The Secret of the Old House

By Charlotte S. Scarcelli

Sensitively written, this story of the discovery by a family that their old farm house once was used as a station along the Underground Railroad paints its tale with a warm understanding of the day-to-day dangers and the unappreciated heroics of both escaping slaves and the Underground Railroad stationmasters.

Set in contemporary Indiana, the book delightfully allows the young people in the story to take possession of the tale even as their grandmother, Nanny, slowly unwinds her story. A great read for young people and parents alike.

Nick Schenkel, Library Director, MSLS

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Nov 23, 2011
• ISBN: 9781467873222

Charlotte S. Scarcelli

I have been writing and editing, both officially and unofficially, for most of my life. I've even taught others how to write. Now that I am retired from a 9-5 job, I have the freedom to pursue publication of a story I have dreamed of telling for some time. This first book is for my dearly-loved children and grandchildren to enjoy together, along with many other children in the world of reading. It tells a story from an important period in our country's history. I read, as they say, voluminously, and one of my favorite genres is historical fiction. It's not surprising, therefore, to discover that this venture into publication is also historical fiction. My story has a semi-fictitious setting and it tells a story of what might have happened in the past. The Secret of the Old House is about the Underground Railroad. I know that this story might have happened here in West Lafayette, where I live with my two Siamese kittens, because stories like it did happen in Lafayette, right across the Wabash River from us.

Book preview

Contents

Characters in the Story

Chapter One: I Have a Secret!

Chapter Two: Let’s Go See!

Chapter Three: The Secret, Part One

Chapter Four: The Secret, Part Two

Chapter Five: Helping the Travelers

Chapter Six: The Traveling People: Who Were They?

Chapter Seven: Where Did They Go?

Chapter Eight: Finding True North

Chapter Nine: The Stars in the Heaven

Chapter Ten: The Past and the Future

About the Author

About the Illustrator

From Charlotte, author

For my children and grandchildren: you are the inspiration for this book so, for love of you, here it is. To happier ‘memories’ with much love.

And to my twelve sisters in Indiana Voices of Women: thank you for supporting and encouraging me so very much in this endeavor. Fifteen months later, here it is—finally! My love to each one of you.

And for Joyce, Susan, Dave, and Sue: without whom… .

For all my readers: I hope you enjoy this story—after all, it could have happened this way!

From Marcia, illustrator

For my children, my grandchildren, and all children… so that they never forget the true stories behind this story, and so that they may grow up to be courageous enough and kind enough to help someone else someday, even if it is a risk to do the right and compassionate thing!

Characters in the Story

Nanny:      mother of John, Jamie, Joe, Mia (Minnie) and Marc; grandmother of all the children

Papa:      father of John, Jamie, Joe, Mia (Minnie) and Marc; grandfather of all the children

Uncle John and Aunt Jeanette: Tea (TAY-uh)

Uncle Jamie and Aunt Kathleen: Lydia, Alex

Uncle Joe and Aunt Char: Bella, Claire, Max

Aunt Minnie and Uncle Aaron: Levi

Uncle Marc and Aunt Andrea: (dogs: Sasha and Sierra)

Chapter One: I Have a Secret!

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Nanny

Three days later:

In Zionsville, when their mother picked up Lydia and Alex from their baseball and softball practices, she told them, You two have a letter from Nanny!

From Nanny? Lydia asked, opening the envelope. I wonder why? Oh, look, Alex! She has a secret to show us!

And she wants us all to come visit her so she can show it to us, read Alex over her shoulder.

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In Youngstown, when the big yellow school bus stopped at the end of the driveway, Max opened the door of their house and called to his sisters, Hurry, Bella! Come on, Claire! We got a letter from Nanny and Mommy says she wants to show us a secret!

We’re coming, replied Bella. Don’t push, Claire!

I’m not! said Claire. You always go first!

In Houston, Mommy brought in the mail and called Tea to come open a letter. Is it for me? asked Tea.

Yes, and it’s from Nanny, answered Mommy. When Tea had the letter open, Mommy read it and said, She wants you and your cousins to visit her and see a special secret she found in her house!

In Greenwood, Mommy smiled at Levi and said, You got a letter of your very own, Levi! Levi clapped his hands and said, For me?

Yes, said Mommy. If you open it, we can read what she says."

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Chapter Two: Let’s Go See!

Two months later…

Look, Daddy, cried Claire. There’s Uncle Jamie and Aunt Kathleen’s car!

And I see Uncle Aaron and Aunt Minnie’s too, called Bella. But whose is that other one?