Do you recall reading the classic children’s book Charlottes Web? It is American author E.B. White’s most famous book first published in 1952. If you haven’t read it or don’t recall the details, then here is the Cliff Notes version: The book tells the story of a deep, loyal friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a barn spider named Charlotte. Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered and his friendship with Charlotte is what saves his life. Charlotte devises a plan to spin messages in her web in order to persuade the farmer to let Wilbur live. Her plan is successful and Wilbur’s life is spared. The story goes on to explain how Charlotte stays with Wilbur until the very end of her own life. Count on a children’s book to teach us a lesson about true friendship…
“You have been my friend,” replied Charlotte. “That in itself is a tremendous thing…after all, what’s a life anyway? We’re born, we live a little while, we die…By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone’s life can stand a little of that. — E.B. White, Charlotte’s Web.
E.B. White and his wife, Katharine Angell, a former New Yorker magazine editor, called a 48-acre farmhouse property in North Brooklin, Maine “home” for over 40 years. The property was sold in 1985 to the current owner’s, Robert and Mary Gallant, who recently listed the property for sale. The circa 1795 home is the subject of an article that will be published in the September/October issue of Yankee Magazine, but a preview was just posted on their website. It really is a lovely article that I highly suggest you read.
The property’s barn inspired Charlotte’s Web. The rope swing still hanging in the barn is referenced in the book.White did much of his writing in the boathouse where the author’s desk, bench, and wastebasket still remain.