“Write the World:”  Spread the Word

You ventured down the cobblestone streets that Benjamin Franklin trod, you walked through buildings where history was made over 225 years ago,…all to travel in your mind’s eye back to the 18th century so that you might “write the world” from the vantage of an American (e.g. British subject) living in those tumultuous times.   

You returned from historic Philadelphia to the Ace Center ‘Writer’s Café’ for an evening immersed in the smells, tastes, and images of colonial America, and you penned the genesis of your historical fiction. 

The experiences were framed and modeled after those that students might have in your classrooms and in your own towns and areas…..”moving from the world to the word, that adults write,……..and students can also write.” 

We are pleased to publish in this newsletter edition the imaginations of educators from New Haven, CT; Springfield, MA; Talladega, AL; and Trussville, AL.

FREEDOM'S VOICE

         A letter arrived on a cold day in England during November of 1751. It was ordering me to go to the colonies for a special assignment.  The letter was penned by a Philadelphia colonist, Isaac Norris, who would meet me upon my arrival. Preparations and packing for my long, arduous journey across the Atlantic Ocean took most of winter's coldest months.
         Finally, as spring's warmth began to thaw England's land, I was ready to board a ship along with future colonists and supplies.  It was a raw, foggy day when we departed, so the mainland disappeared quickly from sight.  We were on our way!
         As with everyone else on board, my quarters were small and confining.  I had barely gotten my sea legs, when a sudden storm came upon us!  We pitched and rolled as fierce waves slapped against the sides of our tiny ship.  I was tossed about and wet for days from the driving rains.  Everyone was quickly tiring of the journey as storms far outweighed days of smooth and peaceful sailing.  We all became more and more anxious to be on land once again.
        Long days became longer months, and now fall was close upon us.  Complaints about the scarcity of food, and its staleness, were voiced by everyone.  Then on a clear, crisp September day in 1752, I heard a sailor bellow, "LAND HO! LAND HO!!"  Shouts of joy erupted everywhere around me.  I felt excitement stir within me as my purpose for coming here was becoming a closer reality.
        Once our weather-beaten ship docked in New York harbor, I, along with others, were boarded upon a horse drawn cart.  Slowly we traversed along dry, dusty dirt roads heading south toward my destination in Philadelphia.  At various towns along the way, others got off to begin their new lives in the colonies.  Finally, I alone, remained on the cart.  Traveling along the early fall countryside, I would occasionally pass small areas of fighting men and feared that I would not arrive safely.  Unfortunately, I did experience a slight injury while traveling and needed to rest and recuperate.  Upon my arrival in Philadelphia, Issac Norris presented himself to me.  For two years he kept me in hiding until conditions were right for my purpose.
        Then for a duration of about twenty-three years, I assisted the colonists by announcing the sad loss of brave soldiers and small victories toward their freedom.
On July 8th, 1776, I was finally able to complete the assignment I had been originally summoned for years ago.
       An old man stood beside me in a tall tower, and when given the signal, he pulled on a thick rope attached to me.  Slowly I began to sway back and forth, back and forth.  Then the resonating ringing within me became louder and louder!  Upon hearing my tolling, colonists from near and far assembled below me to hear the words loudly proclaimed, "We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal...."  Never had I felt prouder than I did that day as I sang freedom's song, and later became known as Liberty Bell!

                                                                       Elaine Y. Olive
Balliet School, Springfield, MA

Follow the links below to read the stories of other colleagues.

Stephanie Fitz Gerald - Worthington-Hooker School, New Haven, CT
Susan Gannon - Worthington-Hooker School, New Haven, CT
Carol Kennedy - Worthington-Hooker School, New Haven, CT
Jennifer Ulatowski/Parr - Worthington-Hooker School, New Haven, CT
Geraldine Morgan - Freedman Elementary School, Springfield, MA
Elaine Y. Olive (QUIDAM) - Balliet Elementary School, Springfield, MA
Mary Ellen Petruccelli - Mary Walsh School, Springfield, MA
Linda Wilson - Thomas M. Balliet School, Springfield, MA
Becky Robinson - Munford Elementary School, Talladega, AL
Melanie Glover - Paine Primary School, Trussville, AL
Betsy Schmitt - Paine Primary School, Trussville, AL