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 still having fun during her summer vacation; learning how to make decorative flowers, spending time with her sisters, and spending time with her Uncle John, who was eating meals at ALlie's house till his wife, away on a trip, got home (this was in the days before Ramen noodles...).

Aug. 7 Fri. Got a letter from Carrie N. tonight. Had a call. Worked all forenoon at the ---- and pieced all of the 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].

Aug. 8 Sat. Broke another dish this morning. Took a good bath this afternoon. Pieced almost all the time. Mrs. Williams called. Went up town with Ma to get some meat. Miss H. and Fred M. were here when I got back. Will came and took Marion and I up to get some ice cream.

Aug. 9 Sun. Was sick almost all day, so of course, did not go to Church. Read some of Othello. Cannot say that I admire it very much if some do. Went and took a long ride with Uncle John, Marion, and Will. It did me ever so much good.

Aug. 10 Mon. Joe came down in the morning, made quite a call. I went up there in the evening. We took a long walk and Joe was going home to piece with me, when who should come up but Clayberg. He and Joe came home with me and then went back with Joe.

Aug. 11 Tues. So very warm all day that I did not dress half decent. Took a long, long sleep in the afternoon and then had some callers come. I was provoked but had to go in and see them just as I was. Joe W. came down in the eve. Got a letter from Mary.

Aug. 12 Wed. Marion and I went out in the country in the morning a little after seven to get some apples. Got back before noon. Went in the afternoon up to the Church. Stayed a little while. We are going to have a young ladies society. Went to Joe's and spent the rest of the afternoon and evening.

Aug. 13 Thurs. Made exquisite bouquet this morning and wrote a letter to Carrie N. Mrs. Guy came in the afternoon and took marion home with her. Joe W. came and stayed quite a while in the afternoon.

Aug. 14 Fri. Mrs. Williams was here and spent the afternoon. Had a pleasant time. Went up town in the afternoon. Saw Mr. Newton and Durbin. Had not mailed Carrie's letter so gave it to them. Did up every bit of the supper work and broke a dish [goodness, third one in a week! --ed.]

Thanks for reading; Allie's diary returns to Fridays this week; tune in this coming Friday for another chapter!.