Betsy at the General Store

About the Book

I remembered sitting in that two-room schoolhouse, just as if it was yesterday. Mrs. Biggs would read about George Washington crossing the Delaware. The weather was terrible, and his men had no shoes or coats, and their clothes were in rags. They kept marching to defend America from the Brits. We won that war. We were a free nation. She would read the stories about our history. The pilgrims and the American Indians shared that first Thanksgiving. The Indians had taught the pilgrims to plant corn and hunt for wild game.

Mrs. Biggs started our school day saying the Lord’s Prayer and the Pledge Allegiance to our flag. That was her way of teaching us how thankful we were to live in a wonderful country like America. Mrs. Biggs decided she wanted her student to know the 23rd Psalm. Each day, we would practice until each student was able to stand before class and recite the 23rd Psalm.

I would push Betsy to school in her little buggy and show her to my friends. Mrs. Biggs would put Betsy in her lap while she read Bambi to us. These are very fond memories. I hope all the children will love Betsy as I did when you read about our adventures.

I have dedicated my books to my friend, Linda Gaines Williams, and Jill Williams, a very special person.

About the Author

I was born on the plains of Texas. It was a wonderful experience for a child. Young Americans were farming the land and raising their families. Crops not only fed Americans, but the people in other countries. We were a proud generation. We worked hard, and we gave thanks to God for every blessing we had received. The true meanings of friendship among neighbors are something that is lost. One thing for sure, the little two-room schoolhouse was so important to the neighborhood it found a wonderful home with parents of two of my classmates. Many of my friends are no longer living; I do know that they are in heaven, smiling down on the wonderful state of Texas. I know they will be pleased that Betsy is telling her story. Betsy is learning about friendship. Betsy is learning to share. I want people to know the era in time was a very special time.