Polly in New York

In Short

This novel follows two young women, Polly and Eleanor, as they leave their western ranch home to study in New York City. The narrative tracks their transition from wide-eyed newcomers to capable, confident young adults who navigate high society, professional art studies, and city dangers with equal aplomb. More than a simple travelogue, the book serves as a snapshot of early 20th-century urban life, capturing a specific period where sheltered girls were encouraged to pursue their own "business ventures" and find their place in a rapidly expanding, modern world.

The Story

The story begins with the long train journey from Denver to New York, as Polly Brewster and her close friend Eleanor Maynard travel under the guardianship of their teacher, Anne Stewart. The girls are immediately struck by the contrasts between their rural upbringing and the luxurious, fast-paced nature of the East. Once settled in the city, they engage in a series of adventures that test their mettle. They visit bustling auction houses, explore the vibrant carnival atmosphere of Coney Island, and take up rigorous art studies that demand their total dedication.

As the girls acclimate to their new environment, they become entangled in the lives of their wealthy acquaintances. They encounter Elizabeth Dalken, a girl struggling with a lonely home life and a mother who prioritizes social standing over maternal duty. Tragedy strikes the Dalken household when a young boy, neglected by his mother during a party, passes away. This somber event is balanced by the girls’ own acts of bravery; in one instance, Polly performs a daring climb to reach a fire-stricken room, and in another, the two friends defend themselves against street ruffians. Their resilience earns them local fame, which they view with a mix of amusement and indignation, especially when they see their stories misreported in the newspapers.

The girls eventually find a sense of purpose through their bond with an orphaned toddler named Billy. They take the child into their care, providing him with necessities and affection while navigating the logistics of his future. This experience matures them, fostering a sense of responsibility that their schooling alone could not provide. As the seasons turn and their studies conclude, the girls look toward the future with a newfound intellectual and social sophistication. They have grown beyond the need for the constant validation of the local boys who once courted them, realizing that their professional aspirations and their friendship provide a more stable foundation for their lives. The narrative concludes with the girls preparing to set sail for Europe, marking the end of their formative New York chapter and the beginning of a broader global journey. Throughout these months, the mystery of an anonymous admirer—who sent expensive roses—lingers, serving as a playful reminder of the romantic allure that the girls now view with a detached, witty, and worldly perspective.

How It Unfolds

The voyage begins Polly and Eleanor leave the familiar surroundings of their ranch home, marveling at the comfort of the Pullman car. As they traverse the country, their teacher, Anne, guides them toward a new life in New York, where their education and independence will take root.

A taste of city life Upon arriving, the girls are swept into a whirlwind of activity, from touring elite auction houses to experiencing the spectacle of Coney Island. They quickly learn to navigate urban social codes, often finding themselves at odds with the pretenses of high-society figures.

Tests of character The girls demonstrate their bravery by confronting street attackers and responding to local crises, proving they are far from the naive ranch girls they once were. These brushes with danger reveal their internal grit, as they refuse to be intimidated by societal expectations or physical threats.

The heart’s education The unexpected arrival of a toddler into their lives forces the girls to confront the stark realities of parenthood and neglect. This responsibility solidifies their bond with one another and deepens their understanding of the complexities of the adult world.

Professional growth Through their art lessons and academic pursuits, the girls develop a sharp, critical eye for their surroundings and their own potential. By the end of their stay, they have outgrown their previous interests, moving toward a future defined by their own professional ambitions and international travel.

The People

Polly Brewster is the protagonist, characterized by her deep, soulful eyes and a quiet, steady wisdom. Though initially awestruck by city life, she quickly adopts a pragmatic, courageous outlook, acting with decisive bravery when situations turn dire. Her growth is marked by her transition from a "pretty ranch girl" to a woman who values her own independence.

Eleanor "Nolla" Maynard serves as the witty, worldly-wise counterpoint to Polly. She is fearless in social interactions and possesses a sharp tongue for those who act with pretense. Eleanor’s journey is one of increasing social mastery; she learns how to manage admirers and navigate the hierarchies of New York with ease.

Anne Stewart is the steady, protective mentor who facilitates the girls' growth. She balances her role as a teacher with a genuine concern for the girls' well-being, often acting as a bridge between their sheltered background and the demanding realities of the city.

The men in their orbit, including the young men like Jim and Ken and the established figures like Mr. Dalken, provide a sounding board for the girls’ changing perspectives. While the men often attempt to categorize or "protect" them, the girls eventually outstrip these expectations, choosing to prioritize their own development and their shared, unshakable bond.

In Its Own Voice

"One would hardly believe these cars are going at all!"

Polly remarks on the surprising smoothness of the Pullman train as it carries them away from the quiet of the ranch.

"If a male thinks we females will run at beck and call for them, they quickly weary of such a game."

Eleanor shares her cynical, burgeoning social theory regarding how to keep admirers at arm’s length.

"That would never do for you, girls."

Anne offers a cautious, measured response when the girls impulsively decide to adopt an abandoned toddler, highlighting the friction between their youthful idealism and the practical constraints of their lives.

What It's Really About

At its core, this book explores the rapid maturation of young women stepping into a modern, public sphere. It asks what it means to be truly "educated"—suggesting that true wisdom is found not just in classrooms or art studios, but through the hard-won experience of defending oneself, caring for the vulnerable, and navigating social crises. It also examines the tension between the perceived freedom of the city and the strictures of social class. The book argues that by mastering professional skills and maintaining a strong female friendship, young women can build an identity independent of romantic validation, preparing them to claim their own space in the world.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy the "coming-of-age" genre will find this book particularly rewarding for its blend of earnestness and period charm. The reading experience is like stepping into a time capsule; the prose is formal yet energetic, capturing the specific, optimistic tone of early 20th-century juvenile fiction. You will likely be struck by how the girls balance the rigid social decorum of their day with a surprisingly modern insistence on their own agency.

There are, however, elements to navigate: the dialogue occasionally reflects the class-conscious attitudes and dialects of the era, which may feel jarring to a contemporary ear. Additionally, the plot moves through episodic adventures, which some might find occasionally predictable. Yet, the story remains compelling because of the relationship between Polly and Eleanor. Their friendship is the book’s heartbeat, offering a refreshing portrayal of mutual support that holds steady even as they outgrow their original circumstances. It is a heartfelt look at the threshold between youth and adulthood, reminding us that the transition from a "ranch-home" to the wider world is both a frightening and exhilarating adventure. It stays with you as a portrait of a time when the world seemed to open up, offering the promise of independence to those brave enough to reach for it.