"Local 16 old girl, Shirley May France, attempts to swim across the English Channel!"In 1949, this girl from my town of Somerset, Massachusetts faced the biggest challenge of her young life...
Above is a replica of the boat used by her coach and father to be by Shirley's side during her swim, on exhibit at the Somerset Historical Society to celebrate the 60Th anniversary of her swim. Sadly, she was pulled out of the water so close to her goal as her body was nearly frozen.
Time has concluded it was very near the end of the swim season and unusually cold and choppy when she made her attempt. The exhibit focuses on the determination, abilities and courage shown by this young girl so far from home.She received letters and a autographs from the celebrities of the time. Most noteworthy to me , the original heartthrob, Clark Gable...
Images: Brayton Homestead Interiors- taken @ opening
9 comments:
Amazing, and a note from Clark Gable, I am going to google her. I love these true stories. They make great movies.
Lee
What a great story!!! I love Clark Gable!!!
Enjoy!!!
XOXO
Cathy
thanks for sharing :D what a fantastic story!
Amazing, she looks so mature for her age with such great ambition. It's good that the exhibition is focusing on the positive, it will surely inspire everyone who visits.
Adele
thanks, it is such a good story- had to share.
Lee, I agree, often thought it would make a great movie..
Karen
She was a winner in my book. It just shows that the "attempt" to accomplish something makes the winner, not the actual "completion" of it. Great post, loved hearing about her.
Debra
How amazing this is!! I love truth and real and inspirational...
xox's
great story about such a young girl with so much talent. I like the way the exhibit celebrated her courage.
What a beautiful exhibit and awesome photos, some people are so brave and love adventure, I am not one of them, but it is wonderful to see someone that does.
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