Books for gifted children from Royal Fireworks Press, publishers for the gifted education curriculum.

Day Mrs Roosevelt Came to Town

Novel

Class sets of 20 or more: $7.00 each. (Order Code: 4586S) Add to Cart

The Day Mrs. Roosevelt Came To Town was inspired by an overnight visit Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt made to Lancaster, Texas, in 1936, prior to attending the Texas Centennial. The novel, a work of historical fiction, traces the efforts of a young African-American woman, Olive Johnson, as she moves beyond her station of maid and creates a new life for herself.

Olive is empowered by Mrs. Roosevelt’s words and spirit. She learns about Mrs. Roosevelt by reading her work aloud to her employer, Ethel Wilson, whose untimely death sends Olive to the home of Louise and Bill Andrews as a maid. Abusive treatment from Louise prompts Olive to consider other work. The opening of Madam C.J. Walker’s College of Beauty Culture in Dallas, a school for Colored cosmetologists, answers her dreams. After working for the Andrews’ during the day, Olive commutes to school nightly on the electric trolley (the Interurban). Tuition is a strain, but her mother, Bessie Mae, helps her work it out. A young African-American porter, Lewis Bonner, becomes intrigued with Olive and her determination. He helps her overcome her apprehension about the big city and school. Usually shy, Olive warms to him. Bessie Mae and Pastor Simpson of The Free Will Baptist Church favorably measure Lewis’ character, and with their approval romance develops.

Louise Andrews, hating to lose a good maid, tries to derail Olive’s education by loading her down with impossible household chores. But Olive perseveres because she needs the money. Olive’s moments of joy and laughter come from little third grader Lily, Louise’s daughter, and Lily’s grandmother, Ella. They forge a deep and caring relationship. Events take a tragic turn when Olive’s mother dies in a tornado. Overcome with grief, Olive retreats within herself, rejects Lewis, and finds solace only in her beauty training. She struggles to cope with the devastating change in her life.

Eleanor Roosevelt’s written words echo in Olive’s mind, and when Mrs. Roosevelt finally arrives in town and speaks to the crowd gathered at the strain station, Olive’s inner soul knows Mrs. Roosevelt’s speech is for her. Mrs. Roosevelt’s words about being afraid herself in life, race, immigrant families, and an individual’s spirit empower Olive. Lewis is the porter on the Roosevelt’s railroad car. Heeding her inner soul and inner strength, Olive steps forward to join him and begin her new life.

Anne Buckley has been a freelance writer, journalist, and publicist. Winner of the Anita Cole Memorial Scholarship, University of North Texas Centennial Literary Festival, Anne is also an active member of Women In Film/Dallas, and the Dallas Screenwriters Association. She resides in Dallas, Texas.

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