This site is a place for any and all things relating to Betsy-Tacy and Deep Valley. I know modern readers might wonder, as I have, what a shirt waist is and whether Chauncey Olcott was a real person. What is a recipe for the fudge that Betsy and the Crowd were always making? What does "The Merry Widow Waltz" sound like? I plan on posting about all of these things and more. I hope that fans of the series will enjoy learning more about the time, people, places, and events that helped set the stage for this wonderful series of books. I will post one or two posts per week. I don't plan on writing this blog for ever, just until I create a good encyclopedia of Betsy-Tacy related information.
What is Betsy-Tacy?
Betsy-Tacy is the name of a series of books written about two--and later three--best friends growing up in a small Minnesota town around the turn of the twentieth century. Betsy and Tacy (short for Anastacia) are the names of the first two girls. There are ten books in the series and they span the girls' lives from age 5 until they are married.
Who is Maud Hart Lovelace?
Maud Hart Lovelace is the author of the Betsy-Tacy books, which are based on her own experiences growing up in a small midwestern town. She is also the author of three other books about Deep Valley, and several adult novels and short stories. You can learn more about her by visiting the Maud Hart Lovelace Society, The Betsy-Tacy Society or the several of the other links mentioned here.
Are these books fictional?
Some events and people are fictionalized or embellished, but much of the inspiration for this beloved series came from the author's own background. Many of the characters, events, and places written about are based on reality.
When do these books take place?
The ten books in the Betsy-Tacy series span twenty years, from 1897 to 1917. The books were originally first written and published from 1940-1955. Here is a helpful chart that illustrates exactly when each book was written and takes place.
Is Deep Valley based on a real place?
Deep Valley is heavily based on Mankato, MN, where the author grew up. You can still visit many of the sites that are mentioned in the books. (For more about this, see the Links & Resources page.)
Who writes this blog?
I do! My name is Audrey and I created this site to share my enthusiasm about these wonderful stories with other fans. I am twenty years old and have been a lifelong admirer of Maud's books, ever since my mom first read them aloud to me when I was a little girl.
Where can I learn more?
I suggest starting with the many great sites and articles mentioned on the Links & Resources page. There are also several books written about Maud, and the real life people and places behind the series:
- The Betsy-Tacy Companion by Sharla Scannell Whalen
- Future in a Handbasket: The Life and Letters Behind Carney's House Party by Amy Dolnick
- Discover Deep Valley: A Guide to Maud Hart Lovelace's Mankato by Julie A. Schrader
- Between Deep Valley and the Great World: Maud Hart Lovelace in Minneapolis by Amy Dolnick
Well done! Keep up the excellent work!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sarah!
ReplyDeleteI just discovered your blog via the Betsy-Tacy Facebook page. This is wonderful and I will look forward to future posts! BTW, my little sister wrote to Maud Hart Lovelace and received a letter back (sometime in the 1960's). I have been to Mankato years ago, before the houses were restored. I re-read the whole series every few years (and I a 60 years old!).
ReplyDelete@Barbara
ReplyDeleteThat is really neat that your sister actually got a letter from Maud! I know that she was very good about writing back to fans.
Thank you for stopping by!
Love the blog. Are you a a member of the List Serv? If not:
ReplyDeleteMaud-L - the Maud Hart Lovelace on-line discussion list is an electronic mail discussion group focusing on all things Betsy-Tacy as well as conversations of more general interest. This is not a Betsy-Tacy Society sponsored list but many members subscribe to it. To subscribe, send an email to listserv@listserver.mtsac.edu and put Subscribe Maud-L in the body of the message space. Make sure to type Maud-L with a capital L, and do not sign your name or put any other text in the message space. You'll receive a welcome message with further instructions shortly after you send your email.
Hi, Kathy. Yes, I am on the List-serv! :) Thanks for the nice comment.
DeleteWish you would get back to blogging - I really enjoyed your posts!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Liz! That's very kind of you to say. :) Unfortunately, I had to put the blog on hiatus for awhile due to health issues. I hope sometime in the future I can get back to blogging here.
DeleteSorry to hear about the issues - hope you are all healthy soon!
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