Hi, everyone! Thank you so much for your interest in this story. This chapter took a while to come together, for there's a lot of ground to cover as Colleen & Andrew embark on their new life together…
Follow Your Heart – The Cook Chronicles
Chapter 3 – Matriculation, Part One
In Denver, the newlyweds transferred from the local Denver & Rio Grande Railroad to the Kansas Pacific Railway headed east. Switching to a major line meant a chance to upgrade to first class and Andrew took advantage, booking them a private compartment for the rest of the trip.
The couple passed the time looking out at the scenery and taking turns reading and discussing some medical journals that Andrew had brought along. Colleen's reading material of choice was her family's graduation gift - a medical dictionary (Andrew, upon learning this fact, decided to purchase an exquisitely detailed silk bookmark as his own gift, hoping it would remind Colleen of him every time she used it while she was away. Little did he know then that he'd be joining her back east!). Andrew served as a tutor of sorts, quizzing his wife daily on the section she'd reviewed, and previous sections. To make it more interesting, sometimes he'd give her the word and she'd have to define it, while other times he gave her the definition and she needed to come up with the word.
Whenever there was an extended layover at a major station such as Kansas City or St. Louis - which required a second transfer to the Pennsylvania Railroad - they hopped off for a welcome respite from the narrow confines of the rail cars. These travel breaks offered a chance to freshen up and purchase a newspaper to keep up with current events. The common news in each city was the fluctuations in the stock market. With the transcontinental railroad completed, some investors were starting to panic that the rail companies were over-extended on credit and would soon begin to shed workers, disrupt supply chains, and possibly go out of business entirely, thereby leading the country into economic collapse.
Late at night, when darkness descended around the train and the only illumination was from the lamp in the corridor, the restrictions of propriety at last gave way to prolonged, splendid kissing. Ultimately, though, these covert displays of affection had to come to an end, as it would be entirely too indecent to take things any further. And so, Colleen would nestle under Andrew's arm, Andrew would slouch against the side of the car, and together they fell asleep to the rocking of the train.
Following five and a half days of almost non-stop travel, the newlyweds arrived at the bustling station in Philadelphia. No one was there to greet them, for they knew not a soul in the City of Brotherly Love. After arranging for Andrew's crate to be temporarily stored at the station, the porter loaded their luggage into a horse-drawn cab. Little was said on the ride to the hotel, the couple simply taking in the views of the city that would be their home for the next two years.
:
"Welcome, sir, to the Liberty Hotel. Name, please?"
"Andrew Cook, and my wife, Colleen. We should have a reservation."
With the wedding having been held on such short notice, Elizabeth Quinn – much to her chagrin - hadn't had time to get the couple a proper wedding present. Her gift, then, was to pay for their honeymoon stay in Philadelphia.
The mustached man checked his records. "Ah, yes, Dr. Cook, I have your reservation. One week's stay in our deluxe suite paid in advance." Colleen and Andrew exchanged a glance at Elizabeth Quinn's generosity of a full suite; the woman was generous to a fault. The receptionist turned to the board behind him to retrieve the key and checked the mail slot. "There's a message for you, sir." He handed the telegram envelope to Andrew and, noticing the couple's several items of baggage, rang the bell several times for bellboy assistance.
"Thank you," said Andrew, folding the slim envelope into his jacket pocket. He could read it once they were upstairs. Most likely it was a wire from Mrs. Quinn offering her congratulations, as only she and Colleen's immediate family knew where they were staying.
The receptionist handed the key to the bellboy before addressing Andrew again. "If you need anything, doctor, don't hesitate to ask. I hope you and Mrs. Cook enjoy your stay."
"I'm sure we will," Andrew replied before grinning at Colleen again, taking delight in hearing her referred to as Mrs. Cook. That had always been his mother until recently, when he'd learned the shocking news that his parents had perished at sea while returning from a vacation in Europe. He had only just seen them at Christmas, having decided to return to Boston for a visit in the aftermath of the deadly diphtheria epidemic at Thanksgiving. Now, though, the title Mrs. Cook belonged to Colleen - most happily so.
The quartet of bellboys led the way up floor after floor until reaching the top. Once the door towards the end of the hall was open, Colleen entered and glanced around the room. She had stayed in a hotel once before, in Washington, but the accommodations she had shared with Dr. Mike at the Capital Hotel had not been so grand. This suite was easily twice the amount of space, with windows on two sides instead of one. There was the bedroom area with a four-poster bed and its furnishings, and then there was a separate seating area with chairs, tables, and desk. There was also another door, and upon opening it Colleen discovered that it was a private water closet, meaning they wouldn't have to share one with other guests like she'd done in DC.
Andrew set his medical bag down on the bedside table before handing the lead bellboy a generous tip for the effort of lugging their heavy trunks up five flights of stairs. As soon as the hotel staff left the room he shed his jacket, hanging it on the coat tree.
"Look, Andrew, you can see the top of Independence Hall," Colleen beckoned from a window.
He drew close behind her to peer over her head. It was late afternoon, warm but not overly hot, the vista displaying sunny skies with puffy white clouds. Andrew rested his hands on her shoulders and gave a light squeeze. "I think I prefer the view indoors, Mrs. Cook."
She spun around at his complimentary tease. "I can hardly believe we're in Philadelphia together," Colleen replied, eyes shining with happiness. "I always imagined going to medical school by myself."
"Oh, don't worry," he chuckled, "you'll still be on your own in school. I have no compulsion to spend hours hunched over a cadaver or develop cramps from taking copious notes again. Though I wouldn't be a very good husband if I didn't join my beautiful wife on her honeymoon, would I?" One hand raised to her cheek, beginning a tender caress. "Why don't we unpack, go down for an early dinner, and turn in?"
Colleen's brows furrowed in puzzlement. "Turn in? Won't it still be light out?"
In response, Andrew lowered his lips for a gentle kiss, followed by a passionate one of longing, of pent-up desire from their nights on the train. "You were saying?" he asked hopefully, searching her eyes.
Luckily for him, Colleen had also been somewhat frustrated by the limitations of the train. She vividly recalled all the places Andrew's lips and hands had roamed on their wedding night – and could do so again now that they had the luxury of a hotel room all to themselves. "You're right. We should turn in early."
Pleased that she was so agreeable, he resisted the urge to kiss her again (or else they might not make it down to dinner!). Instead, Andrew turned his attention to unpacking, mussing that his wife might not always be so accommodating of his desires. There'd be times when she'd be tired, or need to study for a test or deal with her monthly menses… The joys of married life, he thought wryly. Well, it's what he'd signed up for, wasn't it? Colleen's issues were now his, and vice versa - though he would try his best not to burden her with much of anything these next two years. School would be stressful enough; she didn't need him adding onto that. Just the opposite, he hoped. He was looking forward to giving her occasional respites from the rigors of study, taking her to plays and concerts, going on walks and picnics, maybe spending a lazy morning or two in bed...
"Andrew!" Colleen's voice was louder than usual.
"Oh, uh, yes?" He hadn't realized he'd been daydreaming.
"Which drawer do you want?" she asked in a normal tone.
"Oh. Do you mind if I take the top?"
"If I minded, I wouldn't have asked," she pointed out, resuming her task. "What were you thinking about?"
"Just..." he cleared his throat self-consciously, "just the things we might do while we're in Philadelphia."
She gave him a flirtatious look over her shoulder. "Like turning in early?" Colleen smiled brightly before again returning to unpacking, bringing a huge grin to Andrew's face.
The joys of married life indeed.
:
Over the next several days, Andrew couldn't believe his good fortune, at how free he felt in this city of freedom. Professionally, he was literally free of Preston's interference and free of having to deal with hypochondriacs who really only wanted someone to fuss over them. Personally, he was on his honeymoon, with the young woman who had captured his heart, free to express affection for her in ways he hadn't dared imagine when they were living in Colorado Springs. She was like a magnet, an irresistible force drawing him in to look, to feel, to taste, and to discover what made her gasp or sigh or mewl with pleasure…
Sully had been right. It was half the fun.
And how wonderful it was to have Colleen continually by his side as they roamed about Philadelphia like tourists and became acquainted with their new environs, exploring the city's shops, parks, museums and historical sites. Colleen no longer had to spend hours looking after Katie or helping at Michaela's clinic while he worked alone at his; she didn't have to leave his company to go home for the day or – worse - leave town altogether for weeks at a time to further her education. He no longer had to endure that recurring ache he'd felt every time they parted ways.
Colleen was truly his.
In the back of his mind Andrew knew that he needed to arrange for more permanent accommodations for when the hotel suite would no longer be gratis, but why spend time on such matters when he could be with his lovely wife instead? Their short honeymoon was all that there was for Colleen to give him her undivided attention before her schooling began and they would be spending most of their daylight hours apart.
Practical concerns could wait.
:
On the last Friday of May, a hotel porter summoned a carriage.
"Woman's Medical College," Andrew directed the driver while helping Colleen inside. The hotel concierge had assured him that the school wasn't far - perhaps ten or fifteen minutes by carriage, depending on traffic – but Andrew was still glad he'd ushered Colleen out the door when he had. She was a bundle of nervous energy this morning, checking and double-checking her appearance in the mirror, confirming and re-confirming that she had her admissions letter with her, verifying and re-verifying that Andrew was in possession of her tuition, which he insisted on carrying himself. The young doctor knew this was an exciting day for her, the fulfillment of a dream, and so he did his best to remain calm in the midst of her storm (though privately he was batting down his own nervous excitement, for each day of her schooling meant one day closer to their ultimate shared dream of working together).
"Did I forget anything? My letter, my cab fare… my pen!" Colleen quickly opened her handbag as their cab merged into the daily congestion of wagons, carts, carriages and pedestrians. She was wearing what she called her "Gilda" dress, the blue one given to her by the famous singer. It was the most expensive outfit she owned, making her feel like a woman of society even if she really wasn't. She was certain all the other girls would be dressed smartly, too, having a similar desire to make a good first impression, and she wanted to fit in. "Andrew, we need to go back, I forgot my pen!"
"Colleen, I'm sure if there's anything for you to sign, they will provide you with a pen," Andrew said casually, hoping his relaxed attitude would rub off on her. "Today's only matriculation; there won't be any lectures where you need to take notes."
The reminder helped calm her a bit. "Oh, right… I suppose you think I'm silly, being nervous today."
"Not at all. It's a big milestone, starting medical school. It brings back memories."
"What was your first day like?"
"I… I was late to class," Andrew confessed.
"You were?" Colleen's voice rose in surprise. That seemed so unlike him. "What happened?"
"I wanted to impress the professors on how much I already knew, so I stayed up late studying Gray's book the night before, trying to memorize as much as I could." He let Colleen deduce the rest.
"You overslept!"
"I overslept," he confirmed. "Believe me, it did not happen again. I got quite the dressing down from the dean on punctuality."
"Wasn't there anybody to wake you up?"
"I had just moved back into the Harvard dormitory, and my new roommate, Fred Hughes, decided it would be amusing to let me sleep in. In my haste to get to class I cut myself shaving." Andrew shook his head, remembering. "I retaliated the next day by hiding his notebook. After that we called a truce. I sometimes wonder whatever happened to him, we lost touch after I moved to Colorado Springs. He thought it a foolish endeavor when I had a sure thing with my uncle." Andrew paused to place his hand comfortingly on top of hers, returning to the original topic. "You can rest assured, darling, that this is one roommate who will not let you be tardy for school." He squeezed her hand and held her gaze a moment before turning his attention out the window to the activity along the street.
Colleen fell silent as well, her nerves forgotten as she kept her focus on his hand over hers. His pledge that he wouldn't let her be late brought to mind his words from Colorado:
-I would hate for anything to interfere with you becoming a doctor.
Andrew had already proven how seriously he took her schooling by taking precautions in their marriage bed. His thoughtful consideration of her had made Colleen love him all the more – and had been a stark contrast to Dr. Mike's attitude on the matter. Her mother had never even mentioned the possibility of using such products, instead only worrying that Colleen would become pregnant and be forced to drop out of school. Maybe it hadn't crossed Dr. Mike's mind to say anything since she had no need to be careful herself, or maybe she associated their use too closely with Hank's girls and immoral behavior. But Andrew – her smart, sweet, selfless Andrew – had assured her that immoral use wasn't their only function. Married couples could use the sheaths for pregnancy prevention, too - and though there were some who viewed that use to be equally immoral, as interfering with God's plan, he didn't share that opinion.
Andrew had had even more to say during their drive to the homestead the next day. There was a new federal obscenity law, he explained, making it a crime to mail products designed to prevent pregnancy. Actual use of prophylactics wasn't considered illegal, and their manufacture wasn't illegal either, yet ordering them could be construed as breaking the law.
"You're risking going to jail for me?" Colleen marveled.
"Which is why we need to keep this between us. It's no one's business but our own. So long as we remain silent, there will be no cause for complaint. Understand?"
Colleen nodded, then had a new concern. "Ma orders things for Hank's girls to use."
"I wouldn't worry about your mother. Even if Daniel suspects what Michaela's doing, I doubt he'd arrest her without a direct confession. Besides, I think it will be easier to convict people on the portion of the law which restricts the mailing of obscene literature, though I'm sure there will be lawsuits filed on first amendment grounds. The American Medical Society has even formed its own committee to study it. There has always been a segment of society which considers the pictures and information in medical books to be obscene." He shook his head in dismay. "Hopefully reason and common sense will prevail once people realize what this law does."
Was it really just two weeks ago that she'd been an innocent bride? She felt so much more worldly now, informed not only about using prevention and the new law, but also having learned so much about her own body – and his. Nothing in the books - nor none of her mother's and grandmother's words - had prepared her for the reality of marital relations, of how nice it felt to submit to her husband's desires…
No wonder Dr. Mike and Sully kept their door closed so much!
"Looks like we're here," Andrew eventually announced as they came to a halt in front of the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania. He assisted Colleen from the cab before paying the driver.
Colleen looked up at the large, three-story building, marveling at the school she'd heard so much about.
She was here, she was really here!
She easily spotted the Women's Hospital of Pennsylvania next door - a facility Dr. Mike had never set foot in. Its doors had opened in 1861 to allow the lady pupils a place to gain invaluable clinical experience in the practice of their profession, as other hospitals were not as accepting of the idea of woman doctors. The college trustees didn't want their students at any further disadvantage than they already endured because of their sex.
"I'm impressed," Andrew commented, guiding his wife up the wide front steps of the college. "It looks about the same size as Harvard Medical School."
"Really?"
"On the whole, yes, it seems comparable. Though the architecture is different. Harvard has a double staircase leading to the front door, and I'm sure the interior is arranged differently as well. Shall we go in?"
Just inside the front entrance, a young woman greeted them and gestured to her left. A row of four chairs were across from an office door identified as School Secretary. The door was closed, so Colleen and Andrew took seats to wait their turn. Andrew's presence drew curious looks, as the small number of people milling about were all women and they were understandably wondering who her escort was. Brother? Cousin? Fiancé? Husband? Fortunately, none of them were brash enough to ask. However, it suddenly made Colleen self-conscious, aware that she might be the only student who was married. She didn't want to be the one who was different; she wanted to fit in. Fortunately, her delicate wedding band was hidden by her glove. Maybe she could hide the fact that she was married, at least for a little while?
It wasn't long before the door opened, and one of the women who had been loitering around approached the new matriculant to escort her to orientation. Colleen and Andrew took that as their cue to step inside the office for their turn.
A stout, middle-aged woman was shuffling papers behind the desk. Streaks of gray tinted her dark bun. Hearing the door close again she glanced up expectantly. "Please, have a seat. I'm Mrs. Perling."
"How do you do, I'm Colleen Cook. This is my husband, Andrew." Andrew gave a polite nod but remained silent. If Colleen hadn't been married, she would have been handling this all on her own, but the least he could do was escort her on her first day and vouch that she had his permission to enroll. Being a progressive institution, he doubted his formal consent would be necessary, but one never knew about state or city regulations which might mandate it. "I sent a wire two weeks ago explaining my change of name. I was accepted under the name Cooper," Colleen explained, handing over her acceptance letter.
Mrs. Perling glanced down at the paper through reading glasses affixed to a chain around her neck. "Yes, Mrs. Cook, we received your telegram. Do you have your fees and tuition?"
Colleen was taken aback by the woman's demeanor. It wasn't rude, exactly, but neither was it welcoming, absent both smiles and pleasantries (such as asking about her trip or offering congratulations on her marriage), which is what Colleen would have expected of a school official on the first day. Colleen wondered if Matriculation Day was the woman's least favorite day of the year, interrupting her normal duties, or if she was always this impersonal.
Colleen turned to Andrew to accept the precious envelope of cash he had safeguarded on his person, a combination of her savings and his own. It had come as no surprise to the young doctor to learn Colleen had been saving up for medical school, and knowing how much it meant to her, he'd agreed that they would pool their funds to pay for this first year. Privately, however, Andrew had lamented the fact that Colleen no longer had any spending money of her own. It meant well and truly that she was his dependent, completely reliant upon her husband for income, for the basic necessities of food, clothing, shelter… indeed, for her entire well-being. It was a responsibility he would gladly accept, however, as it meant he and Colleen would be together forever.
Mrs. Perling flipped through the bills to verify the total amount and recorded the payment, handing Colleen an itemized receipt:
$5 matriculation fee
$8 anatomy fee
$105 tuition
$118 paid 1873-74 term
Along with the receipt, Mrs. Perling handed Colleen a matriculation card and pamphlet imprinted with the bold and elaborate font
WOMAN'S MEDICAL COLLEGE OF PENNSYLVANIA,
PHILADELPHIA.
1873-74.
"You will want to read this at your earliest convenience. It contains an overview of the college, the requirements for graduation, and a list of recommended reading for each course. Now then, what is your mailing address here in Philadelphia?"
"We don't have one yet," Colleen apologized, exchanging an uneasy glance with her husband. "We're staying at the Liberty Hotel through Sunday, but after that…" She looked to Andrew for help.
"Colleen should be able to supply you with an address next week, Mrs. Perling. This week was our honeymoon," he added, slightly embarrassed, hoping the woman wouldn't judge him too harshly at putting pleasure before practicalities.
Mrs. Perling scowled, clearly disapproving. "Yes, I see where your priorities lie, Mr. Cook."
"Oh, it's Dr. Cook, actually," he corrected.
Mrs. Perling's eyes widened. "Doctor Cook?"
"Uh, yes. Is there a problem?" Andrew briefly wondered if she was confusing him with someone else. He and Colleen had seen the name painted in large letters, Jay Cooke & Co., outside the lending firm's headquarters on Third Street. He supposed that was something he'd have to get used to while living here, people hearing the name Cook and immediately thinking they were dealing with a member of the Cooke family. Though he didn't see why Mrs. Perling would make that association, as she had it in writing from Colleen's telegram that their surname was spelled without an 'e'.
Mrs. Perling's demeanor changed dramatically as she broke into a huge smile. "No, Dr. Cook, nothing is wrong. Please forgive my initial reaction. It's general wisdom that young ladies who marry while in school tend not to complete their studies due to… well, due to their domestic obligations, you understand. But seeing as you are a physician yourself, I presume you are supportive of your wife's effort to become a doctor?"
"Absolutely. Very supportive. In fact, Colleen's determination to become a doctor is one of the qualities I most admire about her," he replied, exchanging a smile with the young lady in question.
"Well, that's wonderful. Dr. Cook, would you mind waiting for a moment? There's someone I'd like you to meet… unless you have a pressing engagement?"
Andrew was surprised by the request but had no reason to turn it down, as the appointments he had made were not until later in the day. Before leaving Colorado, he had made arrangements to visit several doctors to inquire about the prospects of working with them as a partner. It would be far easier than trying to establish his own office in a large city without having all the necessary equipment. His clinic at the hotel had been well-stocked, but nearly everything in it had been purchased by Preston and thus wasn't Andrew's personal property to take with him when he left. Therefore, joining forces with another, established physician made the most sense. However, his main objective this morning had been to ensure that Colleen got settled in at school, and not knowing how long that would take, Andrew had left his schedule open.
"Not this morning, no."
"Good. Mrs. Cook, you'll find one of our current matriculants waiting in the entry to escort you to orientation."
"Thank you."
Andrew walked her the short distance to the door. "I'll see you later, darling." He gave her a quick kiss on the temple, as demonstrative as he dared with someone else present. "Have a good day."
Colleen stepped out of the office and was immediately greeted by a student. She was in her mid-twenties, well-dressed, though not wearing a hat or gloves like Colleen was. "How do you do, I'm Sarah Eddy."
"Colleen Coo- Cook." Colleen stammered, catching herself before uttering Cooper from old habit. (Andrew had somewhat nervously asked her if she wanted to continue using her given surname after they married, seeing as how Michaela had kept the name Quinn after marrying Sully. To be honest, keeping the name Cooper hadn't crossed her mind. Though she was a modern girl in some respects – having ambition, wanting to be a wife who did more than just keep house and have babies – she was traditional in others, and changing her name was one of those. It meant she was Andrew's wife as much as the ring on her left hand did.)
Colleen recovered her poise. "Nice to meet you, Sarah."
"You can call me Eddy," she directed, gesturing towards a hallway. "All the girls do; it helps to tell us Sarah's apart. I've not met a Colleen before; it's a pretty name. Where are you from?"
"Colorado Springs."
"That far? No wonder you had an escort. Was he your brother?"
Colleen didn't answer, distracted by the photographs they were passing along the hallway. Eagerly she began to search. Finding what she was looking for, Colleen raised a fingertip to the familiar face, emotions swirling.
Eddy joined her side. "You know her?"
"She's my mother." For an instant Colleen felt homesick, but the feeling passed as she realized that in this small way Dr. Mike was with her in Philadelphia after all.
"You're a legacy?" Eddy gaped in astonishment.
"A what?"
"Not familiar with the term? A legacy is someone whose father – well, in this case, mother – attended the same school. I haven't heard of a legacy here before. I'm sure you'll be the first of many." She gave Colleen a warm smile and turned to resume their journey, but Colleen had another question.
"Eddy, could I get a print of this photo? Ma doesn't have hers anymore."
"I don't know. I could ask Mrs. Perling for you. If she doesn't have the answer, no one does."
"Thanks."
"No wonder you're matriculating so young, having that kind of advantage growing up," Eddy commented as they climbed the stairs. "My father's a doctor, but he spent his time apprenticing boys, including my brother. When Johnny left to attend Columbia, I persuaded father to let me apprentice in his place. He was skeptical at first, until I convinced him of my sincerity. Here we are." Eddy indicated the open doorway on the second floor. "This will be the shortest lecture you'll ever have to sit through," she added playfully before retracing her steps.
Releasing a calming breath, Colleen entered the lecture hall. It was a sizable space and looked to hold about fifty sets of desks and chairs. The blackboard in front read Woman's Medical College Orientation, 10:00 a.m., with a row of empty chairs placed underneath facing the room. Two walls held windows while the other two were adorned with various diagrams and illustrations of the human body. About a dozen young women were already assembled near the front, getting acquainted in small groups.
Colleen's feeling from earlier – that she was really here – washed over her again as she approached the nearest group to introduce herself, making sure she got her name right this time. The others welcomed her and complimented her dress, and the talk quickly settled on fashion, expressing relief that crinolines were no longer in style, and how on earth could someone perform surgery wearing such a wide skirt, and hoping that bustles would remain small, for how would one sit down if they got any larger? Colleen listened politely, not having anything to really contribute to the discussion.
Every couple of minutes a fresh face arrived, starting the introduction process over, and the groups splintered and reformed as the girls mingled and made small talk, finding common interests or shared places of origin. Several of them had already moved into the boarding houses and were comparing notes on their landladies. Others were discussing their travels to Philadelphia, wondering who had traveled the farthest, and noting other places they'd visited. When a black girl entered the room accompanied by a white one, every head turned in surprise, and conversations momentarily stopped before quietly resuming. Colleen was glad that the grouping she was in – what could be called the 'best dressed group' for lack of a better description – merely expressed surprise that a colored woman would have the means to pay for medical school. Colleen suggested that she might have earned a scholarship, and the others nodded, accepting this explanation.
Having been reminded of Miriam Tilson's time in medical school with no friend other than Dr. Mike, Colleen excused herself from her companions, hoping to make the new girl's acquaintance. The girl and her friend had retreated to the far end of the room, however, and before Colleen could get there, she was beckoned by another girl who looked to be close in age to her own. Not wishing to be rude, Colleen joined her and her two companions. Their first question was to ask which part of Pennsylvania Colleen was from. When Colleen explained she was from Colorado Springs, not Pennsylvania, the others expressed amazement that she'd traveled so far and asked if the west really was 'wild'.
It was during Colleen's description of her hometown that a clock chimed the top of the hour, signaling the start of orientation. Mrs. Perling entered the room along with four others. Colleen and the other matriculants quickly took seats in the front rows, the school officials took the seats underneath the blackboard, and the room grew quiet with an air of expectation.
The Dean (Colleen presumed it was the Dean, as who else would speak first?) approached the lectern. She had a pleasant face and looked to be just a few years older than Dr. Mike, in her mid-forties. Colleen didn't know anything about her, but one of the girls earlier had said that she had gone to Europe for specialized training in gynecological surgery before becoming chief resident at the Women's Hospital in the '60s. Someone else had said she had a husband who was paralyzed, but whether it was from illness, or an injury suffered during the war, the student wasn't sure, as it wasn't polite to pry.
"Welcome, ladies, to the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania. I am Dr. Emeline Cleveland, Dean of the college. I also serve as Professor of Obstetrics and Diseases of Women. You have been accepted to this institution because something in your application told us of your passion for medicine, of your commitment to study, of your willingness to work hard to serve those in need of care. You have a curiosity to know the unknown. You have the compassion to want to help others. In other words, you wish to become a healer… a doctor.
"You sit in this hall today because other institutions refuse to accept you. They have closed the door to you. You must accept the challenge to stand above the derision, above those who say it is men's work, above those who say it is beyond the reach of your sex. If you pledge to do your best, then we will do our best to give you the opportunity to achieve your goal. We have opened the door for you. Now it is up to you to step through it."
The room was silent, the students hanging onto Dr. Cleveland's every word. "Before I continue, I wish to introduce you to some of our faculty whom you will be learning from. Dr. Isaac Comly, Professor of the Practice of Medicine. Dr. Laura Taylor, Professor of Physiology and Hygiene. And Miss Rachel Bodley, Professor of Chemistry and Toxicology."
As the names were announced each instructor rose from their seat. Dr. Comly's hair was a mixture of gray and dark strands. He sported a full beard and looked to be in his early- to mid-fifties. Dr. Taylor looked to be in her mid- to late thirties with nut-brown hair similar to Andrew's. Miss Bodley was in the same age-range as Dr. Cleveland, stout with dark blond hair. The fact that she hadn't been introduced as a doctor gave Colleen pause, but if she wasn't qualified to teach, then she wouldn't be one of the professors. A Professor of Anatomy was notably missing from the introductions, but presumably he or she had had to stay behind and staff the Women's Hospital during orientation.
"Attendance at lectures will be your primary responsibility. Each professor shall decide whether or not you are qualified to sit for the final examination in their respective subject, based upon your attendance in class and performance on periodic exams. You will not be eligible for graduation until you have passed a final examination in every subject. You will also need to submit a thesis to earn your medical degree. The complete list of requirements is in the pamphlet you received from Mrs. Perling. Though the basic course of study may be completed in two years, we understand that some of you may wish to increase your knowledge in a specific area of medicine, such as obstetrics or ophthalmology, and you are welcome to do so by continuing your studies beyond the minimum required.
"In addition to your academic courses, you are also required to complete a minimum number of hours in practical work. To that end you will be assigned hours at the Women's Hospital. Those of you who have prior experience serving as a nurse will find your initial duties familiar – restocking supplies, cleaning instruments, feeding patients, changing linens, and so forth."
"Will we be scrubbing the floors, too?" someone whispered near Colleen.
The Dean paused her presentation, having noticed the disturbance. "Yes? Miss…"
"Carpenter," the student answered in a clear voice. "I was just wondering when there would be time to study."
"Duty shifts are rotated, Miss Carpenter, offering you ample time for study, the running of errands, or the pursuit of personal enrichment." Dr. Cleveland paused, having been diverted from her notes. "As I was saying… if you have not yet worked in a hospital, you may find it to be unsettling at first. We do not turn anyone away. Some of our patients are the less fortunate, without the resources or inclination to see a physician, too often coming to us when there is little we can do. We trust you will be up to the challenge to deal with these circumstances and be able to cope with any unfortunate outcomes."
The physician paused to let her point sink in. Sadly, Colleen was all too familiar with the unfortunate outcomes the Dean referenced – none so more acutely than the death of her real Ma.
"I'm afraid I have other matters requiring my attention this morning so if you'll excuse me, I'll leave you in the capable hands of our secretary, Mrs. Perling." Dr. Cleveland yielded the podium and headed up the aisle towards the exit in back.
Before Mrs. Perling could begin her comments, the scrape of a chair against the hardwood came from the rear. Within seconds every head had turned at the unexpected sound, and Colleen's jaw dropped in surprise.
Andrew gave a respectful (though obviously embarrassed) nod to the assembled before exiting with Dr. Cleveland.
"Who was that?" a student hissed.
"Isn't he handsome?" another whispered.
"Ladies, ladies," Mrs. Perling called from the podium, returning the students' attention to the front of the room. "I am here to help you as much as your professors. If you need a recommendation for a seamstress or a milliner or have any other concerns during the year that are not directly related to your studies, come see me. Now then, before you're given a tour of the college and hospital, we'll go around the room and have everyone introduce themselves. Tell us your name, where you're from, and how you became interested in becoming a doctor. We'll start with you on the end and go across the row. Miss Sullivan, I believe?"
As the first student began to tell her story, Colleen forced herself to pay attention. She'd already surmised that Mrs. Perling had asked Andrew to meet with one of the doctors for a consult; what she hadn't realized was that the case was one of Dr. Cleveland's own patients! It felt a little strange, not being able to talk to Andrew about it right away, but her Matriculation Day was far from over.
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Author's Notes:
-The federal Comstock Act of 1873 was an "Act for the Suppression of Trade in, and Circulation of, Obscene Literature and Articles for Immoral Use." Its intent was to impose moral behavior by discouraging pornography and promiscuity. Immoral items included 'every article or thing designed, adapted, or intended for preventing conception,' and some people interpreted 'obscene literature' as including medical books (Michaela made a reference to this type of censorship in the season 3 episode "The Library"). Nearly every state eventually passed their own, more highly restrictive obscenity laws, beginning in 1879 (though some states, such as Colorado and Pennsylvania, specifically carved out exemptions for medical books (Massachusetts - home of Harvard – curiously did not)). Despite these laws, the U.S. birth rate actually declined during the 19th century, as people used contraceptives anyway and/or simply had sex less often.
-"Gray's book" is, of course, the famous Gray's Anatomy. Originally published in Britain in 1858, the first American edition was published in 1862. Tragically, Henry Gray would die of smallpox at the young age of 34.
-Jay Cooke & Co. was a major financial firm based in Philadelphia (Preston mentions it by name in season 4's "Hearts and Minds" when he and Dorothy are talking in the bank). Its sudden bankruptcy would precipitate the Panic of 1873, with other major banks and companies going under, resulting in a recession which would last until 1877. "A New Beginning" teased the early stages of this economic downturn with Preston's misfortunes.
-In season 4's "The Iceman Cometh", Colleen fretted over the cost of medical school. The costs cited here are quoted from a primary source document, a 1871-72 pamphlet from WMCP. In 2022 dollars, the $118 for first year students equates to $2,914.
-Just as the show blended fact with fiction and incorporated historical figures into their storytelling, I have done likewise. The Women's Hospital really did open in 1861 (after Michaela's graduation in 1860), and Dr. Cleveland really was the WMCP dean in 1873. You don't need to know these bits of trivia to enjoy the story, but I thought they might be of interest.