The Mother Who Chased Her Daughter Off the Train
A stern mother keeps a watchful eye on her daughter during a geological expedition’s outing, resulting in a comical train-platform confrontation.
“Them ‘tue survivors,’” said an irate mother to her daughter on the train which left the geological party yesterday. “Ann,” said she, “are you flirting with them students?” “No, mother, I was only laughing.” Five minutes later: “Ann, you are with them students, and I want you to get off the train at the next station.” As the train approached Mount Ararat, she spoke once more: “Ann, get your duds together, I mean NOW.” Mount Ararat was the destination of the geological party, and in the bustle and hurry to reach the car-door, the students trailed along one by one after them, and the old lady, giving up in despair, returned to the train, leaving Ann upon the station platform with those impudent students.
“Ann, get your duds together, I mean NOW.”
While chaperonage styles have evolved since 1876, the tension between parental control and the social freedom of youth remains a perennial theme in Seattle’s evolving social fabric. This scene captures a slice of Victorian-era morality in Washington Territory, reflecting how public travel often acted as a stage for private discipline.
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