May 27, 1865

Matthew Vassar noted in his diary:

“Mem. of College matters yet to attended to:..Gass light-burners—Time-pieces—Bells or Gongs, Cabinetts of Insects—Ice House. Span College Carriage Horses & Vehicle or Coach—Floors Oiled—Beds&bedding—Gass Light in ‘Observatory’—Class Books for College. Chemical department fitted up—Unfinished Masonry Halls &c. Steps front Entrance—Building for Gynestic or Riding School. Kitchen Department—Crockery and Cooking Utensils etc. &c. &c. Gass House Roof strengthened &c. Iron Railing—Gallery of Chapel—Cushions. Ditto in Art Gallery. Unfinished Roads. Painting. Coal. Lighting Rods. Stone steps to tours. Water Hoses Reals & Hoses. Equipment for Riding School &c &c &c.”

Elizabeth Hazelton Haight, ed., Autobiography and Letters of Matthew Vassar