Interview with Mary Ellen Lee

Danny and Life On Bluff Point: My Horse Sally
Mary Ellen Lee
iUniverse, Inc (2005)
ISBN 9780595360840
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (7/06)

Reader Views would like to welcome Mary Ellen Lee, author of “Danny and Life on Bluff Point: My Horse Sally.” This is the fifth in her series of historical novels for children. Mary Ellen is being interviewed by Juanita Watson, Assistant Editor of Reader Views.

Juanita:  Thanks for joining us today Mary Ellen.  Would you give us some background into your book series - “Danny and Life on Bluff Point”?

Mary Ellen: The books are based on my Grandfather Lee’s journals. I am using the years around 1895 to help me present life as it really was in the 1890s. The journals begin with 1894 and end with 1917. The way modern advancements changed the Lee family’s lives is fascinating to me. An example of this that comes to mind is when grandfather purchased carbide lighting equipment for the house, no more candles and oil lamps!

I lived in Penn Yan and on the shore of Keuka Lake as a child and listened to the stories my father and aunts told of their growing up on Bluff Point. They had hard lives by today’s standards but always had good family times. My childhood, because of where we lived, was somewhat like that of my father and aunts. I almost forgot, Danny is my father and his three sisters, one older and two younger are my aunts.

Juanita:  What happens in your new novel, Danny and Life on Bluff Point: My Horse Sally”?

Mary Ellen: Danny received his own riding horse at the end of the fourth book in the Danny and Life on Bluff Point series. The central theme in book five is how much Danny wants to make friends with his little mare, Sally. The horse was received in trade from a neighboring farmer and is frightened and upset by her change in circumstances.

Danny finally discovers the historic campsite of Captain Charles Williamson—by falling into a dug well. There is no way out for him until his plight is discovered by a Seneca Indian boy. This event introduces the story line of the Peace Treaty of 1784 at Fort Stanwix, NY between the victorious Americans and the defeated Iroquois Confederation. The reader learns about the Seneca Chief Red Jacket who was born near Branchport, NY. This small community is near the Lee family farm.

Danny and his younger sister Mary are almost driven off a narrow road by the thoughtless Mr. Overhouser. He caused the near loss of two pigs Danny and his Uncle Ed were driving home in book four. Our young friend can’t understand what is wrong with this man who is buying Grandpa Scott’s house just down the road from the Lee farm. This theme is carried on into the sixth book in the series, which is a work in progress.

Juanita:  Where do you get your inspiration for writing the stories in the “Danny and Life on Bluff Point” series and in particular this novel “My Horse Sally”?

Mary Ellen: My plan is to help the modern child understand what valuable resource historical novels are. They are a painless way to learn history. Children’s historical novels are full of entertaining fun, excitement, life lessons, and historical elements. I also wish today’s children to learn how important cooperation with family members and neighbors can be. It was a necessity in earlier times when people had to work together. Taking responsibility for your actions and having respect for others are as important today as they were in the 1890s. Danny also has challenges to overcome which is done by using his head. Each book in the series also touches on a moral issue such as taking responsibility for your own actions and stranger danger. Children today need all the help we can give them.

The books have a historical element too other than life in the 1890s. I introduce these subjects by having a senior family member reminisce about some event in which they could have participated. These include the American Civil War, Phelps – Gorham Purchase, Erie Canal, and the end of the Revolutionary War.

Juanita:  Why is it important for Danny to build a relationship with his horse Sally?

Mary Ellen: The boy needs to know the mare trusts him if a difficult situation arises. When they are together, Sally’s life is in the hands of Danny as much as Danny’s well being depends on her actions.

Juanita:  Who is Captain Charles Williamson, and why is Danny setting off to find his campsite?  What is the significance of the Native American connection in the story?

Mary Ellen: Danny’s interest comes from the fact that in 1792 Captain Williamson owned approximately one million acres in the central part of western upstate New York. This was the eastern part of the Phelps—Gorham Purchase of 1790. His property included Bluff Point and its believed Captain Williamson had a hunting and fishing camp on the west side of the bluff. Danny is a dreamer and wants to explore like Lewis and Clark.

The Native American family consists of Little Bird, his mother Quiet Bird and her father Flying Owl. They are Seneca Indians and Flying Owl introduces the reader to Red Jacket and the story of the Peace Treaty of 1784.

Juanita:  How does the steamboat experience add to Danny’s confidence, and feelings of being more grown-up?

Mary Ellen: Danny is thrilled that his Uncle Philo has confidence to trust him to pilot the eighty-five foot Cricket even for a few minutes. The boy realizes Uncle Philo and Pa are giving him this experience as a lesson in responsibility. Danny is too short to see over the wheel and must stick his head out the pilothouse window to see if the way ahead is clear.
Once again, Danny has a problem that he solves on his own.

Juanita:  What happens when part of the Bluff Point property is almost sold? How does Danny get involved?

Mary Ellen:The property that is being sold belongs to Danny’s Grandpa Thomas Scott. He is no longer able to work the vineyards and farmland that make up the property. His wife Mary finds keeping the old Abraham Wagener Mansion the way she would like too difficult. So they move to the community of Gorham. Danny is given grandpa’s herd of six goats for his own. By making and selling goat’s milk cheese and soap, he will have some money to save for college classes. The whole Lee family is involved in helping move Grandma and Grandpa Scott. This introduces a ride on the train and stranger danger in the fourth volume of the Danny and Life on Bluff Point series.

Juanita:  Can you tell us a little about Danny and your decision to cast him as your lead?

Mary Ellen: As my books are based on my Grandfather Lee’s journal, Danny was my father in real life and his sisters were my aunts. I portray him as being too small and weak to do some of the tasks assigned to him. He must use his head to find a way to do what is asked of him. This is another lesson for modern children. Find a way to accomplish what you want or need to do.

Juanita:  What life lessons is Danny learning in your new book “My Horse Sally”?  It sounds like he is really coming-of-age in this story?

Mary Ellen: Yes, I guess so. His taking the advice of his Uncle Jerome regarding making friends with and creating the trust of his horse is an adult action. Danny learns of the problems being faced by the Native Americans and wants to be friends with Little Bird. The boy learns not everyone has the idyllic life he has and respects a different way of life.
Danny is also allowed to help with the launch of his uncle’s steamboat the Cricket this he knows is the work of men.

Juanita: Young readers will be surprised to learn about the responsibilities children had living in the 1800’s.  What are you trying to teach young readers regarding life in the 1895?

Mary Ellen: I hope the modern child would learn the importance of a cohesive family life. That every member contributes to the welfare of the family. Children were expected to do chores beginning at the age of eight and were given more duties as they grew older. If they showed responsibility, they were awarded with more choice and experiences in their lives. This is demonstrated when Danny selects his own new suit, that has long trousers, no more knickers for him. He learns to deal with his fear of the sinister Mr. Ebenezer Ehule. He is allowed to do some exploring for the Charles Williamson cabin site. He is trusted not to make a thoughtless mistake, which he does when he falls in the well.

Juanita:  What are the themes you address in “Danny and Life on Bluff Point: My Horse Sally”?

Mary Ellen: The history themes in book four of the Danny series include explanation of a flourmill, the use of block and tackle, mechanical advantage, lake steamers, Woodland Indians, Native Americans of the Iroquois Confederation, Treaty of 1784 at Fort Stanwix and spring farm life. Life lessons include cultural diversity with Native Americans and a Negro family, the children’s consideration for their mother’s Easter dress, Danny’s first business deal with the sinister-looking Mr. Ehule, Danny’s lesson about watching where you are going and his making friends with and gaining the trust of Sally.

Juanita: What type of research have you done for “Danny and Life on Bluff Point” book series and “My Horse Sally”?

Mary Ellen: When I begin a book, I take notes from my grandfather’s journal for the month about which I am concerned. Danny and Life on Bluff Point: My Horse Sally takes place during April of 1895. I want to know what farm work was being done, who visited the Lee family, what did they do when they went to town and how did they get there? If the family went visiting, who did they see? I researched the life of Native Americans in 1784, Fort Stanwix, and the Treaty of 1784, Red Jacket’s efforts on behalf of the Iroquois, how a steamboat was launched in Yates County in 1895, what Easter services might have been like, etc. 

Juanita: What age range would enjoy “Danny and Life on Bluff Point: My Horse Sally,” and would you say it is geared towards boys?

Mary Ellen: The age range for all the Danny books are nine to twelve years. The books are somewhat written for boys but Danny’s sisters play important roles in his life and that of the whole family. Older sister Ruthie is a foil for Danny. She is always telling him what and what not to do. She even calls him pipsqueak.

Mary and Carolyn are a little young for Danny but he tries to be a big brother to them and helps the girls when needed. They are close friends.

Juanita:  What have been some of the comments from young readers of your book series?  Are they surprised how people lived back then?

Mary Ellen: The children ask me questions about farm life and the livestock. They are very surprised about having to work outside in the rain and snow. The students wish to know more about the children, how they were dressed, games they played. Someone always asks about the house cat Clara and the dog Buster. They also want to know what Danny’s and the girl’s bedrooms looked like.

Juanita: With a high amount of historical accuracy, “Danny and Life on Bluff Point: My Horse Sally” and your series must be a useful tool in schools, libraries, etc.  Can you comment a little on the more expanded potential for your books?

Mary Ellen: I think the Danny books would be useful in the Social Studies classroom. They are a primary example of what life was like in the 1890s just about anywhere in rural areas of our country. The historical themes would spark a dialogue among the teacher and students. The books are a wonderful way for grandparents to spend time with their grandchildren. By reading stories of Danny to the young generation, the children will ask questions about the grandparents when they were children. A rapport will then develop between grandparent and grandchild.

Juanita: Mary Ellen, you obviously have a passion for your book series, with “My Horse Sally” being the fifth book you’ve written. What interests you so intently about this series?

Mary Ellen: I am concerned about the children of today not knowing enough American history. In order to understand why our country is involved in events today, people must know what our country did in the past—and why. I wish to instill in modern the love of history, how people lived in the past, how marvelous inventions changed their lives. My mother did this for me and I am forever grateful.

Juanita: How long have you been writing and what sparked your career as an author?

Mary Ellen: I began writing in 1995. In 1994 had retired from doing research in pharmacology and used my computer to edit the journals. I soon discovered I didn’t have anything to organize and began to write the first book. There was much research, experimentation, talking with fourth grade teachers, school librarians, bookstore owners, and children’s librarians in the public libraries. Then the Columbine Massacre occurred. I feel to this day, if those boys had been reading some good books, they would not have been so self involved.

Juanita: I understand that you have done many appearances and have many coming up in the near future.  How can readers find out more about your and your endeavors?

Mary Ellen: Please visit my website at www.maryellenlee.com for additional information about my books. There are some interesting photos to view and a list of my events.

Juanita:  Mary Ellen, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.  We hope much success for you and the “Danny and Life on Bluff Point” book series.  Do you have any last thoughts for your readers today?

Mary Ellen: My final thoughts are: Keep your children reading and read yourself. Reading is good for mental health as well as obtaining knowledge.

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