Adam B.

October 20, 1664

Dear Diary,   

It is hard for me to do well in schooling when little Homer is sick with measles. His fever is getting terrible and his eyes are getting very red (1, Plagues and Diseases). Ma is very worried. We may soon not be able to go to Sabbath services or to school because we might become contagious.

I walk to my school, which is not too far a distance from our home. The school was built less than ten years ago when the Massachusetts Governor made a law saying that every community with over fifty homes had to have its own school(2, Going to School in Colonial America). Boston is growing, and new homes are built very often.

School has been very rough and I have been getting in trouble. Rufus and I were talking and the teacher noticed so I had to wear the dunce cap and Rufus had to wear whispering sticks ( 3 If you Lived In Colonial Times ). Mr. Smith allowed us to return to our seats after lunch. I made sure that I worked quietly for the rest of the day. I did not want to receive a thrashing (4, Founders & Patriots of New England ). I overheard Ma telling Pa that she thinks I am acting out because I am worried about Homer. She may be right.

In school, we studied from our Primer, and I made sure to pay attention. My ma had taught me how to read and write before I came to the free school. Now, in the elementary school, I am beginning to learn to read and write in Latin (5 Colonial Education ). I do not care a great deal for school, and learning Latin is most certainly not making my studies any easier. I do not wish to attended Harvard and become a minister, so why should I learn Latin? My greatest wish is to learn the silver trade and join my father in his company. My parents are expected to deliver food and firewood to the schoolhouse instead of paying with money (6 Founders & Patriots of New England), ( 7 If You Lived in Colonial Times ). The day was long, and I could not wait to get home and rest by the fire. I am getting very sleepy as I write this. I hope Homer is feeling better in the morning!

With the Lord’s blessing,
Obadiah R. Jackson

Madeline L.

           

Mother's Day Poem

 

My Mom is an Owl 

She is wise, always knows what I’m doing

   She is the claws, always there to protect me if there is any harm.

She is the eyes, kind and sweet

  She is sneaky, always knowing what I am supposed to  be doing if I’m not doing it.

     She is the hoot that makes me laugh all day.

      She rubs me if I’m sick or even if I’m sad

 My Mom is an Owl

Jackson C.

                                                                                                               January 12, 1678  Dear Journal,

Today our town is holding a training day festival! It will be so much fun. I will be going with Abraham, and from what I’ve heard if you win a fight against the thirteen year old champion you could win a prize( 2 IYLICT). I can’t wait for the festival today! Now finally Isaac is finally able to stand and work. He is very happy now that he is back with the family.

I wondered who the 13 year old champion was. He would have to be strong, fast, and quick minded. Then Abraham spoke, “ I know who the champion is” he said “ You do?” I answered. “ Yes,” “Who?” “ Sampson Thomas.” I gulped, this was going to be a hard fight.

We arrived at the training day festival and found a table to play with the knickers Abraham brought(3 IYLICT). We both tried to knock each other’s marbles off the table. Then suddenly Rebecca Hampton, the daughter of our church’s preacher, sat down next to Abraham. He put his arm around her, now I know why Abraham says he is so “busy” now. He likes Rebecca! Just then I heard an announcer call, “All thee come down to fight our champion!” I swallowed hard. “The first of thee to fight, Jared Lewis!” I took off my waistcoat and shirt and tossed it to Abraham like the leather ball we play with, exposing my muscular body( 4 IYLICT). Sampson Thomas stood waiting for me on the platform. He was a good inch taller than me, but I was quicker than him. “GO!” yelled the announcer. Sampson threw the first punch and missed, stumbling. I took my chance and connected with his jaw throwing him backwards. Suddenly he turned around and kicked me in the stomach which sent me reeling backwards. Blood dripped from my arm. I laughed, “Is that all thee’s got.” With the last ounce of my strength I launched myself at him. He caught me and punched my eye, everything became blurry on my right side. Then he hit me in the nose making it let out a sharp crack and blood to pour out. I lifted my fist and struck him so hard in the face he flew off the platform and onto the mud.”We have a winner!” called the announcer. Everyone cheered, “Jared!, Jared!….” Everyone started dancing with happiness even though it is it is considered a sin( 5 IYLICT). A young man came up to me and handed me a baby mouser and said “Here, this is your prize.”( 6 IYLICT). Best training day ever I thought.

When I got home my mother was very angry at me for getting hurt this badly. On the other hand my father was proud of me for winning the fight and getting an baby mouser for our family. At dinner we decided to name the mouser Saphira, for her sapphire eyes.

    Best of luck,

Jared

Shawn S.

September 11, 1667

Dear Diary,


Today was a tough day. Israel and I got the whispering sticks from talking to Modesty (1,If You Lived In Colonial Times). I like her, she’s pretty, but I think I’ll stay friends with her, for now. This morning, as I walked downstairs Samuel was coughing like crazy. I pray the Lord every day that Samuel gets better and the fevers and that terrible cough stops.

Today I wore my favorite waist coat and breeches (2,What Did Colonial People Wear) I looked good. After I finished my chores around the farm, Amos and I walk to school together. As we walked into class, Tim was getting yelled at by my teacher Good Man Miller for not bringing any firewood for the fireplace. Poor Tim had to sit in the coldest part of the room, far away from the fireplace, it is the punishment for not bringing wood (3, If You Lived In Colonial Times). There is only one room in our school, so hopefully it is not too cold. I always remember to bring my wood so I don’t know how cold it gets in the corner (4,If you Lived In Colonial Times)

During Midday, Good Man Miller told us to use our New England Primer, I really like the prayers and rhymes. The New England Primer also teaches us more about respecting our mother and, sin, and salvation (5,Wikepedia.com). I got the whispering sticks from Goodman Miller for the second time for biting my nails(6, If You Lived In Colonial Times). I am having some difficulty with my arithmetic, it is not easy for me. I’ll pray to the Lord to help me with this. I remember when I was younger I used the hornbooks for reading and writing.(7,If You Lived In Colonial Times) so much easier.

I seem to have lost my favorite feather pen. At school I had to write with a lump of led (8, If You Lived In Colonial Times) that Amos let me borrow, I don’t like it.

When i got back from school Samuel was still coughing and sneezing, no fever. I pray the Lord he is getting better.

Well, it's candles out before I get the rod.


Fare Thee Well,

Isaac Parker

Stella M.

My Mother Is a Tree

My mother is a tree

She is the tough bark that protects our family from danger outside

She provides delicious fruit and food to help us live healthy and strong

She is the center of the forest that gives homes to all of the animals, big and small

She is the sturdy roots that helps keep our family standing tall

She is the shady branches with leaves that shields us from the sun on a hot day

My mother is a tree

Nicole T.

My Mom

My mom is the sun

She warms us with her heart of golden light

         She is watching over us in the beautiful sky

She makes a rainbow when it rains down on us

She brightens our day with her summer smile

She guides us with her light when it is dark

My mom is the sun

Weston K.

My Mom

My Mom is a fire.

She is the flames, spreading her kindness.

She is the heat, warming others.

She is the singes, leaving burns of knowledge in your mind.

She is the smoke, alerting me when I’m blind of the situation.

She is the light, leading the way when I’m troubled.

She is the yellow, radiating a smile to my eyes.

She is the red, showing a loving heart.

She is the orange, a sunset kissing down onto my forehead.

My Mom is a fire.

Happy Mothers Day 2015!

Love,

Weston

Rachel H.

February 7, 1711

Dear Diary,

Good Morrow! Today is Sunday, the day we go to church (1, If You Lived in Colonial Times). Everyone in my family can’t miss it, even Eli (2, IYLICT). My dad goes to church before we do because he works there. He’s the tithing man. That is the watch man that makes sure no one is asleep or talking in church (3, IYLICT). Church is a serious thing.

Today was a normal church day, we did many bible readings and prayers. I prayed for Finn (4, IYLICT). No one was doing anything wrong in church today, until I broke the behaviour. I shooshed Eli in his wooden cage because he was whining way too loud (5, IYLICT). Then I asked Rosanna if she could make Eli be quiet, but suddenly I got hit by a pole on the head by my father. I couldn't believe my own father hit me. After all, it is his job, but I still can’t believe he didn’t even hesitate. Not only did he hit me, he hit me hard. He gave me a huge mark from the wooden knob at the end of the pole (6, IYLICT).  I tried hard not to cry. Rosanna gave me a hug and told me to take deep breaths. She made me feel a whole lot better.

I couldn’t help but notice Finn looking at Molly while Molly was giving Finn dirty looks. Molly also mouthed something to Finn, I didn’t know what it was, but I only know one thing, it hurt Finn. Hurt meaning heart hurt.

When we were out of church, everyone was talking about my hit on the head. I tried to make it seem like it wasn’t a big deal, but I was embarrassed. I tried to avoid my father, but I knew it wouldn’t work much longer. Oh mary! Why did this have to happen to me?

At home as I sat by the hearth, my father sat with me and told me how horrible I was in church. I was surprised and upset. I thought I was going to get an apology. I tried not to hit my own father in the head, but I did and it felt good, but it did not feel good when he got revenge.

I sat in bed tonight and held wounded arm tight. I hope my arm will be okay from father’s revenge.

Fare thee well,

      

            Rebekah

 

Danny R.

Candy Bar Argument

Studies show that almost 90% of the population on earth eats candy! People who eat candy live longer than others that don’t. I think that Mars and Hershey companies should keep their candies the way they are and continue them.

The first reason why they should keep the candies is because it keeps people healthy. Candy reduces cardiovascular risk for people who have type 2 diabetes. Cardiovascular disease is a disease that people with diabetes can catch. Molecules in cocoa helps the heart from diseases. Another reason is that cotton candy helps restore blood vessels. “A multi-decade study from the Harvard School of Public Health showed that modest candy consumption (one to three times a month) is associated with the greatest benefit, but even those with a daily habit lived longer than those who never indulged,” said Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D., is a health psychologist at Stanford University. This is important because something simple can change the world.

Did you know, studies say that sugar restores more energy and willpower? Sugar makes people focus and stay on task. The second reason is that dye makes you hyper. Scientists say dye may not be too good for you but it helps to get up and going says the superpowers of candy article.” “Studies show that chewing gum makes you more alert of things, reduces stress, blocks pain, and changes mood swings,” says a health psychologist at Stanford University. If there was no gum the world would be in pain and be stressed out all the time.

The final reason why candy companies should keep the candies is because the companies help others. There are tons of jobs for people who want to work for candy companies. If they stop making candy Hershey’s wouldn’t be donating money to charity anymore. Hershey’s made so much money that they decided to donate to charity each year. The final reason is that they make tons of money and could have more workers in the future. “Studies estimate that Mars and Hershey companies have a total of making $550 million a year,” says Alexander E.M. Hess. This shows that companies like this earn so much money off of one thing.

Some may disagree that candy may be bad for you but sometimes it can. Dark chocolate is not a food; it’s a toxin. Chocolate also gives you headaches, cavities, obesity, depression, stress, heart disease, and cancer! An average American consumes 3 pounds of sugar a week! That's 1,767,900 Skittles a year! Have you ever noticed that too much candy can cause cancer and relate to diseases such as heart disease and other cancers! Can you believe that Americans spend $12.6 billion a year on just useless candy! Companies make tons of money just off of something simple! Only 20 to 30 grams of artificial sugar a day can make kids feel weird. For example light chocolate protects us from sun burns. Candy can be good for you in many ways negative and positive too. Most types of candy is healthy for you, some candy you wouldn’t think of to are good for you. The Mars and Hershey companies should keep the candies. So maybe there’s a little sugar but it can’t kill you. If you stick to keeping the candy then lots of things will be better.

Claire D.

Candy Bar Argument

Did you know that $12.6 billion was spent on chocolate last year? It is this sort of fact that demonstrate that everyone loves this delightful, tasty treat. However, candy companies should make changes to these candies involving people's health. Mars and Hershey candy companies should continue making the candy, but make changes. One of the details that makes me have this opinion on these candy companies is that there are child labor problems in other places where kids are forced to harvest the cocoa. Also, they should make the change of lowering the prices of the candy since some of it has benefits, and that they should replaced most of the milk chocolate and candies with dark chocolate, since dark chocolate has lots of great health benefits that milk chocolate does not.

One reason Mars and Hershey companies should make changes is because of child labor issues in other countries. For example, roughly 1.8 million kids work on cocoa farms in the Ivory Coast and Ghana. Also, the children are forced to work on the farms each day, either with very little pay, or no pay at all. In addition, kids are often taken out of school just so they can work on the cocoa farms full-time. Finally, the children often have to walk numerous miles each day during work. It is not fair to these kids that they have no education because they are forced to work. Kids in these places are losing their childhood to child labor. Archer Daniels Midland is a big farming company that is based in Illinois. It said it works to "Actively develop, support and fund several programs to help eliminate the worst forms of child labor.” This is saying that this huge company is trying to make a change by donating money, and having more people become aware of this growing problem. It is a great thing that such a big company is trying to raise awareness for this important cause.

Another reason why Mars and Hershey should make changes to the candy is so they can lower the prices, to make it available to more people. Surprisingly, some of the candy those companies produce has health benefits. For example, chewing gum helps people deal with stress. Also, studies show that people who eat candy regularly often live longer than people who do not. In addition, sugar helps people persevere longer in a difficult task. Finally, sugar also makes people focus more. “Things candy companies want you to think are healthy are full of sugar,” says Deborah Balin of the Union of Concerned Scientists. She is saying that even though that people can benefit from candy, candy companies want to keep it a secret about all of the sugar really in the candy.

The last reason that the two candy companies should make changes to their candy is that they should replace the milk chocolate in their candies with dark chocolate, because of its health benefits. For example, dark chocolate helps prevent your risk of cardiovascular disease. Also, dark chocolate helps fight inflammation, pain or swelling inside the body. To add to that, milk chocolate has more sugar than dark chocolate. Finally, dark chocolate is very good for the heart. “These materials are anti-inflammatory," scientist John Finley said. That is, they bring down inflammation, or pain and swelling, inside the body. This helps prevent "some forms of cardiovascular disease.” Cardiovascular disease is caused by inflammation, which dark chocolate helps fight off. This quote is saying more about how beneficial dark chocolate can be, and some of the things that dark chocolate does, and even goes more into detail about them. Also, they should make the change of lowering the prices of the candy because some of it has benefits, and that they should replace most of the milk chocolate and candies with dark chocolate, since dark chocolate has lots of great health benefits that milk chocolate does not contain. In other words, by reducing swelling they lower the risk of various heart diseases.

Even though some people think that they should discontinue the candy, there are lots of reasons why people should just change them. While it may be true that sugar is the first cause of cavities, if Mars and Hershey candy companies use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate, there will be a lot less cavities, because dark chocolate contains much less sugar than milk chocolate. Even if 1.8 million children are forced to work on cocoa farms to make the candy that we enjoy here in the U.S., our country is putting up a hard fight to end child labor in other countries. Some very large companies are even donating money to end this problem. Yes, most of the candy is bad for you in some ways, but candy provides thousands of people with jobs, and is carrying on a old tradition that these companies have been working very hard on to keep alive.

My friends and I love candy, but we hardly ever get to eat it because of all of the sugar. If these changes are made, more kids would be allowed to eat these sweets because it would be much better for you then it is now. Mars and Hershey candy companies should continue making the candy, but make changes to them. Because of child labor issues in other places including harvesting the cocoa, they should lower the prices of some of the candy due to its benefits, and finally companies should replace most of the milk chocolate in the candy with dark chocolate to make the sweets better for you. These are the reasons why I think that Mars and Hershey candy companies should make changes, but keep making candy.

Lexi O.

Mars and Hershey Candy Debate

The Mars and Hershey candy companies are in a bit of dilemma with the First Lady Michelle Obama trying to change the companies’ labels and introducing the "My Food Plate," a invention to show kids a balanced diet. Hershey and Mars candy companies have a choice to keep the candies as is, to change the candies or how they're labeled, or to completely discontinue the candies. I as a 10-year-old kid, strongly think and support that the Mars and Hershey candy companies should keep the candies as is. This is important to kids because they love the candies that Mars and Hershey produce. There are many reasons to support my line of thinking. For instance, whether or not you eat candy every day, it may please you to know that many of the yummy candies can do some beneficial things for you. In addition, chocolate can also help your body, especially your heart. Finally, Mars and Hershey have a timeline of not only the companies doing well, but candy also leaves distinguished marks on the timeline of America and the world.

One reason Mars and Hershey candy companies should keep the candies as they are is that candy can have good qualities that can help you in everyday life. For instance, chewing gum can improve your overall mood. Also, studies show that people who eat candies live longer than those who don’t. The so-called “bad sugar” can actually improve your willpower to solve a problem. In addition, the favorite carnival treat, cotton candy, can widen your blood vessels allowing more blood to flow to your heart, brain, eyes, etc. Amazing right?! Did you know studies at the University of Cincinnati found that peppermint candy helped people be more alert and focused? Some educators are already encouraging students to eat a piece of peppermint during a test. Candy can make you feel good too. Michael Allured, publisher of Manufacturing Confectioner says, “People develop a relationship with candy, it’s comforting and relatively inexpensive.” This means that candy can help people feel better and take their minds off of other things. Besides all of the amazing health benefits candy has, it’s delicious too!

Another reason the candy companies should keep the candies as they are is that, America's favorite treat, chocolate, can help your body in many different ways. An example of this is how dark chocolate can help improve your flexibility and protect you from U.V. rays. This means bring it along on beach day! Dark chocolate can also help prevent white blood cells from sticking to your own blood vessels. Would it really be okay to let Mars and Hershey stop making this miracle chocolate!? Cocoa, which is used in almost all chocolate, can lower your blood pressure. Cocoa’s molecules can also help to limit the risk of heart disease. The amazing chocolate can also decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. Studies at The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute concluded that people who ate chocolate had a lower risk of heart disease. They said “Eating chocolate two to three times a week can decrease risk of heart disease, the more chocolate you eat the more protection you have.” Go chocolate! Last but not least, light chocolates(milk, white)can also lower your blood pressure by a nice amount. Feeling sad? No problem, chocolate contains both serotonin and P.E.A. They are all meant to enhance moods. As you can see there are no reasons why chocolate should be discontinued. It’s awesome!        

A third reason that they should keep the candies as they are is their history. These companies do amazing things and keep doing them, but to stop selling candies means no more income. For example, every year Hershey donates a lot of money to charity. Hershey says that “We bring goodness to the world through great-tasting snacks. One smile, one moment and one person at a time.” They are truly living up to that statement, by donating to causes and making everyone smile with their wonderful treats. What kind of person would not want that to continue. Another reason is, the candy Milky Way introduced by Mars in 1924 was the first candy ever to have a filing; it must go on. Finally the Recess candy just topped M&M’s for best selling candy, M&Ms were top candy for a long time! That’s a big feat for a little candy. These two companies have made revolutions in candy history, why let it stop now!?

A common argument can be that candies are empty calories. An empty calorie is a food that only contributes to weight gain. But candy can be very useful and it contributes a lot, whether being a snack on a car ride or a little dessert, candy can increase your mood and willpower. Many people may argue that dark chocolate has a lot of added sugar, but with all the benefits it gives to your health like lowering the risk of heart disease, and increasing your flexibility and protection from U.V. rays. Dark chocolate not only tastes good but is good too. Those benefits should be enough to convince you that dark chocolates benefits outweigh the sugar contents by a high amount. While some say that candy should be discontinued, what would that mean for the candy companies? For example, Hershey donates money to charity each year. They even have their own school called Milton Hershey School. Hershey brings smiles to the world, why stop it? Americans love candy and it can be good for them too.

Mars and Hershey should keep the candies the way they are, because candy and sugar can have an immense good side, chocolate can help your body, and all the amazing things that these two companies have greatly accomplished. Many people argue that candy is bad for you- it has too much sugar, and that it makes kids feel sick. But candy is more, candy is used in so many different ways that have become important to daily life. Candy is used as a special snack, on s'mores, and on holidays. Without candy, what would happen to Easter? No chocolate bunny, what about Halloween? No treats to collect and snack on. Valentine’s Day, and Christmas. What about those holidays? Changing candy would be like changing Halloween, Easter, Christmas, etc. Candy can bring health benefits, improve mood, and make history. As a 10-year-old kid, I know how good candy is and how much people want it. Too much candy can be bad for you, but who eats it every second of every day? Besides, too much of anything can be bad for you. Kids will never stop eating treats as hard as parents try they won't succeed. Kids need fat for their nerves among other things as they grow up, you won't find them all by being a plain vegetarian. There’s no such thing as junk food; food is food. Too much candy can be bad but, too much of anything can be bad for you too. So even if you think your kid is eating too much candy, try to remember that candy can be helpful to you. Chocolate can help your heart, and don’t forget that candy has made a big mark on the timeline of America.

Jason K.

My Mom Is the Ocean

 

She is the warm waves washing away bad days

She is the gentle breeze pushing everything into place

She is the glistening reflection of the sun and her smile

She is the strong rocks in the ocean protecting us, a family of fish

She is the beautiful, pearl-colored shells that everybody wants,

but only we have

She is the multicolored fish, matching her personality, watching over us

She is the hidden treasure, shining, and wanting to be found

She is the calm, dark, blue waves splashing us to sleep

She is the wet sand holding our family together

She is the tides pulling me into her arms

My Mom Is the Ocean

Happy Mother's Day

Love, Jason  

Michael L.

My Mother

My mother is a tree

She is the trunk that holds me up

She is the leaves that get me food

She is the branches that protect me

She is the rings that love and care for me

She is the roots that anchor me in place

My mother is a tree

Jake C.

My mother is a compass.

She always points out the best route and tells me where to go.

She can look up and be happy.

or point south and ... well you know what happens.

And while she can be a little overprotective and make you take the long way just because it’s safer, you secretly know it’s all for the best.

And though she can be confusing and point north, south, east or west,
 you know she is always right.

My mother is a compass.

Jack C.

MY MOM IS A BOOK,

she has a new story every day

she is a book cover, protecting us

she is a bookmark, remembering things for family

she is the spine of the book, keeping the family together

she is the words, helping us learn

MY MOM IS A BOOK                      

Brennan S.

My Mother is a Car

She is the G.P.S., guiding us when we are lost,

She is the headlights, brightening the way 

when it is dark,

She is the blinker, showing us the right path,

She is the horn, beeping at problems in the road,

She is the seat belts, keeping us safe,

                    My mother is a car

Liam H.

July 8th, 1734

Dear Diary,

Good day! This is my first diary entry, so I hope thee will enjoy it! Last night I could barely sleep on my bedding, I was so excited to write my first entry! I’ve been waiting since I was 9 to finally start writing in a diary, so I could tell people in the future about what life was like in the Georgia colony! I’m going to tell thee a little about myself, I have black hair the color of coal, and brown eyes the color of potatoes, and I love dogs so much, and I have a Scottish accent  I’m very short for my age, 11, I’m smart, I’m very very very clumsy, and friendly, funny, anxious, and energetic. Oh marry! I must go, Mother is assigning me some tasks! Be right back!

Oh! Silly me, I forgot to tell thee my name, my name is Cyrus Smith. I live in Joseph's Town, Georgia, founded in 1733 (1, The Georgia Colony), with my Father, Bartholomew Smith age 33, my Mother, Susanna Smith age 25, and two siblings Levi Smith age 11, and Cornelia Smith age 13. My Father is the local baker and my Mother is just a simple homemaker. We are trying to sell food so we can be wealthy, we have enough money for resources at the moment. In my spare time I like to play Blindman’s Buff (2, If You Lived in Colonial Times)  with my friends Abigail Collins and Amos Collins, they are both 11.

We came to Georgia for a fresh new start (3, TGC). My family and I were salespeople, we tried to sell food and crops to other people, but we didn’t sell much. When the ship came, they said they were carrying settlers to bring to Georgia (4, www.armstrong.edu). So, my family and I went on board and sailed to Georgia. We arrived to Georgia in 1734. There was so much food and crops leftover from Scotland, so we decided to sell it. So many people bought the crops and the food, we then went out and bought food and crops for ourselves to grow.

I must tell thee about them. Abigail has long, golden-brown hair and ocean-blue eyes and loves animals. Amos has golden-brown, ocean-blue eyes, nice, lies sometimes, funny, and likes animals also. We all met on a ship named The Prince of Wales, (5, www.armstrong.edu), turns out we all lived in Scotland together and didn’t know it! Tomorrow I have my first day of school! I finally got out of Dame School! I can actually read out of an actual schoolbook, The New England Primer (6, IYLICT)! I get to walk to school with Amos! I can’t wait!

Fare thee well,

Cyrus Smith

Claire B.

September 19, 1704

Dear Diary,

Good Day!  My name is Cornelia Rose Evans.  My family lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  We came to Pennsylvania because we wanted religious freedom and good farmland (1, History Alive).  My hope is that future generations reading this diary will understand what life was like for me and my family in colonial times.

I have a brother named Samuel who is 8 years old and a sister, Molly, who is 6 years old and a brother named Seth, 4 years old. My mother’s name is Mercy.  She is a teacher and teaches in a backroom in our house.  My Father, Eli, owns a farm store where we sell all the crops that we grow on our farm.  My grandfather’s name is Jared he was in the war. My grandmother’s name is Henrietta, her job is to take care of us when Ma is teaching. Today Molly got in big trouble when she was late to Dame school.  Ma spanked her with the wooden stick because she was outside playing with rags when it was time for school to start (2, IYLICT).  I heard Molly sobbing and mother said, “Stop right now!”.  

I am 11 years old and have beautiful long blonde hair the color of wheat.  My Ma always puts my hair in a braid to keep it off my face and out of my way when I do chores.  My hair goes to the bottom of my back.  My royal blue eyes are the shape of perfect circles behind my glasses.  I need glasses for reading.  I wear dresses and my black shoes everyday (3, IYLICT).  My favorite dress is the one I get to wear to church because it is long and white with vertical light blue stripes.  It is gathered at the top and flows down to my toes.  In the summer months I have to stay in the shade so I don’t get a sunburn.  My skin is light and I burn easily.  My bonnett helps to keep the sun off my face (4, IYLICT).

Pa chose to move our family to Philadelphia, PA because his brother had a very productive farm here. (5, History Alive) My uncle Levi’s crops were bountiful many years in a row.  Pa wanted to move us to a colony with better soil for farming.  The Philadelphia colony was thriving and many farming families were able to survive comfortably.  Ma and Pa were very religious.  Pa insisted on a colony that had a large meeting house.

My sister Molly and I share one side of the loft.  My brothers share the other side of the loft.  Ma and Pa’s room is on the first floor.  My grandparents will be moving in, in a few days and will also live on the first floor.  Our house will be  a little crowded but it will be fun being all together.  In the cold months Pa keeps the fire running day and night to keep the house warm.  Ma bakes breads and pies in the stone oven over the fire.  The Dame School house room is attached to the back our our house. (6, IYLICT)  I love living on a farm.  All the crops and animals are a short walk from the back door.  There is always something fun to do on the farm.

Farewell, see you soon!

Cornelia Rose Evans