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.

Last week, you may remember that Allie finished out the school term with a 9.9 in History and a 10 in Philosophy. She picked up her photo and danced with Ann Arbor boys at dancing school.

Dec. 18 Fri. Have passed examinations after all the fuss. 9.9 in History and 10 in Philosophy. After school we went into the laboratory and took electric shocks. Had a good time in general. Pinned Lane's overcoat pockets and sleeves up. There were many happy New Years and we gave three cheers and parted. A happy set of girls. Went up to the Normal Public. Had an elegant time.

Dec. 19 Sat. Felt miserable all day. Carrie N. came down in the afternoon and stayed to tea. Went to dancing school and had quite a nice time although there were no Ann Arbor boys. It was not as nice as last week. The girls went up to see them dance for a little while. The German was introduced tonight.

Dec. 20 Sun. Did not go to church this morning, but went to Sunday School. Walked down with Carrie N. Read and wrote in the afternoon. There was a fire in the evening, but it did not amount to anything, but was just at church time so I didn't go. The girls went to Uncle John's and stayed to dinner in the afternoon.

Dec. 21 Mon. Went over to Mrs. Worden's in the afternoon. Had a grand time and worked on Ma's present, a beautiful night dress, all embroidering and tucks. I cut the scallops in the hem. Made autumn leaves out of wax in the evening. Gay time in the evening.

Dec. 22 Tues. Colored my autumn leaves this afternoon and made them into a beautiful bouquet for Aunt Lizzie. Went to Carrie's. Had a good time. Mary and I went up and got Marion a present of a plain gold ring. Got a letter from Anna, just splendid.

Dec. 23 Wed. Marion and I went out to M. W.'s this afternoon to call and got there just before Vie was to be married. They insisted upon our staying. Had a very nice time. Marion stayed all night and V. went on her wedding tour and I rode home all alone. Mary spent the day at Aunt Lizzie's.

Dec. 24 Thurs. Went up town this morning with Ma and got every so many Christmas presents. Ma got me a new black Alpaca dress. I went up to the Temperance Hall where they are fixing a tree and left things for the boys.

Dec. 25 Fri. Christmas. Besides my dress I got for Christmas a pair of nice black kids, a beautiful tie and a pair of mittens, a bottle of very nice perfumery and a [jetton] belt and buckle and a half dollar in silver. Ma got her castor, my picture, her night dress and gold rimmed spectacles. Mary got gold cuff buttons and others.

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