The story of Asaph Perry

HOME

ETHEL STORY LINE
Opening Marriage Business Woman Amanda Westbrook Church Mother

This "charming young lady," as the Cherokee Advance newspaper announced her, Amanda Westbrook, moved in with the Perry family in the early 1900s. Not yet married, nor at home with her parents, she moved to town with her cousin to help Ethel with her seamstress business and to strategically place herself in a "larger" market for a husband.

Many of her Atlanta contemporaries would come to be known as women adrift. They have moved to the industrial centers for work, but lack the legitimacy gained through proper supervision. They live in women's homes or on their own. Miss Westbrook, had the best of both worlds, being in a small industrial hub where her modesty is assured by the chaperoning eye of Ethel. Amanda, free from a possibly over-protective father's eye, could entertain suitors, work for her own money, and maybe most importantly, be free from any stigma associated with the women adrift who sought factory jobs in Atlanta.

NEXT: Church

CLOSE

Learning the Story

Although the time period is not concurrent with Amanda Westbrook, a collection of early 19th century letters and diaries written by girls and young women in New England illustrate the opportunities and challenges presented women as they came of work age. The collection is part of the Old Sturbridge Village - Online Resource Library. One particularly playful and sarcastic letter written in 1802 by a young girl contemplating her life choices may be of interest to students. Additional primary resources on the topic of women and working are also available.