I am a fan of Nava Atlas’s work and saw that you made a posting about her latest really great book, and I wanted to introduce myself. I make artist books that tell the history of women through their textiles (mostly using corsets and doll beds). And although my work isn’t necessarily kitsch, I am personally a big fan of a lot of the things that you collect and post (how do you find all the time? It’s really impressive).

On a more kitchy note – although somewhat less “womany” is a blog that my husband just started, http://smartassideasforthehome.blogspot.com (yup, that is the title…and we do have a lot of bed pans around our home in PA…and a mini-golf course in our NYC apt). I’m so glad Nava put your listing on her facebook notices today, it is great to be introduced to your site! Tammy

I’d contacted Burt Altman, Librarian/Archivist, Special Collections (in charge of the Shaw Collection at Florida State University) regarding a matter of the date of Mildred’s death (there was a letter dated 1962, and Mildred died in 1944 — which was clarified as the letter being in a 1962 box because an article about her was published that year), but I really knew nothing about her.

I thank you for this (and any other) information you share! (That’s an invitation for sure!)

I’m glad you enjoy the site — and even the suggestion that Mildred would too has put a goonie smile on my face

I’ve done a little research on this writer because I enjoy her poem
“Moon Song” so much.

She was born in Chicago, Graduated Vassar, married Meigs, divorced, married Merryman. She lived much of her adult life near Niceville Florida.

Her dad, James E, Plew, was an early auto dealer for White Motor Cars and an early aviation pioneer. He hired two of the brothers who later started Lockheed Aircraft to build planes and participated in a number of aviation firsts. James moved away from planes after a test pilot crashed and died.

In the 1930′s he moved his family to Florida including both of his daughters, Mildred and Marion. He and a gentleman named Runkel were partners in real estate development in and around Niceville. Daughter Marion married Runkel. It is likely Mildred is resposible for naming Shalimar, Florida. Niceville had a reputation of being somewhat “wild” so it is interesting that schools in the area still carry the Plew and Runkel names. There is still a Runkel Development Company run by Plews grandson.

James further aided aviation by donating 1500 acres for what is now Eglin Air Force Base.

I can only think that this author had a rather magical childhood surrounded by some really strong and interesting characters. Her poems bespeak a mind filled with images, rhythms
tempos and alliteration.

As an aside, my research effort led to a small benefit to Mildreds memory. There has been confusion around her name. She published under both Meigs and Merryman. With the help of a contact at the University of Florida, the Library of Congress has now cross referenced her names so future researchers will have it a little simpler. I think Mildred would enjoy the spirit of your site as I do.