Alice Mabel Allen (1886-1976) grew up in the village of Adams in Jefferson County. In 1908, while attending Syracuse University, Mabel, as she was known, kept a diary which New York Almanack is publishing each week.
Monday, May 25
The day has been very warm. Went over to the library and studied Roman Hist. most of the morning. After dinner went down with Lu while she had pictures taken and bought mother’s birthday tie. Took Lu into Schrafft’s for lemonade. At 5 went down to a meeting of section in Roman Hist. To-night went up to hear Dr. Bushnell translate Latin poems. The mosquitoes were very thick out of doors. Could not accomplish much studying because it was so warm.
Tuesday, May 28
Good letter from Edna [her sister]. Early I went down to Helen’s and studied Roman History until noon. It was very sultry, so I took a bath and put on white. By that time it commenced to rain and thunder and lighten. In between showers I went down to Helen’s. We studied too hard in the morning, I guess, for we could not study much. Came home and Lu and I lay on bed and ate chocolate we bought. After supper I went up to hear Dr. Bushnell read Livy. Harriet’s uncle came to-night. Studied Roman History.
Wednesday, May 27
Mother’s birthday. The Roman History exam was great and asked just about what I knew. Letter from father and Irma’s [?] wedding invitation. Went over to the library to learn poetry. Went down to see Jean and Ethel, but they were not home. After supper Lu and I walked down to see them and I walked over a piece with Lu to the library. Had our pictures taken this noon.
Thursday, May 28
Journal [her father’s weekly]. Helen won at the prize-speaking. Studied Eng. at the house. The girls came back from the Castle and fooled me about Fuzzie’s being fined $5 for picking a snow ball. After dinner we went up to the Davis’ estate and trampled down the grass for which a gardener discoursed with us. Came back and put on my green dress. After supper Bess Peck, Harriet, Lu and I walked down Walnut Place.
Friday, May 29
Exam in Eng. VIII came this morning. It was much fairer that the one in January and I was able to write 3 hrs. on it. After dinner I studied Latin down at Helen’s. It was very warm and there was a severe thunder storm. After supper I went down to the wash woman’s for Cassie and then walked with Lu and Harriet. Collected the pennies on this floor. Lillian and I went out to buy gum and pop-corn.
Saturday, May 30
Memorial Day. Letter from mother with one from Aunt Chub enclosed. Got up early and swept the room before breakfast and dusted it afterwards. Studied Trig with Helen B. but did not accomplish much, and Latin this P.M. Helen then came up to the house. Lu, Harriet and I walked after supper and got caught in a hard rain. Went with Ethel Fennel and May Fry to an At Home given Eng. majors by Dr. and Mrs. Eaton.
Sunday, May 31
After breakfast we sang college songs. Polished shoes and then learned Shakspere passages. Went over to Katherine Arnold’s for dinner and at 4:30 took the car to meet Lu and Harriet at St. Paul’s. Walked home. Learned more Shakspere to-night. Mrs. C. called up, saying I was wanted in the parlor. Christine went down as I was in my kimono and it was only the girls.
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