Correspondence (incoming): Da, 1893-1902

Ansd S.F. Mch 19/96

Palo Alto March 16

My dear Mrs Stanford

You may remember I sent you a note with invitation to attend lecture given by Dr Jordan for benefit University Ave improvement fund about one year ago. That Lecture was the beginning of our Street work in Palo Alto.

I & Mrs Decker, (both having houses on University Ave) thought we would try & beautify the Ave. Since that we have enlarged our Committee & taken up beautifying the Town. our Committee now stands. Dr Jordan Honorary member. (by his permission) Mrs J. W Dayan. Mrs Dr Decker. Mrs Prof [Harde?] Mrs Campbell, (Pres womans club Palo Alto) Miss Layes. We are struggling to beautify the Circle in front of Depot. We wish to make

A long bed with grass & fine Shrubs, directly in front of Depot Building. A Settee under the tree. A fancy bed at the other Side of tree Ivy Columns &c-. on the South Side of University Ave--along the Line of R.R. - we wish also to make a long Tropical bed of flowering Shrubs - evergreens - Palms, vines &clike those near Encinal & Roble. As Chairman Committee Take the Liberty of asking you if you would kindly donate Shrubs, vines &c- for the Same. I am so very anxious to improve those barren and neglected places, we cannot raise the means to pay for Labor & plants also- it occurred to me You might assist us in the way of those plants you have no use for - & that probably you might be pleased to hear what work we are doing. I would be pleased to call upon you & explain all about our work if you would

enjoy hearing. Any day & hour you name I will call.

Please accept my hearts sympathy for you in the past great Struggle and warmest congratulations, that the Great weight is lifted, and that you are permitted to enjoy your just rights.

The Study of your Husbands Life & Character, with yours combined, will, I am Sure be the most elevating and reverential Study of humanity that can be placed before the Students of Stanford. With Such Founders & Such a Noble President at the head, it must Succeed

A Grand & Greatly blest institution. Wishing you a long Life & great prosperity in all your plans.

Sincerely Yours.

Mattie I. Dayan

HONORARY VICE-PRESIDENT GENERAL. Daughters of American Revolution thank Mrs S. for the check

Saratoga July 31. 94

My dear Mrs. Stanford

On behalf of the committee on the Portrait Fund I thank you most warmly for your generous contribution, the check for one hundred dollars has reached me. Please find a receipt enclosed acceptable and timely as the check is to us, I do

assure you that the interest you expressed in our work, and your encouraging words in the beginning of our effort have been a most valued accompaniment to your subscription. I am much gratified with your expression of continued interest for I am confident of the good effect that our Society will have. The very difficulties we encounter are lessons and warnings

to us that may help us on to a more permanent success. The historical and patriotic features of the Society are more apparent as time goes on and the machinery of organization seems of less importance. It is this machinery that benefits the ambitions of some women, but even in this they are learning the conduct of affairs and that it is useful to them and to all of us. I hope you may be in Washington during our Congress next winter. We are all so proud of you as one of our number, while the whole nation admires your dignified forbearance and business ability in the management of your husbands affairs. The kindly thoughts of many women follow you in your great responsibility and work. With very sincere regard I remain,

Very truly yours,

Ellen Hardin Walworth