The Tasha Tudor
Museum is pleased to launch the first online exhibition
which tells the exceptional story of the Ford family
and Tasha's influence on their lives.
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Excerpts from Nancy Ford's first
letter to Tasha circa 1980:
"Dear Mrs. Tudor,
I've thought of writing to you many times over the years but until now
have not taken
pen in hand to do so....I've been reading and collecting your books ever
since college days at The University
of Texas, where I first became acquainted with your work in a children's
literature class...Now as a 36 year
old mother of two children, (Thomas,11 -Elizabeth, 8) I find great
inspiration in your books, as do my children." |
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above: Elizabeth and her brother Thomas
celebrating a Williamsburg Christmas. 1979
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"You should know that your
Dolls' Christmas was the
inspiration for what has become a tradition in our family
for several years. We vary the theme from year to year
but your spirit is very much a part of our celebration,
and though you don't know us, you have added great joy
and delight to our family...We are planning our Doll Party
for December 23- an old fashioned taffy pull! Nothing
could be more exciting than a note from you to share
with the children. I know you must be very busy, but
should you find the time and be so inclined, the briefest
communication from you would make our Christmas the
happiest ever and we would treasure it always." |
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Tasha must have enjoyed Nancy's letter
for she replied as quickly as possible. |
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Click on the image above to enlarge Tasha's letter |
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"1980-That year's Doll Party
featured a theme
in the Mexican tradition of La Posada. Elizabeth,
9 years old at the time, wearing an authentic
Mexican dress." -Nancy Ford |
June 1981: While away at summer
camp,
young Elizabeth suffered a brain aneurysm.
September 1981: When Tasha learned of this, she
mailed proofs from her upcoming book, Rosemary
for Remembrance, hoping to inspire Elizabeth. |
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Click on the images above to enlarge
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"Dec 1981- 6 months after
Elizabeth's brain
aneurysm. She was learning to become 'left-handed',
having lost the use of her right arm.
I call this photo 'Beginning Again'
and draw great inspiration from it."
"With the help of a gifted speech therapist,
Cindy Cogswell,
Elizabeth fully regained her speech after several years
and excelled in school throughout her academic life,
earned a master's degree and currently enjoys
her work immensely in higher education."
-Nancy Ford
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Nancy was surprised to receive
a phone
call from Tasha to inquire
about Elizabeth's progress.
Soon after, Tasha wrote
this January
1983 letter. |
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Click on the image above to enlarge Tasha's letter
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"Always resourceful and
determined, Elizabeth
has adapted beautifully in using her left arm to do everything
she needs to do as an independent woman. Elizabeth
has a gift for friendship and a reverence for life that
is often the result of having experienced adversity."
-Nancy Ford
Nancy Ford (on the left) and her daughter
Elizabeth (on the right), holding up
the book proof before donating it
to the Tasha Tudor Museum, 2008. |
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above: Doll's Tea Party circa 1976
Elizabeth is in the top row; 3rd from left |
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The Ford Family
made their donation
in memory of
Dr. Leslie Parks-Finley
who often attended the children's parties
like the one shown to the left. |
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We invite you to become a part of the Tasha Tudor Museum.
Share your story or offer your support as a charter member
so that we may bring this story and others like it more fully to life.
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