Welcome to the “A College Year”. Throughout the year 2023-2024 we will be posting new entries 110 years after our Whitworth College students wrote them. These entries will with be supplemented by other information to give you a feel for the 1913-1914 College Year. Although the college was in Tacoma, Washington, the college experience was indicative of small colleges throughout the country. Entries will be posted on the dates they were written. Some supplemental materials are offered if there is a gap in letters or diary entries. Most months have 8-10 entries. Sign up to receive notification when the new entry is posted. Enjoy the look back.
April 28, 1914 Gus’s job interview
Note: The Ed in the letter is believed to be Gus’s older brother.
Gus Williams – Writing home to Rushville, Indiana, from Tacoma, Washington
From the Gus Williams collection in the Whitworth Archives
My Dear Mother,
Your letter reached me Sat. just as I was leaving for Marysville. You may be sure that I was glad indeed to get it.
I had applied for a position in Marysville and went up there in response to the Supt. [superintendent] who asked that I make a personal application.
Ed introduced me to the three members of the board, Sat. afternoon. He is slightly acquainted with two of them and very well acquainted with the third. Mr. Marker, the Supt, was out of town so I did not get to see him until yesterday (Sunday) morning. I took dinner with him and we had a fine long talk. He appears to be a very fine man – big, jolly, boyish – but sound, the position is one where I would have to teach science and act as an athletic director. He said that my references very satisfactory especially the work that I had had much work in science and finally when I left said, “I think that you may enjoy being in Marysville next year.” He is to let me know definitely in a few days however.
I had only a few hours at Eds as I left there early Sun. morning. All seems to be well. Mary is growing rapidly and I walked in with her and Martha to Marysville Sunday where they attended Sunday school at the Methodist church.
Their place is very pretty now with the luxurious grass covering the earth and the beautiful green of Washington evergreens.
Ed like myself is great admirer of Wilson and his constructive legislation but we must all concede that his foreign policy if indeed he has one is a lamentable failure. He has placed the U.S. in the position of a cringing, fearful individual afraid to stand for the rights of her citizens. We must stop “backing down” to Japan, England or any other old nations who attempts to dictate to us. The canal was build for America primarily for Europe secondarily and we are now making ourselves the laughing stock of the world by repealing the tolls bill. If T.R. were president the English people wouldn’t even try to get by with that stuff.
I supposed you saw that true to expectations Fawcett was once more made mayor of Tacoma last Tues. I voted for him for I thought him the best man of the two.
Tomorrow we have a little election of our own where the annual student association election is held. If sure put out of it this time.
I end as that I am most awfully sleepy so will cut this short. Write to me when you can. I never felt better than I do work hard and have very little time to read.
Love to all, Gus.
*note on bottom in different handwriting – “Send this back with -your letter”
Next Entry April 30, 1914
April 27, 1914 Excitement and Bread
Martha Bell’s Diary Wed April 27. 1914
Yesterday was quite and eventful day. The College Board met here to decide about the removal to Spokane, and a number of Spokane men were here. It was fine to see someone from home. Dr. McFadden was here and I had a nice little talk with him. In chapel Dr. French, the treasurer of the College Board in New York, spoke and also Dr. McFadden. It has been absolutely decided that the College is to be moved, and we are all greatly rejoiced. In the evening Miss Bruce gave a recital down stairs. But after that came the real excitement. Just after study hour Frances W. came in and said that Annie Platt and Gladys Whipple were out and trying to get in and that Dougie knew it. They had gone walking after dinner with Charlie Parker and Dub and had got back a little after study hour began. They knew if they came in they wouldn’t be allowed to go out at all after dinner and so decided to come up the fire escape. Iva was down in the student parlor so they wrote a note saying “Annie and Gladys out, Fire escape” and Charlie brought it up tapped on the window and put it on the sill where Iva could get it. Dougie was in the next room, heard this noise, came in, and got the note. Such excitement as there was around here. It was more fun. We were all hanging out the windows trying to tell the girls they were caught, etc. etc. etc. We finally made one of the boys understand and he told the girls. After various happening they at last rang the bell and came in properly. Dougie was furious and has campused them not exactly that either, but there are certain things they can’t do, such as go to the May party. Monday, we spent practically the whole day making bread and it was all a failure and Miss Bedell said we had to make it over. We were all so mad, but nevertheless did it again today and I got 97 on the loaf I made. I was quite tickled.
Next Entry April 27, 1914
April 25, 1914 American Lake
Martha Bell’s Diary Sat. April 25 1914
We’ve had a perfectly glorious time today – went to American Lake on a Picnic. We’ve been talking about going for some time and as today was simply an ideal one for a picnic decided to go. There were six of us- Frances and Ella Miller, Jeannette, Pearl Mildred and I. The Lake is quite a ways from the city – about an hours ride and a beautiful one, too. We went thru the tall, tall pines and it was everywhere just like a park. The lake itself is beautiful too. It’s not very large, but it sits right in the midst of the forest with lovely grassy slopes all around. We decided on our “campground” and proceeded to eat our lunch right away (It was then about twelve-thirty). It was the best thing and we ate and ate and ate. We had pickles, deviled chicken sandwiches, deviled eggs, cake and fruit. Then we went exploring and took some of the cutest pictures. The whole afternoon we spent in just having a good time and got back just in time for dinner. Miss Douglas is in Seattle and Miss La Wall has gone to a concert so there is no one here. Jeannette and the Millers felt for some excitement so decided to “step out” and go to a movie not far from here. They did and we were to unlock the door for them, which we did but which Miss Livermore locked again before they came in. So, when they got here they had to call up for someone to come and open the door again. No one caught them fortunately and it was lots of fun.
Next Entry April 27, 1914
April 24, 1914 Bakery Tour
Martha Bell’s Diary Fri. April 24, 1914
We’ve had a very interesting time today. Our D.S. class went thru a big bread making establishment this afternoon. We followed the bread thru every step. The way those loaves were pounded wasn’t slow. The bakery is near Y.P.S. [sic probably Univ of Puget Sound] so we went over and looked around there a little bit. The girl’s Dorm is a horrid place, very different from ours. Mildred went over there with us and we walked down town. It was some walk but we didn’t know it till after we’d done it. I got the dearest gown to embroider for D.A. It’s going to have oodles of French knots on it. Ruth Campbell had been in and we’ve made candy.
Next Entry April 24, 1914
April 20, 1914 Francis Miller’s Birthday Spread
Martha Bell’s Diary Mon. April 20 1914
Jeannette is back again and it is good to have her here. We’ve had lots of fun tonight. I’ve felt quite hilarious all day and so have the rest, I guess, so Pearl and Mid decided to come in here and break study hour. We were sitting around the table in a regular aid society circle talking to beat the band when there was a knock on their door. We were sure it was “Dougie” [Miss Douglass] and such a scramble you never saw but fortunately it was only some C.E. girls to see Pearl.
Last night the Miller girls had a dandy spread. It was Frances’ birthday and she had some beautiful American beauty roses. They spread a spread on the floor and had the most attractive table with the roses as a center piece and the prettiest chocolate cups.
We had a dandy speaker in Vespers yesterday. He spoke on the development of character thru tribulations and it was one of the best we’ve had this year.
Next Entry April 24, 1914
April 18, 1914 Back on Campus
Martha Bell’s Diary Sat. April 18 1914
Nothing much has happened this week. It has been the hardest thing to settle down to work again. Wednesday, I cut Chemistry and went down town with Mid. I got a new hat. It’s quite pretty but I’m not at all crazy about it. After we got thru shopping we went to an awfully good movie.
Last night the Y. M. gave a movie and it was the rankest thing – we were awfully bored. After we came home Pearl, Mid and I (Jeannette’s gone home) got to reading a good book and stayed up till half past one to finish it. I feel rather all in now, but wasn’t very sleepy this morning and even got up to breakfast.
Next Entry April 20, 1914
April 14, 1914 – Grand Vacation
Martha Bell’s Diary April 14, 1914
Well, the work is on in full force once more and now I believe I have time to finish telling about my grand vacation.
Friday afternoon, after saying goodby to father, I came out here and got ready to go out to the camp. The girls all had to take their bedding and most of them rolled it up in bundles and carried it that way with middies, old skirts, sweaters, and those ungainly bundles we, seventeen in all, started off. We went to the park and took a boat there for Picnic Point. The hour and a half ride was lovely. When we got to the dock we had to walk about three quarters of a mile to the cottage along the prettiest road thru the woods, beside the water. That is the most ideal place I ever saw and I at once completely fell in love with it. The house is a delightful one so convenient and nicely furnished. On one side is a big living room with a huge fire place. That opens onto a big porch which they use for a dining room in summer. On the otherside is an inside dining room and out of that a kitchen. Then there are several rooms upstairs, too. The house is in the midst of “the tall timbers” with a beautiful view of the sound which is just a little ways off.
This beach is on a big bay which is so quiet and peaceful and it seems more like a lake. Well, after exploring and enthusing over everything we proceeded to go out and chop fir boughs to sleep on. How we did eat that dinner! I was simply starved. We twelve girls ate on the porch and the three McKays (Mr., Mrs. and Hazel) and Miss Bedell and her sister ate inside. We divided ourselves into relays of three each to take charge of the four meals. Bertha, Pearl and I came first so got our work over with the first whack. Then we made a huge bonfire down on the beach. It was simply perfect. We all sat around and sang and toasted marshmallows. After a while the moon came up and Florence Mustard, Jeannette and I went out rowing for a long time. The water was like glass. We sang, talked to the echo? which was wonderful, and were supremely happy. I won’t soon forget that night. Finally, we tore ourselves apart and went up to get our beds fixed. We strung them out the entire length of the room. Mildred and I slept together and rather lost out on branches altho [sic] we got an awful lot, so our bed wasn’t exactly what you’d call downy although it was down. About six in the morning Florence woke me and we got up and went rowing for an hour and a half before breakfast. I won’t attempt to describe the beauties of that early morning on the water, I couldn’t. Most of the morning was spent on the beach digging clams. I never saw such quantity this. There were almost hundreds of them. The tide was very low that day and we had such fun examining the many interesting things that were left on the beach. Then we took some pictures, rowed over to the landing with some of the baggage and came back to the grandest clam dinner. The afternoon was spent doing just as we pleased and I did so enjoy it. We had such a nice congenial bunch and the McKays were lovely to us. I like them all so much. Mrs. McKay is a perfect dear. We left about six and surely did hate terrible to leave that beautiful place. We ate our lunch or rather supper coming home on the boat.
Sunday morning Jeannette, Mildred and I got up early and went down to take the seven o’clock boat for Seattle. We just had time to go and get a little bite of breakfast. The ride over in the early morning was glorious. In Seattle we walked around the business part till church time and then went up to the First Presbyterian. It is the largest Presbyterian church in the U.S. The building is a beautiful one-very large. Dr. Mathews is the minister and it was he that we went to hear. He is one of the most powerful, popular ministers in the west and he certainly is perfectly wonderful. His sermon was simply grand, one of the most forceful, original sermons I’ve ever heard. He has a wonderful way of putting things. His topic was “The Song of the Unfolding Life”. I wish I might remember a great many of the things he said. The rest of the Easter service was very beautiful too. Then we went to an awfully nice cafeteria and had a dandy dinner. After that we went to the University. It is a beautiful place. The campus is very pretty indeed. We had a little time before the boat left after coming back to the city so went to the library. We took the five boat back, had the nicest supper- strawberry shortcake, etc. – and finally got back here. Yesterday I did a few of the many things I had planned to do during vacation. All day of course the girls were coming in and there was much embracing, talking etc. Haven’t studied a lick tonight so must get busy. It surely has been one ideal vacation. I don’t see how anyone could have had a grander time.
Next Post April 18, 1914
April 10, 1914 – Spring Break Continues
Martha Bell’s Diary Fri. April 10 1914
This certainly is being the grandest vacation ever. Father came Tuesday morning and it was simply grand to see him., He came out here for lunch and in the afternoon we went out to the park. It is so beautiful there. All the girls were gone. Jean home and Pearl and Mid to Seattle, so he stayed out here all night. We went to the Heath’s for dinner that night. We got up awfully early Wednesday morning went down town and had breakfast and took the seven o’clock boat for Seattle. We left Seattle at nine on the “Whatcom” for Bellingham and were on the boat till four that afternoon. It was the most dee-lightful trip and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. We found a very nice hotel in Bellingham and stayed there till ten the next morning. We went around a little and went to an entertainment at the Y.M.C.A. The trip back to Seattle was even lovelier than going up. It was a perfect day. The sun and the blue, blue white capped ocean was perfectly wonderful, and thru winding in and out thru the many islands with the beautiful snowy Mt. Baker and others standing out it was simply glorious. We got to Seattle at five, took a car ride out to Lake Washington and had our dinner. It was bright moonlight and the ride over here was so beautiful. I just hated to have it come to an end. I am going down now to have lunch with father. He leaves tonight and we are all going out to the McKay’s camp till tomorrow night. My, but I hate to say goodby [sic] to father. He is the grandest man and I’ve enjoyed his being here so much.
Gus Williams Letter
April 10, 1914 – Writing from Tacoma Washington –
My Dear Mother,
Rec’d your note two days ago with the same mail which brought to me your kind Easter remembrance. I was awfully glad to get them they came in handy indeed. Thanks a whole lot of time.
Yesterday Mary’s letter of the 5th reached me and it too was welcome for it had been quite a long time since I had heard from her.
I was surprised when you mentioned Tim’s wedding. I guess that I must have missed it in the paper. I am always glad to get them but it is obviously impossible for me to read everything so I just glace over them and read whatever interests me and of course it is impossible for me to not miss something in that fashion. Whom did he marry? They are living now in the old home I suppose.
Our spring vacation began Fri last (one week ago this afternoon) and continues until Tues. morning. Friday afternoon Murdoch, Thompson and I went over to Fox Island where we stayed until Monday morning. I would have enjoyed staying longer but work here at school made it absolutely necessary for me to return. It rained all day Saturday but our shack was dry and we enjoyed talking to one Jacob Jacobson a near by neighbor who is a sailor in summer months and a rancher in the stormy winter.
Sunday shone fair and warm so we put up a lunch and started out for another island about 4 miles off. We finally wound up at Pres. McKay’s camp where we took possession and cooked our dinner. It does a fellow a lot of good to get off in these great primeval forests of Washington where he can look to one side and see the gigantic firs and cedars centuries old standing as a challenge to mans strength and ingenuity. Then one may look to the other side and see the blue of Puget waters lapping ever lapping on the sandy shores where she washes relentlessly on heedless of man and is artificial life. And again we might look over the water, the forests, over hills and valleys, farms and cities to the great Cascade range to the East and the Olympics to the West. We got away from the artificial life that we lead in the heart of nature and it did us good.
As in the rest I have been busy enough reading and writing, making outlines etc. One of the girls, a Miss Pierson from Spokane was operated on for appendicitis in S. a few days ago. I never knew her very well but I wrote her a short note yesterday any way.
I wonder if you saw in Indianapolis papers of our primary held here Fri. A.V. Fawcett a civil war veteran twice mayor of Tacoma and recalled in 1911 lead the ticket and a ex minister named Stoever was second consequently these two men will fight it out in the mayorship. This election will be held one week from next Tues. I believe that Fawcett will be reelected. His good qualities are determinative refusal to sell out to any corporation and a willingness to fight. If he is reelected it will be an exact parallel to Seattle where his gill was reelected a few weeks ago after being recalled in ’11. Gill moreover is giving Seattle a splendid administration as far as contrasted to a corrupt one before. He has appointed as his chief of police his strongest opponent in the primaries and the man endorsed by Dr. Matthews and the ministerial alliance for the mayorship. You probably do not remember that Wappenstien his former chief at one time a resident of Cincinnati, is yet in the penitentiary on charges sustained against him while chief of Seattle’s police. So much for that peace of uninteresting news.
What do people think about the Canal tolls question? I hope that Pres Wilson loses this fight. I think that it is here and in such affairs as the Mexican business that we miss T.R. on a man of his caliber although I am frank to say that I don’t believe that T.R. could have formulated as admirable a currency bill or served letter tariff legislation as Wilson has done.
That canal was dug by the U.S. through her own territory. Why should she not control it? But it may be said it is a violation of that treaty. It is not because (1) when that treat was made the possibility of the U.S. digging the canal was not thought of here in spirit the treaty does not apply and (2) it (the treaty) says that our nation shall be discriminated against. To change Americas vessels tolls is discriminating against the U.S. for by our own laws no foreign ship of any ship built in a foreign yard though she is now owned and manned by American seamen can clear from any hurt of the U.S. for any other fort of the U.S. Now when we remember that it costs a great deal more to operate American ships than it does foreign our position is readily seen.
I wonder how the ships work in coming along. If I could be in two places at once on part of me would be right there helping as fast I could, I hope that you are all well and that the Work of the season won’t be so hard. I know I wish I could be at the service that I should like to be.
My love to all, Your son, Gus.
P.S. I cannot but say again how much I enjoyed the smoked sausage. Congratulate Leon for me.
Next Post April 14, 1914
April 6, 1914 – Spring Break Begins
From Martha Bell’s Diary April 6, 1914
Well we are back again to this forlorn place and have had the grandest time. I don’t know when I’ve ever enjoyed anything more. After nearly worrying our heads off for fear it would be rainy, Friday proved to be a glorious day. We went down to the dock and took the “Verona” at quarter after five for Quartermaster. It was so lovely on the water and we enjoyed every minute of the ride. The boat stops at many of the little settlements on Vashon Island and winds in and out making the ride a beautiful one. We finally got to Quartermaster about seven. It is just a little country community and very countrified. The Fenton’s house is a nice roomy one very near the water. Behind the house is a meadow and on one side a beautiful orchard. It is the loveliest place and we immediately feel in love with it. We had the nicest dinner and I was starved. That condition seemed to last thru out our stay and the way I did eat! Everything was dee licious [sic]. We spent the evening getting acquainted. Mr. and Mrs. Fenton and an aunt comprise the family and they are all very delightful people. I slept with Jeannette that night.
Saturday morning, we waked up to find it simply pouring. But we were there and perfectly happy to be there so didn’t care a whoop. It was grand to be in a home once more. We girls took possession of the house and work, cleaned up, got lunch, etc. etc. making ourselves perfectly at home. After lunch we read out loud for a long time. Then the rain stopped and we went down onto the beach. Mid [Mildred] had never dug clams so got a stick and set to work. Before she had succeeded in getting the first one a most sudden and terrific rain came upon us. There was a dock near and we tore for it and got under the floor feeling quite secure. But soon we discovered our mistake. There were many and large cracks in sheltering boards thru which many and wet drops came down upon forlorn and unprotected maidens.
There we were huddled up in the most dismal fashion with the water simply pouring down our faces and clothes and worse than that our spirits, we were simply drenching. But funny. I laughed till I was perfectly limp. The girls, especially Mid did look so funny. Jeannette seemed to think it fit and proper to lit out the most piercing shrieks regularly every second. Well, we got wetter and wetter so decided to make for the house anyway. So we made one wild dash, laughing so that we could hardly stand, and at last reached the house. We had an awful time getting dried out but never were the worse for the experience and it was the most fun I’ve had for ages. That evening we sat around the fire place and popped corn, told riddles and had a nice cozy time. That night I slept with Mid.
Sunday, joy of joys, was an ideal day. In the morning we walked along the prettiest road to Portage to church, it’s a mile or more. The Island is very narrow there coming down to just a tiny strip. We went to a little Episcopal Chapel. We had the grandest chicken dinner and everything good to go with it. Right after dinner we started out with “Billy” (the horse) and a one seated rig with us four in it. Some tight squeeze. But we did have the most wonderful afternoon. It certainly is a beautiful country. We went to Vashon and then to some green house – one of the biggest establishments on the coast. Jeannette knows the man who owned it and he took us thru. Such beautiful rows and rows of lilies, roses, hydrangeas, orchids, etc. etc. etc. Oh, but they were lovely! Then he took us to the room where he had his cut flowers and gave us the most beautiful bouquet of lilies-of-the-valley and red rose buds. There was so much in that afternoon that I’d like to tell about but haven’t time. In the evening we made fudge and then all sang hymns for a long time and had the nicest time.
That morning J. & P. had pulled the covers off us and we were bound to do something to get even so hid their night gowns. That was my night to sleep with Pearl. Mid and I hurried up and went to the bath room before they discovered and nearly died laughing. Unfortunately, though I had left mine up stairs in plain sight and I knew that would be the last I’d see of it that night and it was. Well they didn’t say one word about it and neither did we but we sure did have a lot of fun. This morning we put them in their suitcases and I found that J. had mine on. Still we didn’t mention it an haven’t yet.
This morning we were up betimes [Note: early, in good time] for the boat leaves at seven. We all did hate to leave just awfully.
Father will be here tomorrow morning. I can hardly wait to see that dear man. Mid is going to visit in Seattle tomorrow and will be gone a couple of days. We expect to take a boat trip. Can’t take any more time now.
Next Entry April 10, 1914
April 1, 1914 – April Fools and more
Martha Bell’s Diary Tues Mar. 31 1914
This has been a glorious day too nice to stay inside. After school Mildred and I decided to take a walk so went down to the store, got a grapefruit came back here for sugar and spoons and then went down on the bluff and ate it. Wasn’t that crazy. We enjoyed it mightily, nevertheless notwithstanding.
Martha Bell’s Diary Wed. Apr. 1
April Fool’s Day! And I haven’t been fooled once! When we went down to breakfast this morning there was a big bale of hay in the hall. How the boys got it in I don’t see. Then at breakfast Mid {Mildred] peppered my coffee but fortunately pepper floats so I discovered it. A number of such things happened and several classes cut. But the funniest of all was Sophomore English, Pearl is in the class and two Juniors all the rest are S’s . Well they decided to not any of them show up so when class time came those two Juniors turned up and not another soul. They say Miss Douglas was furious.
Martha Bell’s Diary Thurs. Apr 2, 1914
Well the Soph’s got theirs when they went to class this morning Miss D. gave them the awfullest lecture you ever heard of. Told them all sorts of things that no one but her could think of to say. She is going to take five off their grades and they each have to write a 1200-word thesis. I’m glad I’m not in their boots. The girls are all so excited about going home tomorrow. We’re going out to Jean’s [Jeannette’s] if it’s only nice weather. Then next week father’s coming so I think the vacation will be a nice one for me.
Next Entry April 6, 1914
A College Year 1913-1914 - Whitworth Archives 
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