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Mary Ann wasn't as strong as her sister. She didn't get on with her life while living at the orphanage. The massive hurdles life threw at her both confused and hurt her. She was only 8 years of age when she lost her father and her whole family. She would have missed her baby brother or sister and her sister Lizzy. Now during her life of 10 years at the orphanage she had 8 different jobs for employment and Mary Ann didn't stay for long in each one. It could have been that her sister Catherine was that little bit older when they went into the orphanage or their different outlook on life that caused Catherine to be a much happier child.

 

THIS IS THE DIARY OF THE BLACKBURN ORPHANAGE FOR MARY ANN CROOK

—16 Oct 1895  Mary Crook having passed her standard at school and    being one 14 years of age was provided with an outfit today and placed in a situation with Mrs Duckworth confectioner, Barnes-street, Clayton-le-moors.

 —16 Oct 1895  left the Orphanage to work at the confectioner Mrs Duckworth at Barnes-street, Clayton-le-moors.

—17 Oct 1895  Mary Crook was bought back to the orphanage on account of her health.

—25 Mar 1896  Mary went today to work for a few weeks for Dr Robinson Preston, New Row, Blackburn.

—19 May 1896 Mary returned from Dr Robinson to orphanage today.

—21 May 1896  Mary placed in a situation with Mrs Airey, 131 Park-view, Rishton, where she stays for about two months, then goes to live with her sister.

—14 Oct 1896  Mary goes into service as a nurse girl with Mr. Howell, dentist, Lark-hill, Blackburn.

—Nov 1897  Mary goes to live with Miss O'Hara, Alma-street,    Blackburn.

— Feb 1898  Mary goes into service with Miss Ormerod, 1 Princess-street, Tyldesley Road, Blackpool.

—May 1898  Mary leaves Blackpool and goes to live with Mrs Smally, 39 Charlotte-street, Blackburn.

— Jan 1902  Mary now in service at Rose cottage, Wheelton.

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