Sweet Briar College - Briar Patch Yearbook (Sweet Briar, VA)

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In gray was she clad, if I recall true, With a hat, like a torpedo boat, blue. Banded about with a ribbon o ' plaid; And heavy Scotch boots, I may also add. Her manners were confident, brusque, alert. And the lady was known by the name of Hurt. With her there was another girl, forsooth. Who ' s well known by name of Alma Booth. A blonde was she, with hair colored like flax. As smooth and shining as is yellow wax; Her eyes were blue and ruddy was her face. And she hied her thither from a great place. That Petersburg highte, a flourishing town. Where the James flows by and the mudbanks frown. She was short and fat, with a manner gay. Smiling and skipping and humming all day. A blue skirt she wore, and a blouse of white, A Spencer she called it, I tell you right; Her hat was eek of blue, with corners three. Its feather stuck up straight as straight could be. Silk gloves she wore with much discretion. For she must make a right good impression. Full pleasant she was, nor tried to act smart. But was all conscience and tender heart; Perfectly lovely meant height of her joy. And Hang it! the strongest term she ' d employ. Another one was there, with solemn mien. And manner sedate as ever was seen. Tall and thin, and by no means undergrown. For sturdy was she. And her level tone Was quite able to silence contention. By quoting from the Constitution; For she was able and, I must not forget. Full seemly for to be a suffragette, 23

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Here begitmeth the Book of the Records of 1911 ' T was in nineteen and seven, one September day, That our company first met beside the way — For we had all decided our way to wend Unto Learning ' s shrine, our offerings to tend. While journeying into the Land of Knowledge, We needs must stop at Sweet Briar College. And to that place did come a merry band Of maids that came from many a land; Though few we were, you might never surpass The noble company of that bold class. And now, my friends, I pray you forgive me If I cannot quite set forth their degree Here in this tale as they really should stand — My wit is short, as you ' ll soon understand. And so, if you will give me your attention, I think it meet that I shall here make mention Of each of them who joined us on that day. And tell how they looked, and in what array. The first one seen was when we all were set At table, to such cheer as we might get. This maid was tall and full large of stature. And passing fair of face, I tell you sure; Two eyes right saintly beamed from her visage. With lashes long which she well could manage. For her glances were all full simple and coy; And in science and its laws was all her joy.

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And on politics lecture the masses. Dark was her hair, her eyes hid by glasses. Which of dignity deepened th ' impression — A proper model of true discretion. Quite well did she sing the service divine, Entuned in an alto deep and fine. And, furthermore, she well knew how to dance. Though for such things she showed small complaisance. But rather cared for great acquaintance With learning, especially Domestic Science. I cannot remember her whole array. But ' t was, sans doute, in fashion of that day. Miss Keller next joined our gay company. And though for a time she left us to be Without her, she ' s with us again once more. She has manners precise, and airs galore; And the ways of society and its state She takes great pains to rightly imitate. And French she spoke with an accent wary, After the way of a select Seminary. She ' s always at ease and right debonaire. With plenty of sang froid and savoir faire. And hotly she loves, we judge by her hand. Where a diamond gleams, as you understand. She could sing songs, and themes could well endyte, And in Philosophy she shone most bright. She was neat and trim, of medium size. With tip-tilted nose and gray Irish eyes. Her garb was a linen suit. Feathers frail Waved on her hat, ' neath a chiffon veil. Of which she was quite proud, as is the way Of maids when they first care for raiment gay. Then Josephine, who was fairer to see Than e ' er the lily on her stalk can be.