Jessie Lyman's Journals, Part 9

I previously introduced you to my great-great grandmother, Jessie Lyman Eckert.  You can read the first post here, and subsequent post are filed under

Jessie Lyman was born January 2, 1877.  She graduated from Westport High School (Westport, MO, now part of Kansas City) in 1897 at the head of her class.  From what I have read of her diaries so far, it appears she went on to teach school for a couple years in Columbia, MO.  She married Herman Eckert in June of 1899.  On July 26, 1900, she died giving birth to twins Conrad and Cornelia at the age of 22.  Conrad is my mother's mother's father.

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Fri, Nov 19 [1897]

I went to a spelling match at Vawter School this evening. We had a very pleasant time. Mr. Emmett Scott was there.

Sat, Nov. 20

I worked on my dress this afternoon. This morning I went to town by myself for the first time. I got some elocution books for my school. I didn't quite finish my skirt.

Sun, Nov. 21

This was a beautiful day. Aunt Florence and I went to church. I enjoyed the sermon very much. I saw Forest and read a letter he had just received from Mamma. This afternoon Mr. Emmett came over and took me driving. We had a lovely drive. He is going to teach me to ride.

Mon, Nov. 22

The same old program was followed.
I began practicing the children on "Mrs. Jarley's Wax Works". They seem very much pleased.

Tues, Nov 23

I kept several children in this afternoon for tardiness.
I wrote to Mr. Phillips for permission to give Friday as well as Thurs. as a holiday.

Wed, Nov 24

I got permission for my holiday.

Thurs, Nov 25

I wore my new dress for the first time today. The boys like it very much. I had the sore throat so I didn't go to church as I had expected. I spent the day in writing, practicing and hemstitching a handkerchief.

Friday, Nov 26

I went to town today to bring Forest out but found him too busy to accept my invitation. While waiting for him I wrote a letter to Emma it is her birthday.  After finishing my letter I tucked up my skirt, put a (collar) handkerchief over my collar and went to work to hoe out that room. It was a job too. I was almost through dusting when Forest came in. He seemed surprised to see me in that shape. I went down to dinner with him.
I sent Emma a couple handkerchiefs for her birthday.

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Interesting, right?  She spent Thanksgiving day.... stitching handkerchiefs.  Not cooking a bunch of food or eating with the family.  The holiday was made an official national one in 1863, but 34 years later, it was apparently celebrated with just a church service?

"Mrs. Jarley's Wax Works" is "a humorous play published in 1873", according to this website.  If you want to read the text of the play, you can do so here.