Earliest Years at Vassar: Personal Recollections — John Shaqi
Earliest Years at Vassar: Personal RecollectionsWood, Frances Ann
History
Earliest Years at Vassar: Personal Recollections
Wood, Frances Ann
Vassar College
At six the students under direction of the Marshal and two aids
marched on either side of the avenue to the lodge, forming a
continuous line to the circle in front of the entrance. When the
Founder's carriage appeared with him and President Raymond, it was
greeted with wavings of handkerchiefs,--the college yell (shade of
Miss Lyman!) being still unevolved. The lines turned instantly,
marching back by the side of the carriage to the entrance where, in
the vestibule, the Faculty and teachers were awaiting the procession.
As the Founder went up the steps, the select band of singers stationed
on the open porch sang the original song of welcome. Next, the officer
of the day, Abby F. Goodsell of '69, was presented and escorted him to
the chapel where the audience was waiting. As the Founder and escorts
appeared at the chapel door, the organ, played by Professor Wiebe,
began a triumphant peal, the audience rising and remaining standing
till the party was seated. No one sat on the platform, but went up as
occasion required. Prayer was offered by Dr. Raymond, then came piano
music--a selection from "Der Freischütz"--by one of the solo
performers of that time. A salutatory, or address of welcome as we say
now, followed, after which came an original essay by one of the
seniors which was followed by a song. This was preliminary to the
principal part of the programme,--a series of recitations representing
woman's social position in all ages, Swedish, Greek, Roman, Mediaeval,
written or translated and adapted by those taking part, a modern
selection from the "Princess" closing the recital. A brilliant musical
duet for piano made way for a long original poem,--"A hilltop idyl,"
with local hits and description of the Faculty much appreciated. The
closing lines were given with great effect,--
"And Vassar College stand through time
An honor to the Nation."
You smile? How I wish I could put before you the earnest spirit of
that time, each one wide awake to the recognition of a great
privilege, and trying with might and main to express it!
However, this was not all in honor of the day. There was a floral
tribute,--Flora, her attendants and chief representative student--an
original drama--very pretty and pleasing, and, I may add, proper. A
hymn for the occasion,--"Our father and our friend," closed the
students' programme. Old Hundred and the Doxology sung by every one
present ended the chapel ceremonies, a collation in the dining-room
followed and a reception in the college parlors finished the day.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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