In 1865 Vassar College was opened, and three hundred and fifty students came pouring in from all parts of the land.  Girls, after all, did desire an education equal to that of young men.  Matthew Vassar was right.  His joy seemed complete.  He visited the college daily, and always received the heartiest welcome.  Each year his birthday was celebrated as “Founder’s Day.”  On one of these occasions he said:  “This is almost more happiness than I can bear.  This one day more than repays me for all I have done.”  An able and noble man, John Howard Raymond, was chosen president.

Mr. Vassar lived but three years after his beloved institution was opened.  June 23, 1868, the day before commencement, he had called the members of the Board around him to listen to his customary address.  Suddenly, when he had nearly finished, his voice ceased, the paper dropped from his hand, and—­he was dead!  His last gifts amounted to over five hundred thousand dollars, making in all $989,122.00 for the college.  The poor lad wrought as he had hoped, a blessing “to the country and the world.”  His nephews, Matthew Vassar, Jr., and John Guy Vassar, have given over one hundred and forty thousand dollars.

After the observatory was completed, there was but one wish as to who should occupy it; of course, the person desired was Maria Mitchell.  She hesitated to accept the position.  Her father was seventy and needed her care, but he said, “Go, and I will go with you.”  So she left her Lynn home for the arduous position of a teacher.  For four years Mr. Mitchell lived to enjoy the enthusiastic work of his gifted daughter.  He said, “Among the teachers and pupils I have made acquaintances that a prince might covet.”

Miss Mitchell makes the observatory her home.  Here are her books, her pictures, her great astronomical clock, and a bust of Mrs. Somerville, the gift of Frances Power Cobbe.  Here for twenty years she has helped to make Vassar College known and honored both at home and abroad.  Hundreds have been drawn thither by her name and fame.  A friend of mine who went, intending to stay two years, remained five, for her admiration of and enjoyment in Miss Mitchell.  She says:  “She is one of the few genuine persons I have ever known.  There is not one particle of deceit about her.  For girls who accomplish something, she has great respect; for idlers, none.  She has no sentimentality, but much wit and common sense.  No one can be long under her teaching without learning dignity of manner and self-reliance.”

She dresses simply, in black or gray, somewhat after the fashion of her Quaker ancestors.  Once when urging economy upon the girls, she said, “All the clothing I have on cost but seventeen dollars, and four suits would last each of you a year.”  There was a quiet smile, but no audible expression of a purpose to adopt Miss Mitchell’s style of dress.