In Which We Discuss Hitty: Her First Hundred Years
Written by Rachel Field, illustrated by Dorothy Lathrop

HITTY Her First Hundred Years

Week of March 29, 2010

Chapter Four:  In Which We Go to Sea:

Hitty is very excited and happy to be on the Diana-Kate, set for a whaling trip.  The crew is jolly and friendly and the strong sea sunshine feels so good.  She felt “only pleasure as I looked upon the miles of tossing blue water before us—not a single regret to see the far hump of land that was Boston disappearing from sight.”  She is getting used to all the sounds around her, along with the feel of the ship underneath.  The crew is making gifts for her - a new hammock for sleeping, a chip basket, a carved bone footstool and a very special sea chest.  Mrs. Preble has settled into a routine and is rather enjoying her duties aboard ship.  Hitty starts hearing talk of a troublemaker aboard ship.  His name is Patch and he is the first mate.  Hitty doesn’t like him and feels he means no good "to any of us." 

DISCUSSION:

I think Hitty could get a little spoiled with all the gifts the crew is making for her - a new hammock for sleeping, a chip basket, a carved bone footstool and a very special sea chest.  Wow, she is definitely fully equipped now for a sailing trip.  How nice is that!!  I can just picture all these burly, tough seamen sitting around making items for a doll.  It certainly shows their gentle side.

Mrs. Preble seems to be enjoying her duties aboard ship.  I think she handled herself quite well, especially during the terrible storm and several inches of water on the cabin floor.  She was terribly frightened but has a lot of confidence in her husband's skills as a captain.

Hitty learns of the troublemaker aboard ship.  Patch was first mate and Hitty didn't like him. He felt that having women onboard was bad luck.  Her mountain ash wood must have picked up some bad vibes from him.  Patch would probably get great pleasure from tossing Hitty over the side of the ship.   

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I loved that Mrs. Preble insists on knitting an even dozen pairs of socks before Captain Preble heads back to sea. Finishing up in the stage coach on the way reminds me of the many times I have finished up important projects on the road.

Hand knit socks have become so popular and fashionable again after falling out of favor for a long time, and I have several friends who knit them.

I got as far as buying some lovely yarn, and socks for me are on my to-do list, too.

I also love that she provides a steady supply of molasses cookies and gingerbread.  Just writing about them makes me hungry. Too bad they weren't enough to keep nasty Patch from alienating the crew from the captain.

It must have been very scary and unpleasant living on that whaling ship.