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Sunday, October 17, 2010

Such a Long Road Ahead








Oleana jump up from her warm feathered down ticking bed to the smells of her mother cooking biscuits, ham and her favorite fried potatoes and onions.  Her mother was up early fixing breakfast and special treats for Oleana to carry with her on her long trip to Washington, DC.  Mista James and his Wife Janey was to be arriving soon to take Oleana with them on this trip since they had important business in Washington. .

Oleana was so excited about going she had never went anywhere outside of their small farm in North Carolina.  It was hard for her mother to let her youngest leave but it was all for good reason.  Oleana would be attending a new school that had just only been open two years.  The Normal School for Colored Girls established in Washington, DC in 1851, was an institution of learning and training for young African-American women, especially so that they might become teachers. Oleana was very smart and Mista James and his Wife had told Oleana's mother about the school.  

The school was founded by Mytilla Miner with the encouragement from Henry Ward Beecher and funding from a Quaker philanthropist after the school in Mississippi where she taught refused her permission to conduct classes for African American girls. While inappropriate today, the use of the term "colored" was considered polite in nineteenth century speech. However, some sources refer to the school as the "Miner School for Girls".


Although the school offered primary schooling and classes in domestic skills, its emphasis from the outset was on training teachers. Miner stressed hygiene and nature study in addition to rigorous academic training.

With everything packed and ready to go Oleana tucked a few biscuits in her bag along with some of her favorite things.   Wearing her freshly pressed cotton dress and pinafore.  Oleana sits on the front porch and waits. 

Hey everyone I finally finished her as you can see I am still unsure as to whether or not she is a Rag Muffin lol.  I will be listing her this week in my Esty shop if you are interested in her before I list her just send me a email.  Now for the next clue "BATTER" lol this is fun and so far no one has come even close.  Have a great week everyone and stay creative

Peace and Blessings
Cheryl....Snatch JOY~!

6 comments:

  1. Cheryl~ Your clues are just ridiculaus always trying to make a girl think of food.LoL I'm going to think on these clues all night and figure this out.Are you gonna bake a cake for the prize? I know your not telling even if I get it.Anyhow Love the story, always love old stories and history.The doll turned out lovely.You've got great talent.Harvest Blessings!~Amy

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  2. Hi Cheryl, I haven't got a clue! You are making us work for this one girl. The doll is sweet as she can be, and love her story. The history behind it makes it very compelling,..a good read. See, just like momma said, we learn somethin' new every day. Thanks Cheryl I enjoyed it very much XOXO Christel

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  3. Thanks Amy and Christel

    Amy I am going to tell you it is not food>>>cracking up<<<<<

    Have a great evening
    Peace and Blessings
    Cheryl...Snatch JOY~!

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  4. I was going to guess Hair but that would be too easy, loved the story of Oleana.

    Hugs
    Marisa

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  5. Hi Cheryl, Oleana is so sweet! Love her little story as well. I got it, I got It...I think...lol..Is the prize a mixer or wisk of some sort?????

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  6. Hi Cheryl, LOVE your new doll and the story!!
    What is this game you all are playing? I must have missed the post.
    Have a wonderful week!
    XOCO
    Dessa Rae

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