Dear reader,
I know what you’re thinking. Would Tommy and Imogen really have had all the ingredients to make gingerbread cookies days into their isolation? Let's just call it a Christmas miracle, shall we?
Now on to the history stuff!
Imogen's character was inspired by one of the Pacific Northwest’s most prominent female photographers, Imogen Cunningham (1883-1976). Not only did the real-life Imogen study chemistry at the University of Washington and write a thesis on the chemical process of photography in 1907, but she also took a nude self-portrait on campus! You guessed it—the pose is quite similar to the one described in this novella. While she explored several styles of photography throughout her career, she began with one called Pictorialism. This style had its heyday from about 1885 to 1915, and it emphasized soft-focused settings and often blended realism and romanticism. My Genie’s desire to “tell a story” while she photographs Tommy is meant to reflect this style. Oh, and one more juicy tidbit: Real-life Imogen even caused a scandal by publishing photographs of a nude male…her husband!
Tommy’s dream was inspired by the growth of the Seattle public library system. After over a decade of struggle (including a lack of funding, several relocations and a disastrous fire), Andrew Carnegie’s donation to build a fire-proof library in Seattle proved fundamental for the consolidation of the public library system. The Central Library was erected in 1906 and was an instant success. In 1907, the new head librarian named Mr. Judson T. Jennings (briefly mentioned in this novella) recognized the potential for expansion. Among his various plans was the inclusion of non-English books (as Tommy wanted). Another crucial development of the library system that is reflected in Tommy’s dream was the creation of small neighborhood reading rooms and book deposits. These stations started in the early 1900s and were meant to reach underserved populations that could not visit the official library. Patrons could find their next book at candy stores, pharmacies, fire stations, hospitals, and more! How cool is that?
If you read this far, know that I adore your history-loving heart.
Kat Sterling