One of the great things about seeing a picture book through the process of idea-creation-revising-editing-publishing and promotion is that it finally gets into the hands of its readers! Here, Tillie comes back to life for her loved ones and admirers, and is introduced to a whole new generation. Personally, it’s been so wonderful for me to connect with Alice Roepke. She is Tillie’s grandniece and has been so gracious about sharing photos and insight into Tillie. It’s a huge boon for the biographer to have such help. Alice is a big part of making Tillie the Terrible Swede a success and my husband, Roger and I are so looking forward to meeting her and her husband Terry in person when we arrive in Chicago.
Alice Roepke (Tillie's Grandniece) and her husband Terry
A recent trip to the lively and active Swedish American Heritage Society here in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was also delightful. Here I am picture with feisty Swede, Chuck Swenson. Photo credit: John Seery
And finally, here’s another letter of encouragement from Taylor, a courageous rider herself, from Whitehills Elementary in East Lansing. Taylor wrote me a great letter of encouragement I wanted to share with you in case you need some encouragement today.
Dear Mrs.Stauffacher,
My teacher started reading your book DONUTHEAD and I think it is a magnificent book with tons of contradictions and laughs. You also came to our school (Whitehills Elementary 3-16-11) and I loved the story you told about Tille The Terrible. I remember you telling us you were going on a big bicycle trip which sounds really cool but you also mentioned you were scared so I want to tell you a story from my life.
I fell off my bike once while I was riding because something got caught in my spokes. I had a mild concussion and had to stay in the hospital for a night. After the 2 months of waiting I was pressured by my dad to get on my bike and ride. But I was terribly scared. I just pictured myself falling over and over again. But one day my curiousity got the better of me and I grabbed my bike and started riding. I fell a few times but I got right back up again. And soon biking was on my agenda again.
I hope my story motivates you to do well on your big trip in May!
From, Taylor
Hi,
I am Carol Swenson Boyer. My father was a nephew of Moster Tillie Anderson. I have been in touch with Alice Roepke’s sister Anna. I received the information about the book on Moster Tillie and have acquired it. I have sent copies to my niece, great nieces, and great great niece and nephews. We all have enjoyed it.
I remember Moster Tillie very well. I remember visiting in Minn. at her cabin. I also remember her coming to Salina, Kansas to visit us. She must of been in her 70’s the last time she visited us there. She took my bike off the porch and took off down the road.
The last time I saw her was when I traveled to Wichita to my sister’s home. I was a junior in college. Moster Tillie had come to visit us (my sister Margaret and I). That had to have been around 1957 or 1958.
Sincerely,
Carol Swenson Boyer
So glad you found the site, Carol, and lovely to hear your memories. Follow the Tillie Ride as we wind up with a Tillie & Co. party in Chicago next Friday!