Narcissa Kinney
Narcissa Kinney: The Heroine Legend Behind Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot by Janet Chester Bly
Most of Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot happens around Gearhart, Oregon in 1905. The railroad opened up more tourists for this seacoast village, tucked between crashing surf and Pacific forests. One of its most prominent citizens, Narcissa Kinney (1851-1901), serves as a behind-the-scenes heroine legend. A devoted Christian and an active member and speaker for the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, Narcissa insisted the city council proclaim Gearhart a ‘dry town.’ It remained ‘dry’ for more than seventy years after her death. And even though she passed away before the story begins, her presence looms as heroine legend on most every page.
My research with the Chautauqua movement of the times intrigued me. Narcissa’s sponsorship brought culture to Gearhart. She organized the forming of 200-acres of prime forest land set aside for Gearhart Park. That included an auditorium with arched entrance, belfry, and double hip roof used for traveling circuit speakers and entertainment. She made sure the development scheme protected the Ridge Path, a principal byway through the area’s dune meadows, as well as many other natural features.
Because of Narcissa, Gearhart became the first planned coastal resort community in the state of Oregon. In all her entrepreneur ways, she proved to be a true heroine legend.
Gearhart residents and visitors enjoyed classic plays, Broadway hits, opera stars, glee clubs and bands such as John Philip Sousa’s. Fiery orators and activists, crusaders and preachers took advantage of this forum. More than four hundred other cities across the country sponsored these same events. President Theodore Roosevelt called them, “the most American thing in America.” This movement thrived in the day before movie theaters and TVs.
Narcissa Kinney As Real-Life Character
Narcissa Kinney appears as a background real-life character important in Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot. She inspires the fictional heroine legend, Lady Harriet Reed-Fletcher, to sponsor her own benevolent project in Gearhart. Lady Harriet and Narcissa compare in strong will, leadership, and influencing the men in their lives to get involved in their causes.
Stuart Brannon and his friends find his missing U.S. Marshal friend and solve the ‘whodunnit’ of several murders. Not what Narcissa had in mind for her city, I’m sure. But her husband, Marshall, founder of the local golf course, would approve the celebrity tournament Lady Harriet instigates. And Narcissa would be pleased with the mission: raising money for the Willamette Orphan Farm.
She had a great heart affected deeply by the wrongs inflicted upon defenseless women and children by the liquor traffic. This heroine legend, guided by a deep sense of right and justice, would show outrage for any who would not protect them.
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Modern day Chautauqua in Orofino, Idaho promoting history, art, entertainment, political science, natural science, archaeology, geology, cultural diversity, and theology. Programs included both kids and adults. A traveling vaudeville. Parade includes marching bands, jugglers, stilt-walkers, dancers. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/OrofinoChautauqua
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The story of the family project writing of Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot: https://www.blybooks.com/2013/11/western-book-series/
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YouTube video book trailer for western book series, Book #7 Stuart Brannon’s Final Shot:
[youtube]http://youtu.be/Pd6mvfeX8Fo[/youtube]
What an inspiring lady! The history behind those old towns is always so fascinating.
Hannah: Thanks for the comment. Part of the fun of writing is the research facts behind the story. Loved finding out about Narcissa!
Blessings,
Janet