Box 1

Scope and Contents: Undated letter written approximately in September of 1874. Elmendorf has just arrived at Rutgers College for his freshman year and is homesick. His roommate, a theological student (not named), is described as a "fine young fellow." This letter has been discolored by a receipt for payment to Rutgers College, dated May 11, 1861. The signature on the receipt seems to be that of John C. Elmendorf, then treasurer of the Board of Trustees and father of John E. Elmendorf, also Rutgers College Class...

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Rainy Saturday. He has joined an unnamed Greek society, and identifies his roommate as Van Allen. He talked with Kittie Crosby, and is planning to be home for Thanksgiving.

Scope and Contents: Frank and he are having a wonderful time. Went to the Boat Club promenade concert. His cousin May Elmendorf was there. He met nearly all the young ladies of New Brunswick, but does not intend to accept their invitations to call. Splendid room and board: Oyster pie once or twice a week. Fred Folger [Hudson, N.Y., at Rutgers 1874-76] stopped by. Exams begin a week from Thursday and continue until the Wednesday before Christmas, when all will start for home. Signed "Floyd Delta Phi [Originally...

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Working hard. Attended sociable at Miss DeWitt's and had a very pleasant time. It was 18 below zero one morning. He is in tip-top health and spirits. He expresses some disappointment at not being admitted to the Intercollegiate Rowing Association.

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Much excitement over cannon stolen from Princeton. All are playing baseball. Beautiful weather. Will miss the Elmendorf family gathering on Sunday. In a "deplorable condition in regard to money" and will need to borrow three cents to mail letter. Invited to a reception given by Delta Phi Society at Masonic Hall on Thursday. His subscription to The Eagle has run out, but the paper keeps coming.

Scope and Contents: Received Hattie's birthday letter. The "Cannon War" has quieted down--they are thinking of suspending the entire class for trying to put a man under the pump(?). "Closing exams" scheduled for June 16, 17 and 18. Relates the achievements of his fellow Society members: Tom Swift [Class of 1875] took the Latin prize and Chuck Bradley [Class of 1876] got on "Junior Ex." 400 invitations sent for Society Symposium on June 22. Gillmore's Band to be there for commencement, then a series of parties...

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Has a head cold and sore throat. New Freshman class of "about ninety the largest ever entered." Will have hands full at rush. The linseed oilworks burned last night at 2:00 AM; light enough to read by all over town. Dr. Demarest preached this morning at chapel.

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Rainy weather. Two students expelled for lying. Also, "Jim Van Wyck [Class of 1879] of Hudson, cousin of Fred Collier [Class of 1878] and the Rolbervus [sp.?] and Van Wycks of Brooklyn, has gone home threatened with typhoid fever." Father's check has not arrived. The chapel bell is calling him to prayers.

Scope and Contents: Dr. Woodbridge preached "a very long and dry sermon" this morning. A fire alarm sounded just as he was closing and all in the chapel cleared out. Rutgers beat Stevens at football six goals to none. He had a pleasant time at a party at Miss DeWitt's; met Miss Folger of Hudson and Miss Pond of Saratoga. He hopes to go up to New Haven next Saturday to see Rutgers play Yale at football, then Columbia comes to Rutgers "next Tuesday week." Relates that Princeton declined to play on their grounds...

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Having a splendid time; three parties this week, invitations to more that he could not attend. Now studying hard to make up for lost time. The Jubilee singers gave a splendid concert on Thursday. The whole town is covered by ice from freezing rain.