A Storyteller's Lasting Legacy
Diane, folklorist and mythologist and one of the foremost scholars of the contemporary storytelling movement in America, died Jan.
Susan Klein
When Diane Wolkstein’s book, The Magic Orange Tree and other Haitian Folktales was published in 1978, it became a favorite among American storytellers in the early years of a storytelling renaissance in which I have been privileged to participate. Sitting with Diane at a story event in Appalachia in 1981, she insisted I learn the song the way she’d heard it in Haiti, and gave me permission to tell and record the title story.
Diane, folklorist and mythologist and one of the foremost scholars of the contemporary storytelling movement in America, died Jan.
Editor’s Note: The following eulogy was delivered at the graveside service for Richard Lee in the West Tisbury cemetery on Tuesday. Mr. Lee, a well-known Island artist, died June 22 at the age of 79.
In 1933, Richard Eugene Lee was born on Jan. 15 in Pullman, Wash., on a farm. Later his parents moved the family into town and his grandparents helped raise him and his sister, Norma Jean.
D eliberately or circumstantially, we are somewhat locked away, and an Island winter is a great equalizer, so one’s nature determines how it plays out. For those who relish inspiration from society and prefer external direction provided by entertainments and infusions of energy, the Island in winter is somewhat a bore, or worse . . . an easy path to the land of poor choices.
But for others, self-starters with hearty spirits, winter is a sensual treasure. We have the time to enjoy neighborly visits, social gatherings, and learning opportunities and projects.
By SUSAN KLEIN
Having lived a full life, Barbara Lipke was many things to many people. In addition to wife, mother, educator and author, she was also a storyteller. Her beguilingly gentle telling style would erupt into something bolder and humorous, delighting her listeners and showcasing her considerable skills.
Editor’s Note: The following essay and accompanying photograph are taken from the book Martha’s Vineyard Now and Zen by Susan Klein and Alan Brigish. They appear here with permission and were submitted to the Gazette by the authors this week to mark the occasion of the change in ownership last week. Martha’s Vineyard Now and Zen is for sale in Island bookstores and online at mv-zen.com.
As children, we anticipated the July Fourth excursion to Edgartown to take in that rare and wonderful “blink-and-you-missed-it” parade to be followed by hot dogs, ice cream and fireworks.