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For over 40 years, Rowena Granice Steele wrote more than 60 short stories and four novels, in addition to hundreds of weekly columns on issues of the day, social events, education, welfare, commerce and business interests in her home county of Merced, California. Volume II contains the short stories and novels, and a few interesting columns, that she wrote during the period of 1857 to 1873.
Preface
When I first discovered Rowena twenty years ago through her columns, written from 1861 to 1890 in the San Joaquin Valley Argus in Merced, California, I was immediately enchanted, especially with the many short stories and novellas published in serial format in the Argus and in three separate books. I spent the better part of two years in the Phoenix Public Library scouring the microfilms, copying every item I found. Of the approximate sixty pieces that Rowena herself estimated having written, I have managed to find and transcribe over thirty. Herewith the first volume covering the years 1857 to 1873.
Rowena’s writing is much like that of Jane Austin and Louisa May Alcott and other prolific female writers of the 19th century—romantic, but chaste; conservative in moral messaging, yet uplifting, encouraging and celebrating independent, intelligent women; filled with romance and villainy, poverty and grandeur, reward and “just desserts”; replete with coincidence, dreams, and premonitions. Each story focuses on principles and values that were timeless then and ever-present in interpersonal relationships, even in the 21st century. There are story lines within each piece to educate, delight, caution, and cause the reader to examine history to glean practical lessons and insights for use in our own lives.
Her powers of description are, in my estimation, superior to any other writer of her generation. She has a way of drawing the reader instantly into the whole scene—the colors, scents, arrangement of the room or landscape, the weather, description of the characters, etc.—no doubt a skill that came in handy as she adapted several of her works for the stage.
Nearly every piece uses contemporary and historical poetry to illustrate and enhance the storyline. Apparently poetry was so well established in the 19th century, it was not necessary to identify the writer; since poetry reading was a popular entertainment, most people were well acquainted with the poets, especially famous people such as Lord Byron, Shakespeare, and others. I have identified and credited each one that I could find.
I tried to make as few editorial changes as possible, with a couple of rather amusing exceptions. For example, the meaning of certain words has changed entirely in 150 years. What was common use then for some terms is never used now or has a completely different meaning.
It has been an honor and privilege for me to be charged with gathering and preserving Rowena’s literary legacy for posterity. I hope you enjoy what has become a delightful occupation for me in my golden years.
Priscilla Stone Sharp
State College, PA
2024
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