photo by CAROL SHETLER/The Luminary Oral interpreter Meg Geffken, portrayed the life of Beatrix Potter, well-known author of Peter Rabbit and other children’s books. The event occurred at The Taber Museum with 45 persons in attendance.

WILLIAMSPORT – Just as spring promises a new wave of wildlife, Beatrix Potter stepped forward to share her inspiration in writing the famed children’s book, “Peter Rabbit.” The insight occurred on March 30 at the Taber Museum in Williamsport.

In 1866, Potter was born in London to parents of means. So, as the writer’s demise came in 1943, it was not the actual presence of the writer, but oral interpreter Meg Geffken. The Columbia County resident, well-known in our area, interprets the lives of 13 famous women.

Meg, in keeping with the time period of the story, said, a Governess was in charge of Beatrix’s outings. Most exciting to the young girl were the annual family vacations to the Lake District, where Beatrix roamed among bugs, frogs, rabbits, flora and fauna. Beatrix began drawing and writing about her outdoor experiences. Younger brother Burton was enamored with his sister’s talents.

Years later, when the former Governess married and began birthing a line of children, her five-year-old son became ill. Beatrix, perplexed as to what sort of gift to take to the sick youngster, presented him with papers called “Peter Rabbit.” The wording began with,“Let me tell you a story.”

Beatrix, aka Meg, with hat on head and cane in hand, entertained the Taber audience by moving about, her voice and demeanor in the stye Beatrix may have walked and talked.

Now, back to the story line. When the parents, especially the mother, became aware of the career path Beatrix wanted to take, they were not supportive. It was brother Burton who stood with his sister’s decision, urging his parents to let her do what she wanted.

More writing meant more time going to the Lake District, and excuse to get out of London and away from a disapproving mother. There, she met and married, the couple spending 30 years together. As a barrister, the husband was able to guide Beatrix’s business dealings with printers and copyrights.

Sales of the first 250 copies of “Peter Rabbit” got off to a slow start. However, after Beatrix insisted the booklets be published in a size to fit children’s hands, sales increased when 28,000 copies sold in one year.

With her royalties, Beatrix purchased a farm in the Lake District, where she delighted in feeding the sheep, gathering eggs and growing vegetables. Neighbors had no knowledge of her writings, nor than many of her characters were patterned after them. As Beatrix amassed a tidy sum, she purchased more land, until she owned 15 farms. Eventually, her land holdings were turned over to a National Trust, where today, tourists can enjoy the English countryside that gave inspiration to her writings.

(The above is but a portion of the presentation. To hear more about Beatrix Potter and 12 other famous women, contact Meg Geffken for program scheduling at meggef@epix.net).