Helen Worthington Gauss, Sr. - 1911-08-01

(From Mrs. Graham to her brother, Dr. A. K. Worthington of Denver, Colorado).

Gebhard's Hotel
Goettingen, Germany
1 August 1911

Dear Andrew-
        Such great times as we had yesterday, I can't begin to tell you! We came down from Hildesheim a few days before.  and the cousin, Mr. Carl Gauss, next day.  [sic]  Sunday morning we went to the Observatory and saw all the apparatus Gauss used; escorted by a delightful old gentleman who does part of that work.  they say that Gauss' place has never been filled and the work is now divided up among several professors.  The bronze monument of him seated, and Weber standing, is in a sort of park surrounding the town; and he is buried in a beautiful old cemetery, now a park.  Every place has its own especial interest, and the College Library another bust.  Monday was the dedication.  We went out first by train, then drove to the Tower on top of the highest hill around, which he had formerly used to measure the land with a heliotrope he invented, doing his work by means of the sun's rays.  On this spot is the Gauss stein where his instrument rested, now built into the Tower.  When we arrived we were introduced to Herr Geheimrat Giesecke, who did most of the work of getting it erected; his brother, Herr Pastor Giesecke, and prominent men, from other universities.  All gave us a cordial welcome and some spoke English, but what German we know was much needed.
        The Tower stands on the crest of a hill, surrounded by a forest, mostly of pines, and the large crowd, with invited guests in the center, stood near the base outside in the open air.  all the men wore silk hats, frock coats, and some, - white gloves.  After music by the band, Herr Giesecke stood on the steps above and delivered a fine oration; strong, sincere and clearly expressed.  By listening closely, I could understand every sentence he uttered.  There was perfect silence and eager attention. He referred to the pleasure it gave them to greet American relatives who had come so far for this celebration, and gave us the most friendly attention afterwards. Then came somebody who spoke for the Kaiser and German people - the Kaiser headed the subscription list - and one of the Goettingen professors standing near me, said:  "He might have added that the name of Gauss would live long after the German nation was forgotten."  The Rector of the University ended, with a fine address that went to the heart, holding up as an example for all, this noble, gifted genius.  Then Mr.. Carl Gauss replied, in the name of the Gauss family, in a fine, finished response, when we were all invited inside to inspect the Tower and bust, just finished by the best German sculptor; of greater age and softer expression than those in bronze.  We climbed up easy flights of steps to the top where an open space affords a lovely view of a rolling country, with fields of ripe grain, and forests interspersed.  Far off in the distance lay the Harz Mountains, and Cassel in another direction.  All the points were pointed out to me by one of the kindest of professors, who helped me up the stairs with such encouragement as he could offer.  After a full survey of the far-away country around, and villages near, we went down for refreshments, served under a temporary structure.  Plenty of everything, and kind, friendly ladies to offer them. Some daughters of the professors, who spoke perfect English, I found especially agreeable, and little Carola,  The Herr Baron Somebody's little granddaughter, came up and stayed with me until we left.  the son of Mr. Gauss had come from Freiburg, and a nephew was here, who both began making love to little Carola, who still stuck to me.  A beautiful drive down to the village after many friendly adieus, and the last touch was a fine spread before leaving, at the house of Herr Pastor Giesecke, who lives there, near where he was born, and is a brother of the one who got the Tower built; both fine men, and such generous hospitality!  They kept bringing everything you could think of, and were above all so kind and friendly, we felt like we were among people we had always known.  One party of three men and we three just filled a compartment going back.
        Helen was in a state of exaltation all the afternoon, and Helen Jr. said it was the happiest day of her life.  She had worked hard at her German and gained greatly in confidence so was able to converse readily under the stimulus of strong excitement.  She had studied up some expressions and was in demand on every side, as everybody wanted to meet the great-granddaughter from America, who came to attend the dedication.  It was indeed a red-letter day for both, and they enjoyed it to the fullest extent.  Helen Sr. said she had seldom in her whole life felt such supreme satisfaction.  the personality of this great genius was so fine and strong, it grows greater as time advances, and one of the speakers said, - "he is far more widely known now than when he lived - the Prince of mathematicians".  It was all so soul-stirring, we were keyed up to the highest pitch, and feel the natural reaction today, so are writing and staying in.  Mr. Gauss and the two young men were with us at dinner, then he and his son left, with many kind wishes, one going north to Hameln, the other south to Freiburg.  So ended a very memorable occasion for us all!  It seemed strangely opportune that we should be here.  One of those unaccountable things in life that baffle your understanding.  We had not arranged for it, nor known when it was to take place until we reached Berlin and Helen Jr. got a letter from this cousin, her father's age, a very refined, cultivated man.  He reads French and Italian, and has sincere, quiet manners.  We all like him from the first, when he came down to Hildesheim to see us and decided where we would stay.  The hotel (in Goettingen) is on an old walk shaded by large trees, that once was a wall around the city, and is now a promenade.  I remember Lina Kountze's  husband speaking of it, as he was here several years.
        Tomorrow at twelve we leave for Heidelberg, see the castle and then go to Mainz for our boat down the Rhine.  The day we came, Helen Jr. went straight to the bank for letters, only a little way up the street.  Yours of the 12th was there, one from Tom saying the weather was cooler, and one from Will notifying me of a new letter of credit he had sent, with various items of news.  Said they wanted to have "Doc" up for Sunday.  I'm glad you are going.  Jack must be a funny little fellow.  He showed a strong disposition to hold his own end and more too, when he used to grab Laura's playthings.  I remember Mr. Koss very well, member of our  ? Club.  Maybe I will stay over here for a while longer, if there is no reason for my going home.  There are many interesting places  Hope you are not suffering from the heat.

Affectionately,
Mary