The Book Stall was a children's book store operated by Helen Beatrice Southgate Williams at 436 ½ Main Street from 1964 to 1974. Mrs. Williams, who had taught children's literature at the University of Chicago and Wayne State University, was known in area schools as “The Story Lady,” because she brought her storytelling skills into the classrooms of several local districts.
For fifteen years, Helen Williams operated a book shop called “The Old Red House” from the living room of her home on West Second Street. A monthly book discussion group that she hosted there, entitled “Conversations in Literature,” was so popular that she had to add a second session. In 1964, when the house and property on Second Street were sold for an apartment development, the family relocated and Williams moved her book business to Main Street. Throughout her adult life, Helen Williams shared her passion for literature with children and their parents and teachers, challenging youngsters to use their imaginations and seeking to instill in them a love of reading. The Book Stall closed in 1974 after the death of her husband, Edward, but Mrs. Williams continued to operate an educational consulting business from her home until she was well into her eighties. She also published a literary journal which she titled “The Incessant Trumpet,” from 1985 to 1993.
Helen Southgate Williams died on May 10, 2002 at the age of 97.
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Every year, Helen Williams would have a very special birthday party in honor of Beatrix Potter and it was quite the affair. One year, I was the fortunate reporter assigned to interview Helen for as story on the party and her business in the Eccentric Newspaper. Not only did she exemplify the ultimate joie d'vive, the intensity of her convictions was what made her store especially endearing. She would not a sell a book to just anyone, just because they wanted it. They had to deserve to own it. She shared this philosophy with mem telling me about one particular book and one undeserving customer. The man, who only knew of the book by listening to Helen telling its story to another customer, wanted to purchase the book, almost demanded that she sell it to him. Helen sized him up and decided he wasn't worthy of that book, the last hard cover edition she had.
ReplyDeleteHe was furious but Helen wouldn't budget (she was GREAT at books, probably not so much at business!) I happened to record that exchange in my story, exemplifying what Helen was really all about. A few days later, she honored me with the very same book, her last edition hard cover copy of "Le Petit Prince."
Bottom line, Helen's success was never about money. She impacted every one she met in unique and individual ways. Children (and some adults) who came into her corner of the world exited it much better than when they first entered. All of Rochester benefitted from Helen Williams. (Christine Walden Hughes
I am a great niece of Helen Williams. Do you still have that story? I'm a genealogist also and would love to include it in my family history. Would love to hear more! Gail Mestas gmestas@earhtlink.net
DeleteI have a press clip from her shop during the annual sidewalk sale. She'd set up a table and chairs. The ohoto shows my brother, sister and me, balloons rising from the chairs. I have another of Helen in her shop. We loved her and went to the store regularly. My mom must have used a Beatrix Potter coloring book, to wallpaper our basement bathroom!
DeleteMrs. Williams' Old Red House was a block away from our house when I was a child. When we walked into her house, it was like entering a new world where books and the characters in them were alive and she spoke as if she knew them personally. Her wondrous love of books and stories was a huge part of my life as a child. Once she gave me a little journal where I could write about the books that I had read. I faithfully wrote about them all in that little book for several years until I began to read so many that who had time for such things any more. I thank God for Mrs. Williams and her little Old Red House. Her inspiration and influence were enormous.
ReplyDeleteHi eslmrsd,
DeleteThis might sound strange but I am searching for Evan Williams, Helen's son. I stumbled across a book titled Dandelion and Other Poems by Bert Penny at a local thrift store here in Tustin, CA and inside the cover is a note from Helen to Evan. I'm not sure the circumstances for the book making its way to the thrift store, but I like the thought of returning it to the person it was originally intended for if possible. Any help in this adventure of mine would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
Dustin Hall, Tustin, CA
I wish so much that I would have seen this earlier. My father, William Miron and Evan Williams were first cousins. My dad's mother and Evan's dad were brother and sister. My dad put me in contact with Evan a number of years ago because of my interest in genealogy. We also went to visit Helen shortly before she died. I cherish the relationship Evan and I were able to develop. He never married and had no children. Unfortunately, Evan passed away Sept 2012. If you would contact me I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you! Gail Miron Mestas
DeleteMy email address is gmestas@earthlink.net
DeleteThanks!
Gail Miron Mestas
I am not certain of Evan's location. I know that dear Mrs. Williams passed away in 2002 - she was a dear friend of my parents. Sidney Williams, Evan's brother passed away about 6 years ago. If you would like, I could look into this. That is fabulous that you have a book from Mrs. Williams to her son.
ReplyDeleteMelinda
Rochester Hills, MI
Hi Melinda, I just replied to Dustin Hall about Evan. My dad, William Miron, and Sidney and Evan Williams were first cousins. Their father, Edward Williams, and my grandmother, Frances Williams Miron, were brother and sister. I had contact with Evan for a number of years, but not recently. He was living in California. I just discovered that Evan passed away in Sept 2012 through the Social Security death index. I knew that Sidney was living in Arizona, and did discover that he passed in 2002. I am trying to find out if any of his immediate family (brother, sister-in-laws, or nieces and nephews-Evan never married) handled his burial. I adored Evan and would be so appreciative of finding any contact with the family. I look forward to hearing from you. Gail Miron Mestas
DeleteThis might sounds weird but I found a Last will and testament of Arthur James Mcwatters. He gives, devise and bequeath his entire estate unto his niece, Helen Southgate Williams, presently residing at 421 west Second street, Rochester, Michigan. it was signed by him personally on May 9,1957.
ReplyDeleteand I got a check payable to the order of Helen Southgate Williams.
If anyone interested in these documents send me an email to hdpsni@yahoo.com
One of our all time favorite stores. My mom and Helan became friends. I found a sweet press clip of me and my siblings seated at a sidewalk table in front of the step down store. A celebration.
ReplyDeleteCan anyone share details of the "We Love Miss Read Week" festival that was held at the Bookstall? I just discovered the Miss Read books and the event was noted on the jacket cover of 'The Christmas Mouse' published in 1973.
ReplyDeletePS) guess I'll be Anonymous as I'm not too tech savvy - thought I would have an option to post via Facebook profile.