Fun Facts Friday: Sarah Orne Jewett

Sarah Orne Jewett (3 September, 1849 – 24 June, 1909) was an author and poet known for her stories taking place in Maine.

By Hollyer – Literary Pilgrimages in New England, Public Domain,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25666652

Books by Sarah Orne Jewett*

Fun Facts about Sarah Orne Jewett:

1. The author was born in South Berwick, Maine. Her family lived in New England for several generations.
2. Jewett’s father was a doctor, and she accompanied him often. This allowed her to observe New England’s sights and sounds. She later reflected on her father’s ambitions in the 1884 novel A Country Doctor.
3. Since a young age, Ms. Jewett had rheumatoid arthritis and went on frequent walks as a remedy. These walks inspired her love of nature.
4. At age 19, Ms Jewett published the story Jenny Garrow’s Loves in Atlantic Monthly.
5. She used several num de plumes including Alice Eliot, and A.C. Eliot.
6. Along with novels and poetry, Ms. Jewett also published three children’s books.
7. Famous western author Willa Cather said that Ms. Jewett significantly influenced her as a writer. She even dedicated her novel O Pioneers! to Sarah Orne Jewett.
8. Sarah Orne Jewett was the first woman to get an honorary degree (doctorate of literature) by Bowdoin College.
9. The author was in a carriage accident in September, 1902 which ended her writing career. In March, 1909 Ms. Jewett had a stroke which paralyzed her, she died in June after suffering another stroke.
10. The Sarah Orne Jewett House in South Berwick is a historic museum dedicated to the author, as well as a National Historic Landmark.

Books by Sarah Orne Jewett*

Zohar – Man of la Book
*Ama­zon links point to an affil­i­ate account