what is the authors purpose by using thing syntax

"there went with the house the usual legend about the yankees: one finch female, recently engaged, donned her complete trousseau to save it from raiders in the neighborhood; she became stuck in the door to the daughters staircase but was doused with waterand finally pused throug.when we arrived at the landing, aunt alexandra kissed uncle jack, fraNCis kissed uncle jake, jem and i gave our presents to francis, who gave us a present"

ch.9