Diary+Entries+from+Maggie

Tara Hill Raleigh Story August 15, 1864 Dear Diary, It’s me, Maggie. Well, my brother has gone off to school and I am completely envious of him! I just don’t think it’s fair that he gets to go off and get an education and I don’t! Instead of learning new things and being exposed to all the knowledge the world has to offer, I have to stay at home with momma and help her with the chores. Daddy says that it’s a girl’s job to do the housework. I don’t agree with him at all…but I wouldn’t dare tell him that. I guess I am lucky that my brother and daddy teach me how to read and write. Daddy says I am a quick learner but that I don’t need to worry about writing. That’s why I am telling you and only you this secret desire of mine. I am bound and determined to get a college education one day. Maybe, just maybe...if I’m lucky, it will happen!

Fingers Crossed, Maggie

December 12, 1864 Dear Diary, I haven’t written in awhile because I can’t seem to ever get any free time to myself. My momma and daddy are always watching me. I don’t want them to see where I hide you because they might read what I have written down. I have to tell you something important! Today, I was taking a walk and I overheard some adults talking. They were talking about a school called Peace Institute. From listening in on their conversation, I learned that it was founded in 1857 by Raleigh’s First Presbyterian Church. I also heard them talking about a man named William Peace, a Raleigh business man and church elder. These ladies said that this man provided $10,000 and eight whole acres of land for this school! However, the construction on the Main Building has been interrupted by the Civil War and the Confederate government has taken over the building so that it can be used as a military hospital. I also heard them say that it was originally to be used as a school for women. This really got me excited! I am going to try and learn more about this school! Maybe my wish will come true!

Yours Truly, Maggie

January 5, 1865 Dear Diary, I haven’t heard anymore about the school…I have been busy with chores and helping momma. I will write again when I hear more. My hopes are falling…

Yours Truly, Maggie

February 18, 1865 Dear Diary, Today I learned that once the war is over, the federal government is going to use the school building as the North Carolina headquarters for the Freedmen’s Bureau. This group helps former slaves start new lives. I wonder if Peace Institute will ever be used for its original purpose: educating women? I guess I should just give up for now…it doesn’t look like the school is going to open anytime soon.

Yours Truly, Maggie March 23, 1865 Dear Diary, I know I don’t write very often, but I only have time to write about the important stuff. Today, my daddy told me that we are moving to Raleigh…this just happens to be where the Peace Institute is! Maybe when it does open, my chances of going will be even better now! My older brother loves school…I know I would love it too if I were given the chance to go.

Yours Truly, Maggie April 4, 1875 Dear Diary, Do you remember me?! It’s Maggie! I can’t believe I just now found you after all these years have gone by. My last entry was written ten years ago! After we moved, you got lost and I will admit that I forgot about you and my hopes of going to Peace Institute for a long time. However, I was looking through some old boxes today that never got unpacked for whatever reason, and I found you! Anyways, I’ll get right to the point…you will be happy to know that my dream came true! In the early 1870’s, the Presbyterian Church regained ownership of the school property. They made repairs to the building and the Peace Institute officially opened in January of 1872. By then, I was old enough to make my own decisions about school and I decided to enroll. I guess my parents just never thought that a girl could get a proper education. My first day of school was the happiest day of my life. I have been told that I am a bright student and have a lot of talent. I don’t have much time to write since I have a lot of studying to get done these days. I promise to write again sometime. Yours Truly (even after all this time), Maggie June 17, 1880 Dear Diary, Okay, so I know I can’t keep writing to you just every five to ten years. I know I have neglected you, but I hope you’ll understand that I am a busy girl these days! I guess you have become a place for me to write about the advances in education. I just wanted to tell you that it is now possible for a girl to receive her entire education at Peace! This means that a girl can attend Peace from kindergarten through college-level courses that are available. I never thought this would be possible. If I have a daughter one day, I know she will have the opportunity to get an education. I am extremely hopeful for the future…it can only get better from here, right?!

Yours Truly, Maggie