This recording pays tribute to Maud Hart Lovelace (1892-1980), the author of six novels and eighteen children's books. She is best known for her beloved series of Betsy-Tacy books, which to a great extent depicts her childhood days in Mankato, Minnesota, the fictionalized "Deep Valley." Maud's descriptions of daily life in early 1900 are accurately described in the Betsy-Tacy books and as an author she paid careful attention to historic detail. Music was an important part of family life for Maud growing up and is often mentioned in her books. Her older sister, Kathleen, whose life ambition was to become an opera singer, played many popular tunes of the day as well as classical, opera and religious music. All three Hart sisters learned to play the piano. Music set the tone for many social activities including school programs and dances, musical theater and touring shows at the Opera House, as well as at home when family and friends gathered around the piano and rolled up the rugs in the parlor to dance. Maud used over 200 music references in her children's books. Maud often remarked that she always felt destined to become an author. Her books tell the story of life in small town mid-western America at the turn of the century and the music captures the spirit of the times. Listen and you will feel as though you stepped into the pages of the Betsy-Tacy books and this classic era in American history. Song titles include: Annie Laurie, Bedelia, Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Your Charms, Blue Bell, Hiawatha, I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now, I'd Love to Live in Loveland with a Girl Like You, I'm Afraid to Come Home in the Dark, In My Merry Oldsmobile, In the Good Old Summertime, Let Me Call You Sweetheart, Meet Me To-Night in Dreamland, Merry Widow Waltz, Morning Cy, My Wild Irish Rose, Navajo, Oh Promise Me, School Days, The Moon Has His Eyes On You, and Peg Of My Heart. This compilation of music from the turn of the century features Minnesota pianist Craig Timmerman and is produced by Cellar Sounds Studio of Mankato. This project was made possible by a grant provided by the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council from funds appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature and the McKnight Foundation.