Allivon: A Work in Progress

I found the inspiration for Allivon reading a travel diary from 1924. I first got the idea for this project when my mother-in-law shared a travel journal from 1924 with me.  I read it cover to cover sitting in her front yard in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.  I found it completely captivating, and soon June was sharing much more - letters, postcards, menus, photographs - even a schoolgirl diary written in pencil in an old composition book!  I pored over these treasures for twenty years or more, always toying with the idea of creating a character and a story about what it meant to be a woman at that time.  Lying fallow (or so I thought) the idea developed and took wing.  Until at last, I feel it's time to tell Allivon's story.  

      Allivon's mother, Adele          Allivon played on the floor in front of the iron stove, her paper dolls scattered all around her.  Outside the window, snow covered the wide lawn and sloping fields, and a dull gray sky promised more of the same.  From the dining room came the sound of her parents talking, her father’s voice firm and unyielding, and her mother’s plaintive.  She couldn’t make out the words and she didn’t want to.   Del had just returned from his work at the pharmacy, and soon enough she would be called into dinner.   Allivon was usually delighted whenever her father was home and Saturdays were always the best.  Since he only worked a half-day, Del often took her on an adventure after dinner.  Sometimes it was a sleigh ride or a visit to the library.  Today, however, he had not come into the kitchen where she was playing to toss her in the air and beg a kiss....

September 27, 1916 Dearest Allivon, I know this is not the way we envisioned beginning our new life together and that you must be disappointed in the rooming house.  I’m sure with the San’s help, you will be able to find a suitable apartment in town.        Perhaps after the month of complete bed rest, I will be able to join you and we will set up housekeeping as a married couple ought.        The bed rest cure is absolute, I’m afraid.  We are not allowed even to read or write letters, and certainly, I will not be allowed visitors.  This means, my darling, that after this brief correspondence, we will not have contact until November.  Please know that I will be thinking of you every minute and send you all my love as solace during this estrangement.                        ...