 engraving by Winslow Homer from "The Song of the Sower" by William Cullen Bryant photo courtesy of Lowell National Historic Park |
A Student Web-Guided Exploration |
drawing (American Textile Museum- Lowell, Massachusetts)
(Introduction) (Task 1) (Task 2) (Task 3) (Task 4 grades 6-7) (Task 5)
"Abigail," called mother. "Have you finished your outdoor chores?"
The howling Northeast wind can be so chilling in October. Our 10 acre Massachusetts farm barely provided for the needs of our family, yet demanded a long 14 hour work day. After these long hours of labor, it was difficult to go to school or to have any time for ourselves.
My three brothers, Aaron, William, and Benjamin, worked with father in the fields from early morning until the sun set at night. They weeded, plowed, picked crops and did other jobs depending on their age. My sister, Rachel and I would care for the chickens, milk the cows, and take care of the family vegetable garden. We would also help mother cook, sew, weave, and do the laundry.
Even though I was the oldest at 16 years old, my brother Aaron, age 14 was sure to inherit the farm. My sister and I will need a dowry if we are to marry. How will I ever be able to save enough money from the tiny bit I keep from selling our chicken's eggs? There must be a better life - or is there?
Abigail is exploring the possibility of leaving the security of her family's farm to go work in the mills in Massachusetts. You will need to decide if Abigail should leave her farm. Will this be a better life for her?
Before you can make this decision, you will need to complete some tasks, develop and research some questions, and then come to a conclusion.
