RADCLIFFE COLLEGE 313 



I see it, the need is now, and I should Hke to meet that 

 need and enjoy the results. 



Sincerely yours, 



Harriett L. Hemenway 



TO MRS. AUGUSTUS HEMENWAY 



Cambridge, January 3, 1897 

 Dear Mrs. Hemenway: ... It is now absolutely 

 settled that we remain on our present location. It 

 is probable that another large lot on the square of 

 which the Fay estate makes a part will fall into our 

 hands shortly — probably next spring. . . . You see, 

 therefore, dear Mrs. Hemenway, that the site may 

 now be chosen at any moment for a suitable gymna- 

 sium building. Our present idea is in general to have 

 our academic buildings including a gymnasium built 

 around the circumference of the square and enclosing 

 a quadrangle on which we already have some few 

 trees. As we have not the means to build the whole 

 at once we shall put the buildings up in sections 

 as needed, but with such reference to the final aspect 

 that when completed they will be harmonious and 

 symmetrical. We want our buildings to have a certain 

 distinction and dignity, but also to be practical and 

 thoroughly adapted to the work to which they are 

 dedicated, — a consideration which is sometimes 

 neglected by skilled architects, who are naturally 

 not so familiar with the inside working as those who 

 are intimate with the daily occupations and needs. . . . 

 I need hardly say that the mere hint of a suitable 



