9/20/2009

Sunday - Storytelling in Hagerstown

Another sunny day in Western Maryland.

Great day yesterday - sunny, stories, wonderful people, good conversation, topped off with a memorable concert by Jean Ritchie.

I have a lot I want to say about being at the Appalachian Festival - but will have to wait until we get home tonight.

Time to switch channels from Jack yesterday to Jill today.

Jim and I moved on to Hagerstown where I was to tell my ERA folktale for the League of Women Voters.

The event was held in the Women's Club which is located in a lovely mid 19 century historic house. I knew as the women arrived that these were my people. All would be well.

Fanny Crawford introduced me to the group. Fanny heard the story in Chevy Chase last Febuary and asked me then if I would come and tell the story to the League. Fanny is herself a fine storyteller so I was doubly pleased by her invitation.

They listened a very good version of the story from me. I saw in their faces that as they heard my story they were remembering their own experiences. It was exactly what I had hoped would happen - that the story would be a catalyst to bring back their memories in those who heard the story.

Afterwards during the Q and A the women shared their stories from the elder woman who remembered that she had wanted to take "shop" in high school and could not because she was a girl to another woman who had been administrative aide to Congresswoman Bella Abzug in her first term in Congress. It was a rich discussion - it was great.

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