The white-haired spinster tried a new approach. “But Margaret dear, you belong here. There’s a roof over your head and plenty to eat, obviously,” she spoke with a gesture toward Margaret’s waist.
But Margaret stood her ground. She would not yield on this. “Miss Crandle, as you know, I’ve been here for fifteen years. My friends have come and gone. Most are married now, or working happily somewhere else. I may be twenty-three, but I do not plan to spend the rest of my life as a spinster. This may be my only chance to marry and I am going to take it.”
Miss Crandle snorted. She hated to lose such a hard worker. “And just when will you be departing?” she demanded with hands on her hips.
“In three days, on the twelfth.”
Miss Crandle’s voice was shrill. “That soon? How am I going to train someone to take your place so quickly? You’re being quite unfair. I insist you give me at least four weeks. It’s the least you can do after all we’ve done for you.”
“Sorry, ma’am. I cannot. I leave on the twelfth. That’s the next train for Chicago.”
“Mark my words, missy! You’ll be back!” Miss Crandle answered angrily. She was completely put out by the girl’s determination and confidence. “It must be your red hair. Maybe you just can’t help but be bold and unsensible.”
On the morning of June 12,1876, Margaret Roe donned her only non-uniform dress. It was a soft brown cotton, trimmed with a thin strip of crocheted ivory lace. Small buttons enclosed the front up to her neck. It was a simple dress that she usually wore to church. Along with her train ticket, she purchased a new straw hat. Its purpose served more for decoration than shade. A simple brown ribbon adorned the brim.
Margaret patted the bun fastened at the nape of her neck. For the first time in ages, she felt pretty. But maybe it was just her excitement putting all sorts of crazy thoughts into her mind. Her heart was pounding with anticipation of stepping onto the train and beginning a new life. In two short hours, she would be on her way. Margaret grabbed the small carpet bag which held all her worldly belongings.
“Good luck,” Paula spoke, poking her head in the door. “I’ll probably miss you,” she teased, “but not your crying every night.”
“Thanks, but I won’t be crying anymore,” Margaret answered confidently. She gave her roommate a quick hug. “Bye, Paula.” Surveying the small room for the last time, Margaret left the past behind her and walked outside where the children waited to say goodbye. Many wanted a hug. Some just waved. A few had tears in their eyes. It was a touching send off, but Margaret knew she had to go. She bid them all farewell and headed out the gate. As Margaret walked down the street she never looked back, not even once.
Clackety, clackety, clackety… Margaret closed her eyes and listened to the sound of freedom. The train was at full speed, taking all its passengers northwest to Chicago. Only an hour before, they had pulled out of the station at Indianapolis. It was now three-thirty in the afternoon. Margaret couldn’t possibly be more excited. She chomped on some bread and cheese she had purchased at the last stop. By ten tonight, she would be in Chicago. Her stomach fluttered with anticipation and the many wonderful possibilities for her future. Her gaze roamed the countryside dreamily as she wondered where the agency would send her. She wondered about her future husband too and hoped that he would be delightfully handsome. For tonight, she would take lodging in an hotel. Tomorrow, first thing, she would find the Simon and Braun Agency. Fleetingly, she wondered how long it would take them to place her out.
After finishing her bread and cheese, Margaret closed her eyes. The gentle rocking of the train car and low hum of voices inside lulled her to sleep. However, by eight o’clock, she was quite hungry and her body was stiff from sitting on the train all day. She looked forward to a good night’s sleep in a big warm bed and a delicious meal from any one of Chicago’s many restaurants. Margaret had never actually been in an hotel before, but she had heard they were very nice.
Weary travelers peered out the window into the darkness. Finally, lights appeared in the distance. Chicago. When the train pulled into the busy station, Margaret could hardly believe how many people were there, considering the late hour. She grabbed her small drawstring purse and awaited her turn to step off.
At least one hundred people filled her view. Some greeted passengers, others waited for cargo. Some were there to watch, while others in the street were just passing by. Margaret looked at the large train station in awe. Gas lamps flickered light everywhere, like it was almost daytime. But in the distance, she could see many tall buildings.
What an exciting place, she thought. Passengers began to move toward the rear of the train as bags and trunks were unloaded. Margaret found her one small carpet bag and felt a little self-conscious as other women, nicely dressed, claimed much larger luggage. Margaret scanned the crowd for an attendant. Finding one with a trustworthy face near the door to the station, she determined to ask him a question.
“Excuse me, sir,” she spoke politely.
“Yes, ma’am. How may I help you?” he asked.
Margaret held back a grin realizing he had mistaken her for a married woman. She was not married, yet … but soon. “Sir, would you please direct me to a decent hotel?”
The uniformed man quickly surveyed the young woman to determine her social standing. It was apparent by her clothing and sparse luggage that she was working class.
“Try the Brown Hotel or Amberly Inn,” he suggested. “Go three blocks down the street, then turn left. They are both on the left side of the street.”
Margaret nodded her head in understanding. “Thank you.” As she walked away, she repeated, “three blocks down, turn left, on the left.” She made her way two blocks down the lighted street when a crowd suddenly began to spill onto the walk. In only a moment it was overwhelmingly crowded.
“What’s happening?” she asked out loud to no one in particular. Margaret looked at all the men and women in their fine and fancy attire. The gowns were made of silk with ruffles and pleats and tucks and ribbons and lace. Each dress billowed out in the back over a bustle. As before, Margaret felt a little self-conscious, knowing that her simple brown dress stuck out like a bruised eye among these colorful gowns. Backing up, she stepped partly into the street in order for the mob to pass as they headed to waiting buggies. It was then she noticed the sign for the theater. Apparently, the performance had just finished. Maybe one day she could go to a play. Wouldn’t that be fun? Walking on, Margaret found the two hotels.
“May I help you?” a man asked from behind a tall counter at the first establishment.
“Yes. How much are your rooms?” she asked softly.
“Four dollars a night,” he answered.
“Does that include a meal?” she inquired innocently.
The man scoffed, looking down his nose. “Certainly not.”
Margaret was disappointed, and hungry. “Do you know where I can get a meal?”
“Nowhere close at this late hour,” he answered. “Unless you want to go to one of those fancy restaurants up town.”
Margaret sighed slowly and considered her options. She was so weary from the long day.
“Do you want the room or not?” the impatient clerk barked.
Margaret nodded. “I’ll take it.” She opened the string on her purse and pulled out the necessary money. Then she noticed a sign on the wall behind the counter and pulled out another half dollar. “And here’s my money for the hot bath,” she said, nearly blushing. If she couldn’t get a good meal, she could at least get clean. Besides, she wanted to look her best for her interview tomorrow.
The clerk took her money with an exasperated scowl and handed over the key. “Go up to the third floor. Room three-A,” he spoke. “I’ll be up shortly with your hot water.”
Margaret signed her name in the guest register