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~!