From Cynthia Warner Strickland HHS Class of '66

I never knew Mr. Hall, but his name was spoken often in our home. My mother, always a voracious reader, was one of his most avid fans. We don't have many tangible items to contribute to your exhibit, in fact the only photographs (I include) of my mother, Jean (Lennon) Robinson Warner, HHS '43 and her life-long friend, Carolen Lewis Hurd, HHS '44, with Mr. Hall on a visit to Hamden, in April of 1994. Having followed his career from early on, she was excited to actually hear him read some of his poetry. In fact, I would say that day was one of Mother's most cherished memories. She was thrilled not only to have her photograph taken with him, but to have him autograph a copy of Lucy's Summer for her. She was particularly fond of his tales of simpler days spent on the farm. She married a farmer from Hamden, afterall!

In 1972, after her child rearing duties were complete, Jean decided to take a writing class at SCSU; she was very excited to discover her English Professor shared her enthusiasm for Mr. Hall's writing. He requested the class read Writing Well.  When our daughter turned 2 years old, my mother presented her with a copy of The Ox-Cart Man, which quickly became one of her favorites to have "Gram" read aloud to her. And, of al the books she owned, it was String Too Short to be Saved that Mom wanted to re-read when she became ill in 2007. By then her granddaughter had grown and become a librarian and it was her turn to read aloud to "Gram". She chose the perfect title for their last visit together...The Farm Summer. 

I wish that Mom could be here in person to tell you how much she admired your work and to cheer you on. Happy Birthday, Mr. Hall and much success with The Back Chamber.