Anna’s Pioneer Journal: April 15, 1851

Dear Journal,

Today was a busy and very tiring day. I wish we never had today. Three wheels broke,  we had to go up two hills, and we crossed a river, therefore we only traveled 5 miles.

I’m getting used to life on the trail. In the morning, we girls ready up breakfast. After breakfast, me and my friends play games by the riverside. We come back up when the bugle blows because than is when we start. Unluckily, the trail started us off with new challenges. Two very steep hills. Since both hills had rocks on top of them, we tied ropes on the rocks and used them to pull ourselves up. After 5 hours, we were done. It had been lots of hard work. After one more mile, a wheel broke. It took long to repair that. Soon we had to cross a river. We built a raft to take all the wagons over. Since the current was strong and swift, Mrs. Lorgingher lost her favorite rocking chair. Right before nooning, another wheel broke. We were in a lot of hurry, so the wheel got fixed quickly. During nooning, us children collected buffalo chips for the fire. We set out again at 2.00 PM, and had to fix another wheel. At 8.00 PM, it is time for supper. We also find a nice sleeping spot.

As I go to sleep, I wish tomorrow will be a better day.

Anna Clark

Who writes? I do!: Anna’s Pioneer Journal: April 10, 1851

Anna’s Pioneer Journal: April 10, 1851

Dear Journal,

We arrived in Independence, Missouri early this morning. I’m in the tent where we sleep with my journal in front of me.

I’m exhausted ‘cause we spent a long time in a cramped wagon. I’m very excited to explore Independence. But Pa told me I had to stay in the tent so I would not get lost. Although he said I could keep the door open. In my head I can still hear the loud day. People chatterin’ noisily, animals making noises, and hammerin’ happenin’ on nearby. The sights of the day are goin’ through my head like a slide show. Dust flyin’, animals restin’, and merchants sellin’. Love the peace and quiet of the prairie tents. Not noisy like Independence. Don’t have to cover my ears no more.

I’m helpin’ my family get ready for the long journey. I’m goin’ shoppin’ for supplies at the general store with Ma. Emily is washing clothes in the rivers. Billy is off to the blacksmith. Jacob is at the gunsmith with Pa. I hope it isn’t so noisy on our trip.

Anna Clark


Who writes? I do!: Anna’s Pioneer Journal: February 20, 1851

Anna’s Pioneer Journal: February 20, 1851

Dear Journal,

I’m getting ready in my room. We are packing for Oregon and I have to leave behind my favorite toy. Ma told me we will have to sell it to get enough money for the trail.

Last night, I had to say goodbye to my grandpa. I was hugging my grandma like crazy. I am really sad to leave my grandparents. For the trail we are bringing lots of dry food. Ma says other food will spoil quickly. Pa remembered to get medicines and didn’t forget to bring along his hunting and fishing equipment. My brothers Billy and Jacob are in charge of the livestock. I’m guessing they’re getting the chicken and oxen right now. I’m not going to forget my best calico dress. My sister Emily is in charge of the tools. I reckon I’ll not be in charge of anything. Although Ma said I’d have to yoke the oxen and hitch them to the wagon. I know Ma has remembered to fetch our sewing kits and the gunpowder.

I decided to bring along the pebbles from my game. Emily’s cat chewed it up. I’m gonna enjoy Tuesday, when we start on the trail. I reckon we won’t meet any dangerous animals on the trail. I’m worried there is going to be a problem.

Anna Clark

Who writes? I do!: Anna’s Pioneer Journal: February 19, 1851

Anna’s Pioneer Journal: February 19, 1851

This past year in Third Grade, I had a pioneer journal. A pioneer is a early traveler to the west. A pioneer journal is the journal that a pioneer keeps of life on the trail.

I’m going to share my entries!

Dear Journal,

It’s noon in New York an Ma just told me great news. We are taking a risk and moving to Oregon. Right now in my room, I still can’t believe than Ma and Pa made such a decision.

I’m feeling really excited. I’m thinking about all the fun we will have in Oregon. One of my friends died of a disease. I can’t wait to get out of here. The reason than we are leaving is than we hope for a better life and richer farmland. I just can’t forget than I have many worries as well. What if we get eaten by an animal? What if we have a shortage of food and water? I’m trying to forget all my worries.

I’m looking forward to a better life in Oregon. I’m also looking forward to lots of fun on the trail.

Anna Clark

Dad as a Businessman

This year I made a story of my dad called “Dad as a Businessman”. I am going to share it with you.

Dad as a Businessman

Boom, dad locked the door. He was preparing for a speech to his boss. If his boss hated the speech, dad would be put back to a lowly job. If dad’s boss liked the speech, dad would stay where he was. If dad’s boss loved the speech, dad would become the CEO!

Soon after, my dad came out of the room. He told us that he would rehearse the speech to us. Dad studied his papers before starting to talk. “In these days, our company is amazing. It has become a million times better from when I started in it,” dad continued his speech.

“This company has never proved me wrong. Instead it has grown me in my career. In 1866, when our company started, we could never accept people for whom they were. Now in 2015, our lives have much changed. We all keep improving our company, no matter our skill.

Although there are still some known bugs in our company, nobody argues about who should fix them. In any way, this company has never lost. Even in our many fails, there was always a lesson. Thank this beautiful company. Without it, I would never be happy,” my dad finished his speech.

“That’s wonderful!” we all chorused together. “You’ll definitely become the CEO!” But my dad with a worried look, went back into his room to study. “Oh poor dad,” I told mom. “If just he’d get over all this worrying.” “I know what to do!” my mom yipped. “Lets make dosa; dad’s favorite!” So that’s what we did.

After dad had finalized what to say tomorrow at the speech, he went to bed. When dad woke up, he was all fresh and ready for speech day. Dad confidently walked to his office. But then dad realized that he had forgotten his papers at home and it was too late to get them. Dad was up first and tried to remember his speech.

Dad remembered it very well. Time passed slowly as the others gave their speeches. Meanwhile, dad was worrying that he hadn’t done a good job because he forgot his papers. When everyone finished their speech, dad asked his boss for the results. He madly groaned, “You’ll get them tomorrow.”

Another reason to be worried, dad thought. That night, dad couldn’t sleep. He was too busy worrying. But eventually dad got some sleep. When we woke up dad the next morning, he jumped out of bed and checked his bag for supplies. Dad found his papers he had needed yesterday.

If my boss saw this, another reason to be worried. Then dad saw the clock. He hurriedly got dressed and left. At work, dad was the last person there. I’m late, dad thought. Another reason to be worried. When dad was walking in, he dropped his bag and everything spilled out.

Another reason to be worried, dad thought. Dad’s boss saw he had his papers. “Well prepared, that’s good". Finally a reason not to be worried. Boss slowly said the results. “Everybody here is staying at the same level except Dum-Dum and my dad.”

“One of the two is becoming the CEO. The other is going back to a lowly job. Dum-Dum is going back to a lowly job. My dad is becoming the CEO!” 

“Dad’s becoming the CEO!” we all cheered when the news reached home. “Great job!” we said to dad. “Awesome! Glorious!”  We never had more fun than we had that day.

Newspaper headline the next day.

New CEO In New York!

My dad giving a speech!

Happy Father's Day!


Writing Girl (6-15-15)