A Girl From Yamhill
Beverly (Bunn) Cleary first lived in Yahill, Oregon on the family farm. She was an only child, free to explore and learn on her own. Her father and mother worked hard on the farm, butr times were tough and they had to move because the profits from the harvest wouldn't meet all their expenses.
When she was six, their family moved to Portland. She enjoyed living in Portland becasue there were children nearby for her to play with. Beverly was involved with campfire girls and loved visits to the local library. Life was hard for her father, he went from working outdoors to working security at a bank. Eventually, they sold the farm.
Beverly worked hard in school and dreamed of becoming a writer. Money was always tight for their family and her mother was very overbearing. Beverly was uncertain as to what her future might be after graduating from Grant High School in Portland. A generous aunt sent a letter inviting her to come to junior college in California. That was Beverly's start on her "Own Two Feet".
KV