A Tribute to Virginia Hamilton

When Virginia Hamilton died on February 19, 2002 the world of children's literature suffered a great loss. She was, as The New York Times said,   "an internationally recognized writer for children whose work celebrated the African American experience as an essential component of American life."

Ms. Hamilton,  a Yellow Springs resident, was also a friend of Mills Lawn School.

The author of more than 35 books grew up in Yellow Springs. She attended Antioch College and Ohio State University, later moving to New York City where she studied writing at the New School of Social Research. It was in New York that she met the poet Arnold Adoff, who would become her husband.

Virginia and Arnold later returned to Yellow Springs to raise their daughter, Leigh, and son Jaime, and to become part of the Yellow Springs community.

We asked Kay Curley, retired Mills Lawn librarian, to share her memories of Virginia Hamilton.

"During my years as the school librarian for the Yellow Springs School District, I felt fortunate that Virginia Hamilton lived in our town. She gave generously of her time and knowledge to our schools.  She talked to our children about her many books, the process of writing and the many wonderful adventures she had growing up in Yellow Springs. Children loved having this "famous person" chat with them about the Glen, walking downtown, and spending hours playing and exploring on her family's Dayton St. farm.  She always urged students to read and encouraged them to write about their own experiences.

"I remember her first visit to Mills Lawn.  It was shortly after M. C. Higgins, the Great had won the Newbery Medal.  During her visit she talked about M. C. and his determination, inspiring other young adventurers.  Weston Woods had just produced a filmstrip/cassette kit (1975 technology) about her books and life in Yellow Springs, which I had purchased for the library.  Virginia had not seen the completed product so we sat in the old library (where the kindergarten is now) and viewed it.  When it was over, her first words were "Did the kids like it?"

"I thought this a very telling question.  Her primary concern was for the children and not how she was portrayed.  As has been said in many professional articles about her life, the respect for her audience always came through.  She loved all children and did not believe in "talking down" to them.

"Virginia also visited Morgan Middle School where she once brought many of her books, which were translated, into foreign languages.  She talked about visiting children in other countries and how proud it made her to have influence around the world.  One of our persistent Yellow Springers asked if he might have a particular foreign language version.  Virginia quickly responded, "Of course", once again showing generosity.

"When CBS did a Sunday Morning segment on her, Virginia insisted that part of it be filmed with kids inquiring about her ideas and writing.  It was filmed at the high school library, but several sixth grade Mills Lawn students were part of the group, as were McKinney students. She delighted in speaking with budding writers and showing the eagerness they had for language.

"The village and schools of Yellow Springs have lost a dear friend.  Virginia Hamilton's death is felt not only by her family and friends but also by the world of literature, especially children's literature. The stories she created brought joy to both children and adults.  I feel privileged to have known her."

Kay Curley,
School Librarian, 1975-1997