Why Weren't They in School?

Photo of children in a wheat field.

Brechet children in wheat field, 1900.

Minnesota Historical Society Photograph Collection, SA4.52 r16

Mamie, Georgie and Henry have helped their father plant potatoes, drop corn, etc and they have our cows to watch. They are all very well. They have no chance to go to school. We have no schoolhouse in our district as yet. Mamie is always reading when there is a chance and has learned to write a little.

Mary Carpenter letter to cousin Lucy, July 9, 1874.
Minnesota Historical Society Library Collection