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[typed] January 1st 1897

My dear Nannie - -

It seems very natural to write - 1897 - I think it will seem
strange only when 1900 comes. This whole winter so far has been
like a beautiful spring season with a few exceptions when it poured
but seemed to get through when it stopped and the atmosphere be-
came so clear and warm and bright between times. Monday last I
went down to San Jose' and enjoyed the Institute discussions very
much - but all the Stanford profs were there' What a thing for Cal
this University is and will be can not be estimated. I suppose
Rose did not write you of the scrape a fortnight ago at the Hall.
You see Mrs. Stanford put a matron in who was thoroughly incompe-
tant and when at the beginning of my vacation I came here Rose and
Helen together with many other girls were most desirious of leav-
ing the hall fearing something dreadful would happen and the cloud
fall on all. It came sooner than expected in the form of 7 girls
becoming intoxicated on the 4th floor and making the night hideous
by their yells and screams. Two of the prof. were promptly sum-
moned as the culprits defied Mrs. Clements and a few days after
all the offending girls were requested to leave the Hall and were
permanently suspended. Later Mrs. Clements received her notice
that her place was declared vacant and she left the next morning
on an early train saying Good-bye to no one. And now Dr. Jordan
with his usual aptness has chosen Mrs. Baker, chaparone of the
Zeta Psi frat. to mother the girls and if she will only consent
to it - will simply revolutionize Roble and give it an atmosphere
of culture that it has never enjoyed even under Miss Thompson.
You see Dr. Jordan was absent at the time and those were days of
suspense but he is so prompt and decisive in everything he does.
One feels so protected just to see him swing along to and from
the quadrangle. I came back from San Jose Thursday morning on the
8 train having made calls on the Allens, M-----, L------, and Dr.
Wakefield since he did so much for me about securing my school for
me. I previously had planned to go to S.F. with Rose as Mrs.
Mynick wrote such a cordial note of welcome to us to make that
our home during the holidays - but I decided to economize here and
give Rose the money to get her a new suit, stockings and petti-
coat she needed. I expect her back tomorrow, for the boys give
the girls an informal party at Palo Alto in the evening and I know
Rose will not want to miss it. I, I am perfectly delighted at the
prospect of a liberty scarf for me. I admired Rose's so much as
I always did think them the prettiest things but did not in the
least covet one for myself until now I am to have one it makes me
want one very much. Thank you so much - I will write as soon as
they come. Your letter came just in time before Rose started so
she will get your gloves probably tomorrow, if not yesterday. I
am so glad you have one of the unique calendars. Gertrude gave me
one and I expect to learn a great deal from it. She also gave me
three dollars for a new purse. I am curious to know your opinion
of Prof. Brown's book - The Tales of Languedoc. I liked his little
introductory remarks and tho't perhaps they might interest you.
Saw Miss Scott in San Jose. Gertrude and I called on her one rainy
evening. Everyone inquired about you and sent love. Miss Scott
is going to visit St. Mary Mathew's School for she wants points on
the machinary of boarding school life.

This morning I walked to Palo Alto and back through the Stan-
ford grounds - it was beautiful.