Mary Brady Guided Walking Tour 

Background

Mary Brady is the wife to Charles Brady, a soldier sent to fight in the war. She is a stay at home mother and tends to her children while Charles is off at war. She is 36 years old. Before the war, Mary spent her free time gardening, cooking, and walks to the beach. Now that her husband is gone, Mary focuses more on the children and mending things around the house. To help with the war effort, Mary picked up sewing and making garments for the soldiers. 

Sandhill School, 16 Dewey Ave

Mornings have been chaotic getting the kids fixed for school. With the baby, John, and Sarah;  I find it hard getting each prepared for school. I am practicing with the kids on independence, and the first step is being able to get fixed in the mornings. 

As we walked to the schoolhouse, it was a cold morning, with some of the winter frost still lingering in the air and on the plants. Some birds have been out chirping, but most are still quiet under winter’s blanket. 

The school teacher is a nice young woman. She is strict but also patient with the kids. I’m grateful that the school is still running, it gives the kids and I some normalcy in the midst of the war. When I kissed them goodbye, I felt a sense of pride in our kids. They are so strong and fearless, eager to learn and grow.

Home, 10 Liberty ST

Today has been a hard day for the children and I. The kids and I finished mending the laundry around noon. Sarah chased the chickens around the yard while I prepared lunch with the baby. And John helped me hang the rest of the lines. 

There has been talk in town about Union soldiers being spotted near the Boston area, which has the children peering and glancing out the windows. It is hard to reassure them, knowing that I am not feeling too reassured myself. We miss you Charles as the days pass. We pray and pray for your return.

We make do with what we have. The garden provides just enough, but sometimes I ration that too. I can tell the children feel your absence, but they are trying the best they can to make do with the situation.

Friend's House, 9 Liberty ST

Susan across the street invited the kids and I over for supper and a playdate for the evening. The kids had a messy day at school, the rain from the past few days had made their outside play area all mud. I rushed home with the kids, bathed them, and changed them into their dress clothes to head over to Susan’s. 

She just gave birth to her second born, I am so excited for Robert to have another baby friend. The winter draft is still lingering so I bundled the kids and I up. Not many people are out walking the streets anymore. 

Now that the men have left to go fight, some wives have picked up their jobs or are helping with making clothing items for the troops. Susan and I were talking about making some clothing to send out to the Boston regiment. I have not been able to find a lot of fabrics when in town but I am still looking everyday. 

It felt like old times, being able to converse with Susan as the kids played in the yard. If helped as both get our minds off the war and distract ourselves. She attempted to make a sweet tea, but with very little sugar available, the tea was pretty bland. 

Corner Store, 2 Pleasant ST.

I spoke with the corner store shop owner about the war. He was just as scared as us, informing me that meat and fresh foods are going to become scarce and rationed. For now, I am going to plan to go to the store right when they open, right after I drop the kids off at school. The corner store as of now has everything I need to make dinner for us for the night. I am planning on making a pork pie with some vegetables on the side.

 But today I was unable to go before dropping the kids off at school. Navigating through the crowded streets, the kids keep trying to run off. I finally got them in line, it is so hard trying to control them by myself, especially with the baby by my side the whole time. Once I got the kids together, I made them wait outside the store. 

As I went in, I noticed the bare and empty shelves, with little to no food or supplies on them. I picked out the best I could. I was able to get a couple of seeds so we could grow our own food in our garden. I already have tomatoes and eggplant growing, but I got seeds for potatoes and some more eggplant. I spoke with a couple of the other wives in the store. As of now we have been receiving weekly updates about the men in the paper, but none of us have received letters yet. I check the mail everyday for post, but to my disappointment I receive nothing.

Church, 159 Main ST.

This is our first Sunday at church without you Charles, I am saddened that you are not able to attend with us. I try to continue our normal activities, but it is hard knowing that there is a war going on and you are not here. I dressed the children in their best clothes. We made our way down the street just after sunrise. The bell was already ringing when we arrived and people were lined up by the doors.

The pews were not as full as they once were. With all the fathers and sons gone off to fight. The sermon was on perseverance and the goodness of God in times of trial. I held back most of my tears during it. Not because I doubt God, but because I miss the way life once was. I miss you sitting beside me. 

The children sang the hymns with their small and high pitched voices. They don’t know all the words, but their faith is just as strong, if not stronger. I prayed for good health for all the soldiers and a swift end to the conflict. I have a feeling that others had the same prayers as well. 

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