The 1874 Diary of Ypsilanti Teen Allie McCullough

Part of a year-long weekly series of excerpts from Ypsilanti teenager Allie McCullough's 1874 diary, from the last year of her life.

You may remember that last week Allie was buzzing about during her summer vacation, visiting and being visited by friends.

July 31 Fri. Marion and I went to Cora Guy's today. We had an excellent time. I drove. Did not get home until real late because one of the horses lost her shoe. Marion read to me part of the way. The book is nice, "The rich, wide world."

Aug. 1 Sat. Went up town in the morning to do the trading. In the afternoon read and arranged [sister] Marion's waxed wreath for her and learned how to make some of the flowers. [Other sister] Mary and I went up town in the evening. Saw and talked with Mrs. Hewitt. Went up to Joe Wilcox's.

Aug. 2 Sun. Didn't go anywhere all day, but stayed home and read. Intended to go to Church in the evening, but there was no church at ours, so did not go and it happened that there was none anywhere except the Episcopal.

Aug. 3 Mon. Went up town early in the afternoon, met Joe and so went home with her. Had a fine time. Mrs. Williams was here in the afternoon. Mary is working with all her might to get ready to go to Detroit. Marion and I went up to Aunt Lizzie's and stayed until the trunks were most packed.

Aug. 4 Tues. Got up real early this morning, went over to the depot with Mary. Saw and spoke with Mr. Dull (?). Carrie N. called here this morning. M. Worden and baby are here now. Jenny Shipman called in the afternoon. After that, Marion and I went up to C.N.'s. Nice time. Went up to Joe Wilcox in the evening. Uncle John has taken his meals here today and will until Auntie comes home.

Aug. 5 Wed. Went up to Joe's in the afternoon and stayed to tea. Went down town after supper and then back to her house. Did not come home until after eight. We had a grand time. Joe told me some things which both surprised and pleased me [ooh, please do tell us! -ed.] Got a letter from Mary (all well).

Aug. 6 Thurs. Worked almost every minute of the forenoon, sewed and read in the afternoon. Went up to Joe Wilcoxx's in the morning with Marion and stayed until dark. Went over to Mr. Busby's in the evening to take the milk. Stayed a little while.

Aug. 7 Fri. Got a letter from Carrie N. tonight. Had a call. Worked all forenoon at the ---- and pieced all of hte afternoon. Marion and Ma went out riding tonight after supper and I had to do all the work alone. Broke a dish [hmm, just coincidence I'm sure --ed].

Thanks for reading; tune in next Friday for another chapter!.