Our Life in the 1880s

 by Sylvia Widman

Dear Diary,                                                                                                   August 5, 1881

Tomorrow is my birthday! I am so excited. Today, sort of as a birthday present, Father took me to a horse sale. I had a lot of fun seeing all the horses, and guessing how much they would sell for.  My favorite one was a black and white paint. It was so pretty. If I had one, I would name it Freedom, because horses look so free when they run. Anyway, Father and I were gone all day. When we got home, we only had to take care of the team we had taken. One of the ranch hands had done the other chores for us. It was very nice, now I am going to bed, but I wanted to tell you a little about my great day.

            Sylvia Widman

Dear Diary,                                                                                                    August 6, 1881

            It is my birthday! I am thirteen. I am so excited to see what I will get. My family has been teasing me that I will not get anything. I sure hope I get something. My dream present would really be a horse, real and for my own, but for now I have to be happy with just riding whatever horse is around. Mother is calling me to breakfast, I have to go. Later I will tell you what I get.

            Sylvia Widman

Right before bed,

            I did not get a horse. I am REALLY disappointed, but I should not really expect one. I did get a new dress, a puppy, and a new quilt for my bed. The quilt has many different patterns, many from clothes that I outgrew. That trip with father was also a present. I am excited about my presents, but hopefully soon I will get a horse. It is not very likely though because it is a year until my next birthday.

            Sylvia Widman

Dear Diary,                                                                                                    August 8, 1881

            What a day! It was a very hot day and I forgot to give the animals water after lunch, let’s just say, Father was not pleased. Because I forgot, I had to scoop LOTS of pens out, actually there were only five, but it seemed like a lot. Well, I thought I would be in trouble the whole day, but actually there was a big surprise for me. After supper, Father took me outside, and a beautiful paint horse stood there. It was a late birthday present. Father told me that I would have to show him that I could take care of horses before she would be my own. For now she will stay with the other horses. I know I will have to be careful, but to me, I know I will take extra good care of Freedom.