February 25, 1975
Dear Mr. Graham,
Of course I am flattered at your proposal for a name for the C.E.R.A. lake. Yes, you have my permission to call it the Louise Perry Spicer Lake. If you do, please include the Perry. My husband was a New Englander and had no connection with Grinnell. But three generations of Perrys from 1860 were involved with the town and college.
On second thoughts the lake really should be named for my aunt, Mary Ellen Perry '85. It was she who taught me to love the Iowa flora and fauna by taking my sister and me to gather wild flowers in the spring, berries in summer and nuts in the fall, with bird watching all year round.
When I entered Grinnell after a freshman year at Pomona, I signed up for botany with Professor Conard, remembering these childhood delights, and wishing to avoid dissecting animals. My enthusiasm dimmed somewhat when I found myself in a lab with a bunch of slides. But Dr. Conard was a fascinating and patient teacher and botany became one of my memorable courses at Grinnell.
Thank you for sending your speech. I like to think that C.E.R.A. will keep some of the Iowa prairie and woods for future wildlife lovers.
To return to naming the lake. You have my permission to use either of the two names suggested. If you think Spicer more euphonious, that's o.k.
I was planning to attend the graduation of my great niece Susan Gramstorff. But a necessary cataract operation early in May may prevent this. If I make it I shall certainly accept your kind offer of a conducted tour.
Sincerely,
Louise Perry Spicer