Founders' Day in Tunkhannock was a big success, despite the heat (it's always hot on Founders' Day) and we had quite good traffic into the Wyoming County Historical Society. I sold 13 of my books (I gave one away, more about that later) and as I'd only brought 20 I thought that was quite good!
My good friend (and she is a VERY good friend) Carroll came with me to the signing, and even dressed up in 1781 garb. Actually, I think she rather enjoyed that part!
That's Carroll, in garb. Doesn't she look fabulous???
Anyway, as always, it was a real delight for me to meet people who are interested in history, and especially local history, whether they've read my book, A RIVER IN TIME, or not. It's a major thrill to meet 'fans' who have read the book, or come specifically to meet me, and there were several of those who stopped by during Founders' Day.
Carroll and I had a great conversation with Bob, who had read about the book and had come to meet me; he bought the book and later emailed me to let me know how much he enjoyed it--and especially liked a little twist I tossed in. Since RIT isn't really a 'guy's book,' it is more aimed at women and teenagers, I was delighted to get Bob's feedback.
The highlight of my day, which really was so great all in all from the graciousness of the folks at the Wyoming County Historical Society to the variety of people stopping by, to my friend's staunch support, was meeting yet another in my very fortunate series of Oldest House descendants.
I was honored to meet the greatx5 grandson of Samuel Sturdevant, Sr.--and he had come specifically to meet ME! He even waited while I finished up chatting to another fan!
Turns out he is back in the Sturdevant homestead, that was built in the early 1800's I believe, and we had a wonderful talk about the House, and about his ancestors and I was just so tickled to meet him! He did intend to buy a copy of RIT but I gave him one, because, after all, his ancestor was in a very real way the sinē qua non for the book, so how could I charge him for a copy?
Sean is the fourth direct descendant of House owners I have met, and I hope to see him again soon, since he now lives quite close to where my own home is located. The other descendants were, of course, Louise Smith Palm, the 5x granddaughter of Dr. William Hooker Smith, another gentleman who was also descended from Dr. Smith but through a different branch from Louise's, and two grandchildren of the Gordon Morrisons. These last were, with their brother, the last children to live in the hHouse, as part of the last family to use the House as a private home. They left in 1972 but visited two summers ago and I was the lucky one to give them a tour!
It's such a privilege to be able to 'touch history' in this way, as well as by preserving the House and developing new displays, and delving into its history.
With summer half gone, it's nearly time to think about NEXT year's displays...and I have been. I think I'll use the winter to acquire some vintage clothing and a couple more dress forms, and populate the House--at least the upper level--with them. I was so impressed by the way the Sonnenberg Mansion did their displays that I thought I might try that with our little slice of Americana.
Well, enjoy A RIVER IN TIME! Remember, these warm, sultry days are just like the one when Izzy went off looking for shade and a breeze and ended up back in 1795! (So be careful what tree you stand under).
Oh yes, one more thing; well, two. I've been re-reading RIT and am considering issuing a second edition with some textual emendations. There will be a small ( I think at this point) amount of added content, and one correction to the only 'typo' in the book. Probably will do that in October, the book's one year anniversary.
Additionally, someone asked me why I used an oak tree for Izzy's adventure when there isn't one in real life at The Oldest House. Well, the answer is two fold: one, I really did want to separate fact from fiction, so using a type of tree that doesn't exist at the House seemed like a good choice. And the second reason goes back to my work as a mediaevalist. In Anglo Saxon times, the oak tree was sacred, and the space at its base (or along its trunk if you don't mind a bit of poetic extrapolation) was a particularly special spot. The crepuscular hours between night and dawn, or between day and night, were when magical things were wait to occur in this spot.
Of course, Izzy wouldn't be wandering around outside the House in modern day at that time of night or at the crack of dawn, so I did omit that detail. But other than that, that's why I chose an oak tree.
Thank you
Deborah
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