardly recognize
the city, with the cars running through
it. and the many improvements that have
been made since | left.
Hoping that have not wearied YOU
with SO mauy details of our school life.
| subscribe myself,
Yours, truly,
MILDRED +. BRlTToN.