Maud Hart Lovelace's Deep Valley: A Guidebook of Mankato Places in the Betsy-Tacy Series

by Julie A. Schrader

Step into the pages of Maud Hart Lovelace's "Deep Valley" during the early 1900s. Maud Hart Lovelace was born in Mankato in 1892 and lived there until 1910. The author of six novels and eighteen children's books, Maud often remarked that she always felt destined to become an author. She is best known for her beloved series of Betsy-Tacy books, which to a great extent depicts her childhood days in Mankato, Minnesota, the fictionalized "Deep Valley."

Maud's books have created a historical account of life for one little girl growing up in the Midwest at the turn of the century. Her stories of small town life, family traditions and enduring friendship have captured the hearts of her fans over the years.

This guidebook is designed to take you on a tour of the Mankato places Maud so accurately describes in her Betsy-Tacy series books. Some of the many places included are the Carnegie Library, Pleasant Grove School, the High School, Lincoln Park, Saulpaugh Hotel, Front Street, the Opera House and the Majestic Theater as well as the homes of her characters.

This book is available directly from the publisher, Minnesota Heritage Publishing.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, History

325 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2002

About the author

Julie Schrader grew up on a farm in Southern Minnesota and currently lives in Lake Elmo. Her interest in history, genealogy, research and writing led to her first book, The History of the Red Jacket Valley, published in 2001, the same year she established Minnesota Heritage Publishing. Local historical research led to a fascination with author Maud Hart Lovelace and her works resulting in more books, Maud Hart Lovelace’s Deep Valley, Discover Deep Valley, and The Collected Stories of Maud Hart Lovelace and Delos Lovelace (2 volumes). She reprinted two of Lovelace's historical novels and wrote the Afterwords to The Black Angels and One Stayed at Welcome. She co-authored The Boy in Blue: Blue Earth County's Civil War Memorial. Julie partnered with paper doll artist, Eileen Rudisill Miller, for Betsy, Tacy & Friends Paper Doll Book: the Hill Street Collection and Betsy, Tacy & Friends Paper Doll Book: The High School Collection.

Visit her website (www.mnheritage.com) or check out her blog at http//betsytacysdeepvalley.wordpress.com.

Reviews

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

2015: Exactly what it says on the tin. Which made the organization weird, since it goes geographically and that's not something I'm familiar with. One day, I will get there. The info wasn't new or particularly exciting, but I loved the old photographs.

2017: Reread as I get ready for my Very First Mankato Visit!!!! I am a little disappointed that I read this after I booked my hotel--I didn't remember that the Holiday Inn was built on the site of the Melborn hotel! Oh, well. Looking forward to the houses (duh), the Historical Society, cemetery and slough especially. We'll see where else we get to go!

[Alexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really excellent read for all fans of the Betsy-Tacy series; conveniently laid out in one- and two- page sections by character or building/place with blurbs on the real people or place, and complimented by period photographs (late 19th or early 20th century) and recent photographs where available.

Additionally, I was very excited to find such a good model for a similar work of my own that I someday hope to complete, based on my extended family and our life in Phoenix.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those who want to know the inspirations of Mankato people and locations from Lovelace's many Deep Valley books. This well-researched book includes photos, biographies and clippings of Mankato/Deep Valley's people and places. It's good to read before taking a Betsy/Tacy visit.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Step into the pages of Maud Hart Lovelace’s Deep Valley during the early 1900s. This book details the people and places Maud Hart Lovelace so accurately described when writing the Betsy-Tacy books. Filled with photographs of the real-life characters and places as they looked at the turn of the century as well as current photos. Quotes from the books correspond with each person or place along with a detailed history or biography.”

[Kiirsi Hellewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was actually my favorite in the several I read recently about the life of Maud Hart Lovelace. Great photos and details on the lives of the real people behind the beloved Betsy-Tacy books. I loved every page and can't wait to own a copy someday. (I was so thankful to be able to read it through inter-state library loan.)

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is AMAZING. It is for any and every true fan of the Betsy-Tacy books. This book gives you the real story behind every single person, place and thing mentioned in the BT books. I LOVED this book! There are so many pictures and so much trivia!

[Kate]

Very fun to page through this just after having seen many of the Betsy-Tacy sites for myself this past weekend in Mankato.

[Jennifer Davis-Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this gorgeous gorgeous book – I love it so much. It contains some of the most beautiful photos I've ever seen of the real-life people who inspired the characters in my beloved Betsy-Tacy books. I love reverently paging through it! Highly recommended for any Betsy-Tacy fan.

[Marian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exactly what I needed! A comprehensive guide to “what happened to” and lwho’s who” and “where’s what” for the beloved Betsy-Tacy books. Not a need-to-read for anyone who isn’t a mega fan. But great for those of us who are!

[Mindy Schaper · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a massive Betsy Tacy fan, this was such a pleasure to read. I can't wait to visit Mankato myself.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Minnesota