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Story
February 11, 1858
Quasqueton Guardian
Quasqueton, Buchanan County, Iowa
What is this article about?
Article presents G.H.'s theory on why girls reject suitors, citing rude behavior at a singing school in Merrell's School House, followed by a poorly spelled stray animal notice from Cass Township as an example of local education levels. Dated 1858.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
The School Master Abroad.
Here is a question—important, we presume, to young folks generally—duly asked, and very originally answered, by some indignant gentleman, living in the vicinity of Pine Creek. He asks us to promulgate his theory upon the matter through the columns of the Guardian, to which we cheerfully consent; but we must positively decline any interference with his communication, as he desires, fearing that we might thereby destroy its peculiar point and flavor. We give it, therefore, verbatim et literatim et punctatim:
Why the Girls give the Mitten.
I shall endeavor to answer the above, by relating an incident that came under my observation, while at a singing school taught in Merrell's School House, by Mr. J. Merrell. The singing went off well, and the ladies appeared to be deeply engaged in the exercises of the evening, and you might see them cast a sly glance across the room, as if looking for a beau. This was pleasing enough, but when the school was dismissed, we could hear some persons whispering, "will you accept of my company?" when the answer could be heard in the negative. Not satisfied with this answer they must follow after them and belagard them and use language that was disgusting to any gentleman or lady. The ladies no doubt were respectable and did not wish to be in company with such low-lived characters. I say it is a shame and if I knew who such persons were I would expose them to every young lady who might be inclined to be in their company. Just look, how it sounds. You will talk or die and instead of going home about your business you must crowd along and disgrace yourself and the company that you are with. I say this is the reason that the girls give the mitten, and I glory in their spunk.
G. H.
G. H. has a relative in an adjoining county, who has taken up some kind of a bob-tail animal, he don't say what, of which he thus gives notice. The document is genuine, as it is an exact copy of one nailed to the door of a court house located not many miles from the town of Anamosa:
Estray.
10 years old red with some white spots 3 years froze off bob tail taken up by in cass to wnship appraisd at $9 doleres January 9 1858.
So much at present for the labors of the school-master in this section.
Here is a question—important, we presume, to young folks generally—duly asked, and very originally answered, by some indignant gentleman, living in the vicinity of Pine Creek. He asks us to promulgate his theory upon the matter through the columns of the Guardian, to which we cheerfully consent; but we must positively decline any interference with his communication, as he desires, fearing that we might thereby destroy its peculiar point and flavor. We give it, therefore, verbatim et literatim et punctatim:
Why the Girls give the Mitten.
I shall endeavor to answer the above, by relating an incident that came under my observation, while at a singing school taught in Merrell's School House, by Mr. J. Merrell. The singing went off well, and the ladies appeared to be deeply engaged in the exercises of the evening, and you might see them cast a sly glance across the room, as if looking for a beau. This was pleasing enough, but when the school was dismissed, we could hear some persons whispering, "will you accept of my company?" when the answer could be heard in the negative. Not satisfied with this answer they must follow after them and belagard them and use language that was disgusting to any gentleman or lady. The ladies no doubt were respectable and did not wish to be in company with such low-lived characters. I say it is a shame and if I knew who such persons were I would expose them to every young lady who might be inclined to be in their company. Just look, how it sounds. You will talk or die and instead of going home about your business you must crowd along and disgrace yourself and the company that you are with. I say this is the reason that the girls give the mitten, and I glory in their spunk.
G. H.
G. H. has a relative in an adjoining county, who has taken up some kind of a bob-tail animal, he don't say what, of which he thus gives notice. The document is genuine, as it is an exact copy of one nailed to the door of a court house located not many miles from the town of Anamosa:
Estray.
10 years old red with some white spots 3 years froze off bob tail taken up by in cass to wnship appraisd at $9 doleres January 9 1858.
So much at present for the labors of the school-master in this section.
What sub-type of article is it?
Curiosity
Romance
What themes does it cover?
Social Manners
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
Singing School
Courtship Rejection
Rude Suitors
Stray Animal
Poor Spelling
What entities or persons were involved?
G. H.
Mr. J. Merrell
Where did it happen?
Merrell's School House, Vicinity Of Pine Creek
Story Details
Key Persons
G. H.
Mr. J. Merrell
Location
Merrell's School House, Vicinity Of Pine Creek
Event Date
January 9 1858
Story Details
G.H. explains girls rejecting suitors ('giving the mitten') due to rude, persistent men at a singing school who follow and harass them after dismissal, praising the girls' resolve; includes a poorly spelled stray animal notice from Cass Township near Anamosa as example of local literacy.