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 examined in History, read her essay on Slang Phrases "and the boys fairly roared," and made her friend Joe mad, remarking "I do not care. . . I ought not to say very polite things."

Oct. 23 Fri. Went to Lyceum. Mr. Lamb was there. He and I had quite a chat. Gay came. All the girls wanted him the worst way, but did not dare to speak to him. I did, after a while. We went to promenade and we had a good talk. He acts as if he thought I was about right. Got a note from him in the evening and had ever so many compliments.

Oct. 24 Sat. Helped to clean the kitchen this morning. Washed all the walls and read to Alex almost all of the afternoon, then went up to Carrie's. Mr. Blair was there. Had quite a nice time. Gave Joe a little call. Will is 20 today, went hunting. Expect he had an elegant time. Wish I was a boy.

Oct. 25 Sun. Went to Sunday school. Did not stay till it was out. Read almost all day, "Grace Lee." It is a lovely book. Went up to Aunt Lizzie's in the later part of the afternoon with Mary. We had made quire a call. Did not go to church in the evening.

Oct. 26 Mon. Have had all of my lessons today and ever and ever so much fun. Jennie S. came home from school with me and we had just more than a talk and riddled every one and every thing to pieces. Carrie N. came down and stayed for supper.

Oct. 27 Tues. Got a letter. had some fun in the Library this afternoon. We have some new books. They are very nice. Did not go to bed until real late. Sat up and read. Stayed this noon with Cora Burt [?] Had jolly time.

Oct. 28 Wed. Went up to Carrie's tonight. Had just been there a few minutes when Joe came. Had a good talk then. I stayed and visited with Carrie. She came down town with me and we met Joe. She came down back again with us. She is going off to teach Sunday and will not be back until Christmas.

Oct. 29 Thurs. Expected Carrie down tonight, but she did not come. Aunty was here and stayed to tea. Have commenced to write a composition, but find it hard work to do it. Sat up quite late to read, found that ----- have enough work to do.

Oct. 30 Fri. Did not go to school in the afternoon because Jennie S. did not come. Got ready and went up to the Normal with Will. Fell down on the way up there. Had a jolly good time. Got with Minnie B. and C.M. Mr. Blair came and sat down with me and asked my company home. He is nice, but I gave him the mitten. Did not get home until almost one.

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