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Show 99 provided a fund of conventional wisdom by which women not only became conversant with the world they inhabited (in the absence of the evening news on radio or television), but established the social connections which would lend support in life's vicissitudes. One author, commenting upon the number of social calls mentioned in one woman's diary in a single day, wondered how anything else at all got accomplished. One such visit from an "old and dear friend" reveals to Ellis that the husband, who comes along on the visit, is "contemplating taking another wife" and that "a very interesting conversation of Polygamy" ensues. In her journal Ellis makes the cryptic comment: "they will learn more in one week of practice than in years of theory." Seldom does Ellis detail her day's activities. This type of record keeping generally makes dull contemporary reading; but Ellis's rare comments on the subject provide valuable insights to the reader. February 9th 1874 This morning I arose very early (I unfortunately have no timepiece, but it was hours before daylight). I finished a letter I began last night to Sister Freeze, then studied my grammar and rhetoric, and history, heard my boys' lessons, then took breakfast in the other house, assisted in doing up the work, heard Sarah Lizzie recite, returned to my room, gave my boys another lesson, read the paper, boys' lessons again and then writing in my journal. This course I think if pursued energetically, will at least obviate loneliness, and I hope increase my knowledge. The day was delightful, and feeling better than usual I took a walk down town, called at several places on business, and returned home feeling somewhat weary--retired early. |