Creating Fiction from History: 7/13/2022

"That's it! I'm done!"

Bella felt these words to the bottom of her bottomless soul. She wanted to say them so badly, but this was unheard of in 1860s New England. So what Cymbelminne Rickmeister actually said, in a most humble and obedient manner, was, "Yes, Father! Yes, Mother!"

The Rickmeisters, two of Montpelier's leading citizens, were not actually her parents, though they had taken very good care of her. As teenagers will be though, Bella was not always very appreciative.

Orphaned at the tender age of three, Cymbelminne Gustaphsen had called St. Joseph's in Burlington, Vermont, home for years, though it turned out to be more like a personal hell.

After almost five miserable years in this hellhole, she was rescued by the very well-to-do William Rickmeister and his wife, Jasmine.

Because of her very young age, Bella had not experienced quite the horror many of her peers had. When she was finally selected she was overjoyed, not only to finally have a real family again but to be free of the oppressive tyranny she had experienced as an orphan.

What could cause this poor little girl to even think about saying such a rebellious thing to her gracious saviors? Whether it brought back bad memories or whatnot, Cybelminne simply did not want to wear the starched collar she was ensconced in, shown in the accompanying photograph, which was taken at the age of 14.

If you would like to create fiction from history with one of the museum's photos, please contact the Ledger at (406) 287-5301 or email whledger@gmail.com.