Literary Women

There is something about the isolated rocky coast of Maine that breeds creativity, strength, and independence. 

"In every outthrust headland, in every curving beach, in every grain of sand, there is the story of the earth."
Rachel Carson

On the way to a wedding a few weeks ago, my sister and I stopped at the beautiful little campus of The University of New England to visit the Maine Women Writers Collection - yet another reminder that you just don't appreciate college enough when you are there!

One of my favorite Sarton quotes
(Kim Klassen texture)

 The collection was curated by Cathleen Miller, who was there to welcome us with her enthusiasm and knowledge.

May Sarton Books
(also Klassen textures)

The permanent collection was founded in 1959 and holds over 6000 volumes representing more than 500 women writers including rare and first additions by Edna St. Vincent Millay, Sarah Orne Jewett (A Marsh Island 1884), Kate Doudlas Wiggin (Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, 1903) and Charlotte Perkins Gilman (The Yellow Wall-paper, 1862). The collection includes personal papers, manuscripts, photographs and memorabilia. May Sarton's bookshelves are there, as are Ruth Moore's typewriter and a number of original journals.

The Collection offers grants to writing workshops, sources for independent research and lecture series on  historical preservation of the "literary, cultural and social history" of Maine's women authors.

There was poetry on the walls (December Moon by May Sarton) http://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/index.php?date=2000/12/27)

There were wonderful old photographs artistically presented, and warm sunny spots to read and work. I particularly enjoyed Rose Marasco's beautiful triptych of Florence Burrill Jacob's photograph, quote and ironing board. It was a perfect expression of the dual roles of creative women. That led me to her website, and especially her portfolio of "domestic tools."

http://www.rosemarasco.com/

The catalogue is on-line and can be accessed for information and materials at http://www.une.edu/mwwc

I have read many of the authors represented, but nevertheless I came home with a long reading list inspired by the spirit of those rugged women who were founders of our liberation (Sara Payson Willis Parton), protectors of our land (Rachel Carson), and champions of our freedoms (Harriet Beecher Stowe). We do well to remember these strong predecessors upon who's shoulders we stand. And what peaceful evenings of reading I've had since, looking through their eyes!

"Read me, do not let me die!
Search the fading letters, finding
Steadfast in the broken binding
All that once was I!"
Edna St. Vincent Millay

(How about posting some light and shadow images of books this week for our feature?)