"That Old-Time Child, Roberta": Her Home-Life on the Farm

by Sophie Fox Sea

"That Old-Time Child, Roberta: Her Home-Life on the Farm" by Sophie Fox Sea is a children's story written in the late 19th century, which captures the life of a young girl named Roberta Marsden on a Kentucky farm before the Civil War. The narrative focuses on Roberta's loveable nature, her unique relationships with family members and the household staff, including the African American community residing on the farm. It explores themes of compassion, caring for others, and the joys of rural life through the innocence of childhood. The opening of the story paints a vivid picture of Roberta's idyllic childhood, characterized by her kindness and a strong sense of empathy for both people and animals. As a child, she is affectionately nicknamed "Lil Missus" by the workers on the farm due to her nurturing demeanor. Despite the troubles surrounding her family, including her mother's sadness and the absence of her father, Roberta finds joy in her daily interactions, including making a positive impact on those around her, helping sick children, and tending to animals. Descriptions of the farm's landscape and Roberta's imaginative experiences enrich the opening section, inviting readers into a world of love, beauty, and the simplicity of country life.