It was a wonderful thing when Vassar opened for a girl to have the chance to go to college, and the contrast between then and now when it is quite a matter of course, and not at all an exceptional thing, strikes me rather sharply, as I see a privilege counted so precious once made light of in these days, or worse--wholly disregarded. The numbers continued without much change, 411 in 1871, stretching to the limit suitable provision for them. If this seems pitiful to you, one of a thousand to-day, remember that at the first, 300 was about the highest number reckoned on, and for this number accommodations were none too plentiful with recitation rooms, art-gallery, library and museum all in one building. Many of the earliest students will recall making one of seven in a "fire-wall" parlor, other suites being crowded in similar proportion; but however uncomfortable and dissatisfied she might have been, the girl made little complaint, sustained, doubtless, by the proud consciousness of being a pioneer student in the first college for women ever established. By the tabular statement with this will be seen the steady increase of proportion of students in full collegiate standing. Full Total. Standing. Conditioned. Special. Unclassified. 1865-66 353 .. .. .. .. 1866-67 386 97 22 189 78 Preparatory. 1867-68 339 141 75 123 .. 1868-69 362 162 126 72 .. 1869-70 382 171 150 59 .. 1870-71 381 174 141 65 .. 1871-72 415 205 151 58 .. 1872-73 411 235 135 41 .. 1873-74 411 239 146 21 .. 1874-75 384 225 159 11 .. There was an importance attaching to the students in full standing, a sort of aristocracy, if you please, not defined or put in words, but none the less felt and appreciated. Even the teachers who had upper class work shared this, and those not so favored would say on occasion in mock grievance,--"I am only a Prep. teacher" or "only a music teacher," as the case might be. In 1868-69 the first resident graduates were recorded, Louise Parsons and Mary Reybold. The specials in art and music were required to pass the regular preparatory entrance examinations, and to take two collegiate studies in connection with their special work. This arrangement was abolished in 1892 when the history and theory of music and of art were made to count towards a degree. The trustees voted to close the Preparatory Department, June 8, 1886.