Letters, Sophomore Year, Semester II , 1919

Folders 9-10 contain letters from the second semester of Henrietta's sophomore year.

In Folder 9, she discusses her interactions with Albert and Russell, both of whom seem heavily invested in her attention. Yet the feelings are not mutual, she maintains her cold disposition towards both men.

Henrietta recounts her day trip to Hog Island. She is impressed by the system of the shipyard, and gives an in-depth description of her tour to her mother, most likely because she was not allowed to take her Kodak camera with her. Henrietta often emphasizes the intensity of her academics and how her work is preparing her for life outside of the college. She talks about the grades she receives and discusses how her reader for English is a harsh grader. Bryn Mawr at this time was an unusual college, preparing its graduates for careers, rather than an education before marriage. Events promoting the students to work after college include the weekend vocational conference, which offered students an opportunity to interact with people from different professions. Henrietta demonstrated an interest in prison reform work, and work in courts and schools.

The letters in Folder 10 cover the second half of Henrietta’s second semester of sophomore year and the beginning of the summer. Researchers would be interested in events happening at the end of the school year, including May Day and Henrietta’s birthday, President Thomas’ announcement about the student population, Henrietta’s new job at the college bookstore, and Henrietta visiting her friend’s homes over the summer.

Henrietta notes that President M. Carey Thomas announces that 26 undergraduates (those who don’t have as many merits as they should have) will be asked to leave the college, since the college wants to admit 110 freshman but only has room for 74. Henrietta discusses the negative feedback from the student body, who talk about the idea of rebellion, including a plan to leave the college as an entire class.

Henrietta leaves her job as mail mistress, taking up a position at the student bookshop. She is excited for the position, preferring to work and split the earnings of the shop rather than receiving a scholarship. Henrietta also has a job as a light lieutenant, whose job is to remind people to turn off their lights when they leave their room.

During the start of her summer vacation between sophomore and junior year, Henrietta travels along the Northeast visiting friends from Bryn Mawr. Over the trip, she travels to Camp Merritt, goes to dances, attends a dinner event for the mayor, and takes a day trip to New York City.