Letters home, March 1917

In the sixth folder of the Natalie Gookin papers, Natalie writes home daily to her aunt, mother, and father during her freshman year at Bryn Mawr College in March of 1917. These letters are arranged chronologically according to the date that they were written. Much of this folder consists of letters detailing Natalie’s everyday activities and academic achievements within the community of Bryn Mawr. She spends a large amount of time describing her design for a yellow sweater she crocheted for herself, expressing excitement at coming home for Easter, and complaining about the amount of work her classes give her. As it is the mid-semester, Nathalie’s letters provide insight into her daily life with accompanying programs and sketches while also looking forward to the summer and what will happen when she goes back home. Another key theme in her letters is the discussion of the war in Europe and how it will affect her. She mentions it multiple times and even tells us that President Thomas offered preparedness courses in case of war. These letters would be of interest to anyone studying World War I, student life, family relationships, and women’s colleges.

One highlight of the collection is a letter from the Acting Secretary of the College to Nathalie’s mother, telling her that Nathalie will have her same room in Rock for the next year.