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| Jane Flory in my college days |
48 years ago this month since I walked into
Jane Flory's Evening Division office as her
new student helper.
Part of my student aid package.
Best boss I ever had.
Friend, teacher, mentor followed.
Can't say in what order, evolving and growing
with time.
Some time before Jane revealed her other profession.
Author and Illustrator of over 50 children's books.
An alumna of the College.
As well as raising three lovely, talented
and mischievous daughters.
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| Just a few of Jane Flory's wonderful books |
Jane was the first to believe I could write as well as illustrate.
Trusted me to illustrate her Ranshackle Roost (HMCo).
Taught me everything she knew about "the ropes"
of writing, book illustrating and publishing and introduced
me to Houghton Mifflin Co., her publisher.
We did 4 books together.
Ramshackle Roost, We'll Have A Friend For Lunch, The
Unexpected Grandchildren and The Bear On The Doorstep
(all HMCo).
Hard work, much laughter, interesting expeditions.
She listened, sympathized, advised, cheered
and laughed with every "war story" from books
that came after.
We shared a love of history, doll houses, handcrafts
and travel. Unabashed Anglophiles.
Remembered anecdotes from shared adventures
always make me laugh.
And I miss her.
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| Jane Flory at the Landis Valley Museum in Lancaster, PA. on a research trip for my book, The Three Brothers, Whitebird/Putnam One of our memorable"expeditions" over the years. |
Ah, yes...I love your connection to this lovely lady. What soulmates you must have been! Ramshackle Roost was a childhood favorite, forever impacting my love of "sending for free samples," the turn-of-the-century lifestyle & a passion for close, loving family ties. My mom met Jane Flory (I believe, with you & your mom on some Philly trip) & described her as "funny, white-haired, sweet...just the way you'd want a children's author to be." Thanks for this beautiful reminiscence!
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