This diary discusses Mary Jean’s time as Dean of Women at UVM and getting involved in student and faculty life on campus. She goes to meetings and events at Southwick Hall, attends alumni events, and meets President Bailey. It also focuses on the health of her mother and Mary Jean’s friendship with Elspeth, her mother’s caretaker. Illness takes a center stage in this diary, as Mary Jean, her mother, Elspeth, and her brother John all deal with various sicknesses throughout the year. In the winter, Mary Jean details her experience with serums and intravenous iron supplements to combat illness. Lively descriptions of visits with family and friends and visits to church are emphasized during the various holidays throughout the year.
Topics in this diary include transportation and automobile innovations, faculty and student life at UVM, health and medicine in the mid-20th century, weather patterns, and Vermont social life.