Wellesley College

This book provides a fascinating walk through the history of Wellesley College in black and white photographs. Each chapter begins with a one page introduction of the chapter's theme, followed by well-chosen historical photographs with descriptive captions. The chapters are College Hall and the Early Years, Presidents, Academic Life, Student Life, Traditions, Campus Places, and Wellesley's Motto and Mission. One highlight of the book for me was the chapter on the founding and early history of Wellesley College. Numerous photographs of the interior and exterior of College Hall bring to life the building that housed the college from 1875, when the school opened, until 1914, when College Hall burned to the ground. Behind Tower Court, on the hill where College Hall once stood, Wellesley students of today can see what remains of College Hall - 5 stone pillars erected as a memorial. The photographs and descriptions of this book bring to life that building, the 1914 fire, and the slow process of rebuilding the College after the fire destroyed all classrooms, dormitories, library, and offices in one night. I also enjoyed learning about the origin of some of my favorite places at Wellesley and about the college presidents and professors for whom they were named. Photographed locations include the dormitories and classroom buildings, as well as "Lucy's point," Shakespeare House, and the impromptu ice skating pond in front of the Science Center. It was fascinating to see photographs of campus places from which I have many happy memories filled with women from various points in the College's history enjoying the same spots. At the same time, Cohen has included recent additions to the College, such as the Lulu Wang Campus Center and the beautiful new walkway around the reclaimed section of Lake Waban. The writing in the book is informative and concise, giving just enough information to let the reader tie the subjects of the photographs to her prior knowledge of Wellesley. The black and white photographs bring the history of the school to life in crisp detail. One note: Recent graduates looking for photos of their friends will not likely find them here, since the emphasis is more on older photos. The author, Arlene Cohen, is a 1994 graduate of Wellesley College. While a student, Cohen led campus tours, researched and wrote a senior project on Wellesley traditions, and enthusiastically participated in such events as Flower Sunday, Hoop Rolling, and Step Singing. Her knowledge of and affection for the school and the bonds that are created there shine through in this book.