A Perfect Prescott Tale in Time for the Holidays
By Tara Fort • Photo by Trisha Shaffer
If the American Girl series wanted a Prescott doll, it wouldn’t have to look too far. Centered around the Great Depression, Hannah’s Heart is historical fiction written and illustrated by resident Diane Iverson highlighting everyone’s hometown and a young girl named Hannah Meadows. Like much of the country, Prescott suffered through the Great Depression, and few can bring that era to life in the way Iverson has. Local landmarks are sprinkled throughout like the Hotel St. Michael, Elk’s Theater and Washington School.
The book opens Christmas 1935 with Hannah and her siblings admiring holiday displays and secretly creating “Dear Santa” lists, their faces pressed against the glass at the Bashford & Burmeister store downtown. Understanding the monetary struggles, Hannah decides to start a new family tradition to make her family’s Christmas extra special by…well, the story won’t be spoiled here—you’ll have to read it for yourself. Iverson spins a charmed Christmas tale about the power of giving, a child’s magical secrets, and lending a hand to those in need—a theme that rings true in Prescott still today. Readers will enjoy getting to know the young girl seeking to make the world just a little bit better in her own special way.
Iverson wrote the book while working for the Coalition for Compassion and Justice (CCJ) to raise funds for local families. She states, “We all understand the importance of education as a remedy for the problem of poverty, and we want children to be empowered to succeed.” Prescott Unified School District (PUSD) Family Resource Center Coordinator Kelly Mattox states, “In Fall 2017 Diane approached me about bringing her story to PUSD students. She’s passionate about teaching and encouraging our youth to take flight to follow their dreams. Partnering with the CCJ on the project, PUSD’s Family Resource Center will continue to bring needed services to students and families.” Iverson’s vision to turn the book into a play was gifted with Melanie Ewbank, a local playwright who quickly helped make the project a reality. Iverson says, “It’s my good fortune Melanie accepted this project by creating the play adaptation.”
The play will be performed at Ruth Street Theater Nov. 30, and Dec. 1-2, 2018. Says Iverson, “Thousands of low-income residents benefit by the proceeds from the play and the Hannah products that will be for sale including jewelry, Christmas ornaments and handcrafted decorative items. We are so fortunate that Kwazy Kwquilters donated a 90 x 90 heart-themed quilt to raffle. This is a great way to kick off the Prescott holiday season!” The Coalition for Compassion and Justice and the PUSD Family Resource Center will split proceeds from sponsorships, ticket sales, the quilted heart sale, book sales and the quilt raffle.
Mattox adds, “It has been truly amazing for the community to come together to bring Hannah’s Heart to life. From the handmade quilted heart ornaments to the period-authentic props that will surround the production, attendees will feel as though they opened the door to a time machine and into what Prescott used to be.”
Tickets are available at www.brownpapertickets.com, Jay’s Bird Barn, CCJ and the PUSD Family Resource Center. A perfect gift for young readers, the book is available at Peregrine Book Company, the Prescott Chamber of Commerce and Amazon.com.