TRAVELER'S CANDLE

by Florance M. Updegraff ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 10, 1942

In the times of Roger Williams, the Mapes family lived on the path which lead to Providence, though there were not very many who traveled that way, they placed a lighted candle in the window every night to show that all were welcome. They even left food in the oven and a place fixed for sleeping. If the weather was bad Mistress Mapes laid out dry clothes so that the wayfarer's own could be dried out in the night. All of life's problems were tackled with calm and great common-sense. With Quaker kindness they took in Patrick, the runaway who found it hard to believe that anyone was generous without some ultraior motive. Master Mapes earned their bread by making candles but when he learned that his market had been ruined because of the new kind made of spermaceti, he faced the blow with equanimity. There was constant fear of Indians, though Williams himself and such fine men as Master Mapes had always treated the Red Hen with Justice and friendliness. Girls will enjoy the descriptions of spinning and candle-making. Would that Roger Williams were made more of a national hero, his courage and determination that all should worship as they please, should be more stressed in our speechmaking.

Pub Date: Sept. 10, 1942

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harcourt, Brace

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1942

Categories: CHILDREN'S