From the Archives: “Thank God the War is Over” proclaims student letter from November 7, 1918

This letter (pictured above and transcribed below) is part of the United States – Canada Province Archives’ collection of the Kenwood Academy of the Sacred Heart. It records the spontaneous outburst of joy at the prospect of peace and the end of the Great War. In Virginia Manahan’s recording of the experience, you can see how deeply felt the yearning for peace was, and how joyfully felt its reality. The Kenwood House Journal also records this special day, noting, “the children are in delirium. having no objective but to make as much noise as possible.”

Convent of the Sacred Heart
Albany, New York
November 7, 1918

Dearest Mother,

Really you are too good to be true. Think of getting all those lovely sets of caps and scarves the gloves are wonderful so warm and vice that I can hardly wait to wear them, without appearing rediculous(sic). It is needless to say how nicely the fitted in (as candy always does). Now let me say a special “Thank you” for the worsted.

When I received your letter of the third I was greatly surprised to learn you had not gotten my letters. It seems strange enough for I have written back each week as far as I remember. Last night I was quite reconciled to know that you finally received our letter.

I was just sitting at my desk when suddenly all the bells began to ring. Immediately all the girls in the Study Hall jumped up and Mother Helen came running into tell us Peace had been officially declared. Oh how we did go on. Every one in the School ran with all their might and cheering wildly to the tower bell and oh we did make it ring. All afternoon we rang bells and cheered and acted as only real Americans can and you can imagine our joy. At four we marched all about the grounds, the community and the novices with us singing all our patriotic songs and finally came down and with flags of the allies in our hands surrounded the flag pole and sang, “Columbia the Gem of the Ocean.” At the same time there appeared in the sky a rainbow and I know god in Heaven is pleased. Oh I am so happy happy. The very first thing that we did when we heard the blessed news was to go to the chapel and sing the “Magnificat.” The girls are now having a dance. Thank God the War is over.

Please come to see us soon.

Your Loving Daughter

Virginia