Archive of 4 Autograph Letters 1872-1874, from PA Female Student at one of the Earliest Institutions of Female Education

19th c. Women Education, Archive

Archive

Small archive of 4 Autograph Letters by a student from Moravian Seminary in Bethlehem, PA. Dated 1872 to 1874. All letter from student Elizabeth “Lizzie” Rickster to her friend Dora Campbell of York, PA. Each letter is 4 pages, 7 ¼ x 4 ¾ in. Each letter comes with original mailing envelope. Letters dated Sept. 30, 1872; Feb. 25, 1873; Feb. 7, 1874; and April 6, 1874. Lizzie writes on schoolwork and social activities such as winter sleigh rides. She writes to her friend about translating German words and phrases, and Lizzie excitedly anticipates getting her photograph taken so that she can exchange portraits with Dora.

Writing about her studies and future beyond seminary in letter from Sept. 30, 1872: “It did seem very funnie [sic] to resume my studies but I as it had to be done, I made up my mind to hurry and do it so that I can get through soon. Then for a long rest from sorry and care free. I remember how you used to look forward to that time but yet your school days were your best days for when you leave school then trouble commences if not at once very soon and then we get married and have little ones to take care of and various other duties making our life one of anxiety and care.” In the 1873 letter, Lizzie mentions German translations for the first time: “Dora your ‘Brief’ translated from German means letter…” She mentions German translations in the next letter as well as other studies: “Let me see if you can make out this German until next time and if you can, write and tell me what it means… I have to take a singing lesson this afternoon and I haven’t’ looked at my piece since last time.” In the final letter, Lizzie writes about school and anticipates an upcoming visit between the friends. “Our school will begin again on Wednesday…I’m am going to have some pictures taken this term (and if you give me some of yours, I will give you one of mine. Just think three months until I see you. I can scarcely wait…” The handwriting in the final letter is much looser, possibly since this student had just been on school vacation, or perhaps showing growing closeness and more informal relationship between the friends.

The Moravian Seminary traces its roots to the earliest institution of female education in the United States—the Bethlehem Female Seminary, founded in 1742, by Countess Benigna Zinzendorf.
BFS originally only provided primary education, but due to overwhelming demand for secondary education institutions for women, in 1785, BFS reorganized as a secondary educational institution that became known as the Moravian Female Seminary. In 1913 the Seminary officially became a College, and in 1954 merged with a male institution to become the coeducational Moravian College. All letters tender along original fold lines from mailing. In very good condition. An incredible and early Female Education history.

Item #17080

Price: $385.00