Dear Yankee | November 2017

A New Chapter

When our feature about the forthcoming sale of E.B. White’s former home [“The House at Allen Cove,” September/October] appeared in a special preview on NewEngland.com, the news was picked up by dozens of national and even international outlets. The story created a swell of interest in the historic Maine salt-water farm where White wrote Charlotte’s Web, and which owners Robert and Mary Gallant had reluctantly decided to sell after 31 happy years there. “All these messages [from readers] are so emotional and touching,” Mary Gallant told us. “I didn’t realize others knew how much we cared.” She kept us updated through the selling process, recounting both the excitement of the intense interest and the bittersweet knowledge that their house would soon have a new owner. Shortly before this issue went to press, she wrote to say that a large family had signed an agreement for the farm—meaning that, with luck, there will continue to be young people laughing at play, boats being launched, and grounds lovingly tended there.

What I would give to just spend a day on this farm! I’m a retired third-grade teacher, and I read Charlotte’s Web over and over again to each classroom filled with my students, and each year I still got choked up when Charlotte died…. In my home now I am creating a Charlotte’s Web bedroom for my grandchildren, complete with two vintage barn doors and a piece of barn wood that says “Salutations.”

Leslie Ann Plucknette Spencerport, New York

I am the middle daughter of Henry Allen [the farm’s longtime caretaker]. I was so blessed to have had a dad who provided me the opportunity to spend my growing-up years with E.B. and Mrs. White. Among my fondest memories are the times when Mr. White and I would play piano duets on the grand piano in his study, and his dachshund would sit by our feet and chime in.

I’m very grateful to the Gallants for allowing me and my husband, daughter, and granddaughter to visit and to walk through the barn, swing through the barn doors, and ride down to the boathouse. It looked the same as it did in years past: a beautiful home with beautiful surroundings.

Cheryl Allen Ginn Pell City, Alabama

Fair Point

I always love being kept up to date on what’s going on in New England, but again our city gets no credit for having, as you describe it, “the largest fair in the Northeast.” Your magazine’s event calendar [“Out & About,” September/October] states that it is in Springfield. It is not!

Since all of us who live in WEST SPRINGFIELD put up with all the crowds and traffic that come to our city, the least you could do is give us credit for having the largest fair!

Linda Brainerd West Springfield, Massachusetts

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