With Elizabeth and Her Cats

I knew Elizabeth Spencer through the Fellowship of Southern Writers. A founding member of that group, she was always a congenial spirit at the biennial gatherings, and everybody wanted to hang out with her. Steve Yarbrough, one of her fellow Mississippi-born writers, remarked to me last year, a few months before she died, “If anyone asked me who was the finest contemporary writer from Mississippi, I would have to say Elizabeth.” Recently he added, “I also think she’s the most underrated South..

Fan Club

With the national clubs having targeted CKLW deejay Ron Knowles of Windsor, Ontario, Canada in 1957, three Hilloppers fan club members visited his station in the summer of 1958. Photo courtesy of Bobbie Ann Mason.https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ps4/1005/thumbnail.jp

WCNT

WCNT deejay Johnnie Reynolds interviews Millie Hovizi and Mt. Vernon, Illinois president Carol Braddy, photo courtesy of Bobbie Ann Mason.https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ps4/1000/thumbnail.jp

Reading: Bobbie Ann Mason

In this audiovisual recording from March 24, 1983 as part of the 14th annual UND Writers Conference: “The Centennial Year,” Bobbie Ann Mason reads “The Ocean,” formerly titled “Recreation.” Introduced by Joan Eades

Fans

Carol Braddy, Jimmy Sacca and Bobbie Ann Mason at Herrin, Illinois performance on October 12, 1956. Photo courtesy of Bobbie Ann Mason.https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ps4/1002/thumbnail.jp

Detroit Fan Club

Four Detroit fan club newsletter editors hard a work, photo courtesy of Bobbie Ann Mason.https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ps4/1003/thumbnail.jp