Synopsis of small group interview:
We first started off with question 7: "What do you think it means to be a Mount Holyoke woman?" We thought it would be a good ice breaker. It really got them into the mood of remembering. We then moved on to the next question that we wished to pursue and that was about faith on campus during that time. We asked what religions were practiced then, if the faiths mingled, if there was any form of discrimination that they saw. Our conversation flowed very nicely from this point on. We moved into talking about one cards, class connectivity, dating and partying on campus during their time here, sexual orientation (with relation to things changing), marriage and smoking. Questions spontaneously came up while we were interviewing and we shared our thought about things today which kept it moving.

Surprising Quotes:
Pam Moody Harkins told us that she had to do all her papers by hand because she couldn't type. So she asked MHC about it and they said, 'We are a fine institution, we don't teach typing.' She also said that she was a 'wallflower' because she didn't get married until she was 23. I know that the marriage stuff and the engagements were common and known, but meeting people who actually lived through that time really made it come alive (so that's why they are my interesting quotes).

Margot Rusch Allison told us that they had cloth napkins for dining and when they were done they would put a ring on it and put it into their 'cubby' and it would be changed once or twice a week.

Joan Winkel Ripley told us that one of her professor's wives got cancer so he gave an essay regarding if smoking causes cancer. She found only three references and her conclusion was that anything in excess could cause cancer.

All three were surprised at how many women here smoke (because we are all supposed to be very intelligent). They all also agreed that they were very naïve at that time. It was a peaceful time and they didn't have any reason to question rules. Everything was laid out for them. There used to be a saying that Amherst boys would date Smithies but marry MHC girls.