Adelaide moved into Smith in the fall of 1936 with the help of her mother Yetta Mavritee Cromwell. Her aunt, Otelia wouldn’t return to Smith College campus until after Adelaide’s graduation in 1940. During Adelaide’s enrollment at Smith there is much correspondence between her and Otelia. Aunt Tee’s Advice takes a look at specific letters Otelia wrote Adelaide during her time Smith and the advice offered.

During her time at Smith, Adelaide worked towards a major in Sociology. Though she was allowed on campus housing she still faced many hurtles in her time at Smith. Whether is was white mothers not wanting their daughters to share bathrooms with Adelaide or professors leering at her as they teach. She was supported and defended by her friends and classmates who would speak up and tell off other students for making racist remarks. Some instances of racism Adelaide didn’t even know occurred during her time at Smith, and were told to her by friends years later.

Activity: Visual Thinking Strategies 
What do you notice about these photos? 
What do you see that makes you say that? 
What more can you find?