A Sad Recollection from 1868

2218 Fourth Avenue
Sacramento, California.

To the Associate Alumnae of Vassar College:

The first class of Vassar in 1867 planted an ivy in the south corner outside of Main Hall. Our class of ’68 scorned the lowly ivy and voted for a sturdy oak, which we planted a short distance from Main on the north side of the drive. I learned some years later our original tree did not live; but was replaced by the college gardener by a second one.

Upon the morning of our class day, we had a rehearsal by the side of the excavation for our tree. With Bella Carter, I went to the Library to procure the spade with which Mr. Matthew Vassar turned the first sod for Vassar College. When we entered, the trustees were holding a business meeting and with a word of apology, we went to the drawer where the spade was kept. Mr. Vassar left his position behind the desk where he was presiding and asked us what we were doing. I replied that we had come for his spade and explained for what purpose it was to be used, viz.: the planting of our oak. He expressed himself as both pleased and honored by our selection and with a few words wished us success and returned to his desk. We held our rehearsal and upon returning to the college with the spade, were met at the entrance by the overwhelming news of Mr. Vassar’s sudden death. It seems he only pronounced the opening sentence of his address when he was fatally stricken with paralysis. Without doubt, we two girls were the last students to converse with our honored Founder.

We went through with our Class Day and Commencement ceremonies, but with a devastating sense of bereavement and loss.

Annie Baker Brooks,[1] ‘68