Mrs. Johnston had residence in the women’s dormitories for the 30 years she served as Dean of Women. She regularly ate meals and from the beginning also had socials in her residence, first in the Ladies Hall, and later in Baldwin Cottage. She gave many receptions for students and had one afternoon every week when anyone was “free to call.”  Comments in The Review show how much these events were enjoyed by students:

"It was the event of the term."

"It was the most successful as is everything of which Mrs. Johnston has the management."

"Everybody was welcome and everybody went."

The weekly hour for students was fondly remembered by one student who recalled: "She never turned you away, she welcomed everyone, she always had time to listen and to help."

Mrs. Johnston's living room in Baldwin Cottage (n.d.)

Pin believed to have belonged to Adelia Johnston, courtesy Oberlin College Archives

Teacup believed to have belonged to Adelia Johnston, courtesy Oberlin College Archives