1851
Jan 16 Thursday Went to Boston with S Ames. Oakes A carried
us over to the stage. We found it very bad walking
could scarcely cross the street without going over
shoe in snow & water but otherwise a delightful day
We bought some druggett & Sarah a muff & tippet
for herself & cuff & tippet for Helen. We got us some
oysters at Vintons. Called at Mr Orrs about four thirty
that we should have time to reach the cars but we were left.
Boys went to an assembly at Canton
Alson & Augustus dined here.
O, joy, a trip to Boston, an event that Evelina typically finds “delightful” no matter what the weather. After two days of sadness about the death of Lewis Carr, Evelina and Sarah Lothrop Ames headed into the city via stage coach on a shopping excursion. The railroad, which they called “the cars,” did not yet reach North Easton, but did stop in Stoughton. The women intended to return by train at nightfall, and be carried home from Stoughton by one son or other, but missed the train and had to stay overnight. They may not have been disappointed to have to stay in town.
Sloppy weather didn’t prevent the successful acquisition of goods. Evelina bought some drugget, or carpeting, while Sarah found accessories for herself and her daughter. Muffs and tippets, naturally, were very much in fashion for winter wear. Dining on oysters was another highlight, as was a visit to an old family connection, Mr. Orr.
The homefront in Easton was busy, too. Evelina’s brother, Alson, and his oldest son, Augustus, took midday dinner with Oakes and his children. Little Susie would have been the only girl at the table. In the evening, Oakes Angier, Oliver (3) and Frank Morton headed to Canton to a dance. Everyone’s spirits seemed brighter today.
Photo of muff and tippet, ca. 1840, from Minnesota Historical Society
evelinaames 