"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
THANK YOU
Office / gallery/ studio = a wonderful workspace! Laptop and printers blend artfully with paintings, sculptures and antiques. Love the faux bois vase in the foreground holding a bevy of blueprints and the inspiration board with the Eiffel images, tre' chic! Gathered fabric in glass cabinets keep office necessities neatly out of site, a useful idea for any space..
"Local 16 old girl, Shirley May France, attempts to swim across the English Channel!"
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.
