Mildred Wirt Benson and Nancy Drew
Today is the 8th anniversary of Mildred Wirt Benson‘s death. So what, you might say. I’ve never even heard of her, much less care that she’s not been with us for the last eight years. But, the thing is, Mildred was the woman behind a household name and an enduring icon of children’s literature. You’ve probably heard of Carolyn Keene, author of the Nancy Drew mysteries. But what you might not know is that Carolyn Keene was actually a collective pen name for a number of ghostwriters. And although several authors contributed to the Nancy Drew series, Mildred Benson was the one who fleshed out the first five volumes from plot outlines by Hardy Boys creator and founder of the Stratemeyer Syndicate, Edward Stratemeyer. Mildred went onto contribute to at least 23 of the original Nancy Drew series, as well as writing her own books about a high-school super-sleuth, in the Penny Parker series. So, to celebrate Mildred and Nancy Drew, here’s a selection of our favourite Nancy-themed finds:
This Nancy Drew handbag is by RetroGrandma on Etsy and is made using a recycled copy of The Crooked Bannister. It costs $39.99, plus $11.25 for P&P to the UK.
If you fancy having a crack at penning your own Nancy Drew adventure, you could do a lot worse than using this Nancy Drew notebook to scribble in. Made using the original vintage hardback book covers from a copy of The Bungalow Mystery, the wire-bound journal includes 15 illustrated pages from the original story interspersing 55 blank sheets for you to draw or write on. It’s $18, by PigseyArt on Etsy, and P&P to the UK will set you back a further $9.50.
If you want to wear a tribute to Nancy around your neck, then how about this scrabble-tile-sized pendant, featuring the cover of The Hidden Staircase? It’s $6.95, and P&P to the UK is another $4, from QueenBPendants on Etsy.
And last but not least, if you need a secret place to store ill-gotten gains, then how about this hollowed-out treasure trove, cunningly disguised as a vintage copy of The Secret of the Old Clock. Keep it on your bookcase and no-one will ever know that that’s where you hide your condoms/drugs/lovesick keepsakes. It’s $38 plus a further $13.45 for P&P to the UK, by SecretSafeBooks on Etsy.
Top image available as a 4×6″ photographic print from AliceBGardens on Etsy.
Post by Jane Bradley
I LOVE the secret treasure box! Some great finds here:)
Thanks Alexis! I thought you might like the secret treasure box, but what would you keep in it?
Hmm, good question. It seems fitting to keep treasure-like objects in it… maybe some bejewelled brooches and ill-fitting yet beautiful rings (gifts from ancient relatives). But in reality I’d probably put some of my best Japanese stationery in it for safekeeping.