Name/Title
AU Harris, Joseph Hastings - 1895-04-07 letter to Bertha Elizabeth LambertEntry/Object ID
1990.1.27Context
Oberlin Theological Seminary
No. 16 Council Hall,
Oberlin, O. April 7, 1895.
Home Address
Box 479
Ada,
Hardin Co.
State of Ohio,
Miss Bertha Lambert,
Plantsville, O.
Dear Bertha: — Seated in the room of my friend Mr. Travis, whom I esteemed as one of my bosom friends at Ada last yr., I take pleasure in sending a few thoughts to you this afternoon. I can not express the thoughts that so forcibly well up in my mind. Mr. Fisher, who is our Y.M.C.A. vice President, and I came here Thursday. I never was so surprised in a college as I was in Oberlin, magnificent, grand, are hardly strong enough adjectives to express the emotions that rise when I look at their great stone buildings, fine halls, grounds, library, museums etc.
The music conservatory ranks second in the U.S.. Boston standing first on the list.
Warner hall alone contains one hundred pianos. I passed the hall once or twice yesterday and it sounded like business. I listened to the II Pipe organist, that is ranks second in the U.S.
We are located in an extremely fine and cultured family, two beautiful young ladies meet us with a smile as we go to our meals.
The only trouble is they ask me to sing. Mr. Travis is in the Theological department here and I am spending quite a good deal of time with him to my great satisfaction. O my how my mind goes out to you when I think of how infinitely more you would appreciate this than can I.
Your letter reached me in due time. I could not help entering into your sympathies and somehow I must emphasize your feeling concerning this dry method of meeting, surely no pleasure would be greater than to commune face to face with you. I was pleased to know of your decision concerning your vacation. No I don't think your idea a crazy one, but on the other hand just an excellent and very sensible one. I would much rather think of you doing that than to stay where you are and I am sure it is with pleasure that I wish you good success in your undertaking. I would much rather think of you taking music than to study Greek, but perhaps I may be a little selfish.
We are having an excellent conference, so full of power and inspiration, Mr. W. E. Crites, the Y.M.C.A. pres. of Otterbein is here. He is in Ira's classes.
The Y.W.C.A. gave us a reception last evening. It was a center of culture and refinement.
We can not get away until tomorrow. The boys keep talking to me so I shall not try to write so much as usual.
No I do not think you over anxious at all about our meeting. I am glad you mentioned it. And I trust that ere long we shall both be gratified in taking the opportunity of talking over these eventful months together.
We shall talk of further arrangements in our following letters. Leonard is going home soon. Prof. Smith has a small book, published since you left Ada, I shall send it either by mail or with Leonard. If you will excuse me for this short letter. So with a heart gushing with love for you, and with sympathies that enter into every trial or difficulty which you may encounter I say good-bye loved one.
Yours with love
J. H. Harris
