Mary Jane in New England

Fresh from a recent move from a small town to bustling Chicago, sisters Mary Jane and Alice Merrill find city life thrilling yet cramped. Their parents have just bought a modest plot on the outskirts, where they dream of a summer shack to plant a garden and taste the freedom of open air. The girls’ imagination runs wild as they pour over seed catalogues and sketch tiny farms, turning the future countryside retreat into a cherished adventure.

When a letter arrives from Uncle Hal, a Harvard graduate, promising a spot at his Class Day, the Merrills scramble to make the journey possible. Mrs. Merrill maps out a bustling itinerary—Boston arrival, ceremonial events, a baseball game, and sightseeing—while Mr. Merrill secures rooms at the Westminster Hotel for the girls’ comfort. Excitement bubbles as Mary Jane imagines train rides, new gingham dresses, and the chance to explore historic Boston, promising a summer that blends city sparkle with the promise of their countryside garden.