Sidney Brooks letter to Obed Brooks, Jr., 1837 November 29
Description:
Sidney Brooks letter to his brother Obed Brooks, Jr. in which he writies regarding Amherst and his experiences at Amherst College. He asks Obed to follow him with his disembodied spirit so that Sidney can give him a sense of the place, the College, and his college experiences. Sidney begins the virtual tour at the hotel Amherst House. He describes the town of Amherst including its location, its buildings, the main street, and town buildings that relate to the College such as President Heman Humphrey’s house. He then discusses the college grounds and buildings including some details about what takes place in certain buildings, such as Professor Hitchcock's (Edward Hitchcock) chemistry lectures in the laboratory. Sidney goes on to describe his room in South College and the view from the building, noting features of the surrounding area including Mount Holyoke and the Connecticut River. He describes the course of study and a typical day for students with activities such as chapel, recitations, and meals. On the last page, Sidney includes other notes to Obed, telling him that he likes the baby's name and asking Obed to remind him on what day their mother died. He also notes that it is Thanksgiving and writes of a memory of their mother. There is a typed transcript of this letter in Box 1 Folder 9 of this collection.
