It's been awhile since my last A-Files column. This week we bring some levity from years gone by. While digging for some notes in the Registrar's boxes, I ran across a folder labeled, "Our Black Book. 1935-1938."

Piquing my interests, I took the folder out and found it contained a collection of quotes from student applications. The front page says, "Dedicated to the members of the future office forces. The Office Girls of 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938." Here are some items that I found funny, which I am presenting in their words (actual spelling and grammar).

Letters:

Dear Sir:

Due to the fact that I have a very sensative stomach I desire to eat in the cafeteria during my freshman year.

The following student refused to pay his fee as he did not have glasses when he signed:

St. Olaf College:

As I have never signed for anything for this Fund, just ceep on asking if you like. I owe you notting.

From a business letter:

My financial situation is very much embarrassed.

Answers found on "Application for Admission" blanks:

Occupation of FatherŠ..Dead.

When did your last continuous residence in Minnesota begin? Birth.

From a letter of recommendation:

Altho I would consider Edward a normal, healthy American boy in everyway, I will say that he has not acquired the habits or desire for smoking, drinking nor the use of foul language.

From a matriculation record:

By whom were you confirmed? God knows who.

From a recommendation for a prospective teacher:

Šstraight-forward and square as a die and absolutely no booze. If he has any bad habits (they are unknown to me, if any) and he has not acquired them in his home.

Never heard of him ever touching liquor or associating with the rougher element in these parts. Has never bothered his head in undue measure about the fair sex here. Quite a few young fellows in these parts have given us lots of grief, have had to send some to St. Cloud.

Other letters:

Dear Mr. Thompson:

I received your letter of June 28, and wish to inform you that I have not made any arrangements concerning my room. My plans are to arrive in Northfield about fifteen days in advance and to search for a place where I can work for my board and lodgings. If my luck holds with me as it has done for the past two years, I will meet with no difficulties. Those are my only plans; if they fail; then I'll have the whole winter to think up some new ones!

Dear Sir:

I just got a letter from you, and I see you want another $5.00 of me. You are mistaken. My payment is in October. Once every year, $5.00 for ten years. You don't need to write me every four months.

Archive office hours are M-F, 8:30 to 12:30. The archives are located on the second floor of the library, in room 211.