Ruth Fielding of the Red Mill; or, Jasper Parloe's Secret

Ever since Applewood Books began reprinting the original Nancy Drew books (the ones from the 1930s), I have had an interest in vintage children's series from the early part of the 20th century. So when this title, the first in the Ruth Fielding series, came through work, I decided to give it a try.

One of many series produced for the Stratemeyer Syndicate, the Ruth Fielding books began publication in 1913, and include 30 titles. They relate the adventures of the eponymous Ruth Fielding, a worthy young orphan who comes to stay with her gruff and miserly great Uncle Jabez Potter at his Red Mill in upstate New York. This initial title follows Ruth as she settles into her new home, befriends the Cameron twins, and helps to solve the mystery show more surrounding the disappearance of her uncle's strong-box.

The story was pleasant enough, though not brilliant. There were times at which I found myself thinking that the writing produced by anonymous series ghost-writers was far better then than what we see today. My main objections were the occasional insipidity of Ruth, and the obnoxious (though thankfully brief) inclusion of a black "Mammy" character, complete with stereotypical speech patterns. I had encountered this before in the original versions of the Bobbsey Twins, but assumed that this was owing to the Southern setting of that series. Apparently the trend was far more widespread in children's literature of the period. I don't know why that would surprise me. show less

The first in a series by the Stratmeye syndicate, there appear to be 30 of them. It's a light weight story, orphan Ruth Fielding goes to live with her gruff uncle at Red Mill and charms everyone. A bit Pollyanna without the plot and character development but a perfectly acceptable read. Well, except for the cringey part of the Mammy housemaid. But I may look for a few more here and there, I read one a long while ago and found it perfectly acceptable.

I tried this a few years ago and didn't like it, probably because of the "country" tone of some of the characters (I hate dialect in children's books). It was MUCH better on rereading, and I'm glad I've collected most of the series now.

5 Stars