DEEP VALLEY SUN - Betsy-Tacy Society
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DEEP VALLEY SUN Vol. 15, Issue 1 ◆ Winter 2022
MEET WINONA’S GRANDDAUGHTER, BONNIE RUTH
As we wrote in the September 2021 issue of the Sun, BTS President Pam DeMarce
met Bonnie Ruth at a Civitan International Convention in Jacksonville, Florida,
this past summer (Bonnie is the governor of the Florida District Civitan), and Pam
was astonished to learn that Bonnie’s grandmother was Beulah “Betty” Hunt—the
woman Betsy-Tacy fans know as Winona Root! Over Zoom, Jennifer Davis-Kay
asked Bonnie to share stories of her grandmother—who, it seems, was every bit as
daring and high-spirited as her fictional counterpart. Bonnie is simply a delight,
and we are thrilled to welcome her into our BTS family.
Jen: I was just in Mankato and drove Petersburg [Florida], so I must have met
by your grandmother’s beautiful house. her, but I have no memory of it.
Have you seen it? Jen: Tell us more about your
Bonnie: I have now, but only as an grandparents.
adult. Although my mom and her sister Bonnie: I called my grandmother
were born in Mankato, our family had Beeba, and my grandfather—Edwin K. Some of Winona’s grandchildren with their
moved to Florida by the time I was IlgenFritz—was Grampa, though Beeba Beeba: Bonnie’s at center, cousins Lea Avery
born, and we just never went there. called him Jing. I used to fantasize that his on left and Cathy and Steve Bond on right.
Jen: When did you know that your nickname came from her pony, Jingles.
grandmother was a character in a My grandparents met at Northwestern
IN THIS ISSUE
famous book? University and moved to Mankato after
they were married, where they lived until From the BTS President and
Bonnie: The minute the book was Treasurer, p. 2
published! That was in 1953, and I was the early 1920s. Beeba opened a dress
shop that rented formals, and Grampa Our New Board and Council
five years old. The book is dedicated Members, p. 3
to Winona’s grandchildren, and the worked for the power company.
The Valentine Box, p. 6
photo on the far right was from the big Bonnie: Our family moved to what I Thanking Tom and Cindy
celebration and unveiling on October think of as “the family home”—where I Salsbery, p. 7
19, 1953. Maud came out to St. now live!—in 1930. Grampa was the First Virtual Tours, p. 7
Treasurer of Florida Power Corporation— Researching Emily of Deep
we were “power company people.” He Valley, p. 8
was German, kind of proper. I remember Recent Donations, p. 10
him wearing long pants and a long-sleeved Maud’s Home Town Dessert,
shirt to do yard work . . . in Florida! p. 11
Betsy-Tacy in a Historical
Jen: When you read Pony Cart or Context, p. 12
Downtown, do you think, “Wow, that’s What Is That?, p. 14
Beeba!”? Pearl Buck and Maud Hart
Left: Original 1953 cover. Right: From the continued on page 4 Lovelace, p. 15
St. Petersburg Times, December 20, 1953.
1
A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT A NOTE FROM
Welcome to 2022! I think it goes without saying that we are all ready to turn the THE (OUTGOING)
calendar. Our hope is that in spring 2022 we will start to see movement on our
ability to open the Houses and have visitors. We start the new year with some TREASURER
wonderful news: Membership is growing, engagement is strong, and we are being
After another interstitial year in the
recognized by Greater Mankato Rotary for our service of advocating for children’s
post-“new normal,” I want to thank
literacy!
all the Betsy-Tacy Society supporters
The Betsy-Tacy Society is one of three recipients selected by Greater Mankato for your readership and support to
Rotary for its “service above self ” efforts on behalf of Maud Hart Lovelace and the Society. It’s difficult to know what
preserving the history of Mankato, known as “Deep Valley” in Maud’s writings. 2022 will bring, but we know that with
This is the 16th year of Greater Mankato Rotary honoring individuals and supporters like you, we will not face
nonprofit organizations for their efforts in our community. The Service Above these ever-changing situations alone.
Self Luncheon will be Wednesday, February 23, 2022, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., at
I am proud to welcome Miranda
the Country Inn and Suites in Mankato. This is a terrific opportunity for our
Quandt as incoming BTS Treasurer as I
community to hear our story and to bring a new generation of readers and
step back to a role on the BTS Finance
supporters to the Betsy-Tacy Society.
Committee, together with President
I’m hoping we have a great showing of our membership and supporters at this Pam DeMarce. We are committed to
event. Tickets are normally $40 per person, but we have a corporate underwriter strong and transparent stewardship
who will pay for friends of Betsy-Tacy. Your ticket will be just $20 for a delicious of the assets entrusted to the Society,
meal and the chance to celebrate the BTS and the women who years ago had the including the childhood homes of Maud
vision to preserve and restore the childhood homes of Maud’s beloved characters Hart Lovelace and Bick Kenney Kirch
Betsy and Tacy. You can purchase tickets on our website: (Betsy and Tacy). We all-volunteer core
www.betsy-tacysociety.org/home/news/ of the Society and our two part-time
employees like to move slowly and
Please spread the word and join us on February 23!
think big. We hope to bring you more
—Pam DeMarce to see, read, and do in 2022—both in
the virtual space and in real life.
With best regards from Mankato,
Time to renew? Please check your mailing label, which
includes the date that your BTS membership will expire. Emily Falenczykowski-Scott
OUR THEME FOR 2022:
“EACH ONE BRING ONE”
As we announced in our 2021 Annual Report, our hope for 2022 is that every
current BTS member will invite a friend to join, thus doubling our membership
and providing a significant boost to our working budget. If you didn’t receive the
Annual Report, let us know; we’ll mail you a copy right away.
You may also purchase a BTS membership as a gift for someone else: Select
the age-appropriate membership level, fill in the Billing Details with your
information as usual, and note in the Additional Information section that it’s a
gift from you. (We need all the information requested in the Billing Details for
your recipient as well.) You can also request that we add a personal message. If
you have questions about purchasing a gift membership, please contact us.
2
BTS Board of Directors
MEET OUR NEW BOARD AND
President: Pam DeMarce COUNCIL MEMBERS
Vice President: Shelley Harris: I’m so delighted to be part of the Betsy-Tacy Society! My mother
Lona Falenczykowski
bought me the first book at a library sale when I was a wee child in the ’80s, and
Secretary: Candy Laven I’m now a children’s librarian who tries to add the BT books to as many book
Treasurer: Miranda Quandt recommendation lists as possible. (We’re at three now: read-aloud, romance, and
Michele Blake 9th grade. Can you guess which titles go with which list?) In 2020, I created the
Emily Falenczykowski-Scott Society’s Tumblr account to reach younger and potential readers, with weekly
Jameel Haque
graphics highlighting quotes and characters. I look forward to continuing to grow
a Tumblr community and working with Jennifer D-K to create tween and teen
Darcy Kies
events to keep youth engaged and enjoying the stories.
Amber Massaglia
Miranda Quandt: I was looking for a new project where I could apply my business
Denise Statham
and finance skills, and Pam DeMarce mentioned that the BTS needed a treasurer. I
BTS Advisory Council very much look forward to doing product financial studies and an overall financial
Elizabeth (Libby) Abdo
review to help the group grow further. My husband and I moved to the Mankato
area three years ago. We have two fur kids, Marnie and June, and we’ve hosted
Jennifer Davis-Kay
several foster children over the years. We’re now transitioning to respite care
Shelley Harris and shorter-term placements. I’m the office manager and accountant for a local
Maud Hixson restoration company, and my husband does DISH Network installation.
Michelle May
We’re also excited to welcome Darcy Kies and Denise Statham to the Board. Their
Betsy Sherman
mom, Shirley Lieske, was a founding member of the BTS. We will spotlight this
Shandy Weimert family in a future newsletter.
Clockwise from top left: Pam DeMarce, Jennifer Davis-Kay, Betsy Sherman, Diane Langland, Miranda Quandt, Candy Laven, Emily
Falenczykowski-Scott, Lona Falenczykowski, Jameel Haque, Shelley Harris, Michele Blake
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM THE
BETSY-TACY SOCIETY!
We love our members, and we love sending cards—so in 2022 we will
combine the two! If you would enjoy a personal note from the BTS on
your birthday, please send your birthdate (month and day) to Membership
Coordinator Jennifer Davis-Kay (membership@betsy-tacysociety.org), and
we’ll add you to our birthday list.
3
MEET WINONA’ S GRANDDAUGHTER, BONNIE RUTH
(continued from page 1)
Bonnie: The experience is a little remember her saying, “I never
disjointed from the standpoint that “oh, thought I was that naughty.”
it’s a book—and that’s also who you And she did want the pony,
are.” But I completely accept that that’s that was true—the books have
who and how she was because of the real-life stories at their core.
things I learned about her as an adult. I Jen: I have to ask you about the
never even realized that the later books painting that Winona describes in Pony
had a different Winona! Beeba did allow Cart. Lona and I have been obsessed
that she was a little spoiled. Not like with that painting for years, and we
Nellie Oleson, exactly—but maybe a were astounded to learn that you
little? She was an extrovert and always [Ed. note: In 1953, Betty wrote to
have it!
up for an adventure. Maud that “the large oil painting
Bonnie: [laughs] I really know next [was] done by Professor O’Keefe.
Jen: Did she ever talk about how she to nothing about that painting—I’m It was a study picture the professor
was portrayed in the books or share sure that it’s one of a kind. We know had worked on with his class
stories about Maud and growing up in the painter was local because you (his studio was in the Free Press
Deep Valley? can see the newspaper title: Mankato building). The picture was of a
Bonnie: I’m so upset that I never sat Daily Free Press. One theory is that table with a violin, a Mankato Daily
down and asked her those questions. the painter was a vagrant who lived Free Press paper, a mouse, and a
The thing is, she really wasn’t a in the stable, and another is that it cigar on it. I would dream that
nurturing grandmother type, and was someone who actually worked at when I grew up and had a home
my mom wasn’t either—and neither the paper—but I have no idea! The of my own, I would build a whole
am I! Beeba and my mother didn’t painting is big, 2.5 feet by 4 feet. My room just for that picture.”]
spend much time talking about their husband and I bought the family home
Jen: We certainly hear about the family’s
childhoods, and we weren’t a “sit in 1992, and the painting came with
newspaper in Maud’s books. [Betty’s/
together and read” kind of family. I do the house.
Winona’s father and uncle co-owned the
Mankato Free Press.]
Bonnie: I visited the Free Press office
right after their 125th anniversary. It was
so interesting to read some of the first
editions. It reminded me of talk radio—
you’d be reading an article, and it would
suddenly break into an advertisement for
a local business!
Jen: And now Winona’s uncle’s house
is a bed-and-breakfast. [Ed. note: The
Moulin Rouge House at 811 S. 2nd
Street was featured in the September
Deep Valley Sun.]
Bonnie: Yes! I think the Hunt brothers
systematically drove all the other local
papers out of business. Great-uncle Lewie
and wife Lizzie doted on their little niece
Betty, and she probably spent a lot of
Winona’s house, located at 102 East Pleasant Street in Mankato. time with them rather than her mother,
4
do power company business at the stock
exchange. He died suddenly in 1958,
soon after he retired, and they’d been
planning a world cruise. The family said,
“If you want to go, then go”—and she
went! After that, I remember she would
just hop on a boat and go to Europe. She
went to England immediately following
the coronation of King George VI, and
we still have a few commemorative cups.
who was quite straitlaced. Just like in the She was in France in the ’50s during
book, Betty’s mother really wanted her the anniversary of V-E Day. Someone
high-spirited youngest to behave like her realized that she was American, and
much older sisters. they were all so excited that she was
When she was in college, Betty broke there. One man insisted that she come
her jaw in a toboggan accident, and it stay at his hotel, and she met his whole
took so long to heal that she had to drop family! She made friends everywhere. She
out of school—so Uncle Lewie took her especially loved Mexico—she brought
to Europe! That was Beeba’s first trip back tons of mementos from those trips. Betty Hunt with her dog, Peter (Toodles).
to Europe. From what I know of Aunt For the costume party night on ships,
Lizzie, she reminds me of Beeba—two she would always dress up as a gypsy and the butler’s pantry in their house
enterprising, spirited women. I think of read people’s palms. Hmm, I wonder into a bar. Beeba always said, “A bird
them in the 1880s moving from New if her interest in gypsies began from can’t fly with just one wing.” I’m sure
York to Mankato, which must have her experience with the Syrian children she was wonderful at parties. I don’t
seemed so remote at the time, but they described in Winona’s Pony Cart? You recall her ever getting upset. Her
were adventurers and never let too much know, she really did have a sixth sense. watchword was “Keep your attitude in
moss grow. When they left Mankato, Once on a ship a man came up behind the altitude.”
they left quickly, and that’s how Frank her, put his hand on her shoulder, and Jen: Bonnie, all of us who love these
[Betty’s father] ended up in charge of said, “They said you can read palms.” books just love your grandmother
the newspaper. She responded, “Yes, and you are lucky so much. Thank you for sharing her
to be alive.” He dropped his hand and with us.
Jen: If you were describing her to
strode away, and she thought she must Bonnie: Thank you for caring about her!
someone who’d never met her, what
have said something wrong—but then
would you tell them?
he came back with his wife and told
Bonnie: Honestly, I wish I’d known her her that he’d been in an accident and
better. She was 57 when I was born, and nearly died. Another time my mother
I didn’t spend that much time with her thought she had lost a ring that had
except at Christmas. She did care for me belonged to Uncle Lewis. She was afraid
during one spring break when I got the to say anything to anybody but then
flu—I remember being surprised that she was talking to Beeba on the phone, and
could actually take care of me! She really Beeba said, out of the blue, “By the way, (While supplies last) Each purchase
did her own thing and was always a very of Winona’s Pony Cart from our
the ring’s on the floor of the car.” Which Shop includes a copy of a 1953
adventurous woman. it was! letter to Maud from Betty Hunt and
a 16-page coloring book of Vera
She loved travel. She accompanied It was the cocktail generation, and she Neville’s Pony Cart illustrations.
Grampa when he went to New York to did enjoy a cocktail! Grampa made
5
MORE ON THE
MANKATO DAILY FREE PRESS A “NEW ”
columns and finished in the choicest MAUD BOOK
oak, with heavy plate-glass windows.
In March 1902, Frank Hunt (with
Michael D. Fritz and J. W. True)
purchased the entire Free Press printing
plant. In 1908 Frank also bought the
handsome Free Press building, valued
at $15,000. Few business institutions
in Mankato, in Blue Earth County,
or even in Minnesota showed such
rapid advancement as the Free Press We are delighted to share that Maud
Printing Company. One of the largest Hart Lovelace’s final book, The
printing plants in the state, its business Valentine Box, has been reprinted
extended past Minnesota to include by Minnesota Heritage Publishing.
North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, The Valentine Box tells the story of a
and Montana. young girl named Janice who has just
We learn quite a bit about the Root moved to a new neighborhood and
family in Winona’s Pony Cart. Betty The newspaper dropped “Daily” from its
a new school. The story takes place
Hunt’s father, Frank W. Hunt (1856– title in 1930 and “Mankato” in 1970.
on Valentine’s Day—the day that
1928), owned the Mankato Free Press The Free Press began publishing six days
her class is having a Valentine party.
Printing Company and edited the Free a week (excluding Sunday) in February
Janice knows that as a brand-new
Press, just as Mr. Root was the editor of 1973 and is still in publication today.
girl, she won’t get any Valentines.
the Deep Valley Sun. As she heads home for lunch, she
The newspaper had its beginnings thinks about her best friend back in
in 1879 when two publications— the city and how she hasn’t found
the Mankato Register and The Free many friends in her new home.
Press—were consolidated into a new However, the snowy weather and a
newspaper, the Mankato Weekly Free rather serendipitous turn of events
Press, whose first issue appeared in involving a gust of wind and some
January 1880. Two years later, the paper sodden Valentines help Janice make
was sold to Lewis P. Hunt, Frank’s older not one but two new friends, and all
brother. In April 1887, Lewis organized is well in the end.
the Daily Free Press and hired brother The Valentine Box, illustrated by
Frank as assistant manager. The office Ingrid Fetz, was originally published
force at the time comprised less than a by the Thomas Y. Crowell Company
half dozen people. in 1966 and printed in black and
The Free Press Printing Company was white. The reprint has full-color
originally housed in Mankato’s Odd illustrations and a new front and
Fellows Building, but the growing back cover.
business soon outgrew its space and The Betsy-Tacy illustrations by Lois
was in need of larger quarters. In Lenski and Vera Neville and text by
This beautiful edition is available
1895, a new four-story building was Maud Hart Lovelace in this newsletter
built on Jackson Street. The attractive for purchase from Minnesota
are used with permission from
building was constructed of Lake Heritage Publishing and other
HarperCollins Publishers.
Superior brown sandstone with granite online booksellers.
6
MEET BETSY’S GARDENERS: TOM AND CINDY SALSBERY
by Candy Laven
daffodils, and iris are the first to bloom, On behalf of the Betsy-Tacy Society,
and then, around the first of June, we thank them for generously donating
the lilacs and peonies appear. Flowers their time and talents to make Betsy’s
bloom throughout the summer on the and Tacy’s gardens so beautiful and
sun-filled hillsides. My favorites are the inviting. Tom and Cindy, we wish you
hollyhocks and big white hydrangeas all the best in your future endeavors,
in the Tacy garden—oh, and the soft and we are deeply grateful for the
lamb’s ear! At Betsy’s House, there are many gifts you have given us.
climbing sweet peas and a lovely purple
clematis, with daisies and coneflowers
sprinkled about.
Each year, Tom and Cindy plant a
surprise display of flowers on the
corners of the lots. Visitors and passing
cars often stop to appreciate the bright
Tom and Cindy have a long history yellow, red, and purple blooms—it’s
with the Betsy-Tacy Society. Tom, a one of the first things people notice
“numbers guy,” served as BTS Treasurer when they come to the Betsy and Tacy
and Financial Advisor. He and wife Houses. In autumn, Betsy’s maple trees
Cindy also enjoy gardening, and they turn bright orange and red, and leaves
have cared for the yards and gardens at fall everywhere. Tom and Cindy spread
the Betsy and Tacy Houses for several the leaves on the flowerbeds, wind up
years. Each spring, as the snow begins the water hoses, and put the garden to
to melt, Tom and Cindy rake the leaves sleep for the winter.
from the flower beds—and soon new This will be Tom and Cindy’s last winter
shoots are popping up. The crocus, of tending the gardens at the Houses.
VIRTUAL TOURS OF DEEP VALLEY AND BETSY’S HOUSE
Snow is now falling in Mankato, and most of us are unlikely to visit Betsy-Tacy sites in person this winter—but you can
virtually visit many of these places you long to see. Our new Deep Valley Tour Map allows you to explore Betsy’s beloved
hometown from your own computer. Go to the News page of our website (betsy-tacysociety.org/home/news/) and click on
the link to the map in Google Maps. Once there, click on a BTS logo in the map, and see the description in the box on the
left. (To see all the BTS icons, click “+” on the map until they’re more visible and then scroll up or down.) Have fun exploring!
Visit our YouTube channel (youtube.com/betsytacysociety) and click on “Betsy-Tacy Society tour with Penny Banwart” for
a walk through Betsy’s House. Penny is a former BTS Board president and has given countless tours of both Houses. Visitors
love Penny’s vast knowledge of Mankato history. We’re so proud of our efforts to restore Betsy’s House to its original beauty.
For years, visitors weren’t allowed upstairs because of fire code issues, but the stairway has been rebuilt and is now up to code.
Enjoy a peek into Betsy’s bedroom!
The Houses are currently closed for the season, but we hope to feel safe enough to reopen in the spring. We’ll post any
reopening news on our website and social media channels. We can’t wait to see you!
7
DISCOVERING EMILY: AN ENLIGHTENING LOOK AT MAUD
HART LOVELACE’S RESEARCH FOR EMILY OF DEEP VALLEY
by Anna Rose Johnson
remembers the entrance hall [of the
Marsh house] being at the right with
the old man’s bedroom behind it.”
Marion Willard (Carney) played the
organ at Marguerite’s grandfather’s
funeral in 1915. And Mildred
Oleson (Irma) was a member of the
Browning Club!
One reason I assume that Maud wrote Maud (presumably) goes on to say
at least some of these reminiscences is that she recalls sitting with Marguerite
sections such as this one: “There must at a party and discussing boys and
have been an attic to hold the trunks popularity. Marguerite felt confident
from which Bick and I borrowed that she would get better at talking
the beautiful clothes we wore to that to boys if she just kept getting used
masquerade. Bick’s was white brocade, to it and picking up “the necessary
she says.” Could this have inspired the little social tricks,” as Maud put it.
masquerade party chronicled in Carney’s “Marguerite didn’t go out much with
House Party, when Carney raids the boys but they liked and respected her,”
Sibley attic for costumes, and Betsy Maud recalled. Once, Marguerite
arrives disguised as a valentine? Either confided in Bick that she wouldn’t
way, it’s fun to envision Maud and marry, but “not for the usual reasons
I recently had the fascinating Bick rummaging through Marguerite’s that girls give.” Since Marguerite did
opportunity to read through some of trunks. It also makes me wonder: Why indeed wed Myron Wilcox, the “Jed
Maud Hart Lovelace’s research notes was Marguerite left out of the Betsy- Wakeman” of her life, we can only guess
for her 1950 novel Emily of Deep Valley. Tacy high school books? Was it because as to why she made that statement.
I was intrigued by Maud’s process for the cast was already too large? But This line harkens back to a scene on
this book, which is chronicled within perhaps it’s ultimately better that Emily page 108 of EoDV: “What did the
the EoDV folder at the University of got the space of her own novel—and a future hold for her, she thought? Not
Minnesota’s Kerlan Collection. The very lovely novel at that—rather than be marriage and a family, for she was not
bulk of the material seems to be Maud’s limited to being a supporting character attractive to boys. (Not getting a letter
own thoughts and recollections about of one of the earlier stories. from Don had settled that.) If she
Marguerite Marsh (Emily Webster), were to have a career, she should be
incorporating things that Bick Kenney preparing for it now.”
(Tacy) told her, combined with excerpts Maud wrote that Marguerite “never
from various letters about topics in talked about herself or her problems
EoDV. It seems that most of the first- and was rather hesitant about
person recollections were written by entertaining in that funny little old
Maud, but I cannot be positive of this. house . . . [which] was jammed and
Little nuggets of information in these crammed with mementos of the
notes shed a bit more light on the past.” She also wrote that Bick, “who
Crowd’s connection to Marguerite knew her better than I did, said
Marsh, as well as a friendship that was that she was a little like Tess [Bick’s
virtually eliminated in the novel: “Bick sister, the model for Tacy’s sister Katie]
8
. . . staunch, sturdy, uncomplaining, lost the debate, and before the party studying” and began to meet once
very independent.” began.” a week to discuss famous women of
The party described in Chapter 7 of Maud and Bick both remembered history? This trio met in the evenings
EoDV—in which Emily prepares frog Marguerite as having curly hair, and at the apartment of Mankato
legs for Annette and other guests— Maud said that Marguerite always schoolteacher Alice Robbins for a
was actually attended by Bick and dressed nicely. “I think her Aunt class discussing “Famous Women.”
probably Maud. “Bick remembers the Belle Beatty helped her to shop,” Another section of the material
party mentioned in my diary when Maud noted. Could this aunt be the explains that a “Browning Club”
[Marguerite] had us all there for inspiration for Aunt Sophie, Annette’s met at the library possibly around
supper,” Maud recalls, adding how mother in EoDV? this same time, and the membership
Bick praised Marguerite’s cooking and Like Emily, Marguerite did not leave comprised Marion, Margaret
observed how delighted Marguerite her grandfather after graduating from Cooper and Martha Wiecking (both
was by the guests’ enjoyment of her high school. She chose not to attend local teachers), Alice Perrin, Ruth
party. “The main dish was . . . frogs’ legs college until after his death, enrolling Williams (Alice Morrison), Mildred
which none of us had eaten before,” said in the University of Wisconsin in 1916. Olson (Irma), and Marguerite.
Maud. “They were fixed to the Queen’s Maud notes that Marguerite “worked in Maud chose to combine the two
taste. Perhaps she knew about them the library (with Miss Sparrow?)”—did clubs, and she describes it this
because she lived close to the slough and Maud briefly consider having Emily way on page 155 of EoDV: “The
children came selling them; perhaps she work alongside Miss Sparrow in EoDV? group of women included, besides
was just an adventurous cook.” Ultimately, Maud decided not to use Emily and Alice [Morrison], Miss
Maud also noted that Marguerite’s that aspect of Marguerite’s life, instead Sparrow, the librarian, two young
grandfather did not make an appearance turning to a different avenue of work for teachers and a young married
at the party, opting instead to remain Emily. “Since she later turned to social woman named Mrs. Jack Delaney
in his room. “No wonder, he was 84 at work, it would have been a natural who was a graduate of Smith.”
the time.” If this age is correct—and we thing for her to study the Syrians and But perhaps most interesting of all
know that Maud was thorough in her work with them,” said Maud. these materials are the random notes
research—this places Marguerite’s party I wonder if it was Marion Willard who that Maud evidently jotted down
in 1910, two years before EoDV occurs wrote a note to Maud that explains as reminders before drafting EoDV,
and the same year as Maud’s graduation how she, Alice Perrin [a librarian beginning with “The past filled the
(coinciding with the events of Betsy who worked with Marguerite], and valley like a mist” (a similar line
and Joe). Marguerite wanted to do some “serious appears on page 287 of EoDV). There
The research materials also describe is a mysterious reference to card games
Marguerite’s sparkling prowess on and mentions of Miss Robb (Cobb)
the debate stage: “She loved it, and and Paderewski’s minuet as discussed
her eyes would shine as with perfect on page 131 of the novel, the Slough
coolness, and [with] invincible logic she of Despond and “futility,” having no
clinched her point.” On one occasion, one with whom to discuss literature,
Marion (Carney) gave a party after a and “the Browning Club for Bill.” The
debate. Although the score was close, name Bill is then crossed out, with
Marguerite’s team lost. Bick later “Don” penciled in.
recounted that Marguerite had been
brought to tears as she sat “on the little continued on next page
settee in the Willards’ hall after her side
9
DISCOVERING
EMILY (continued from RECENT DONATIONS
Thanks to our generous supporters, Betsy’s House boasts
the previous page)
some exciting new goodies!
Another
section in the Left: Peg Bindner donated a
folder contains collection of vintage toys—just right
for little Margaret to play with.
memories that a
correspondent
sent to Maud
about the
Mankato
slough—a
place where
“yellow
cowslips grew in abundance” and
where a fine array of pollywogs resided
(which “we boys” used to catch and
bring home). The letter concludes,
“One of the Marsh’s had a home right
across the street where Front Street
bends.” We can only surmise the Abby Carrow
identity of this helpful friend who gave us sheet Susan Wagenhals donated a
supplied Maud with slough factoids music from lovely hand-sewn lace and paper
(Cab/Jab? Herbert/Helmus?). Another Betsy’s era. silhouette “dolly ” that had
section of slough notes contains a Can’t you just belonged to her grandmother,
sentence that Maud underlined: “It imagine Julia’s magical fingers which now adorns the hired girl's
must have been full of fireflies on dancing across the piano keys?! bedroom wall upstairs.
summer evenings.”
For those interested in how Maud’s Check out the dainty
novels began to take shape—amidst white waist and
research and correspondence (crotchless) bloomers
and tidbits dashed off for future donated by Claudia
Madison! From the Sew
reference—taking a look at these ideas
Historically website:
for EoDV yields a rare glimpse into “Edwardian drawers
her process. It also provides another were knee-length, usually made of white
view of the young woman who woven cotton fabric, trimmed with lace.
inspired the unforgettable character of Early in the era, drawers had an open
Emily Webster. crotch seam because they were considered
more ‘hygienic,’ whereas later in the era
Anna Rose Johnson is a lifelong fan of closed drawers were preferred.”
the Betsy-Tacy books, and Emily of Deep
Valley is her favorite of Maud’s novels. She
lives in Wisconsin, where she reads vintage
kidlit, tends her flower garden, and writes Did you receive the December
books that she hopes have a very Betsy-Tacy
issue of The Agony Column,
feel. Her first children’s novel, The Star That
Always Stays, releases in July 2022.
our e-newsletter?
10UNEARTHING TREASURES AT TACY’S HOUSE
might be discarded. This last stack nieces and nephew had been promised
was put aside for Candy Laven and dessert, they were hungry, and there was
Lona Falenczykowski (chairs of the no time to spare! After a nice dinner,
Archives and Collections Committee) Candy cut the dessert into small squares
to consider. One item was a ring- and topped it with whipped cream.
bound Ambrosian Cook Book, which And guess what? The kids raved about
Maud had apparently used early in Maud’s Home Town Dessert, which was
her marriage. Lona said she would moist and not overly sweet. They want
look through the book for recipe Aunt Candy to make it again!
contributors who may have had a
connection to the Betsy-Tacy crowd.
As she flipped the pages, Home Town Dessert
Lona was delighted to find 1 cup sugar
Maud’s own recipe for “Home 1 cup flour
Town Dessert”! She sent it to 1/2 tsp. salt
1 level tsp. soda
Candy, who was heading to 1 egg
In October, two friends Colorado to visit her nieces 1 #2 can fruit cocktail
of the Betsy-Tacy Society and nephew. The recipe brown sugar
visited Mankato and seemed simple enough and chopped nuts
helped with cleaning out Candy had all the ingredients Sift sugar, flour, salt, and soda. Add
and organizing a closet in at hand, so she made Maud’s one beaten egg. Drain the fruit
Tacy’s House, which contained items dessert, with one adjustment: The recipe cocktail and add the drained fruit.
that hadn’t been sorted in years. The said to bake the dessert for an hour, Put in greased 8"x8" pan and sprinkle
but given Colorado’s high altitude, with brown sugar and chopped nuts.
volunteers made four piles: items that
Bake at 350˚ for one hour. Serve with
should be displayed in our museum, Candy removed it from the oven after whipped cream. Serves 8. Note: There
items that could be sold or donated, 50 minutes. She was dismayed at the is no shortening in this dessert.
items that should be moved to climate- sight of it (later saying, “It looked
Maud Lovelace
controlled storage, and items that like a volcano with craters”), but her
LIZZIE LOVES BETSY-TACY!
Writes Heather Karl: “Back in June, my husband,
my daughter, and I visited Mankato. We had a
delightful time, and we are so glad we made the
trip from Rock Island, Illinois! My daughter,
Lizzie, and I recently finished reading Downtown
together this summer. How fun to see Betsy’s
real-life library on our visit. Lizzie was so blessed
by the Betsy-Tacy Coloring Book, and I’m attaching
some of her coloring work. We can’t say enough
The 19-page Betsy-Tacy
good things about our visit. Everyone we met at
the new Mankato library was so helpful and kind. Coloring Book, illustrated by
We highly recommend a trip to Mankato to see Cheryl Harness, is available
the sights of Betsy’s and Tacy’s world!” in the BTS Shop!
11BETSY-TACY BOOKS IN THE CONTEXT OF WORLD EVENTS:
A (PARTIAL) TIMELINE
by Doug Larsen
Doug Larsen is a history buff and recently retired Adult Learning Center high school English teacher. His hilarious review of Speaking of
Operations– (a book mentioned in Betsy’s Wedding) appeared in the March 2021 Agony Column (our e-newsletter). We plan to include more
of his captivating timeline in future issues of the Sun.
Betsy-Tacy and Tib (June 1900–August 1901)
Tacy survives diphtheria, and the girls cut their hair to remember
one another
Betsy-Tacy
(March 1897–August 1898) Winona’s Pony Cart (October 1900)
Girls meet, Baby Bee dies of Winona has eighth birthday and hopes for a pony; we meet
meningitis, Margaret is born Dennie and the Syrian children
1897–1898 1899 1900 1901
1897 • Sigmund Freud writes on the • Brownie camera marketed • Nobel Prize awarded for
• William McKinley is president interpretation of dreams • Notable books include Up From development of diphtheria
• Scott Joplin writes ragtime hit • The electron is found to have a Slavery by Booker T. Washington, antitoxin
“Maple Leaf Rag” negative charge The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by • President McKinley is
• Klondike Gold Rush begins in • Claude Monet begins his assassinated; Teddy Roosevelt, at
L. Frank Baum, and The Tale of
The Yukon, Canada famous “Water Lilies” painting 42, is youngest person to assume
Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
• Thomas Edison is granted a patent series the presidency
• Gamma rays are identified
for the Kinetoscope, a precursor of • Henri Matisse experiments with • Electric vacuum cleaner is
• Count Ferdinand Zeppelin flies
the movie projector bright, contrasting colors and is invented
his first airship
condemned as immoral • Myrtle Reed’s The Spinster
• Commonwealth of Australia is
1898 • Pearl Hart is last bandit to rob a Book idealizes the completely
created
• Spanish-American war over in stagecoach helpless female
• “Boxer Rebellion” in China
three months; 5,000 Americans • Temperance leader Carrie • Buddenbrooks by German writer
leaves thousands dead
die, 90% from disease Nation launches raids on saloons Thomas Mann is published
• On average, a lynching is
• U.S. gains Puerto Rico, Guam, • Boer War begins in South Africa • Marconi broadcasts radio waves
committed every day
Cuba, and The Philippines for the first time
• Carrie Chapman Catt succeeds
• Louisiana adopts laws to • Roosevelt invites Black
Susan B. Anthony as president of
prevent Black citizens from leader Booker T. Washington
the National Women’s Suffrage
voting to White House; Southerners
Association
• Philippine war for are outraged and respond with
• Teachers League opposes law
independence; 5,000 Americans widespread lynching; Alabama
that requires firing pregnant
die crushing it adopts laws to prevent Black
women
• Marie and Pierre Curie discover citizens from voting
• 284,000 children ages 10–15
radium and polonium work in mines and factories
• Amelia Earhart is born • Casey Jones dies at the throttle
• Edmond Rostand writes the of his runaway train, “The
play Cyrano de Bergerac Cannonball”
• Paul Cezanne paints “The • Prohibition Party holds its
Bathers” national political convention in
Chicago
• America’s first direct primary
election is held in Minnesota
12Doug writes, “Years ago, I went through a period when I felt like ‘the good old days’ were over
and the current times were lousy. But I also suspected that ‘the good old days’ weren’t as rosy as
I imagined. So, in an act of self-defense, I started reading history books. It turns out that people
haven’t changed much over the years. Scandal, controversy, outrage, and danger pervade all of
human history—which I found to be oddly reassuring. In fact, I decided that the present day is
preferable to any past time. After all, today Baby Bee and Leonard would likely have survived into
adulthood! This was a fun little project for me, as both a history buff and a Betsy-Tacy fan, and it’s
also a way for people who love the series to think and talk about the books in another context.”
Betsy and Tacy Go
Over the Big Hill
(January 1902–June 1902)
The girls turn 10, write a love Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown
letter to the King of Spain, (September 1904–January 1905)
meet Naifi, and rescue her Tacy's father burns Lady Audley's Secret, Poppys get a car and Rays
from racial taunters get a phone, Uncle Tom's Cabin and Uncle Keith hit Deep Valley
1902 1903 1904 1905
• Irish workers and police attack • Wright Brothers fly at Kitty • Rh blood factor discovered • After 18 college football players
Jewish immigrants at a funeral Hawk • Novocaine is synthesized are killed, President Roosevelt
• First automat opens in • Ford Motor Company • Ida Tarbell’s exposé The History threatens to ban the sport; this
Philadelphia introduces the Model A of the Standard Oil Company is spurs gradual development
• Fannie Farmer opens a cooking • Outbreak of typhoid fever published of protective gear and less
school in Boston in New York City is traced to • Helen Keller graduates from dangerous plays such as the
• The Teddy Bear is introduced “Typhoid Mary” Mallon, who Radcliffe College forward pass
after President Roosevelt refuses to refuses to stop spreading the • James Barrie’s play Peter Pan • Einstein devises E = mc2
shoot a bear cub disease and is imprisoned premieres • Former President Cleveland
• Oliver Wendell Holmes is • A women’s suffrage bill passes • 4,000 labor strikes occur in writes that “women of sense do
appointed to U.S. Supreme in Arizona America not want to vote”
Court • Notable books include The Soul • Puccini’s opera Madame • Baroness Orczy of England
• Mrs. Warren’s Profession of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Butterfly opens in Milan writes The Scarlet Pimpernel
by George Bernard Shaw is Bois and Rebecca of Sunnybrook • George M. Cohan composes • Richard Strauss’s opera Salome
performed in London Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin “Give My Regards to Broadway” and Claude Debussy’s symphonic
• Notable books include The Hound • New York passes speed limits: poem “La Mer” each premiere
of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan 10 mph in town, 20 mph in the in Paris
Doyle and Heart of Darkness by country
Joseph Conrad • Tea bag is invented
• Edward Elgar composes his first
“Pomp and Circumstance” march
13“BETSY HAS AN AUTUMN ADVENTURE”
This image of Betsy’s House by
Maranda Miller Photography
will be featured in the City of
Mankato’s 2022 calendar! Writes
Maranda, “The theme for the
contest was ‘hometown pride,’
and this image, plus the story
behind it, fits that perfectly.
During the pandemic shutdown
last summer, I sought comfort
in exploring our local areas,
and I dived into the Betsy-Tacy
series by local author Maud Hart
Lovelace. I then went on a self-
guided walking tour of Mankato
and photographed a number
of historical places referenced “Betsy Has an Autumn Adventure.” © 2022 Maranda Miller Photography.
in the books. Standing in front Used with permission.
of [Maud/Betsy’s] home tucked
into the beautiful Minnesota could feel the history of Mankato. pandemic, and I’m happy that
River Valley, I could imagine the This was such a beautiful way to others will now be able to enjoy
adventures of the characters and explore amid the turmoil of the my special hometown image.”
WHAT IS THAT? “I’m going to drench myself in perfume . . . like Mamma with violet
perfume, only I want something more exotic.”
“I have some Jockey Club,” said Tib. “Would that be exotic enough?”
by Katie Watts —from Betsy in Spite of Herself
The two best-known tuberose, and violet; and base notes Club by Oriza L. Legrand introduced
Jockey Club scents— musk, amber, orris, civet, mace, clove, in 2017. The copy reads, “The air
Guerlain and and vanilla. is alive with the fragrance of horse
Caswell-Massey— Caswell-Massey’s Jockey Club is even leather trampling the hot sand and the
were actually older, debuting in 1840. The fragrance, pleasant aroma of blond tobaccos,”
styled for men. called the “first sport cologne,” features thus proving there may be nothing
The Guerlain was a citrus bergamot top note over quite as creative as a copywriter. This
introduced in 1879 and discontinued jasmine, geranium, amber, ylang- wonder can be yours for 130 euros (a
in 1915. An old-fashioned floral scent, ylang, sandalwood, and musk. It was little over $150).
the perfume was intended to reproduce a favorite of John F. Kennedy. Good Katie Watts, an editor and a teacher of
the fragrance of Epsom Downs in news for the olfactorily curious: It’s still memoir writing, lives in Northern California.
the late spring. (Let’s hope racetracks available today from caswellmassey. In addition to Betsy-Tacy, she enjoys musicals,
in that era didn’t smell the same as com! The price range is $12-$90. raspberries, cats, and storytelling. Got a question
racetracks in the 21st century.) For
those interested in such things, the In researching photos, I found at least about an item in the books? Send it to Katie at
top notes were bergamot, neroli, and four other vintage fragrances named minglemopper@gmail.com, and she’ll do her
cassia; middle notes jasmine, musk, Jockey Club, plus a Gentry Jockey best to track it down.
14PEARL S. BUCK AND MAUD HART LOVELACE
by Candy Laven, Lona Falenczykowski, and Jennifer Davis-Kay
John Buck in 1917. In 1920, the Bucks Richard J. Walsh. Maud grew very
had a daughter who was afflicted with close to Richard, whom she called
phenylketonuria (PKU). Pearl’s work to Dick. She was also a big fan of Pearl
raise awareness of PKU is one reason Buck’s writing and joked about
that babies today are tested at birth her books selling as many copies
for PKU. as Pearl’s. In an October 11, 1932,
Pearl’s first book, East Wind, West letter to her family, Maud wrote,
Wind, was rejected by 40 publishers. “By the way, did you know that Pearl
In 1929, she felt that her marriage was Buck’s Sons has sold 90,000 copies
failing; she returned to the U.S. to to date? Won’t it be fun when I get
find long-term care for her daughter in that class, and we will have to sit
and to meet with Richard Walsh, head late nights, all of us, planning how to
of the New York publishing firm John spend the money!”
Day Company. Richard agreed to We love this connection between two
publish her book, which sold poorly— remarkable women who created entire
Pearl S. Buck writing at her desk. but her second book, worlds with their words
The Good Earth, was a and who wrote of other
Pearl Sydenstricker Buck was an bestseller and won the cultures with such deep
extraordinary woman and writer of Pulitzer Prize. The couple respect and understanding.
more than 70 books whose ideas were fell in love and married
well ahead of her time. Long before it in 1935. In 1938, Pearl S. Maud’s copy of the book Early
was fashionable or politically safe to do Buck received the Nobel Candlelight, published by John
so, she worked to raise the American Prize for Literature from Day Company in 1929, is on
public’s consciousness on racism and King Gustav V of Sweden. display at Tacy’s House.
the plight of Asian war children. In 1949, outraged that
Pearl was born in 1892, the daughter existing adoption services
of Southern Presbyterian missionaries, considered Asian and mixed-race
who moved to China when she was a children “unadoptable,” Pearl (with
baby. Pearl later recalled that she lived James Michener, Oscar Hammerstein
in two worlds: the “small, white, clean II, and wife Dorothy Hammerstein)
Presbyterian world of my parents” and co-founded Welcome House, the first
the “big, loving merry not-too-clean international interracial adoption
Chinese world.” When Pearl started agency. Welcome House matched
school (around the time that Betsy- more than 7,000 orphans with U.S.
Tacy and Tib is set), she was dismayed adoptive families until the program
by the students’ racist attitudes. Her was phased out (due to changes in
parents felt strongly that the Chinese international adoption regulations)
were their equals (they forbade the use in 2014. The book is personally inscribed by Pearl’s
of the word heathen). future husband, Richard Walsh. The
Now, what’s the link to our Maud? inscription reads:
In 1911, Pearl left China to attend On display at Tacy’s House is a copy To the Author — one of the first
college in the U.S. She had not of Maud’s book Early Candlelight, six copies to be bound — with
intended to return to China or to published by John Day Company in the greetings and enthusiastic
become a missionary, but she did both 1929 (the year Pearl met the company’s compliments of the publisher.
in 1914 when her mother became president), and our copy is personally Richard J. Walsh
July 23, 1929
seriously ill. Pearl married missionary inscribed by Pearl’s future husband
15Betsy-Tacy Society
P.O. Box 94
Mankato, MN 56002
(507) 345-9777
info@betsy-tacysociety.org
Find us online: Membership Expiration Date:
Website: Betsy-TacySociety.org
Facebook: facebook.com/betsytacy
Twitter: twitter.com/btsociety
Instagram: instagram.com/betsy_tacy
Tumblr: betsy-tacy-society.tumblr.com
YouTube: youtube.com/betsytacysociety
“Somewhere down in the bowels of the Opera House violins were being tuned. Betsy sat back rapturously and
read her program through. Then she gave her attention to the curtain on which a gentleman in a sedan chair
and beautiful ladies in hoop skirts were transfixed in a gay romantic moment. There was a flower booth behind
them. There were some hens scratching at the front.”
—from Betsy and Tacy Go DowntownYou can also read
