It was April of 1955 and I was so excited because my 6th grade teacher, Mrs. Neff had invited me to come and help her with a book reading she was going to do at our local library. She would be introducing her newly published book Little Miss Callie.
She wrote a nice note to me on the dedication page of the book:
She dedicated the book to our class because we actually helped her write the book. She would bring chapters into class and ask us our opinions. "What do you think Callie would do about that?". Who started the fire?", etc. And she actually used a lot of our suggestions. So I guess, we did help her write her book. What an experience for a bunch of 6th graders. I'll never forget Mrs. Neff.
This is Mrs. Neff on the right (not a very good photo, you can't really see her well). This is a class from 1951, not our class of '55, but it's the same Westmont school.
The book reading was a huge success, held in the Laura Ingalls Wilder* children's room of the Pomona library. Mrs. Neff knew that my sister, Barbara was a really good artist. So she asked her to do the illustrations for the book. The illustrations were featured at the library that day (wish we still had them). But, alas, the book publisher wanted to use their own illustrator for the book. Barbara lost her chance at fame. She was only about 15 at the time.
After the event was over I got this really nice thank you note from Mrs. Neff:
Inside the card was a lovely floral handkerchief and:
I wish I knew what I did to help with eager willingness. But it's way too long ago to remember. Maybe pour tea, pass out cookies, help her turn the pages of the book? I just don't remember. But I do remember Mrs. Neff fondly. I wish I had gotten to know her better. She had such an interesting life - lived in China and Mexico before she settled in Claremont, Calif. and started teaching at Westmont.
*When I was doing research for this post, I found out that the children's librarian at the Pomona Library was a good friend (through correspondence) of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Because of their friendship, Ms. Wilder donated her manuscripts of Little House on the Prairie and On the Banks of Plum Creek to the Pomona library. Wow! That's really something. In the children's library world that's like having a Hemingway manuscript donated. I'll have to make a pilgrimage to Pomona and have a look. Hope they have it on display. But somehow, I can't go back to the library of my memory. This is the new Pomona library! Not quite the same.
Mosey through the stacks and shelves of more libraries by clicking Sepia Saturday.
A fascinating story, Nancy. Who said that pupils never forget things they learn when they actually get involved in doing things? You have some special memories here.
ReplyDeleteI'm left almost speechless when I read your wonderful posts about your life. This brought back memories of teachers I loved too and hit me right smack in the sentimental bone - made me cry again. And your teachers apparently loved you back and let you know it! I bet they never forgot having you in their classes. You are still the very epitome of eager willingness no matter what you do. Happy Easter!!
ReplyDeleteaw shucks.
DeleteHappy Easter to you, too.
Is there anything better than having a teacher engage a child's creativity in this way? And how special that she expressed her appreciation to you with thoughtful and heartfelt notes. Bravo, a great memory that I'm sure will trigger memories for those of us lucky to have that kind of teacher, at least once.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading about your inspirational teacher - a subject close to my heart- and your wonderful memories. You sound like an eager and helpful pupil, what more could a teacher want? How clever of you to tie it in with Easter and libararies too. I give this A++.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing teacher. I enjoyed reading this story.
ReplyDeleteI know the phrase "fascinating story" has already been used by Bob, but it is a perfect description of this delightful post. At the end of the day, blogging is all about telling stories like this using words, images, links and research.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness how lucky are you? I know this new building is no match to the one you know so well. But how and where to begin with all the wonder you have, (I feel so much closer to this book just for having read what you had!) Your marvelous teacher and having you join in too, and those fantastic letters of such nice merit to YOU! I think the publisher made a mistake really, when the magic of her very own students poured through the pages of that great story. How fun and what a learning experience to share with the making of her book too! Of course coming from Minnesota, I too have the likeness for Laura Ingalls Wilder. Thanks for sharing your magical time with us!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I even want to visit the "new" library in Pomona. You just can't go home again!
DeleteThat was a great experience to be able to help write her book.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely memory- and I can tell she meant alot to you. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful teacher! I wonder if any of your fellow classmates took up writing later on, inspired by Mrs. Neff.
ReplyDeleteI can't think of anyone in our class that became a writer. But actually, I've earned my living by writing. Not exactly novels, but our business is involved in publishing "how to" books, and I have had to write instructions, captions, and that sort of thing. So I guess you can say I was inspired to write by Mrs.Neff. Well, at least, I learned the basics from her. But I've never felt compelled to write the great American novel.
DeleteI really did enjoy this post. Such a great experience for you and for your sister too even though her art work did not get used. It is wonderful how a special teacher just always stays with us. I remember my chemistry teacher in high school. She was so strict it was awful. My senior year I had pneumonia and missed an entire month. She sent my work home and I graduated and won a scholarship and it would have never happened without her.
ReplyDeleteQMM
Isn't that amazing how the teachers that were the most strict, are the ones we remember the most. They were usually the good ones, in most cases.
DeleteIt must have been great to feel you were almost part of the book. Have you re-read it recently?
ReplyDeleteNo I haven't read Little Miss Callie in a long while. I'm going to read it this weekend. It will bring back such memories.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was researching Mrs. Neff, I found that she had also written a children's book about China called The Blue Junk. I ordered it from Amazon but haven't received it yet. It will be really interesting to read that one also.
What a great post! I always enjoy the stories about your life and this was such a fun read. Interesting that this took place exactly fifty-seven years ago. Think it's great that you still have the book, thank you note and gift from your teacher.
ReplyDeleteNancy, this is all so neat! So glad that you have your copy of the book close at hand; what praise Mrs. Neff gave you. Too bad that Barbara's art for that project isn't around.
ReplyDeleteA most excellent post full of sweet memories,
Kathy M.
Too bad for Barbara!!!
ReplyDeleteBut it sure was a lovely tale about a book
of a different tale.
:)~
HUGZ
Nancy, a beautiful story; good to remember happy events. The drawing of your sister is really nice.
ReplyDelete