Photo courtesy: Paul J. Gaylor
Today is the beginning of a new, long-term project of mine. Far too frequently when people ask me where I come from and I tell them "Plainfield, Wisconsin," their response immediately shoots to one name: Ed Gein. A mentally disturbed murderer who did all types of inhuman acts. It is depressing to be known for such a mar in our history when Plainfield was the home of one of the most incredible people to walk this earth. Frances Hamerstrom was a woman of great tenacity and even greater heart. A wealthy Bostonian-turned-humble central Wisconsin conservationist, Fran was known by many and loved by those who had that pleasure. I am starting my research on Mrs. Hamerstrom by reading books from the Plainfield Public Library that she wrote. The two that I chose to begin with are "Is
She Coming Too?" and "My Double Life," both memoirs of Fran's life. I encourage anyone who can get their hands on any of Fran's books to read them. In high school we read "A Sand County Almanac," by Aldo Leopold, another famous Wisconsn conservationist.While I found it to be less than thrilling on my first read, I may crack the spine again and give it another shot. In the future I think that the local school district where I went to school from kindergarten through 12th grade, Tri-County, would be wise to assign some of Fran's books to read. It is not often that such a delightful writer comes from our local area. I regret that I never had the chance to meet with Fran, but I hope to get to know her through her stories, and eventually I hope to meet with her children and get first-hand accounts of the woman Fran was. Her home is still standing and still occupied and being that I know the current occupant I also hope to get some pictures of the old homestead for my loyal readers to marvel at. A 20th century frontierswoman, loving mother and wife and above all lover of nature, when I tell people that I come from Plainfield I want them to say, "Oh, yes -- Fran Hamerstrom..." Her spirit is still very much alive in the minds of those who knew her and in the trees where she spent so much time.
Ed. Note: I am currently working to get permission to use Fran's picture on my website, if all goes well I will update this post with a picture of her.
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