Caroline Pratt's Commonplace Book

Though my nieces seem set on starting their own shabby photography shop I must give them one final suggestion. Oh, I care so dearly for these girls and want nothing of them to be working themselves without a husband to care for. Nevertheless, if they shall not take my advice on that, I will give them this photo of four women working for a millinery store. A millinery store is much better! Men tend to work photography shops and my poor nieces will never be successful in that realm. Millinery stores are much more womanly, and if my nieces refuse to go off with their uncle to India or find a…

When I was performing my daily duties I came across this Godey’s Fashions picture of these two magnificent dresses. These dresses would be the perfect fit for Gertrude. She is always wearing that same shabby black dress! What a disgrace! Gertrude never seems to care about what she looks like. I will give her one of these dresses as a gift. I must, as I know she will never buy it herself. I need not have my nieces looking inferior to the other women at their events and while they are out roaming the streets. This black dress will look splendid on Gertrude. She lacks the beauty that Phyllis…

I chose this conduct book so my nieces can shape up and out of their outrageous dreams! Those foolish girls have no desire to find a husband but rather start their own photography business. How absurd! This book will help them find the correct way in this world and will help them learn how to represent our family name right. My sister would be so disappointed if I let these girls fall into the shabby poor world they are beginning to enter so I must drag them out. It shall begin with the education of words written by Sarah Stickney Ellis from her conduct book the Women Of England. Ellis…