Alice Moore and Cows

Alice Moore's discourse is a collection of her memories, which she wrote herself. Here's a summary of the topics she discusses in her writing:

• Court and Legal Proceedings: Alice recalls attending court sessions as a child. She describes the courthouse as a place of entertainment and social gathering, where farmers brought their wives and children to town. Court days included activities like buying, selling, and trading.
  • A bell in the courthouse tower would summon people.
  • Her family and friends were often present at court, including lawyers, clerks, and stenographers.
  • She mentions the close proximity of their homes to the courthouse, which allowed them to hear the voices from within.
  • Alice remembers a time when an old man who worked for her family was frequently incarcerated for liquor offenses and would cry out from the jail window.
  • She also discusses the procedure of courtroom trials. She mentions being called as a witness. She recalls a specific trial where she was insulted, and a conviction secured. She also notes the "kerosene smell never did come out," from a garment used as an exhibit.
  • She also describes the courtroom as a place where the audience commented on the performance, and the judge's manner was important.
• Family and Friends: Alice reflects on the roles of her family members and friends in her life. She notes that her father was more eloquent and persuasive than others in court. She mentions the close relationships with her family and friends and notes that their houses were grouped around the courthouse.
• Childhood Activities: Alice writes about her experiences with music, school, and other activities.
  • She notes that, in her childhood, girls were expected to take music lessons.
  • She describes her music lessons on the piano and how she disliked them. She had lessons for six years, and never practiced. She remembers one time when she played through a lesson book to get to the end of a piece.
  • She notes that the town had no movies and few plays. The courtroom would take on the aspect of a theater, with a curtain that rose on an exciting trial. Alice and her friends would sit in the box seats, while her family would sit in the usual places. She would sit on the open window seat beside the jury box.
• She also mentions the "constant attendance in a court" was part of her character, as the judge and the court were part of their lives.
• She enjoyed her time in school. She recalls being excused from school to go to the studio. She also was embarrassed by her family during a musical performance.
• She mentions a childhood pastime of "creeping" along the fences and listening to the sounds of the town.
• Cows: Alice recounts a conflict in the town, which she calls a "battle," regarding cows.
  • She describes the pro-cow and anti-cow factions of the town.
  • She notes that the issue of cows walking in the street was always a topic of discussion.
  • The cows were permitted to graze in gardens and yards.
  • Gates were left open on purpose.
  • She describes how the "antis" would find their spinach devoured by cows.
  • Alice notes that she is neutral, but also a pro-cow supporter.
  • She also describes the milk production and daily ritual of milking.
  • She mentions how, at one point, the cows started showing interest in the conflict, which she found surprising.
• Social Commentary: Alice makes several observations about human behavior and societal norms. She notes the presence of "skirmishing" and fighting that breaks out in the community.
  • She describes how the "ladies aid," now at bridge parties, have become insulting and belligerent.
  • She states that she has tried to remain neutral, but is pro-cow.
• Other Details: Alice also mentions:
  • The "Opera House" where plays were performed.
  • That, in her youth, she grew up and was regarded as small and not yet a mature height.
  • She notes her family's social attachments.
  • Her family had a ritual of eating from the same three bowls each day.
  • She notes that her family always said "Come and get me out of this place," while in court.
  • She notes that children were quiet and attentive, not like the dogs, at the courthouse.
  • She says the "kerosene smell never did come out" after a trial where the item was an exhibit.

Alice Moore's writing provides a glimpse into the daily life and social dynamics of her community. Her memories reveal the central role of the courthouse, her passion for music, and the local conflict concerning cows.