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Caroline Quarlls: My Independence Day

April 18, 2023 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

A framed historical letter titled "CAROLINE'S FIRST LETTER TO LYMAN GOODNOW," dated 1880. Transcribed Text: CAROLINE'S FIRST LETTER TO LYMAN GOODNOW* 1880 Sandwich April 17th Dearest friend, pen and ink could hardly express my joy when i heard from you once more. I am living and have to work very hard, but i have never forgotten you nor your kindness. i am in Sandwich, the same place where you left me. Just as soon as the postmaster read the name to me, your name, my heart was filled with joy and gladness and i should like to see you once more before I die to return you thanks for your kindness towards me. I would like for you to send me one of those books that you was speaking about. Dearest friend, you don’t know how rejoiced i feel since i heard from you. Answer this as soon as you get it and let me know how you are and your address. Direct your letter to Caroline Watkins, Sandwich On Co 98. i hope you will send me one of those books you speak about.

Tuesday, April 18  |  6:00pm – 7:00pm  |  Presented by Dr. Shannon Sloan-Spice

Presented in conjunction with the Kenosha Public Library’s Big Read Program.

During this powerful first-person performance, the audience meets Ms. Caroline Quarlls thirty-eight years after she successfully liberated herself from slavery by traveling from St. Louis to Canada via the Underground Railroad. The play begins with Caroline receiving a letter from Lyman Goodnow, one of the people that helped her make the journey in 1842. In the dialog of the play, she recounts the harrowing experiences she and Lyman encountered as they traveled from Waukesha, Wisconsin to Sandwich, Ontario. The script is based on Caroline’s letters which are held as part of the Civil War Museum’s permanent collection.

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