Porch Readings #3
The third and final “Readings on the Porch” took place tonight at the William Allen White House.
Tonight’s reading was the eulogy delivered by Henry Haskell at William Allen White’s funeral on Jan. 31, 1944 at Kenyon Hall on the College of Emporia Campus.
The eulogy was read tonight by Amy Sage Webb, Director of the Creative Writing Program at Emporia State University.
Roger Heineken of the William Allen White Community Partnership told about the last year of William Allen White’s life.
Here’s a view of the porch, taken from the water garden area.
Tonight it was cold on the porch. It may be June 28, but the day was rainy and cloudy and temperatures this evening were in the mid-60s, with a chilly breeze.
Roger has organized several seasons of “Stories on the Porch” and now “Readings on the Porch.” The idea for the porch series comes from a quote from writer Edna Ferber, who was a frequent visitor in the White home.
Ferber wrote:
“When your world is awry and hope dead and vitality low and the appetite gone, there is no ocean trip, no month in the country, no known drug equal to the reviving quality of 24 hours spent on the front porch or in the sitting room of the Whites’ house in Emporia. . . .”
The Porch Series will continue in September.
Another chapter from Beverley Buller’s forthcoming youth biography was read last night. The chapter covered the last illness and death of White.
The title of Buller’s book? “From Emporia: The Story of William Allen White”
Great pictures Cheryl!!!!!!!!!
We would love to come to the “Readings on the Porch” but just not enough time for Hubby to get home from work at Wichita & eat & clean up & come 45 minutes to town! Everyone has had a good time & gone home & gone to bed by the time we can get there!!!!!!!
So I enjoy so much what all is posted on FOP about the project!!!!!!
Three cheers for Roger!
Roger Allen White. That’s what I call him.
My middle name is William.