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 11
After Trig Helen and I went down on Castle grounds and studied. Saw an oriole and I was so glad. Walked down to have my suit fitted at Bacon & Chappell’s. It was very warm coming back and after dinner I put on my blue Peter Thompson. I like to wear it.
After Latin I went down to have my dress tried on. Lillian was sick in the evening with neuralgia and out of her head. Alma is down and came over for a few minutes. I walked back with her and Edith.
Tuesday, May 12
Studied early in Jessie’s room. Studied Trig at Helen’s. Had oral quiz in elocution and Mrs. Butler complimented me afterwards on my work. Fixed my waists after dinner; took net down to dressmaker’s with Gertrude Rosenberg; corrected theme. Walked down to the city with Lu and then went to library to look up material about the Boys’ Club. Walked home and it was very warm. Walked with Cassie and later Lillian took me down to Walker’s. Studied Latin with Mabel Gibbons.
Wednesday, May 13
Went down to dressmaker’s at 11 and then studied until 1 at Helen’s. After English Fuzzie served the tea in my green gingham. About 5 Harriet and I went up to the Faculty tea but met no one, so walked out the side door and came home. Telephoned to Bacon & Chapell’s about my suit. They said it could not possibly be ready. Lu and I went down with fire in our eyes to interview the cloak dep’t. The man was nice, but could do nothing toward getting it out in time. Band concert to-night and sing. Lu and I went down after my dress and oranges at the Jems. Packed and dressed up for the girls.
Thursday, May 14
Poured until I reached Utica. Fuzzie telephoned to Bacon & Chapell’s while I went to Eng. VIII. Sat beside Jean and left early. Lu went down to station with me. Reached Utica at about quarter of 12 where Rollin met me. Did not have lunch until we reached Phi Psi House. It is dandy home. After dinner met all the people and then went to the ballgame between Colgate & St. Lawrence, Colgate winning 3 to 2. After supper we went to the glee and mandolin club concert and afterwards had a drama here at the house. I am rooming with a Miss Fress [?] of Madison.
Friday, May 15
Slept until 9:30 when we went downtown. Went with the girls to the parade and as we sat on the church steps the college men took off their hats as they walked by. Postal card from Fuzzie and letter from mother. Telegraphed her not to send my clothes but this P.M. she wrote she had sent something. Suit came. Rained this P.M. and Rollin and I played bridge with Mr. Dunkee and Miss Starsky (?). Walked with Rollin before supper. Left for prom at quarter of 8. Decorations were Japanese and the music was great. The old affair was very pretty. Met Albert Davis, Fuzzie’s friend.
Saturday, May 16
Breakfast at 10. Walked Rollin to post-office and up on College Hill. Met Corrine and Harold in the college chapel and Harold played the organ for me. Had a group picture of the house party taken. After dinner hurried to dress for a drive to Madison lake. Mr. Klopp and Miss Goodale went with us. We stopped at the hotel which the Betas and the Phi Psis rented for the occasion. Went boating and then walked down to an empty cottage. Danced after the ‘feed’ and walked and boated. The water was beautiful and so quiet that I longed for Henderson Harbor and the good times down there. Reached home about two, just as it commenced to rain.
Sunday, May 17
Breakfast at 9:30. Rollin and I walked and later walked up to the cemetery. Saw yellow warblers and heard a Phoebe. Packed before dinner and finished afterwards. Left on 3:18 train changing at Clinton where we took the trolly. Miss Sager, Mr. Smith, Miss Billings, Mr. Sweiger, Rollin and I had lunch at the Butterfield. Called up the Dunmores but could not get the girls. Reached home at 8:20. Cassie, Lillian, Harriet & Lu at station to meet me. Unpacked and went to bed, being very tired.
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