A Gathering of Days: A New England Girl's Journal, 1830-32

These journal entries span the time from April 5 to May 2, 1831. Catherine reflects that few fruits and vegetables remain from the past season, but parsnips are plentiful. She helps Asa write a poem to give to Sophy on the last day of school, when the students traditionally exchange romantic keepsakes. School ends on April 13, and Catherine receives forget-me-nots from her friend Joshua. She, Cassie, and Asa cross through the woods on their way home, and Catherine reflects that the woods look very different from the day when they brought the quilt to do “an act of charity (or folly) for fugitive (or villain)” (64).

Mrs. Shipman has the three girls let down the hems of their dresses; Catherine and Cassie must sew 12 stitches for every inch. Father leaves for his trip with a load of furs, blocks of maple sugar, and brooms. He will buy foods they can’t grow, items and parts for tools, and fabrics. He will take the Shipmans’ horses and trade for their family as well. Cassie’s father will help keep up the Hall farm, and in return, Father will give the Shipmans two days of plowing.

Catherine and Cassie do laundry together and gossip about Teacher Holt, who is courting Aunt Lucy.