Friday, October 26, 2007

The Journey of Nellie Part II





First I must apologize for taking so long to continue with the story of Nellie. Sometimes life gets in the way. Between the auction I was preparing for and my mother's recent fall, things have been very hectic around here. You will have to go back into my older posts to find part I for those who are not familiar with the beginning of this tale or need to be refreshed.

...The little diary lay on the desk that evening. Something called to me and I took it to read in soft glowing light beside the bed.

What started as a passion soon became an obsession. Nellie had written an entry for each day of 1883 that encircled her life. The weather, family, friends, how she made extra money, going to church and especially her younger brother.

Nellie even tucked a small slip of paper between the back cover. It was a list of names that would help me solve this puzzle for which she had given some of the pieces.

My research began. Nellie C. Fitts was born Eleanor Carrie Wilbur on August 15th, 1859 in North Leveritt, Massachusetts. She was the only daughter with three brothers. Luther, Julius and the youngest, Lester (six years her junior), born to Alvah and Trypthosa Gardner Wilbur. Her family drifted back and forth between Massachusetts and Vermont during her early life.

Sometime before 1883 she married Frederick Fitts who was born in Wardsboro, Vermont. They lived in rural Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. She picked strawberries, raised chickens (sold the eggs), sewed garments and the journal even mentions the red wool flannel she bought (for the quilt I had admired at May's auction).

The treasured book also gave insight into the things that would happen in her life several years ahead.

I was so entranced by Nellie's life I had to go to Shrewsbury to see for myself and discover any additional information I could find. To be continued...

12 comments:

Sandra Evertson said...

This is Fasinating! Can't wait to hear more!
Sandra Evertson

Tammy said...

I am new to your blog and am enjoying your story of Nellie very much and look forward to the next segement!

Have a great day!

KE said...

Thank you for visiting my blog. This is fascinating. I look forward to hearing more.

Kimberlee

Pinkie Denise said...

Oh, please don't stop! I guess I'll have to wait for more. I can't wait
Miss Maddie. Now how am I going to find you on Hallow's Eve? Will you give me a clue? Pinkie Denise

Carol said...

Thank you for visiting my blog and the suggestion with the candlesticks. I will try this out tomorrow. I have an aged brass one, not vintage I afraid - Laura Ashley reproduction !
The story is facinating.....my Mum was called Nellie.

Sherry said...

Maddie, I'm glad you found me...so that I could find you! You weren't sure how you did find me..could have been through Sandra Evertson or Constance at Rochambeau..or even the French Garden...however it happened, I'm glad it did.
I love Niagara-on-the-Lake and yes I am envious that you live there! I spent one year of my life many years ago in Grimsby so I know the area well. I think your work is incredibly fascinating and I will be spending much of my time here at your site!

Sandy said...

Miss Maddie,
I do believe you are a tease dropping Nellie's story just to keep me coming back. (It Worked!) I'll be back. I am so going to enjoy this post!
Miss Sandy

Suzanne said...

Thank you Susan for continuing Nellie's story...it's so interesting. Looking forward to more!

Donna O'Brien said...

Sherlock Holmes of Blogandia. Get out that magnifying glass and share soon!!
D.

Mom of 2 Roses said...

I am so glad to read more information on Nellie. I can't wait for more.

Laurie

Dorian Fletcher said...

You do know how to peak our interest, Susan. I was especially fond of the name Trypthosa! What a mouthful! Wonderful to be able to track the provenance of textiles you purchased from the estate.

Stacey said...

To me, there isn't anything nicer than to take a step back in time and see life through the eyes of another in their world. A precious gift~ Thank you Susan for sharing the treasure of Nellie! There is nothing better than a cup of tea and Miss Maddies for dessert on a cool Adirondack evening!