By Glynn Wade
For the Sun Day
EDGEWATER — Eighty residents and their guests traveled back in time to 19th Century England on Sunday, May 4, as famed author Jane Austen paid a delightful visit to Creekside Lodge, courtesy of Edgewater’s Chapter One Book Club and the talents of dramatic impersonator and historian Debra Ann Miller.
‘Jane Austen,’ played by Debra Ann Miller, entertains One Book Club members. (Photo provided)
Jane Austen is considered a great English writer acknowledged throughout academia. Several of her novels have inspired popular motion pictures, and a huge popular fan culture keeps her work alive today.
The beloved Austen was brought vivacious life for the appreciative Edgewater audience by Miller, who was costumed in a lovely floral gown, shawl and matching cap trimmed with lace in the style of the era. “Jane” shared information about her life as an author who enjoyed recognition of her published work during her lifetime. She also shared details about the life of women during a time in England when females could not own property or earn salaries. Instead, ladies were given money by their male relatives, much as children were given allowances. Fortunately, Jane Austen had a loving brother who contributed to her support.
During her Edgewater visit, “Jane” also spoke warmly of her family, her clergyman father, her sister Cassandra and the social conventions that inspired her beloved novels Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. Remaining in character, “Jane” walked among the audience answering questions, and warmly thanked everyone who had ever purchased her books.
Chapter One Book Club President Judi Tepe told the audience that a portion of the funds from tickets sold for the event will be donated by the club to charitable causes in the greater Elgin area that support literacy.
Attendees were able to visit with “Jane” after the program, and enjoyed lemonade and cookies served by the Chapter One Board.
