Follow Your Heart – The Cook Chronicles
Chapter 6 – Family Ties
June 1, 1873
Dear Father and Mother,
It feels good to be writing to you again, though still somewhat surreal. When I had not received any word from you or the shipping line to the contrary, I presumed you had perished in Canadian waters. I am glad to know that I was mistaken and look forward to hearing about your trip.
You well ask why I left Colorado Springs after proclaiming it my home. Before I explain that to you there is other news I must share. Colleen Cooper and I were married by the Reverend Timothy Johnson a little more than three weeks ago. Her immediate family and many of our friends were in attendance.
I understand how this looks from your perspective. Rest assured that I have had feelings for Colleen for some time and we made our feelings known to each other not long before our betrothal. Though our two years spent as friends may not have been a traditional courtship, I know this is the right decision.
Shortly before our marriage Colleen was admitted to the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania, the same institution from which Dr. Quinn graduated. Knowing of Colleen's academic achievements, and having observed her performance as a nurse, I am absolutely certain of her ability to achieve her goal of becoming a doctor. So certain, in fact, that I confess to you now that I asked her to become my professional partner long before I asked her to become my partner in matrimony. At the time I intended for us to work together at my clinic at the Chateau; however, as I have relinquished my position there to join Colleen in Philadelphia, I can no longer say with any certainty where we will reside once she has earned her degree.
I realize how unconventional it is for a wife to have a career outside of the home, that you likely have some misgivings over our plans. I once had such doubts myself. Yet as I came to know Dr. Quinn and her family better, my opinion on the matter shifted. Not to say that it is easy by any means, but I have discovered it is possible for a woman to have both a personal life and a professional one if given a chance. I hope you can keep an open mind, for my sake, and give Colleen that chance.
As for myself, I have taken a dual position as Professor of Anatomy at the Woman's Medical College and as Assistant Physician at the Women's Hospital of Philadelphia. While I never aspired to the role of instructor, I am finding it a unique opportunity that keeps me close to Colleen, for which I cannot complain.
Mrs. Quinn wishes to host a wedding reception in Boston. Unfortunately, my new responsibilities will not allow travel for such an occasion until the Christmas holiday. If there is anyone you wish to invite, I am sure she will be happy to include them on the guest list.
Andrew
P.S. June 7 - I apologize for the delay in posting this letter. I wished to provide you with an address with which to reach me, and we only left the hotel of our honeymoon yesterday.
:
June 7, 1873
Dear Ma,
Last week I wrote about matriculation and Andrew becoming my professor and finding out his parents are alive (I seem happier about it than he does – he said it's just taking him time to adjust to the idea, which I guess makes sense). I also told you we'd be staying in the hotel another week. From the envelope you'll see that we have moved out of the hotel, but you'll never guess who our landlady is.
Our landlady is Mrs. Perling, the school secretary! I'm writing this from her little stationery desk in the parlor. It's a narrow two-story rowhouse, the parlor and dining and kitchen area downstairs, and two bedrooms upstairs. There's a horsecar stop on the corner for going downtown.
She's a widow. When her husband died, she needed a job to support herself and her children because she said she was too prideful to go impose on her sister's family and the house was all she had left of her husband. But her daughter died of the measles, and her son died in the Battle of the Wilderness. She's been living alone ever since. When I told her about Andrew's problem in not finding a room near the College, she said she'd look into it, and a few days later said she'd found a room in a home for us, yet only after we said we'd like to speak with the owner did Mrs. P. admit that she was the owner! She told us today that she took the few days to clean and get the room ready, moving her things into the smaller bedroom so that we could have the larger one. We both tried to protest, saying she shouldn't have to give up her own room, but Mrs. P. said it was nonsense, that since there were two of us, we should have the larger space, and besides, her things were already moved, and she wasn't moving them back. Then she quoted her price and Andrew agreed. How could he refuse after what she did for us?
Now I can tell you about medical school. I have Anatomy three days a week. It's strange calling Andrew "Dr. Cook" when at school, and hearing him call me "Mrs. Cook", but I know it's proper etiquette. He's following the order of Gray's Anatomy, so we're learning about the skeleton first. You quizzed me so often on that that I feel like I know most of it by heart already. Everyone's wondering when he'll get to do the first demonstration on a cadaver. It's a little strange to think about waiting for someone to die so students can learn, but there's no other way, is there? Mrs. P. told Andrew and I that some of the bodies come from Dr. Wilson, the Professor of Surgery, from his work at the colored clinic. He convinces the family to let us girls learn something from their relative's death before they are buried (I should tell you that all races and religions are welcome at the Women's Hospital, as long as they're not a male over the age of seventeen. The Hospital didn't even accept men who were injured in the war!). Other bodies come from the city morgue.
Chemistry is also three days per week. That is my hardest class, learning the formulas for everything. The short ones like water (H2O) are easy, but I flipped ahead in the book and some of those element combinations look like a secret code. I don't see how girls like Fanny actually like Chemistry (did I mention that Fanny and her father are Quakers? They believe girls should be educated the same as boys. I wish more people shared that belief.).
The other two days (Tuesdays and Thursdays) I have Physiology and Practice of Medicine. In this last one we're learning about the history of medicine, starting with the ancient Greeks and Romans. It's really interesting. You remember we studied the Romans in school with Reverend Johnson, but he never talked about the medical part of their civilization.
I have hospital duty on Friday mornings before school during June (the day and time will change every month to make it fair to everyone). The duty is pretty much like working with you, Ma. In the morning we serve breakfast to the patients, empty out bedpans, and change sheets. If a patient is supposed to take medication, we make sure they take it. We also get to take patients' temperature readings and mark them on the patient's chart for when the doctor comes by on morning rounds.
The only time the whole student body is together is Tuesday nights. All sixty-three of us go to Pennsylvania Hospital to attend a clinical lecture. It's the same lecture given to the medical students of Penn and Jefferson MC, but they hear it first, on Monday, and if the patient was present on Monday, they don't come again on Tuesday. Eddy said that there was a big incident a few years ago about the girls sitting with the boys, that the boys put up such a protest that the hospital decided that women had to attend the lectures on a separate day, or not at all. Can you believe that? The sexes sit together at concerts and at church but can't when it's a lecture? That just seems so stupid, like Andrew couldn't practice medicine with Dr. Sheffield because I'm a student here.
I'm sorry for getting upset. I know I need to be grateful that I'm getting to attend clinical lectures at all.
I'll close by mentioning Grandma sent a telegram saying she's coming to visit us for Independence Day. With everything going on I forgot that she said she'd come visit. I'll write about that in my next letter.
All my love,
Colleen
:
June 12, 1873
Dear Andrew,
Thank you for your letter of June 1. It is regrettable that you mourned our passing needlessly. I am at fault for our delayed return to the States, for I had a mishap while visiting the Parthenon and your father insisted that we delay the rest of our travels until my ankle had healed and I could again put my boot on and set weight on my foot. It was only later we became aware of the Atlantic's tragic fate, and wired you accordingly, though it seems you had already departed Colorado by that point.
As you know, I had been trying to get your father to take me to Europe for some time, so it was no great burden to me to be deferred in our return home. Naturally, your father jokingly accused me of tripping on purpose to extend the trip, to which I replied that if I had had such motivation, I would have tripped in Vienna.
[trip details omitted]
When we last spoke at Christmas, you did not indicate that you had any intentions towards Miss Cooper, though I admit I have long held my suspicions. One does not abandon one's home and family lightly. A charming young lady, however, would provide ample motivation. I look forward to meeting the girl who captured your fancy.
As you have surmised, your father is quite bewildered at your news. He and I always hoped you would settle down after your wanderlust had been fulfilled, though this is not what either of us envisioned. I reminded him that you are at least closer to Boston now, away from the dangers of the West with the Indians and the lawlessness, and that that would not have happened were it not for your wife's ambition. Those facts are a comfort to me, to know you are safe and well and happy.
Mother
:
June 17, 1873
Dear Colleen,
It is wonderful to hear from you directly. Andrew's wire was a comfort, but there is nothing like seeing your cursive and reading your own words. When you are a mother yourself one day, you will understand.
I'm glad to know you are making new friends and enjoying, for the most part, your new classes. You are fortunate, sweetheart, to have the educational opportunities that you do, though obviously there are still a few obstacles to overcome. I remember reading about the incident you referred to and being just as upset as you are today. The students' actions seemed so petty and childish compared to the reason we were in Washington. I saw no need to tell you about it and upset you, too, when you were having such a good time with Nellie Grant. Then Sully was arrested and the episode in Philadelphia slipped my mind altogether.
Mrs. Perling sounds like a generous, considerate woman. I am glad to know you are under her roof.
I have two pieces of news to share since you've been gone.
The first concerns Preston. The afternoon of your departure Hank called me over to the saloon. Preston was intoxicated and refusing to leave, saying he had nothing left, nothing besides the bottle of whiskey he was holding. He said several other things, though I will only repeat what is relevant to you and Andrew. He seemed to genuinely regret missing your wedding, saying that Andrew had been his only friend in Colorado Springs, and that he should have done better by him on his wedding day.
After sleeping it off in the clinic, Preston apologized for his behavior, saying he never allows himself to drink to excess like that. Again, I will not repeat everything that was said. Suffice it to say that like our old friend Mr. Scrooge, Preston finally seems ready to change and grow as a person. At the end of our conversation, I told him I was willing to recommend that he be kept on as Manager of the hotel. Who better to run it than its founder, who has always wished to see it prosper? He thanked me, then said as he was leaving, "Please give Andrew and Colleen my regards, and tell them that I wish them well."
The second piece of news is that Grace is pregnant! I confirmed it last week. Needless to say, we are all thrilled for her and Robert E. Normally I would tell her to continue working, that physical activity was healthy for her and the baby, but as we don't know why it has taken so long for her to conceive, I think it best to err on the side of caution and have advised her to turn over daily operation of her café to Donna Mae and Maggie. Grace agreed with only minimal protest. I think she will be a model patient, much more so than I was, if you remember.
It's nice of Mother to visit you so soon. I admit to a bit of envy that she will be able to see you regularly instead of me.
We miss you. We love you.
Ma
:
Stepping off the 5:00 o'clock train, the elegantly dressed woman scanned the sea of faces.
"Grandma!" Colleen called out, raising her hand in a wave. She waited for the woman to spot her and give a return wave before weaving through the crowd, Andrew close on her heels.
"Colleen," Elizabeth greeted warmly once they were able to embrace. "You look lovelier every time I see you."
Colleen basked in the praise. The last time the two had seen each other was at Thanksgiving, which had been a somber, trying time for everyone. How good it felt to be smiling again.
"Andrew. Taking good care of my granddaughter, I presume?"
"Yes, ma'am," Andrew replied, tipping his top hat. It had felt odd returning to a shorter brim at first, but the Western hat he'd grown accustomed to would have been out of place for a proper gentleman in this Eastern city. Darting a sidelong look at Colleen, the twenty-seven-year-old added jovially, "At least, I've heard no complaints thus far, so I must be doing something right."
Elizabeth began walking towards the baggage car, the young couple falling into step beside her. "If I'm not mistaken, Andrew, belated birthday wishes are in order. Did you do anything to celebrate?"
In a manner of speaking, thought Andrew slyly, though it wasn't the type of celebration the lady was referring to. Much to his delight, Colleen had debuted a new, sleeveless nightgown that evening, and he had made sure his wife knew just how much he appreciated the garment before removing said item for further, ahem, celebrating... but he could hardly share that with Elizabeth Quinn! Andrew shot another glance at Colleen, knowing she wouldn't be thrilled with his answer, but it was the only one he could give in polite company. "Nothing elaborate. Colleen made a cake."
"That sounds delicious, Colleen's an excellent… Colleen, what's wrong?" Elizabeth asked, seeing the suddenly glum look which had appeared on her granddaughter's face.
"It didn't turn out so well."
"I'll say it again, darling, it's the thought that counts," Andrew consoled.
Elizabeth was at a loss. "I don't understand. Everything you prepared in Colorado was wonderful."
"We figured out later that the difference in air pressure at sea level as opposed to altitude makes a difference in how food cooks," Andrew explained. "Well, one of her classmates figured it out. Colleen didn't know that adjustments were necessary for the difference. She'll know next time."
"If Amanda ever lets me into her kitchen again."
"Amanda is your cook?"
"Amanda's our landlady," Colleen replied.
"She and Colleen are on familiar terms now," Andrew added. "I tried to do the same, but she insists on calling me 'Dr. Cook', saying it would be disrespectful to do otherwise since I'm a member of the faculty."
"The faculty? It appears I've missed out on quite a lot this past month. Ah, here are my bags," Elizabeth gestured, and a porter immediately stepped forward to assist, following the trio to the station exit. "Andrew, what do you teach? Where do you teach?"
"I'm Professor of Anatomy at Colleen's college. Mrs. Perling is the school secretary and generously offered to rent out one of her rooms to us when she learned all of the local boarding houses were full."
Elizabeth decided to ignore the information of the living situation for now, as undoubtedly, she'd be meeting this Amanda Perling before her return to Boston. "Professor of Anatomy? My, how impressive. I'm sure there's a story of how that came about."
"It may sound impressive, but I only teach one class of thirty students."
Andrew helped the women into the hired cab while the porter loaded the suitcases. Once the carriage was underway, the young doctor related the events leading to his employment at the College, concluding with, "And so, now I'm a pariah along with the other faculty."
"It appears the manners of Philadelphia's physicians aren't any better than those of Boston. Or at least how they used to be. Remember Dr. Hanson?" Elizabeth asked Colleen. "He was as incompetent as he was inconsiderate. Even if he was a Harvard graduate. But enough about him. I'd rather hear about your wedding. Michaela's letter was lacking some of the details. Such as your best man and maid of honor."
"Matthew was my best man."
"Really? I would have thought you'd ask Mr. Lodge."
"He… he was busy with other matters," Andrew said diplomatically. The sting of how things had ended between he and Preston had diminished somewhat in the wake of Michaela's letter, and the young doctor was doing his best to let bygones be bygones. "The financial crisis hit him hard."
"Yes, I read about that. Well, I'm sure Matthew was honored to stand with you for the occasion. And your maid of honor?" Elizabeth inquired, turning to Colleen.
Colleen knew why her mother had omitted that detail. "Ma was my matron of honor."
"Michaela? I hardly think-" Elizabeth stopped herself from berating her granddaughter for this breach of protocol, and instead patted the young woman's hand. "Forgive me, Colleen. Of course, you were missing your friend."
"Did she tell you about my something blue?" Colleen asked.
"Yes, she did write about that. Your something blue was a blue ribbon basted into the hem of your dress, which you borrowed from Michaela. Your something old was the handkerchief from Ireland, and the something new was your bouquet."
"The ribbon was one I wore to the Sweetheart's Dance, the one when Becky and I went together because nobody asked us." Colleen turned her eyes to her husband, the very reason the best friends had decided to attend the dance together. Andrew met her gaze tenderly. The information about the ribbon was new to him, and he understood perfectly why it had been selected as Colleen's something blue. "It was a way to have her there with me."
"What a lovely sentiment. And your father, the one who lives in San Francisco – was he present?" From what Michaela had written of the man, Elizabeth hoped not.
"He and Lillian sent a telegram to congratulate us, but they weren't there."
"Just as well. What's going on here?" Elizabeth asked, nodding towards the large construction area they were passing.
"They're building a new City Hall," Andrew explained. "They say when it's finished it will be the tallest building in the world, surpassing the Strasbourg Cathedral in France."
"Good heavens, that's rather audacious for a government building. I hope they're not planning on demolishing Independence Hall when it's finished."
"I can't imagine they would. It would be a shame to lose such a historic site."
There was brief lull in the conservation until Elizabeth asked, "Will we be passing by your college?"
"Do you want to see it?" Colleen asked excitedly. "It's north of here, but we thought we could show you around tomorrow, since there won't be any classes."
"Yes, I'd like that. I'm sure it won't surprise you to know that I never visited when Michaela was here. I didn't approve of her studies. And for a time, I had reservations of you following in her footsteps… especially last Thanksgiving." She paused, gathering her nerve. "It's taken me a long time to realize that what I think – what society thinks – might not always be what's best. If I'd had my way, Michaela never would have become a doctor, or gone West. She never would have become your mother – or I, your grandmother." Elizabeth smiled at Colleen, who smiled back. "She'd never have learned about Indian teas; she would never have been able to save my life, or the lives of others." The septuagenarian paused again. "It seems so selfish now that I would have prevented all that. So yes. I would very much like to see your school."
:
"Ah, Dr. Cook, lovely to see you again. I'm afraid your room is no longer available, but I have another for you on the same floor."
"He's not the one checking in, young man. I am. Mrs. Elizabeth Quinn."
The receptionist was mortified by his erroneous presumption. "Oh! I beg your pardon… of course… Mrs. Quinn…" he said and rifled through his records. "Yes, here it is." He rang for the bellboy. "Please let us know if there's anything you need, Mrs. Quinn. Enjoy your stay."
"Andrew, would you mind waiting down here while I freshen up?" Elizabeth requested. "Colleen can help me settle in."
"Not at all, Mrs. Quinn," Andrew replied. "I'll just go get a newspaper to pass the time."
:
Once the bellboys had left the room, Elizabeth looked at Colleen expectantly. "Well?"
"Well, what, Grandma?"
"Don't you have an additional piece of news to share?" the older woman hinted.
Colleen was truly baffled. "What do you mean?"
"Don't play coy, Colleen. I never took Andrew for the type to compromise a woman's virtue, but since here you are, a married woman, I can only assume that he did. Are you expecting as well?"
It took a second for Colleen to recover from her shock. "Grandma! I'm not pregnant. I can't believe you would think that! Andrew would never have done anything like that!"
Elizabeth heaved a sigh of relief. "Well, thank goodness for that. Oh, Colleen, you must see how it all looks from my point of view. The last I heard the two of you had just started to court. Next thing I know there's a telegram announcing your wedding, without so much as an engagement. You can hardly blame me for thinking that something improper had occurred to hasten this marriage."
"I'm sorry, Grandma, I didn't realize you would see it that way," Colleen replied, calming down. "We got married because we love each other and didn't want to be apart. Bad things can happen so fast…"
"I understand. More so now than I would have a year ago." Elizabeth was silent a moment, remembering Marjorie's death, before continuing. "Though it seems to me that you've eliminated one risk only to exchange it for another. Unless… the two of you have decided to postpone consummating your union?"
The young woman felt the color rush to her cheeks. "Grandma… please don't ask me to explain…"
"I do beg your pardon, Colleen. You're right, you're a grown woman now and that is a private matter between you and your husband. But I want you to know, should your circumstances change, and you need to leave school for a while… you're always welcome to come stay with me." Elizabeth waited for Colleen's answering nod before continuing. "Now then, I suppose I should freshen up so we don't keep Andrew waiting long."
:
July 5, 1873
Dear Ma,
Andrew and I are so happy for Grace and Robert E! Please give them our best wishes. We hope everything goes all right. And thanks for letting us know about Preston. We wish him well, too.
I told you Grandma was coming for the holiday. She was surprised to learn that Andrew and I are renting a room, but after she got to meet Amanda and see how nice she is, Grandma was won over. Yes, I call her Amanda now instead of Mrs. Perling outside of school. She said since we are sharing a kitchen, we should be on a first name basis. But she still calls Andrew 'Doctor Cook', saying that it would be disrespectful not to.
I said that we're sharing a kitchen. I wanted to bake a cake for Andrew's birthday, to make the day special, since I didn't know what else to get him. Amanda didn't believe that I knew how to cook and asked what recipe I was using. She should have also asked how long I planned to bake the cake, because it came out like one of your cakes, Ma. At first, I thought it was because she has a coal stove and at home we use wood, but Fanny said the reason is that the air pressure is different here than in Colorado Springs due to the altitude. The next time I want to bake or cook something Amanda and I will do it together so I can get the timing right.
Back to Grandma's visit. She came by herself since Aunt Rebecca was spending the summer at Martha's Vineyard with her relatives on Uncle Richard's side. We went to the parade in the morning. Grandma bought us all little flags to wave, they were two cents each (that seemed a lot, but the vendor said if we wanted them for a penny, we should have bought them yesterday. At least now we can save them for next year). There were so many people, and so many veterans from the war and the Mexican War marching or riding horses or riding horsecars. In between the soldiers were brass bands, and one historic fife and drum band in costume. Others were in costume, too, dressed up as George Washington and Paul Revere and Betsy Ross. Some women from the Sanitary Commission who helped as nurses or raised money to buy supplies were also in the parade. On and on it went for an hour. Afterwards someone dressed up as Thomas Jefferson read the Declaration of Independence in front of Independence Hall. It was so inspiring hearing those words where they were first written!
Then we had the long wait for it to get dark. Most people were either in the parks having picnics and flying kites or going to the Schuylkill (I had to carefully copy that from the newspaper to spell it correctly) River to watch the boat races. There are races every Saturday - singles, doubles, and teams of six. Andrew and I went to watch one time. Some of the girls go every week, calling it a "practical physiology lesson." Of course, girls aren't allowed to race.
Because it was the 4th, there were extra things to do in Fairmount Park. They had foot races and hoop races. Women could only be part of the hoop race. Since I hadn't known about it and hadn't practiced, I just watched, but Fanny Comely and some of the other local girls were in it. Fanny came in fourth. They also had a dedication ceremony for the Centennial Exposition. The Secretary of the Navy was there for that. At least no one got into a fight at this ceremony! Grandma said that whether or not we're still living in Philadelphia, she'll be coming back to see the Exposition. I told Andrew I want to do that, too.
We didn't stay in the park the whole afternoon. We gave Grandma a private tour of the College since it was closed for the holiday. Then we returned to home have dinner with Amanda (she didn't wish to intrude on family time, so she had spent most of the day with her best friend Jane Fillmore, who lives a few doors down from us.). During dinner Amanda said she was surprised not to see Grandma's name on the donor list of the college, and Grandma got a strange look on her face. She then admitted that she had been donating to her husband's alma mater all these years but not her daughter's, and that it was time she corrected that oversight. Grandma sure has come a long way, hasn't she?
I almost forgot to mention the fireworks! There were places to watch all over the city, but we decided to go to the Delaware River, so we could see the New Jersey fireworks, too. I've never seen so many fireworks. After about ten minutes Grandma said she'd seen enough (I think she was tired from the long day but didn't want to say so). Andrew offered to escort her back to the hotel, but Amanda said she would do it, she's seen the fireworks plenty of times, that Andrew and I should stay. Andrew said she was trying to give us some time alone. That was so nice of her.
This morning Grandma went back to Boston. She said she'll try to return for my birthday, having missed out on too many of my birthdays. It made me sad all of a sudden, reminding me that you won't be here for my birthday. None of you will.
I mentioned going to the boat races with Andrew. That's one thing to do on Saturdays. On other Saturdays I've been spending time with Hannah and Deborah and some of the others. We often take the horsecar downtown, to just walk around shopping and eating ice cream and be regular girls instead of being medical students, and then we usually head for Fairmont Park when it gets hotter in the afternoon. At first, I wasn't sure about spending so much time away from Andrew. I thought I should be keeping my weekends free for him, since we're married. We talked about it, and he said he didn't want to keep me from my friends, as that's what I would be doing if he wasn't around. I think he feels guilty that because of him I'm not like the other girls and he tries to make up for that whenever he can (like not wanting to buy a house yet so I don't have to spend time on housework). But he also said he wants us to have times for just the two of us to do things together. Like next week, the Boston Red Stockings are coming to play the Philadelphia Athletics for a couple of base ball games. He knew I'd be interested because I'd told him about the time the All-Stars had come to town. Andrew said he has to cheer for Boston, so I will cheer for the local team. That way, one of us will come away happy.
This letter is getting long again, but I haven't told you yet about Andrew's first dissection demonstration!
Before he started, he said that it was perfectly all right if anyone needed to step out of the room for a bit to compose themselves, as the sight and smell can take some time getting used to. Mary Hood asked if he had needed to leave the room his first time. Andrew said that it was an impertinent question, and that once she had her medical degree, he would be happy to answer it (he told me later that he had felt a little nauseous his first time but hadn't left the room. I asked why he hadn't just said that to Mary and he explained that he gave the same response his Anatomy professor had given to the same question, thinking it the best way to maintain authority. I suppose.). Anyway, I was all right, from my time helping with all those operations, but some of the girls like Hannah stepped out for a while before returning and standing near the back. Nobody fainted, though, like Jake did during Mr. Bray's operation. And everyone's fine with it now.
All my love,
Colleen
:
July 27, 1873
Dear Colleen,
Please do not worry about the length of your letters. Hearing about your activities makes us all feel closer to you even though we are two thousand miles apart.
You are right about Mother. She has come a long way. As have you, I might add, though I find it hard to imagine you turning out a cake that resembles mine! I'm glad the problem was quickly diagnosed and easily corrected for the future.
I waited to write this letter because I wanted to tell you about Andrew's replacement at the hotel. There were just three applicants to choose from, as I decided to be upfront and use my full name on the advertisement. Dr. Adam Mills is a graduate of the Univ. of Pennsylvania Medical School. He wrote in his cover letter that he has three older sisters, and they regularly tended to his injuries and illnesses as a child. Two of his sisters even served as nurses during the war, and one of them decided to continue on working as a private nurse. He is intrigued by the idea of having a female colleague, so we should get along fine. As we were getting acquainted during his first day in town, Adam naturally asked what had happened to the last doctor who had run the hotel clinic. I answered him with a straight face, "He ran off with my eldest daughter to Philadelphia." Adam was understandably stunned by that announcement until I shared with him the full story.
Adam has a wife, Evelyn, and two young sons, John and Christopher. Brian offered to show the boys the best fishing spots, so of course they felt welcomed right away. Evelyn is a little more reserved; I get the sense she wasn't in favor of this move. She's especially wary of Hank and the Gold Nugget, which is understandable. However, she seemed to relax some after visiting Loren's store and meeting a few of the other women in town.
The other news to share is that Teresa Slicker is now also expecting! I assured her that it is perfectly fine for her to continue teaching in the fall as long as she feels up to it, which will hopefully give us some time to find a replacement before her baby is born.
Love,
Ma
:
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Author's Notes:
–In medical school (at least in the latter half of the 19th century), one doctor gave the anatomy lectures, and another performed the demonstrations. I've streamlined that and given both duties to Andrew.
-Colleen & Michaela's letters refer to an incident which led to female medical students receiving a separate clinical lecture from the men. It is known as "The Jeering Episode." On the evening of November 6, 1869, students from Woman's Medical College were harassed and verbally abused by male medical students while attending a clinical lecture at Pennsylvania Hospital. The men – who outnumbered the women 4 to 1 – reportedly threw wads of paper and tinfoil, spit tobacco on the women's clothes, and used "insolent and offensive language" according to the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin. WMCP alumni reported "groans and hisses" and "whistling and stamping of feet" throughout the two hours, making it near-impossible to learn anything. It was one of the most well-documented instances of harassment of female medical students during that era, though certainly not the only one. My best guess of where this IRL event fits in the DQ timeline is season 3's "Washington Affair," which was just after Halloween 1869.
-Construction of Philadelphia City Hall began in 1871. It was intended to be the tallest building in the world upon completion, but it was surpassed in height by both the Washington Monument and the Eiffel Tower before construction concluded in 1894.
-Philadelphia hosted the 1876 Centennial Exposition in its vast Fairmount Park, and the dedication ceremony took place on July 4, 1873. Memorial Hall still stands today as the Please Touch Museum.
-Rowing contests were a popular pastime in the 19th century, attracting large numbers of spectators and bettors. Teams built clubhouses along the riverbank to store their equipment. Those clubhouses became Philadelphia's Boathouse Row, some of which still stand today.
-The National Association of Professional Base Ball Players was the first attempt at an all-professional baseball league. It ran 1871-1876, and Philadelphia actually had two teams. Problems plagued the association, however, and a new organization rose up to supplant it - the National League. The NL would later become part of Major League Baseball.