This is a repost from 2018, and tells an important story. Can you believe I have typed on E.B. White’s Underwood typewriter? Read on! You will discover who is really Wilbur and Charlotte. That’s something I will never forget. Never.
I read aloud every day in my classroom, and weekly at the library. Picture books are a mainstay, yet reading aloud chapter books can move the world. Are you surprised? Don’t be. Thirty years of reading Charlotte’s Web is proof, my proof. Every year former students return to be a guest reader. I don’t invite them, they want to come. Their parents pull me aside to tell me their child has become a voracious reader. Many return as high schoolers to volunteer in my class.
If I go back to when they were preschoolers in my class, glued to chapter reading, their favorite book every year was Charlotte’s Web. At the end of each school year we vote on our favorite chapter book, and the winner is always Charlotte’s Web. Always.
My public library hosted a special event, E.B. White’s grand niece speaking about her beloved grand uncle. The librarian was beside herself to tell me. She knew that I would desperately want be there. “Jennie, she has his typewriter. She’s bringing it. And do you know that she calls him Andy? That’s E.B. White’s nickname.”
Yes, I know. I read Some Writer by Melissa Swift. He’s Andy. If you want to know everything about E.B. White, it is the book. Far from a typical biography, it tells the reader as much about the books he wrote as it does about his life. It is terrific. Charlotte the spider would applaud that word.
I was out of town and unable to attend the event. To say that I was devastated is an understatement. Perhaps E.B. White’s grand niece would see the library poster on their bulletin board in the entrance of the children’s room. Gee
, no surprise here that the book I am reading on the display is Charlotte’s Web.
A week later, after the big event, the librarian said, “Jennie, E.B. White’s grand niece (Lindsay) would like to meet you. She knows about you, and has heard about how you read aloud Charlotte’s Web.” Well, that’s about the best invitation I ever had. And so, with a note to me that was addressed, “Salutations, Jennie!”, I was invited to her farm for a visit!
Lindsay’s grandfather was E.B. (Andy) White’s brother, Albert. He was the keeper of the letters and memorabilia (most went to Cornell University). He cared. Lindsay inherited her grandfather’s genes, and also much of what he kept. Albert was one of six children. His brother, Andy, was the youngest. Lindsay has the same look and expression as her grandfather in this photo (second from the right, bottom row.) Andy is the baby.
And there I was, standing in a room filled with E.B. White memorabilia. And, with E.B. White’s grand niece. Humbling and exciting. Words escaped me. I felt like Wilbur.
First, there was the typewriter, an Underwood, upon which Andy wrote his books. I don’t know about you, but seeing and touching that typewriter, something real and dear, was a piece of heaven for me.
Alongside is Lindsay’s first edition of Charlotte’s Web, signed to her: “To Lindsay with love from her great uncle Andy. E.B. White.”
Perhaps this plethora of photos and articles gives you a clue as to the volume of fascinating artifacts over many decades, from the cover of The New Yorker magazine where he worked much of his life, long before he wrote children’s books, to letters and family photos. Look closely at the photo of Andy and his wife, Katherine. She was the love of his life. I knew that from reading the book.
“She was a strong woman.” said Lindsay. “She was older than he was, eleven years older. He adored her. His mother was a strong woman, too. She was much older when Andy was born.”
We talked a great deal about Charlotte’s Web. “Would you like to hear a recording of Andy reading the book?” Lindsay asked. “Of course!” I said. As we listened to the opening of the book, I found myself whispering the words I knew so well, along with Andy. Yet, I was surprised to hear how he read the story.
”I don’t read aloud the words like that at all. His voice is calm and steady. Mine is emotional.” And so I recited a few sentences aloud. Lindsay smiled.
Then she said, “Do you know it took him seventeen takes to read the final chapter, The Last Day? Seventeen. He couldn’t stop crying. You see, in Charlotte’s Web Wilbur was actually Andy, and Charlotte was his wife Katherine. He was devoted to her and adored her. She was his best friend, as Charlotte was to Wilbur. Reading that chapter aloud brought back all the memories of his wife.”
I did not know that. It makes perfect sense. E.B. White is Wilbur the pig, and his beloved wife Katherine is Charlotte the spider.
I leave you with two of my favorite photos, the boathouse and the rope swing at the house in Maine. Salutations!
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
An amazing day for you, Jennie. I’m glad you had that opportunity. No one deserves it more.
It was certainly an amazing day! Thank you for your kind words, Dan.
Oh Jen, thank you for this! What wonderful things to know about him. And wonderful for you to have earned this unforgettable experience!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this, Alice. What a day it was! Many thanks.
I love everything about this, from the past and present
Thank you, Beth. ❤️
What a very wonderful story, Jennie. I so loved Charlotte’s Web too. I’m thinking I should read it again.
Thank you, Tish. I hope you read it again. The adult perspective is just wonderful.
Wonderful, Jennie. Love that rope swing.
Thank you, Don. That was my favorite, too. When the house was sold, I read that the rope swing was still in the barn. Nice.
Thank you for sharing such a treasured memory.
You are welcome, Pam. Thank you for reading.
Aw, Jennie. That is so sad to know that Andy was Wilbur and Katherine was Charlotte. It’s such a beautiful story. No wonder he cried trying to write the end of the story.
Yes!! I was blown away to learn that Wilbur was Andy and Katherine was Charlotte. That is so beautiful. And, 17 takes to read the last chapter speaks volumes. Thank you, Anneli.
It does!
Sharing…
😍
I recall this post and was very happy to read it again. Visiting a favourite author’s home or being able to see their memorabilia is so special. I was lucky to visit the home of Jane Austen and touch the table she wrote her novels on. I also visited Green Gables in Prince Edward Island, the house Lucy Maude Montgomery depicted in Anne of Green Gables. Her typewriter was in the museum. Recently, I visited the childhood home of Robbie Burns and the village he lived in until he was seven years old. It inspired many of his poems. His desk was on display in the museum. These things connect us to our well loved authors.
I’m so glad you enjoyed reading this again, Darlene. I did, too! We are both very lucky to have touched the lives of authors. Your visits have been so inspiring. These things definitely connect us to our beloved authors.
When I saw Jane Austen’s handwriting in the British Museum many years ago, I realized she was once a real breathing human being. It sent chills up my spine.
I completely understand!
I loved reading this. Such a great day, Jennie.
John, do you ever read an old blog post and absolutely love it (again)? Well, I did, and I’m glad you loved this. It was a great day. Many thanks.
I have that feeling at times, too. 😀
I’m glad to know that. 😀
😊
A good one to read again. One day I’ll read that book!
Thank you, FR. I loved reading it again, too. I hope you read the book!
This is an amazing post, Jennie. Wilbur and Charlotte are Andy and Katherine. How beautiful.
Hi Robbie, knowing Andy was Wilbur and Katherine was Charlotte is quite an eye opener. After I read Some Writer, it made perfect sense. Yes, it is beautiful. Thank you!
💜🙏
It’s just as wonderful to read again as it was the first time.
I’m so glad! I felt the same way reading it again, too. Thank you, Deborah.
So exciting and insightful!!!! I am sharing this blog post with one of my sisters, who wrote a big paper in high school about “Andy.” Thank you, Jennie!
That’s wonderful, Will! Many thanks!
So exciting and insightful!!!! I am sharing this blog post with one of my sisters, who wrote a big paper in high school about “Andy.” Thank you, Jennie!
So exciting and insightful!!!! I am sharing this blog post with one of my sisters, who wrote a big paper in high school about “Andy.” Thank you, Jennie!
What a fascinating story. How lucky can you get, Jennie! Thank you for sharing this post again.
Thanks, Cathy. I was certainly lucky.
Whoa my goodness! Thank you so much for sharing, Jennie! Chills! Good ones! 💕🥰💕
I still have chills! So glad you enjoyed this, Vicki.
I did, I did! ❤️🥰❤️
😍
Always enjoy your stories – both when originally posted and then when reposted! 😉
I’m so glad, Laura!
Love this background.
I’m so glad. Thank you, Brian.
This is so good. I imagine touching the keys to a typewriter that White used to type with was a moment you’ll never forget.
It was definitely a moment I’ll never, ever forget. Learning that Andy was Wilbur and Katherine was Charlotte will always stick with me. Best to you, Pete.
I have enjoyed your CW series and how fun to learn that E.B. White is Wilbur the pig, and his beloved wife Katherine is Charlotte the spider. – it warms the heart!!
It definitely warms the heart! I’m so glad you have enjoyed the CW series. Many thanks, Prior.
🙂
We are deep in the midst of our fall book fair. I love watching children & parents choose books.
I do, too! The library is my ‘second home.’
Thanks a lot dear Jennie for the lovely and profound post and pictures. It was great reading.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you, Kamal.
Yes Jennie very good. Always welcome 🤗🤗🤗🤗
Thank you, Kamal?
Welcome Jennie 😊
Thank you, Kamal!
Jennie, your love for this really shines through. The post is a delight and so interesting. Thanks for including a photo of the typewriter. Big hugs.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this, Teagan. There’s so much here. Yes, that typewriter is a jewel. Many thanks, Teagan.
❤️
“I felt like Wilbur.” Lol. Isn’t that wonderful. We should all get the chance to feel like Wilbur at least a few glorious times in our lives. I always look forward to your yearly Charlotte’s Web posts, Jennie. I loved that book as a child and still do. ❤
Yes, everyone should get the chance to feel like Wilbur. I’m so glad you enjoyed this post, Diana. You are a true CW fan! 😀
I am. I think I read it in 3rd grade. I cried and cried when Charlotte died. And when I finished the book, I read it all over again. I think that book is why I became a grief counselor.
That is just wonderful!
Oh, Jennie! You know how this chokes me up??! It’s my favorite! What an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience. I have chillbumps thinking about that time you had with her and typing on his typewriter! 17 times to record the last chapter (I’m crying!!). Oh, how I love this!!
“I felt like Wilbur!” My heart!
Jennie, I’m sending so much love, hugs, and prayers! I’m thinking of you at school with the wonderful new room of kids. You’re such a legacy and blessing! I’m not back to school YET–due to treatment–BUT, I will be! Give Ms. Gloria and your new room of students much love from your Missouri pals, Karla, Finley, Zeb, and Heart❤️❣️🤗💚
It was truly an amazing experience! That typewriter, and learning that Andy was Wilbur and his wife Katherine was Charlotte will stick with me forever. Yes, 17 times!
Thank you for the love and good wishes, Karla. The first month of school is busy with children settling in. Lots of tears. Gloria will appear at the end of the month. I will give her love from all the Missouri pals, especially Zeb.
I know you will be back to school. How are you doing?
How wonderful, Jennie!
I may need to repost my Charlotte’s Web “song” of miracles. After my acute respiratory failure (partially collapsed lung in July), a month of antibiotics and immobility due to foot injury, I’m UP and moving again! More miracles! I boost myself morning and night on oxygen (and as needed) and wear my foot brace a few hours each evening. I will have labs drawn and see oncologist on the 19th! Then, another miracle appointment the end of September! A new Dr (trained at Mayo) is establishing a new clinic for my cancer in Kansas City~ and I’m in! I’ll see him when I visit my youngest son and family (who only live 20 miles away)! That will be the first appointment they are able to attend with me!
The NCI/NIH, due to funding cuts, can bring me next March!
If labs and appointment (which I’m certain I’ll have scans which are due) show stability~ I get to GO BACK to SCHOOL!
I can’t wait! I’m expecting good things!!
Thank you, Jennie, for your never ending support and encouragement!! Much love and hugs! Please take care too!🙏♥️💕🥰
Hi Karla, this is such good news. The new doctor and the new clinic in Kansas City is a dream come true. I’ll be cheering you along at the end of September. I know how excited you’ll be to get back to the classroom. Hugs and love!! 😍
Oh, I remember this one! What a thrill it must have been to speak with “Andy’s” grand niece. The world is a better place for his having been in it.
It was a thrill, Liz! You said it well. 🙂
😊
Jennie, your story moved me deeply. The way you’ve woven Charlotte’s Web into the hearts of generations is nothing short of magical. Thirty years of reading aloud, and still the same spark—what a legacy. I could feel the joy and reverence in your words, especially when you described the moment Lindsay, E.B. White’s grand niece, reached out to you. “Salutations, Jennie!”—what a perfect greeting for someone who’s kept Charlotte’s voice alive for so many children.
Your passion for reading aloud reminds me why stories matter. They connect us, inspire us, and sometimes even bring us invitations to farms with typewriters and family history. I’d be honored if you’d visit my blog, where I share reflections on storytelling, literacy, and the magic of books in the classroom. I think you’d feel right at home there.
You’re warmly invited to visit: [Your Blog Name or Link Here]
With admiration,
Evalina Boyd/ :
My website is: johnsoncityexplorer.wordpress.com.
Thank you for your lovely comment, Evalina. I’m so glad you enjoyed this blog post. It was quite a remarkable experience. I look forward to reading your posts.