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 said that "Durbin told her the other day that I would not live long. Strange he should think so. He thinks that I will have consumption and look as -- ----- as can be every time I cough." Oh, Allie!

Sept. 25 Fri. Dressed and went to Lyceum. Expected that I would have to read, but did not. There were very few there and the debate was wretched. [:)] I wrote a French note to the Frenchman and directed it....... Had a jolly time. This is the last day of Emma's school.

Sept. 26 Sat. Went up to Carrie's in the afternoon. Joe was there and we had a magnificent time. Gave Joe a call and we all went down town, then home. Up town three times after that. Have seen that stranger that was in Lyceum ever so many times. Wonder who is he.

Sept. 27 Sun. Went to church and stayed to S. S. Read all of the afternoon. Went to Church at night. Splendid sermon.

Sept. 28 Mon. It has been a delightful day and I have had a nice time. Alex is quite sick. We are afraid that it is typhoid fever. Carrie N. made a very short call tonight. Have had to study hard.

Sept. 29 Tues. Have had all my lessons better than I expected. Got my monthly report tonight and am 10 in two studies. Went up to Carrie's tonight after supper and had a nice talk and visit. Carrie came part way home with me and Alfred Lucking from the corner down.

Sept. 30 Wed. Joe came up to school to meet me tonight. We went up to her house and then over to Carrie N.'s, who was not at home. Mrs. Gunn and S. Post were here to stay all night. Aunt Lizzie and Uncle John were here for a little while this evening. Had to study hard.

Oct. 1 Thurs. Did not go to school this afternoon. Went up to Joe's and then to the Fair Grounds. The fair was very good, but the wind and the dust were not. Had plenty of chances to flirt but Joe was so afraid and would do nothing but giggle out loud, throw her head around. J. B. stuck tight to us all the time. If it had not been for Jo I could have gotten rid of him. Almost hate him. Will wanted to take me to the theater and Ma would not let me go.

Oct. 2 Fri. Got ready and went to Detroit on the 10:10 train. Mr. Clayburg rode up on the street car with me. I went to Dr. Kermott's and got some medicine, then went up to Aunt Clara's. Got there about two. Mary did not get home until late. They have a little baby and it is cross as fury. Had a nice time.

Thanks for reading; tune in this coming Friday for another chapter!.