Alice Mabel Allen (1886-1976) grew up in the village of Adams in Jefferson County. Mabel, as she was known, first attended Stanford University and later Syracuse University. In 1908, while at Syracuse, she kept a diary in which she described the joys and travails of college life 115 years ago. Each week throughout the year, New York Almanack is publishing entries from Mabel’s diary.
Monday, January 20
Breakfast late. Tried my first examination which was elocution. A very fair test. Came back and darned stockings. Studied Roman history most of the afternoon. Lu and I went up to Liberal Arts; I to get a check cashed for Jean. Before and after supper we talked of church creeds; man being born in sin and predestination. Paid Mr. Hart math fees to-night…