Fairly uneducated, Pearl Curran, a St. Louis housewife, channeled a 17th-century spirit and achieved literary renown. The spirit, Patience Worth, a New England Pilgrim, became the subject of several Curran books, and a national sensation in the early years of the 20th century.
Curran was a prolific writer: In addition to seven books, she produced volumes of poems, as well as short stories, and plays.
But the fame of Pearl and Patience would fade by the 1920s. Authors like Hemingway and James Joyce were the new literary loves, and the flapper was all the rage. Patience soon seemed like a relic of our nation’s passing fascination with mysticism.
This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.
Photo credit: Amy Gillard, Pixabay
Related Posts
Pickers and Grinners
The Arcadia Valley Mountain Music Festival in Ironton has become a beloved annual tradition for fans of bluegrass, gospel, and country music. In addition to performances by professional groups, the festival offers ample opportunities for jam sessions.
Scenic Rides and Drives: Mid-MO Motor Tour
Half the fun of driving somewhere is finding a new, unexplored route. This scenic ride takes motorists on a tour of mid-Missouri that includes barn quilts, Clydesdales, and some mighty fine wine. Short on time? We factored in a short cut.
Grandkids’ Paradise
What could be better than taking the kids on a trip to the Ozarks? From roller coasters and shows to caves and aquariums—plus plenty of places to get an ice cream—the region offers much in the way of family-friendly fun and enrichment.
John S. Sappington is Born: May 15, 1776
John S. Sappington was born in Havre de Grace, Maryland on this date in 1776.