Book Description

The Woodhams family arrives safely in America in 1884 and explore New York City. Their daughter Ella finds the city exciting, but she longs for England. She has left behind everything familiar to her – her home, dog, family, neighbors, and friends  She bravely battles homesickness, but can she find a place in this country where she belongs? The family meet natives on the shore of the Hudson River as they take a steamboat to Albany. Little Cora is frightened, but Daddy assures them that these men are peaceful. He helps Ella realize that not all people in a group are the same. The family takes a stagecoach from Albany to Schenectady, and Ella bites her tongue when she discovers she must sit beside the grumpy lady she met on the boat. She is happier when they arrive in Schenectady and prepare for a ride on the canal. Ella watches the hoggee guide the mules, and she loves the smooth-gliding canal boat. The locks fascinate her at first, but she soon becomes bored. Then a cold rain lowers her spirits. When she complains, her mother tells her to make a list of blessings. She feels better and decides to make her own fun. She and her sister Dorrie repeat the captain’s stories about the canal. Later , they make up a tall tale of their own. When the miserable weather continues, they stay in a hotel for the night. They warm up in the room, but a canal breach sends Daddy and son Martin out into the cold to help. The situation gets worse, and Mother worries about their safety. The crises ends, and the family continues the journey. After the fog clears, they view the damage from last night’s storm. Ella finds an aqueduct thrilling because it is seventy feet high. She has never been that high above the ground. When the boat goes under a low bridge, Ella fails to duck. She nearly drowns when she falls into the water. Their trip ends the next day, but Ella is shaken by her experience. She worries about all the uncertainties they must face, but Mother reassures her. They finally arrive in a small New York town by Lake Ontario, but Daddy can’t find a property to buy. Ella fears they may never have a home, but then Daddy stumbles upon a possible  solution.