davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
OBERLlN COLLEGE.

Most college towns are beautiful-so
Is Oberlin. Trees and training abound.
Situated as 1t is. eighteen miles from
Lake Erie and thirty-twO miles from
Cleveland, and being dry" town. the
students are not liable to fall in" to
any danger very often. Oberlin was
the first college to admit both sexes
on an equal footing, and since the early
days of the institution the young wo-
men have enjoyed the same studies
with the men.
Two missionary fathers founded
Oberlin. They started out into the
thick wilderness and by dint Of prayer
and hard work a school was started.
The name came from Oberlin, the
Swiss missionary, In the German Ober-
land. who gave his life for his fellow
men with such good success.
Both young men and young women
were expected to work certain hours
every day, but that has passed away,
work.
Could those same two good old faith
ers be brought back some opening
night, when the eastern and western
trains had arrived, how bewildered
they would be. They would think that
this world was turned into one great
big noise and O-ber-lin was the thing 1t
was yelling for. Trunks, college yells
and colors and more trunks would be
hurled at them until they were glad
enough to lose themselves with the
noisy throng. But after following them
for week or SO, these two old men
would see that In each boarding house
or hall, in every class room, the same
"Old Oberlindia" still lives.
For today Oberlln aims just as much
as It did in the 'thirties to educate the
heart and soul of the man as well as
his mind. An Oberlin man, much less
q woman, cannot boast that the only
rule is against burning the college
buildings or killing the instructors.
The college buildings, the new ones.
! are Joy to every Oberlinite's heart.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
THE MESSAGE OF THE LEAF,

fRepublished, by permission. from the
Wesleyan University Literary Maga-
Zine.1
Borne on the sighs of the autumn air.
Down in my pathway dead leaf fell:
Bowed In their sorrow, the tree-tops bare
Mournfully sounded its low death knell
seeming to sound 1t for me as well.
They wept, Behold thy life!
Withered and brown was the leaf, and
torn,
All that had clothed it with radiant hue
Now only made it the more forlorn;
THUS" sighed my heart, "will thy
hopes die, too,
Fading. will fall as the dead leaves do,
And wrest from thee thy life."
Fen while listened, a cruel gust
Caught In its fury the leaflet frail;
Tore 1t and crumbled 1t into dust.
Mocking my grief with a dismal wall;
such Is thy destiny; life's brief tale,
Soon told, Is soon forgot"
fearful stood, when gentler breeze
Bending bough, whispered soft and
"Mourn not, sad heart; in these naked
trees
All is not dead, though It seemeth so;
Only the tokens of life to show,
Those gorgeous leaves they wore.
"Call not thy love, nor thy boasted power
Nay. nor thy joy nor ambition fond
Call not these life when a single hour
Rudely may sever earth's dearest bond;
Only what's linked with the world be-
yond-
Ah, that indeed is lifew ....
ELIZABETH THOMPSON.
(Of West Pittstono
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14

describe the beauties Of Tree Day. when
the Freshmen plant their class tree
with joyful ceremonies and the Seniors
bid farewell to theirs with sadness. The
classes vie with each other for origin
ality and beauty Of costume, and the
Scotch lasses, Indian maidens, wood
nymphs, and gypsies are a pleasing
contrast to the stately seniors in cap
and gown. Equally beautiful is Float
Day, when lovely Lake Waban is dotted
with the picturesque class crews in their
boats, gay with lanterns and flags. AS
twilight falls, the boats gather in the
centre of the lake, floating together in
the form of star. while the woods and
hills echo to the boating songs. The
crewS are all selected from recon-
mendations of the physical examiner.
and the training is carefully watched
to prevent harm to the members. All
the outdoor sports are in connection
with the department of physical train
ing. Besides the crews there are Ten
mis-. Bicycle. Golf, and Pedestrian
clubs, and Glass and Basket Ball teams.
There are Field Days, on which inter-
class matches are played, and great in
terest is taken i'm the tournaments.
Wellesley strives to developthe physical
as well as the intellectual nature. 1t
is her aim to have her daughters
healthy and vigorous in body and mind,
ready when they go into the world, mot
To be ministered into, but to minister"
womanly women with high aspira-
tions, pure thoughts, and determine
tions to make the world a little better
for their having lived in it.
CHARLOTTE CHAPMAN HAND.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
Box ees. Scranton, Pa

but also with many from foreign
climes. among them soft-eyed japanese
maidcns who, by the way. are almost
invariably clever and Industrious stud
ents. Every one is
yIRED WITH ENTHUSIASM
and the spirit of artistic rivalry Is
strong-the semi-weekly pupils recitals
being powerful incentive,sfor the par
ticipants fully realize how sternly they
are criticized by their alert, ambitious
comrades. Many a girl has appeared
before them, serenely confident OF her
own superior powers. only to have the
fond illusion ruthlessly dispelled by the
mercilessly keen criticism of conser-
vatory audience. The social life is very
pleasant, and there is ample opportuni-
ty for good times" were there suffic-
lent leisure, but from six to ten hours
practising harmony and theory lessons.
together with an appalling number Of
lectures and musical analyses, leave lit
tie time for that sort of diversion. A
most delightful feature OF cOnserva-
tory life is the frequent
VISITS OF FAMOUS ARTISTS.
Paderewski, Ysaye, Patti, Melba and
scores of other celebrities have played
and sung to the girls in a charmingly
informal way, though no one. perhaps,
gives quite as much pleasure as Ma
dame Nordica, for she was once Con-
servatory girl and never fails in some
gracefully loyal allusion to her Alma
Mater. No doubt she has caused many
hearts to thrill with the secret hope
that they may some day win fame, like
this beautiful woman, SO graciously
generous with her wonderful voice.
Few are SO favored of the gods, but
1t Is within the power of any talented
woman to obtain an honest, thorough
musical education at the New England
Conservatory and. thus equipped, do
battle for art and herself.
JULIA CLAPP ALLEN.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
A LETTER FROM WELLS.

MY dear Bella: Since I last wrote
you we have had a banquet and fun
eral, and now things have settled back
into the old routine.
We spent Monday in preparing the
enormous room ON the fourth floor for
our Freshman banquet; hanging nearly
hundred pictures on the wall. We
made a shrine for our allies, the juniors,
in the bay window, draping 1t in red,
loading the inner seat with cushions,
and decorating the arch with their class
flowers and a shield inscribed &c. The
Wells corner was hung in the college
colors and the same shrine to the Sem
iors in their class colors. One Of the
rooms was loaded with plants. The
table was beautiful with large centre
piece of forget-me -nots and ferns. with
blue and green shades on the lamps and
chandeliers. The toast cards and din
ner cards We're painted In forget-me-
nots, our class flower. The room was
greatly admired by the faculty and
girls.
After singing our class song, we took
our seats at the table and had a sump-
tuous menu. The toasts were splendid.
While we We're at the table, we We're
serenaded by the Seniors and Juniors.
who sent us in baskets of their class
flowers. Later the Soohomers sent us
a bunch Of roses with this note. Died
March 11th. the enmity existing be-
tween the classes of ~ and '9S. Fun
eral will be held tomorrow morning at
seven o'clock from the south entrance.
Glass of '9S invited to be present. No
flowers" We sent our acceptance. and
then closed our festivities by dancing.
THE FUNERAL.
Imagine what it was to rise SO early
the next morning. but every Freshman
was in the south corridor at seven
o'clock. Some Of the Sophs appeared in
long black robes and hoods. four of
them carrying a miniature coffin with
our united class flowers upon the top,
and AT rest" in large letters. L.
carrying book, led the procession. all
chanting dirge. We followed their
lead to the woods back of the college,
wherever they had dug grave (really
1t was so grewsome the shivers ran down
my back.) l. read an address upon
our misdemeanors closing with the COM
forting assurance that strife was now
DER. We were then invited to view the
remains which proved to be a hatchet
reposing on pillow Of white satin. We
marched round it while the red ban
danna carried was wept upon by the
girls in turn. After the burial we went
back to the college where every window
was filled with heads. All called it a
clever idea: how sad that 1t originated
with a sophomore!
We had service, the antithesis OF
this in church last Sunday when a pro.
gressive townsman brought his baby tc
be baptized chosing Trilby for the name
Write me how the girls are and II
you are worn to the bone from your
exams, and believe me,
Sincerely yours,
ALICE MATTHEVS
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14

and the gymnasium, whe.~ she may
develop the body.
These organizations with their meet
inSs. receptions and banquets. add get
and color to her life and develop the
heart as well as the brain.
"A large pleasant reading room, sup
piled with the daily papers, the maga-
zines etc, affords her an opportunity
to keep in touch with the world. Ad-
joining this apartment Is the conversa-
tion room, made comfortable with easy
chairs and couches.
WORK VERY EXACTING.
She needs much rest and recreation,
because her work Is difficult and ex-
acting. No lecture nor recitation can be
skipped. Each day has it's special
course, which comes but once and must
not be neglected. The student at work
Is conscientious, faithful and painstak-
ing, always enthusiastic. because her
studies infuse new interest as she ad-
vanceS.
FASCINATION OF DISSECTING
ROOM.
Even the dissecting room has no ter
rors for HEREAFTER the first visit.
She does no. begin this work upon
entering college, but is obliged to wait
part" Armed with her new dissect-
Ing case she enters the anatomical lab
oratory, on tip-toe, 1t is true, and with
voice subdued to a whisper. This nat
ural timldity disappears, and she Is
soon absorbed In the study of the house
of clay, which Is truly "fearfully and
wonderfully made" So interesting does
she find this occupation that the hours
pass quickly, and when the bell pro-
claims time is up' it is always with
reluctance that she lays aside her in
| struments.
Twice a week. on Wednesday and
Saturday mornings, she attends the
public clinics held in the several hos
| pitfalls. There she meets the male stu
dents, who generally treat her with
| Kindness and respect. However, they
will some times amuse themselves guy
| ing and teasing her.
PREJUDICE RAPIDLY VANISHING.
Happily the student of today is not
annoyed by demonstrations of disap-
| proval, especially in her presence, and
the prejudice against the girl student
so long existing, is continued by very
small minority of the profession.
Every year the good pastors of the
city make an effort to draw the medical
students (men in particular, women in
| cldentally) into their churches. Special
services are held for the students,
which are always interesting and we'll
attended. In such cities as New York
and Philadelphia, the theaters, art-gal-
leries and parks call the student from
her books, and offer the opportunity
| for an hour or two of pleasant fecrea-
| tion.
l would not leave unmentioned the
friendships she forms at college. The
student without her chum is u rara
avis.
These friendships keep her from grow
ing narrow and self-centered keep
awake her sympathies, and fill the col
lege years with joy, the memory of
which shines like halo about her col
lege life when the happy student days
| are over.
DIR. MAY BAELL KRAMER,
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
HILLSDALE COLLEGE.

Hillsdale College. Where Is It? On
the highest point in Southern Michigan,
in the midst of a beautiful farming and
fruit country. Why is it especially in
teresting to us here and now, and ap-
propriately mentioned in this Woman's
Paper?
Not simply because of its fine situa-
ton or strong curriculum, able faculty
or earnest students, but for the sake of
the position 1t has always accorded wo-
men. From its organization 40 years
ago equal advantages have been grant
ed to women and men.
1t was one of the first colleges in the
country to admit women to full college
privileges; and women have places on
the Board of Trustees. Women have
always taken high rank in classics and
mathematics as well as belles-lettres.
/ The first prize In mathematics was
taken by women four times in the last
ten years. Forty per cent Of
the graduates have been women and
many of them are well known in educa-
tional and philanthropic work. About
fifty of it's graduates have been mis-
sionaries in our own and foreign coun-
tries.
The Universities Of Harvard. Cornell,
Michigan, Minnesota and Nebraska
have had Hillsdale graduates on their
leges. It's students are heard on the
lecture platform and in the halls Of con-
gress, and their names are known in
| literature.
For it was
A HILLSDALE GIRL.
Rose Hartwick Thorpe. who wrote
"Curfew Shall not Ring Tonight" and
| the poems of Will Carleton, the presi-
dent of IIillsaale Alumni association.
are read in every hamlet Of our coun-
| try Who has not laughed and cried
over "Betsey and Are Out" and cover
| the Hills TO the Poorhouse," "Picnic
| Sam," Farmer Stebbins." and the rest!
| One of the features of Hillsdale has al
ways been it's literary societies whose
weekly public meetings give excellent
drill.
The courses of study are varied and
complete. and the methods modern and
progressive, developing strong charac-
! ters, vet the reasonable rates afford an
opportunity for those of limited means
to gain the benefits Of college life and
education.
The Christian influence of the school
has always been prominent and from
Hillsdale came the first National secre-
taries of the Young Women's Christian
association, Miss Nettie Dunn and Miss
Corabel Tarr, also many local secre-
taries and workers.
Scranton has a few representatives
of Hillsdale College, two of them being
on the editorial staff Of "Our Women's
Paper Mrs. Helen Dunn Gates and
Mrs. Edith Wallbrldge Carr.
| DELCIE GATES BROWNING.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
VASSAR SONGS.

The songs at Vassar college can truly
be said to reflect the life and spirit of the
students, for they describe that life both
humorously and seriously and are means
of expressing the patriotism of the classes
These songs are always written by stu.
dents and are first sung by the college and
class glee clubs.
NO LONGER vAssAR "FEMALE" coll
LEGE.
II you are a new student, or have come
to visit. you may wonder why the word
Vassar on the front of main" is so far
from the word College. If you look closely
you will see that the dull red bricks be-
tween are much lighter In color and per-
haps that evening you may hear the rea-
son In one of the very popular songs.
VASSAR COLLEGE.
IAN institution once there was.
of learning and of knowledge,
Which had upon its high brick front
A 'Vassar Female College,;
The maidens fair would not enjoy
Their bread and milk and porridge,
For craven on the forks and spoons.
Was 'Vassar Female College
"a strong east wind at last came by,
A Wind that blew from Norwich;
1t tore the Female off the sign,
Which was upon the college.
And as the faculty progressed,
In wisdom and In knowledge,
They took the female Off the spoons,
AS well as Off the college,"
In this way local events are humorously
described, grinds are made on the various
classes, and certain contested points, ex-
pressive OF the general feeling, are brought
before the faculty in pleasant manner.
CLASS DAY SONGS.
The serious side comes out in the songs
class-day. Here is a bit from 's6's song:
Dear old college days, forget them will
we never;
Twined with rose and gray, their worth
shall live forever;
Naught from these hallowed days our
loyal hearts can sever;
Sing we tOday-farewell!
Such songs as the latter call forth all
loyalty to class and college, and they are
the dearest to the student How the class
songs ring out at class contests!' And how
the girls play when they hear them! Then,
what memories are revived at class-day
as the songs of the whole course are re-
viewed In the history!
OUR ALMA MATER.
But love Of class leads back to love of
college, and we well know that 1t Is the
old songs which the alumnae come back
to sing and hear and which live In their
hearts as fresh as In their own student
and no sooner is it started than every
voice is ready to take 1t up, while faces
grow quiet and thoughtful and voices ten.
der. 1t Is as 1t should be, the strong tie
between the students. and all will ever
sing with loyal hearts,
Here's long life to Vassar,
Wave we her flag unfurled,
Nothing can e'er surpass her.
Queen Of the college world,
Dring we our Alma Mater,
Hurrah for the Rose and the Gray,
Drink we our Alma Mater,
Hurrah for the Rose and the Gray
HELEN NJ. MERRIMAN.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
MUSICAL ADVANTAGES AT WELLS

1t Is not unusual to find a musical
course given in the curriculum of most
Of the women's colleges. but Wells Of
fers peculiar advantages in this line, as
there is an opportunity given to each
student to broaden and deepen her
knowledge Of this art, regardless Of COL
legiate work.
Morgan Hall, which was erected for
musical purposes, is but a step from
the main building. The first floor Is di-
vided into ten rooms and Is devoted en-
tirely to practise use. Portraits of
Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and many
others of note adOrn the walls, and very
often are a source of inspiration, for
mo one has ever felt more devoutly
than Bach, more happily than Mozart,
or with more gigantic power than
Beethoven"
Nothing is allowed to stand in the
way of securing the best professors of
music to take charge of this depart
ment. The director is a man of won-
derful ability and efficiency, and IS ably
assisted by thoroughly competent mus
icians.
In the conservatory special attention
Is paid to instruction on the violin and
cello, and courses in the history and
analysis are considered of vast i'm
portance. Not only do the students be-
come interested in the lives of the old
composers, but they become acquainted
with the construction Of the highest
forms Of composition.
The musicales. however, are not
given in Morgan Hall, but in Music
Hall. a large auditorium, beautiful y
decorated with bas reliefs. Noted ar
lists. as we'll as lecturers of great
prominence. are the means of filling
this concert room from time to time
with enthusiastic listeners. Vladimer
De Pachman. Xavier Scharwenka
Marie Aus der Ohe. Madame Blauvelt,
George Mcdowell and others of high
musical rank. are among those who
have visited Wells very recently.
THE MUSICAL ORGANIZATIONS
of the college must not be sighted.
They are of an interesting character.
The Philharmonic society and the
choral society were formed for the pur-
pose of giving enjoyment, while at the
same time, they are q means of cul-
ture.
Considering that music Is the great
est of all the arts-a universal lam
guage embodying the inward feelings
and sentiments of ones whole nature,
of which all the other arts can but show
the effect-to instill u thorough kno-
ledge and full appreciation of this fact
| into the minds of her students Ia the
great aim Of Wells.
| LILLIAN GEAHART.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
ELMIRA COLLEGE.

WITHIN the past four years of the his
tory OF Elmira college many changes
nave occurred which are proving bene-
nclai 10 the general tone and condition.
Tne course of study has been im-
proved materially and the standard OF
Gualihcation for admission to the coll
lege mas been raised since the giving up
OF the preparatory department in 1893.
NotaDle among the changes of '95
stands the organization of the Athletic
association. and this, from the stand
point OF those interested in physical de-
Veiopment and the matter of exercise,
Is regarded a decided advantage to the
institution. In accordance with the
view
Health is the vital principle of bliss
And exercise. of health
the students resolved to foster and in
crease the already active interest i'm
athletics by introducing new attrac-
tions in the list of outdoor recreations.
n basket ball field was marked out, and
an instructor for the game was secured.
For time the tennis courts We're
abandoned. so great was the enthusi-
asm for the new pastime.
The same year witnessed the organi-
cation of the Glee and Mandolin clubs,
and their annual concert is now an ac-
ceptable attraction in the series Of en-
AS other years have had their marked
characteristics in the way of improve.
ment, so has SO. The library has been
enlarged. furnished with a card cata-
logue and provided in a number of ways
with better facilities for the work and
convenience of the students.
The tennis court and basket ball field
are the scenes of gayety and activity
and from the sloping campus or from
the broad steps of the south porch are
heard the familiar words of our new
college song. 1.-The Alma Mater
Elmira's honored history,
We speak in songs of praise,
And for her faith and loyalty
Our voices proudly raise.
Chorus-F'air "Alma' Mater!"
Fondly her name we sing.
1Slest Alma Mater!
Myriad echoes ring.
MYRTLE Il. BILES.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
THE WOMANS MEDICAL COLLEGE,

There Is college student uf whom
the public seldom hears, l ,mely, the
student Of the Woman's Medical COL
lege.
Her college life with its bright spots
and hard, rough places, Is very inter-
esting. Let me tell you about It.
1t Is not so grewsome and blood
curdling as many suppose. I shall not
dwell on the horrors ca of the dissect-
Ing room and the clinic, but rather
mention her pleasures and recreations.
At the beginning Of each scholastic
year a reception Is held by the ad-
vanced students for the purpose of well
coming the new ones. Of affording an
opportunity for acquaintance: and Of
meeting the faculty.
After the reception everybody Is sup
posed to know everybody else, and the
new student is sure to feel at home.
VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS.
There are the class meetings which
create .he class feeling, the students
association which fosters the college
spirit; Il =. Women's Christian
associate 1eyelopes her relig-
ious natu ege chab." which
keeps alivV lde Of her life,