THE MILES OF YESTERDAY

. . . . . . . . . . . .

THE LIFE STORY OF A MINNESOTA WOMAN

. . . . . . . . . . . .

BY

Olive Irene Hills Bliss

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

1935

Go little book,

bring back to those who read,

the sweet essences of other days

To defray the cost of publication,

copies of this book are offered for sale, at $1.25 the copy.

FOREWORD

A life story by one who has lived in Minnesota for seventy-five years, but has resided in other states for a time sufficient to enable her to look upon the Minnesota scene with a deeper perspective, should be of value, not only to friends and acquaintances of the author, but to all who are familiar with the places and persons and events described.

Mrs. Olive Irene Hills Bliss, of St. Paul, is a typical Minnesota woman. She knows the life of farm and city of her state. Like many another Minnesota girl she had the wish and the will to achieve an education. She taught school and saved until she had won her way through Carleton College from which she graduated, with her husband to be, in the class of 1887.

She married, reared children, and took active part in the life of the various communities in which she lived. She suffered in the death of a son, in the death of her husband. Fate made it necessary for her, for a time, to support herself and family. She discharged these obligations with success.

Hers is the story of a woman who has never lost faith, though the burdens that have fallen upon her were often almost too grievous to be borne. Bravely, she still carries on.

P. S. B.

[Paul Southworth Bliss]

CONTENTS

Chapter I. ARRIVAL IN RICE COUNTY

Chapter II. A LITTLE GIRL ON A MINNESOTA FARM

Chapter III. OFF TO CARLETON COLLEGE

Chapter IV. A PROPOSAL AND GRADUATION

Chapter V. LIFE AT RICE LAKE AND MARSHFIELD

Chapter VI. ST. PAUL BRINGS SORROW AND JOYS

Chapter VII. THE BLISS FAMILY GOES TO HARVARD

Chapter VIII. BOSTON, NEW YORK AND DALLAS

Chapter IX. THE YOUNG MEN GO OFF TO WAR