A New England Girlhood Author:Lucy Larcom In the 1880's, Lucy Larcom wrote of her childhood in Massachusetts. I am not sure of the decade, but cook stoves were "just coming into fashion" so I'm guessing the 1830's. Larcom writes in the preface, "The following sketch was written for the young, at the suggestion of friends. My audience is understood to be composed of girls of all ages,... more » and of women who have not forgotten their girlhood. Such as have a friendly appreciation of girls - and of those who write for them - are also welcome to listen to as much of my narrative as they choose. All others are eavesdroppers, and, of course, have no right to criticise."« less