The character of McKinley (or banker Graves), played by Curtis Deterding in our upcoming film project He Leadeth Me, was born April 1, 1881. In 1932, during the Great Depression, McKinley would have been 51 years old April 1! Because the 2011 calendar matches the 1932 calendar exactly, he would have celebrated his birthday this month!
HISTORY
- Born April 1st, 1881 in Murray County, Minnesota
- Son of: Joseph Earl Graves (deceased 1911) and Irene Bess (Griffith) Graves (deceased 1921)
Siblings:
Leonard Caleb Graves born 1863 (deceased 1928)
Lacy Sofia Graves born 1864 (deceased 1866)
Barry Cedric Graves born 1868 (deceased 1902)
Reid Joseph Graves born 1869
Donald Ernst Graves born 1872
Loran Luther Graves born 1873
PERSONAL DESCRIPTION
- Occupation: banker
- Location: Mount Sterling, Illinois (Brown County)
- Personal interview: “No man in his right mind should be in the banking business when a depression hits. I wish someone had told me that.”
- Character profile: Graves, youngest of six children to immigrant homesteaders, was raised on a farm in Murray County, Minnesota, where his father grew wheat and corn. Determined to avoid the doldrums of farm life, McKinley finished the eighth grade and apprenticed himself at the town bank and loan office. There, he learned the business of bank, mortgage, and loan and longed for a business of his own. He left a local sweetheart for the adventures of Illinois and established his bank and loan office in Mount Sterling at the start of the new century. When the market crashed in 1929, his worst fears became a reality: almost all of the farms in the area with outstanding loans from McKinley’s bank stopped making payments. The vault emptied of its contents so fast that McKinley had to establish a self-initiated two-day bank holiday to give him time to borrow money from a wealthy relative. The money sustains the bank for now, but the depression continues and Graves is desperate.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Happy Birthday, Shawn Harper!
The character of Shawn, played by Joe Larson in our upcoming film project He Leadeth Me, was born March 21, 1915. In 1932, during the Great Depression, Shawn would have turned 17 years old March 21! Because the 2011 calendar matches the 1932 calendar exactly, he would have celebrated his birthday this month!
HISTORY
- Born March 21st, 1915 in Sioux County, Iowa
- Son of: Orrin Wilson Harper (deceased 1932) & Fanny Hazel (Bradley) Harper (deceased, 1923)
Siblings:
Baby Harper, male born 1913 (deceased 1913)
Baby Harper, male born 1914 (deceased 1914)
Baby Harper, male born 1923 (deceased 1923)
PERSONAL DESCRIPTION
- Occupation: farmer
- Location: Rock Valley, Iowa (Sioux County)
- Personal interview: “My pa drowned himself. My ma died awhile ago, and I don’t blame her. He was a drunk…he hated both of us. But I got the land.”
- Character profile: Shawn was raised on the family farm. The site was originally settled in the 1870s but was purchased by Orrin Harper in 1910 after his marriage to Fanny Bradley. After many unsuccessful attempts at farming, Harper allowed the farm to fall into disrepair and became an alcoholic, illegally distributing bootleg liquor to pay the bills. Shawn, the sole surviving child of four, only attended school for two years. He took over management of the farm when his father began spending all of his time with his illegal business. Fanny Harper died in childbirth in 1923. Following her death, Orrin Harper became increasingly violent. On a Sunday in 1932, the gravedigger, John Schmidt, found Harper’s body in the Rock River. The man left behind one son and an insurmountable pile of debt.
HISTORY
- Born March 21st, 1915 in Sioux County, Iowa
- Son of: Orrin Wilson Harper (deceased 1932) & Fanny Hazel (Bradley) Harper (deceased, 1923)
Siblings:
Baby Harper, male born 1913 (deceased 1913)
Baby Harper, male born 1914 (deceased 1914)
Baby Harper, male born 1923 (deceased 1923)
PERSONAL DESCRIPTION
- Occupation: farmer
- Location: Rock Valley, Iowa (Sioux County)
- Personal interview: “My pa drowned himself. My ma died awhile ago, and I don’t blame her. He was a drunk…he hated both of us. But I got the land.”
- Character profile: Shawn was raised on the family farm. The site was originally settled in the 1870s but was purchased by Orrin Harper in 1910 after his marriage to Fanny Bradley. After many unsuccessful attempts at farming, Harper allowed the farm to fall into disrepair and became an alcoholic, illegally distributing bootleg liquor to pay the bills. Shawn, the sole surviving child of four, only attended school for two years. He took over management of the farm when his father began spending all of his time with his illegal business. Fanny Harper died in childbirth in 1923. Following her death, Orrin Harper became increasingly violent. On a Sunday in 1932, the gravedigger, John Schmidt, found Harper’s body in the Rock River. The man left behind one son and an insurmountable pile of debt.
"Shawn Bradley Harper" - Joe Larson
Photo provided by Larson Photography
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Happy Birthday, Bonnett!
The character of Bonnett, played by Ashley Simonsen in our upcoming film project He Leadeth Me, was born February 21, 1915 . In 1932, during the Great Depression, Bonnett would have turned 17 years old February 21! Because the 2011 calendar matches the 1932 calendar exactly, she would have celebrated her birthday just a few days ago!
HISTORY
- Born February 21, 1915, location unknown
- Daughter of: unknown
Siblings
A 14 year-old sister who goes by the name of “Darcy”, real name unknown
PERSONAL DESCRIPTION
- Occupation: gambler
- Location: Mount Sterling, Illinois (Brown County)
- Personal interview: “I go where I wanna go. I ain’t from anywhere, just from where I’m at right now…if anyone’s askin’. You can search and search and you won’t find anything about me. Darcy? She’s my sister, yeah…anyway, maybe. I guess you’ll never really know for sure…will ya?”
- Character profile: An individual with secrets, Bonnett has a past that no one has been able to understand. Full of secrets, and not really trustworthy of anyone, this young woman acknowledges that she has one sibling, though the truth of their relation has not yet been proven. Her location is always wherever she happens to be living, currently, and she is an expert at covering her trails. She earned her nickname by swiping a wealthy woman’s Sunday bonnet during a rural church picnic. During a train ride through the North West, an old, crusty transient told her how to spell her name. She’s never gotten it right since.
HISTORY
- Born February 21, 1915, location unknown
- Daughter of: unknown
Siblings
A 14 year-old sister who goes by the name of “Darcy”, real name unknown
PERSONAL DESCRIPTION
- Occupation: gambler
- Location: Mount Sterling, Illinois (Brown County)
- Personal interview: “I go where I wanna go. I ain’t from anywhere, just from where I’m at right now…if anyone’s askin’. You can search and search and you won’t find anything about me. Darcy? She’s my sister, yeah…anyway, maybe. I guess you’ll never really know for sure…will ya?”
- Character profile: An individual with secrets, Bonnett has a past that no one has been able to understand. Full of secrets, and not really trustworthy of anyone, this young woman acknowledges that she has one sibling, though the truth of their relation has not yet been proven. Her location is always wherever she happens to be living, currently, and she is an expert at covering her trails. She earned her nickname by swiping a wealthy woman’s Sunday bonnet during a rural church picnic. During a train ride through the North West, an old, crusty transient told her how to spell her name. She’s never gotten it right since.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Happy Birthday, Clara Crawford!
The character of Clara Anne Crawford, played by Gina Vandever in our upcoming film project He Leadeth Me, was born February 15, 1905 . In 1932, during the Great Depression, Clara Crawford would have turned 27 years old February 15! Because the 2011 calendar matches the 1932 calendar exactly, she would have celebrated her birthday tomorrow!
HISTORY
- Born February 15, 1905 in Saline County, NE
- Son of: Edwin Murray Crawford & Martha Gene (Dawson) Crawford (deceased 1930)
Siblings:
Sue Beth Crawford born 1908 (deceased 1908)
Harold Dean Crawford born 1909
Lester Lloyd Crawford born 1910
PERSONAL DESCRIPTION
- Occupation: teacher
- Location: Rock Valley, IA (Sioux County)
- Personal interview: “Maybe I’m supposed to be looking for a husband. I don’t know. Ma doesn’t seem to give a hoot about the fact that I haven’t given her any grandchildren. Remembering all of the children I’ve taught…I don’t think I’d ever be able to choose a name for my own baby anyway…there are too many faces already attached to the names I like...and don't. I don’t want to look at my own children and think of all the rascals, rats, and rebellions…far too exhausting to be worth it.”
- Character profile: Clara Crawford, born and raised on a rural farm in Nebraska, once had aspirations of becoming a stage performer on one of New York City’s leading stages. She’d never seen any of these performances, of course, but she figured them to be spectacular for all the fuss the church ladies made over condemning their immorality. She never told her folks about the dream. Instead, she kept the secret to herself and searched for a more local, “acceptable” stage on which to use her creative oratory skills…the neighborhood school. To this day, her lesson skits and fantastical Christmas programs are the favorite of many a Rock Valley citizen. Clara feels near perfectly content…if only they’d pay her a little more.
HISTORY
- Born February 15, 1905 in Saline County, NE
- Son of: Edwin Murray Crawford & Martha Gene (Dawson) Crawford (deceased 1930)
Siblings:
Sue Beth Crawford born 1908 (deceased 1908)
Harold Dean Crawford born 1909
Lester Lloyd Crawford born 1910
PERSONAL DESCRIPTION
- Occupation: teacher
- Location: Rock Valley, IA (Sioux County)
- Personal interview: “Maybe I’m supposed to be looking for a husband. I don’t know. Ma doesn’t seem to give a hoot about the fact that I haven’t given her any grandchildren. Remembering all of the children I’ve taught…I don’t think I’d ever be able to choose a name for my own baby anyway…there are too many faces already attached to the names I like...and don't. I don’t want to look at my own children and think of all the rascals, rats, and rebellions…far too exhausting to be worth it.”
- Character profile: Clara Crawford, born and raised on a rural farm in Nebraska, once had aspirations of becoming a stage performer on one of New York City’s leading stages. She’d never seen any of these performances, of course, but she figured them to be spectacular for all the fuss the church ladies made over condemning their immorality. She never told her folks about the dream. Instead, she kept the secret to herself and searched for a more local, “acceptable” stage on which to use her creative oratory skills…the neighborhood school. To this day, her lesson skits and fantastical Christmas programs are the favorite of many a Rock Valley citizen. Clara feels near perfectly content…if only they’d pay her a little more.
Gina Vandever or "Clara Anne Crawford"
Picture provided by Diane Ehlers
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Happy Birthday, Timothy John Barry!
The character of Timothy John Barry, played by Josey Wilson in our upcoming film project He Leadeth Me, was born January 19, 1922 . In 1932, during the Great Depression, Timothy Barry would have turned 10 years old on January 19th. Because the 2011 calendar matches the 1932 calendar exactly, he would have celebrated his birthday yesterday!
- Character profile: Timothy Barry, born and raised in Rock Valley, IA, has never known anything but the small-town atmosphere of the humble farming community. As the Great Depression rages around him, he occupies himself with his own version of reality which consists of only innocent childish play, pranks, and prayers. His only real fear is never having enough food to eat, but his mother and father continuously encourage him to trust that the Lord will provide and, in the meantime, eat everything on his plate. His only one true temptation: finding ways to drive his younger sister Angela absolutely crazy.
- Character profile: Timothy Barry, born and raised in Rock Valley, IA, has never known anything but the small-town atmosphere of the humble farming community. As the Great Depression rages around him, he occupies himself with his own version of reality which consists of only innocent childish play, pranks, and prayers. His only real fear is never having enough food to eat, but his mother and father continuously encourage him to trust that the Lord will provide and, in the meantime, eat everything on his plate. His only one true temptation: finding ways to drive his younger sister Angela absolutely crazy.
Josey Wilson, "Timothy John Barry" (courtesy Dawn Schlienz)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Happy Birthday, Judge Ethan Evan Carter!
The character of Judge Ethan Carter, played by Nick Mundis in our upcoming film project He Leadeth Me, was born January 12th, 1890. In 1932, during the Great Depression, Judge Carter would have turned 42 years old on January 12th. Because the 2011 calendar matches the 1932 calendar exactly, he would have celebrated his birthday this week!
- Character profile: Ethan, son of a United States army officer and a Norwegian immigrant, married Laura Brenow in 1914 and was appointed judge in the railroad town of Rock Valley, Iowa one year later at the age of 24. Soon, Ethan and his small family became the most affluent individuals in town. His integrity as justice has gained overwhelming approval and he’s been encouraged more than once to run for mayor. He politely refuses the offer. Laura and a second child, a boy, died during childbirth in 1921. In the midst of his grieving, Ethan hired help to care for his home and his only daughter. This has allowed him to continue his financial and professional affairs in Rock Valley, though his paycheck has slowly dwindled to nothing since the market crashed in 1929. Ethan has one younger brother living in Boston, also a judge.
- Character profile: Ethan, son of a United States army officer and a Norwegian immigrant, married Laura Brenow in 1914 and was appointed judge in the railroad town of Rock Valley, Iowa one year later at the age of 24. Soon, Ethan and his small family became the most affluent individuals in town. His integrity as justice has gained overwhelming approval and he’s been encouraged more than once to run for mayor. He politely refuses the offer. Laura and a second child, a boy, died during childbirth in 1921. In the midst of his grieving, Ethan hired help to care for his home and his only daughter. This has allowed him to continue his financial and professional affairs in Rock Valley, though his paycheck has slowly dwindled to nothing since the market crashed in 1929. Ethan has one younger brother living in Boston, also a judge.
Nick Mundis, "Judge Ethan Evan Carter" (courtesy Nick Mundis)
Monday, November 29, 2010
Locations Secured
Here is a glimpse of a few of our filming locations for next summer! I apologize that a number of them are sideways. Blogger is never the most cooperative program...
Mayor Douglas home in Mount Sterling, IL - Kitchen 1
Mayor Douglas home in Mount Sterling, IL - Kitchen 2
Judge Carter home in Rock Valley, IA - Dining Room
Judge Carter home in Rock Valley, IA - Study
Rock Valley, IA Court House
Mayor Douglas home in Mount Sterling, IL - Private Sitting Room
[location: Bonanzaville USA, Fargo ND]
And there is so much more to look forward to!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Highlighting Amanda Carter
It's been awhile since I've been able to post any character descriptions. It isn't because I don't have them. It is, in fact, because they are located on my external hard drive which is currently out of commission. Sadly, it fell off the table and I can't open it. So...while we wait for it to be fixed...you'll have to be satisfied with the character descriptions I've posted, and perhaps a little rambling on my part about a handful of the people that make up the story of He Leadeth Me.
As I continue to work on the script, I continue to develop an even greater love for the characters in the story. One of my favorite, and perhaps arguably one of the most important characters, is Amanda Carter, the daughter of Judge Ethan Carter. If you were to compare the story of He Leadeth Me with the Biblical story of the Prodigal Son, you'd understand Amanda to be the parallel character to the Prodigal's brother. She's the one who is faithful and never leaves her father. She's the one who is obediant and trustworthy. She's the one who loves him....
Isn't she?
Amanda Carter, daughter to the wealthiest and most beloved men in town, is an only child...and is not a fan of Shawn Carter, a lone young man who has been orphaned. Amanda's father has offered to adopt Shawn and to give him a permanant home. But, Amanda despises the idea and maybe, in retrospect, is more afraid of losing her father than she is of gaining a stranger for a brother. Throughout the entire plot, Amanda is determined to hate Shawn Carter and Judge Carter is determined to love him...determined to show Amanda that she, too, is in danger of becoming a prodigal herself.
What about us? Where do we fit into this story? Maybe we've thought these things...
"I can't believe he's in church.
I can't believe she's taking communion.
I can't believe he's saying that my God is his God when he doesn't even understand what it means.
I can't believe, after all of the work I've done for the church, that she's getting as much if not more recognition than I ever have.
He's my God. Not theirs..."
Ouch. And yet, don't we fall into the temptation of setting ourselves apart from others because we have a personal in with the judge himself? Just like Amanda, we often experience a number of difficult situations. We are asked to make a number of challenging decisions. We are expected, by a loving God, to love others just as we have been loved.
So, no...this isn't just Shawn's journey. This journey belongs to Amanda too.
And to us.
*For more information concerning Christ Family Film Productions, He Leadeth Me, or auditions, please email redeemerssongministries@gmail.com .
As I continue to work on the script, I continue to develop an even greater love for the characters in the story. One of my favorite, and perhaps arguably one of the most important characters, is Amanda Carter, the daughter of Judge Ethan Carter. If you were to compare the story of He Leadeth Me with the Biblical story of the Prodigal Son, you'd understand Amanda to be the parallel character to the Prodigal's brother. She's the one who is faithful and never leaves her father. She's the one who is obediant and trustworthy. She's the one who loves him....
Isn't she?
Amanda Carter, daughter to the wealthiest and most beloved men in town, is an only child...and is not a fan of Shawn Carter, a lone young man who has been orphaned. Amanda's father has offered to adopt Shawn and to give him a permanant home. But, Amanda despises the idea and maybe, in retrospect, is more afraid of losing her father than she is of gaining a stranger for a brother. Throughout the entire plot, Amanda is determined to hate Shawn Carter and Judge Carter is determined to love him...determined to show Amanda that she, too, is in danger of becoming a prodigal herself.
What about us? Where do we fit into this story? Maybe we've thought these things...
"I can't believe he's in church.
I can't believe she's taking communion.
I can't believe he's saying that my God is his God when he doesn't even understand what it means.
I can't believe, after all of the work I've done for the church, that she's getting as much if not more recognition than I ever have.
He's my God. Not theirs..."
Ouch. And yet, don't we fall into the temptation of setting ourselves apart from others because we have a personal in with the judge himself? Just like Amanda, we often experience a number of difficult situations. We are asked to make a number of challenging decisions. We are expected, by a loving God, to love others just as we have been loved.
So, no...this isn't just Shawn's journey. This journey belongs to Amanda too.
And to us.
*For more information concerning Christ Family Film Productions, He Leadeth Me, or auditions, please email redeemerssongministries@gmail.com .
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Auditions, Here We Come!
Here are some fabulous head shots recently taken! You might consider poses like these, or you may not! You may decide to take a picture with your cat in the backyard! Whatever you decide, consider auditioning (no matter how young or old you are) for the He Leadeth Me film project produced by Redeemer's Song Christ Family Film Productions! Filming begins next summer, 2011, and the film will premiere Father's Day 2012 and be submitted to the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival! For more information, email redeemerssongministries@gmail.com!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Sign-Up Now Available @ A Center for the Arts
A sign-up list is now available at A Center for the Arts in Fergus Falls. Call or stop in today to sign up for your audition time August 19, or Sept 22, 23.
TIME SLOTS LIMITED.
Reminder: you must have a completed audition form and a formal or informal headshot at your audition. Email redeemerssongministries@gmail.com for an audition form.
TIME SLOTS LIMITED.
Reminder: you must have a completed audition form and a formal or informal headshot at your audition. Email redeemerssongministries@gmail.com for an audition form.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
The Prodigal Son
Jesus told the best stories. Not just because he could relate his stories to those around him by using their everyday experiences. Not just because there was something about him that was more attractive than others. But because his stories revealed a Truth that brought peace and hope. Jesus' parables are some of the most well-known stories in the Bible. One of the most popular, if you can call any one of his stories more popular than others, is the story of the Prodigal Son. For those of us who are familiar with it, we understand what it means when someone labels another individual a "prodigal." But do you know what the word prodigal actually means? Prodigal means wasteful! Not quite what you'd expect.
In the year 1932, being wasteful was a sin in the eyes of those who worked very hard to survive. After the stock market crashed in the United States in 1929, prices skyrocketed while income plummeted. The average national income was $1,652.00 a year. People were desperately trying to stay afloat, not only financially but emotionally and spiritually. Google "Great Depression stories" and you'll be surprised at the things you'll find. The generation now that is quickly passing away (the group of people some refer to as "The Greatest Generation") is made up of those who were children during the Great Depression. You've probably heard your grandmother exclaim, "Don't throw that away! We can use it for something!" No one in 1932 dared throw anything away.
1932 and the Great Depression is one of the best settings for the story of the Prodigal Son. Any setting, really, fits this story! But, Redeemer's Song Ministries and Christ Family Film Productions sets Jesus' original story in this setting because of it's unique historical value and the relevance the "waste not, want not" mentality has when it comes to the idea of someone becoming a prodigal.
Take the time tonight to read the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke, chapter 15. Enjoy Jesus' story as we prepare to tell it again through film when we premiere He Leadeth Me, written and directed by Sarah R. Larson and produced by Christ Family Film Productions, Father's Day 2012.
In the year 1932, being wasteful was a sin in the eyes of those who worked very hard to survive. After the stock market crashed in the United States in 1929, prices skyrocketed while income plummeted. The average national income was $1,652.00 a year. People were desperately trying to stay afloat, not only financially but emotionally and spiritually. Google "Great Depression stories" and you'll be surprised at the things you'll find. The generation now that is quickly passing away (the group of people some refer to as "The Greatest Generation") is made up of those who were children during the Great Depression. You've probably heard your grandmother exclaim, "Don't throw that away! We can use it for something!" No one in 1932 dared throw anything away.
1932 and the Great Depression is one of the best settings for the story of the Prodigal Son. Any setting, really, fits this story! But, Redeemer's Song Ministries and Christ Family Film Productions sets Jesus' original story in this setting because of it's unique historical value and the relevance the "waste not, want not" mentality has when it comes to the idea of someone becoming a prodigal.
Take the time tonight to read the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke, chapter 15. Enjoy Jesus' story as we prepare to tell it again through film when we premiere He Leadeth Me, written and directed by Sarah R. Larson and produced by Christ Family Film Productions, Father's Day 2012.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Meet The Characters: Walter Cole
Get to know the people...get to know the story. And join us in September for auditions in Fergus Falls, MN!
WALTER ABRAHAM COLE – AGE 13
HISTORY
- Born August 19th, 1919 in Sioux County, Iowa
- Son of: Rev. Arden Rollin Cole & Elizabeth Jacqueline (Harrington) Cole
o Siblings:
Alyssa Adella Cole born 1917
PERSONAL DESCRIPTION
- Occupation: NA
- Location: Rock Valley, Iowa (Sioux County)
- Personal interview: “I don’t know what all the fuss is about. Shawn isn’t so bad. My sister might be in love with him…but that’s disgusting and pa would take her back behind the woodshed if she did anything about it…Are you going to eat that?”
- Character profile: Son of the preacher and inclined to take advantage of it, Walter Cole is anything but holy. Daring, mischievous, cunning, and terribly brilliant, Walter has managed to harness all of his energetic qualities to the carriage of his demands. His mother showers him with affection, and as many gifts as the financial stipend from her husband allows. And yet he is rarely satisfied. Ultimately, though he would never admit it---denying this as often as his mother encourages him to do so---Walter longs to be satisfied with simple, quality time. The attentive time only his father can give. Discipline appears to be his father’s only form of communication, and so Walter speaks in a language worthy of it.
WALTER ABRAHAM COLE – AGE 13
HISTORY
- Born August 19th, 1919 in Sioux County, Iowa
- Son of: Rev. Arden Rollin Cole & Elizabeth Jacqueline (Harrington) Cole
o Siblings:
Alyssa Adella Cole born 1917
PERSONAL DESCRIPTION
- Occupation: NA
- Location: Rock Valley, Iowa (Sioux County)
- Personal interview: “I don’t know what all the fuss is about. Shawn isn’t so bad. My sister might be in love with him…but that’s disgusting and pa would take her back behind the woodshed if she did anything about it…Are you going to eat that?”
- Character profile: Son of the preacher and inclined to take advantage of it, Walter Cole is anything but holy. Daring, mischievous, cunning, and terribly brilliant, Walter has managed to harness all of his energetic qualities to the carriage of his demands. His mother showers him with affection, and as many gifts as the financial stipend from her husband allows. And yet he is rarely satisfied. Ultimately, though he would never admit it---denying this as often as his mother encourages him to do so---Walter longs to be satisfied with simple, quality time. The attentive time only his father can give. Discipline appears to be his father’s only form of communication, and so Walter speaks in a language worthy of it.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Meet The Characters: Alyssa Cole
Get to know the people...get to know the story. And join us in September for auditions in Fergus Falls, MN!
ALYSSA ADELLA COLE – AGE 15
HISTORY
- Born June 1st, 1917 in Sioux County, Iowa
- Daughter of: Rev. Arden Rollin Cole & Elizabeth Jacqueline (Harrington) Cole
o Siblings:
Walter Abraham Cole born 1919
PERSONAL DESCRIPTION
- Occupation: NA
- Location: Rock Valley, Iowa (Sioux County)
- Personal interview: “I don’t know what my parents are thinking, living out here in the middle of nowhere at a time like this. And I don’t know who Amanda Carter thinks she is, flaunting her papa’s wealth all over the neighborhood. And now her pa wants to adopt Shawn Carter? She’ll pay for it.”
- Character profile: Alyssa, born years after her parents had tried conceiving children, was a delightful surprise to both of them. She grew up pampered and petted like a little store-bought doll. Never was she far from her father’s discipline, however, and she was reprimanded often enough for having personal dreams and wishes. Her mother encouraged the care of her outward appearance and taught her proper, Chicago-style etiquette while her father stamped out any expression of her natural-born creativity and passion for things, deeming it un-Christian to encourage personal pleasure. The inconsistency now forces her to express herself in egotistical ways in order to prove, not just to others but to herself, how wonderful she is. She has no specific hobbies and spends much of her time following others, longing for someone to notice her. She excels in school, the one area in which she’s allowed to express herself without fear of being guilty of unholy, blatant vanity. She harbors a certain amount of hate against anyone that has something she can’t have…especially if that something creates visible, genuine happiness. All pampering ceased when her baby brother was born.
ALYSSA ADELLA COLE – AGE 15
HISTORY
- Born June 1st, 1917 in Sioux County, Iowa
- Daughter of: Rev. Arden Rollin Cole & Elizabeth Jacqueline (Harrington) Cole
o Siblings:
Walter Abraham Cole born 1919
PERSONAL DESCRIPTION
- Occupation: NA
- Location: Rock Valley, Iowa (Sioux County)
- Personal interview: “I don’t know what my parents are thinking, living out here in the middle of nowhere at a time like this. And I don’t know who Amanda Carter thinks she is, flaunting her papa’s wealth all over the neighborhood. And now her pa wants to adopt Shawn Carter? She’ll pay for it.”
- Character profile: Alyssa, born years after her parents had tried conceiving children, was a delightful surprise to both of them. She grew up pampered and petted like a little store-bought doll. Never was she far from her father’s discipline, however, and she was reprimanded often enough for having personal dreams and wishes. Her mother encouraged the care of her outward appearance and taught her proper, Chicago-style etiquette while her father stamped out any expression of her natural-born creativity and passion for things, deeming it un-Christian to encourage personal pleasure. The inconsistency now forces her to express herself in egotistical ways in order to prove, not just to others but to herself, how wonderful she is. She has no specific hobbies and spends much of her time following others, longing for someone to notice her. She excels in school, the one area in which she’s allowed to express herself without fear of being guilty of unholy, blatant vanity. She harbors a certain amount of hate against anyone that has something she can’t have…especially if that something creates visible, genuine happiness. All pampering ceased when her baby brother was born.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Meet The Characters: Elizabeth Cole
Get to know the people...get to know the story. And join us in September for auditions in Fergus Falls, MN!
ELIZABETH JACQUELINE (HARRINGTON) COLE – AGE 47
HISTORY
- Born April 26th, 1885 in Cook County, Illinois
- Daughter of: Dr. Merlin Gary Harrington & Celestine Caroline (Bower) Harrington
o Siblings: NA
PERSONAL DESCRIPTION
- Occupation: minister’s wife
- Location: Rock Valley, Iowa (Sioux County)
- Personal interview: “Arden means well. I support him. I do. Though I wish that I could see my parents again.”
- Character profile: Elizabeth, a single child of a wealthy doctor, grew up in the luxury and limelight of Chicago at the turn of the century. Unaware of the dark parts of the city, she delighted in glittering coming-of-age parties, social dances, and birthday costume balls. She lovingly draped her arm through her father’s any chance she could get and enjoyed parading around the city with her beautiful parents. She attended finishing school and learned how to perform as a respected, eligible young lady. She met Arden at a seminary gathering, where her father spoke for a retirement luncheon. She had never seen anyone so handsome, and yet knew he was as penniless as the simplest of maids at home. He was daring. Secretive. And spiritually elegant. She hung on his every word and would meet him privately at the corner of her street whenever she could. Without so much as a word to her parents, they were married by the judge in the summer of 1920 and hurriedly sped off to the nearest Indian reservation in Minnesota for what Arden claimed as the “spiritual opportunity of a lifetime to convert the rejected.” From there they traveled all over the country and finally settled in Rock Valley, Iowa. She hasn’t seen her parents since and would never admit to anyone that Arden didn’t turn out to be the hero of ministers after all.
ELIZABETH JACQUELINE (HARRINGTON) COLE – AGE 47
HISTORY
- Born April 26th, 1885 in Cook County, Illinois
- Daughter of: Dr. Merlin Gary Harrington & Celestine Caroline (Bower) Harrington
o Siblings: NA
PERSONAL DESCRIPTION
- Occupation: minister’s wife
- Location: Rock Valley, Iowa (Sioux County)
- Personal interview: “Arden means well. I support him. I do. Though I wish that I could see my parents again.”
- Character profile: Elizabeth, a single child of a wealthy doctor, grew up in the luxury and limelight of Chicago at the turn of the century. Unaware of the dark parts of the city, she delighted in glittering coming-of-age parties, social dances, and birthday costume balls. She lovingly draped her arm through her father’s any chance she could get and enjoyed parading around the city with her beautiful parents. She attended finishing school and learned how to perform as a respected, eligible young lady. She met Arden at a seminary gathering, where her father spoke for a retirement luncheon. She had never seen anyone so handsome, and yet knew he was as penniless as the simplest of maids at home. He was daring. Secretive. And spiritually elegant. She hung on his every word and would meet him privately at the corner of her street whenever she could. Without so much as a word to her parents, they were married by the judge in the summer of 1920 and hurriedly sped off to the nearest Indian reservation in Minnesota for what Arden claimed as the “spiritual opportunity of a lifetime to convert the rejected.” From there they traveled all over the country and finally settled in Rock Valley, Iowa. She hasn’t seen her parents since and would never admit to anyone that Arden didn’t turn out to be the hero of ministers after all.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Meet The Characters: Rev. Arden Cole
Christ Family Film Productions yet again is posting character descriptions of the roles being auditioned in September for He Leadeth Me. Get to know the people...get to know the story. And join us in September for auditions in Fergus Falls, MN!
REV. ARDEN ROLLIN COLE – AGE 52
HISTORY
- Born December 2nd, 1880 in Cook County, Illinois
- Son of: Rev. Albin Isaac Cole & Elenora Edwina (Massey) Cole
o Siblings:
Casper Ottis Cole born 1882 (deceased 1930)
PERSONAL DESCRIPTION
- Occupation: minister
- Location: Rock Valley, Iowa (Sioux County)
- Personal interview: “The Lord’s work is the work of a saint. Not everyone is called to the pulpit and the Lord our God showers down on those selected the strength to be givers of truth…even when it hurts. You need to hear it and I’m here to tell it to you. Shawn Harper will bring the devil to our door.”
- Character profile: Arden, born and raised in Chicago, attended McCormick Theological Seminary and graduated in 1902. He married Elizabeth Harrington the summer following his senior year at the seminary and the two spent a number of years on the Indian reservations preaching the Word of the Lord. Disease forced the couple to flee the reservations and they finally settled in Rock Valley, Iowa, opening one of the first Presbyterian churches in the area. Arden is known for his blunt opinions and hard political stance. He is a lover of the Word, but an extreme doer of discipline which he carries over into his household. After a falling-out with his father, Rev. Cole, he has become increasingly skeptical and wary of organized religion as a whole. The country’s depression, however, has given him no other choice: preach, or starve.
REV. ARDEN ROLLIN COLE – AGE 52
HISTORY
- Born December 2nd, 1880 in Cook County, Illinois
- Son of: Rev. Albin Isaac Cole & Elenora Edwina (Massey) Cole
o Siblings:
Casper Ottis Cole born 1882 (deceased 1930)
PERSONAL DESCRIPTION
- Occupation: minister
- Location: Rock Valley, Iowa (Sioux County)
- Personal interview: “The Lord’s work is the work of a saint. Not everyone is called to the pulpit and the Lord our God showers down on those selected the strength to be givers of truth…even when it hurts. You need to hear it and I’m here to tell it to you. Shawn Harper will bring the devil to our door.”
- Character profile: Arden, born and raised in Chicago, attended McCormick Theological Seminary and graduated in 1902. He married Elizabeth Harrington the summer following his senior year at the seminary and the two spent a number of years on the Indian reservations preaching the Word of the Lord. Disease forced the couple to flee the reservations and they finally settled in Rock Valley, Iowa, opening one of the first Presbyterian churches in the area. Arden is known for his blunt opinions and hard political stance. He is a lover of the Word, but an extreme doer of discipline which he carries over into his household. After a falling-out with his father, Rev. Cole, he has become increasingly skeptical and wary of organized religion as a whole. The country’s depression, however, has given him no other choice: preach, or starve.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Meet The Characters: Samuel Rosgaard
Christ Family Film Productions yet again is posting character descriptions of the roles being auditioned in September for He Leadeth Me. Get to know the people...get to know the story. And join us in September for auditions in Fergus Falls, MN!
SAMUEL KEVIN ROSGAARD – AGE 12 – 13
HISTORY
- Born November 24th, 1919 in Lyon County, Iowa
- Son of: Benjamin Theodore Rosgaard & Evelyn Jenny (Miller) Rosgaard
o Siblings:
Lenora Jenny Rosgaard born 1916
Adam Ryan Rosgaard born 1918
Baby Rosgaard born 1932
PERSONAL DESCRIPTION
- Occupation: NA
- Location: Rock Valley, Iowa (Sioux County)
- Personal interview: “I found a book that I can’t stop reading over and over. It’s so good, but I can’t tell you what happens ‘cause then you’ll never read it. And you need to read it. It’s too good.”
- Character profile: Samuel, the shiest of the four Rosgaard children, has been labeled “Adam’s Shadow,” much to his consternation. Born early, it was believed that Samuel wouldn’t survive. When he did survive, he contracted a serious case of the measles at age two and wasn’t expected to live. Surviving that, he fell out of a climbing tree at age nine and punctured a lung. With remedial surgery, he was able to return to school within a few months but found himself sorely behind the others. With his brother’s encouragement and his sister’s tutoring, Samuel managed to catch up sufficiently but never enough to feel confident in any of his studies. His interests rest more in the discovery of new stories hidden in the pages of his parents’ books, often read during recovery from some ailment or another. Reading far beyond his grade level, he weekly devours books on all sorts of topics and ignores all of his other school work. He wants to be a sailor when he grows up.
SAMUEL KEVIN ROSGAARD – AGE 12 – 13
HISTORY
- Born November 24th, 1919 in Lyon County, Iowa
- Son of: Benjamin Theodore Rosgaard & Evelyn Jenny (Miller) Rosgaard
o Siblings:
Lenora Jenny Rosgaard born 1916
Adam Ryan Rosgaard born 1918
Baby Rosgaard born 1932
PERSONAL DESCRIPTION
- Occupation: NA
- Location: Rock Valley, Iowa (Sioux County)
- Personal interview: “I found a book that I can’t stop reading over and over. It’s so good, but I can’t tell you what happens ‘cause then you’ll never read it. And you need to read it. It’s too good.”
- Character profile: Samuel, the shiest of the four Rosgaard children, has been labeled “Adam’s Shadow,” much to his consternation. Born early, it was believed that Samuel wouldn’t survive. When he did survive, he contracted a serious case of the measles at age two and wasn’t expected to live. Surviving that, he fell out of a climbing tree at age nine and punctured a lung. With remedial surgery, he was able to return to school within a few months but found himself sorely behind the others. With his brother’s encouragement and his sister’s tutoring, Samuel managed to catch up sufficiently but never enough to feel confident in any of his studies. His interests rest more in the discovery of new stories hidden in the pages of his parents’ books, often read during recovery from some ailment or another. Reading far beyond his grade level, he weekly devours books on all sorts of topics and ignores all of his other school work. He wants to be a sailor when he grows up.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Meet The Characters: Adam Rosgaard
Christ Family Film Productions yet again is posting character descriptions of the roles being auditioned in September for He Leadeth Me. Get to know the people...get to know the story. And join us in September for auditions in Fergus Falls, MN!
ADAM RYAN ROSGAARD – AGE 14
HISTORY
- Born February 9th, 1918 in Sioux County, Iowa
- Son of: Benjamin Theodore Rosgaard & Evelyn Jenny (Miller) Rosgaard
o Siblings:
Lenora Jenny Rosgaard born 1916
Samuel Kevin Rosgaard born 1919
Baby Rosgaard born 1932
PERSONAL DESCRIPTION
- Occupation: NA
- Location: Rock Valley, Iowa (Sioux County)
- Personal interview: “I’m like my pa. That’s what everybody tells me. I want to see our farm be rich again. I don’t think my pa’s done a bad job. I just think it’s this stinkin’ weather. And no one wants to buy what we grow anyway.”
- Character profile: Adam, the oldest son, has always assumed that the family farm would be his someday. In the 1920s, he was more than proud to admit this. Now that the stock market has fallen and with the crop prices plummeting every day, he ignores any sort of conversation about agriculture. He’s a headstrong young man with a heart for the homestead and a mind for numbers, and he refuses to see his family give up on the land. At the same time, his boyish interests distract him long enough to find joy in the simplest of things. He spends much of his time in school and favors the games over eating his lunch. He’s a class clown and yet at the top of his class in academic areas such as math and science. He’s a diligent worker, a respectful son, and worships his father. He finds a best friend in his younger brother Samuel and between the two of them keeps the family in high spirits even as the depression seems to be closing in around them.
ADAM RYAN ROSGAARD – AGE 14
HISTORY
- Born February 9th, 1918 in Sioux County, Iowa
- Son of: Benjamin Theodore Rosgaard & Evelyn Jenny (Miller) Rosgaard
o Siblings:
Lenora Jenny Rosgaard born 1916
Samuel Kevin Rosgaard born 1919
Baby Rosgaard born 1932
PERSONAL DESCRIPTION
- Occupation: NA
- Location: Rock Valley, Iowa (Sioux County)
- Personal interview: “I’m like my pa. That’s what everybody tells me. I want to see our farm be rich again. I don’t think my pa’s done a bad job. I just think it’s this stinkin’ weather. And no one wants to buy what we grow anyway.”
- Character profile: Adam, the oldest son, has always assumed that the family farm would be his someday. In the 1920s, he was more than proud to admit this. Now that the stock market has fallen and with the crop prices plummeting every day, he ignores any sort of conversation about agriculture. He’s a headstrong young man with a heart for the homestead and a mind for numbers, and he refuses to see his family give up on the land. At the same time, his boyish interests distract him long enough to find joy in the simplest of things. He spends much of his time in school and favors the games over eating his lunch. He’s a class clown and yet at the top of his class in academic areas such as math and science. He’s a diligent worker, a respectful son, and worships his father. He finds a best friend in his younger brother Samuel and between the two of them keeps the family in high spirits even as the depression seems to be closing in around them.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Meet The Characters: Lenora Rosgaard
Christ Family Film Productions yet again is posting character descriptions of the roles being auditioned in September for He Leadeth Me. Get to know the people...get to know the story. And join us in September for auditions in Fergus Falls, MN!
LENORA JENNY ROSGAARD – AGE 15 – 16
HISTORY
- Born October 12th, 1916 in Sioux County, Iowa
- Daughter of: Benjamin Theodore Rosgaard & Evelyn Jenny (Miller) Rosgaard
o Siblings:
Adam Ryan Rosgaard born 1918
Samuel Kevin Rosgaard born 1919
Baby Rosgaard born 1932
PERSONAL DESCRIPTION
- Occupation: NA
- Location: Rock Valley, Iowa (Sioux County)
- Personal interview: “I don’t know if there’s anywhere I’d rather be. Except maybe somewhere where the dust doesn’t blow so much. Mama wants us to sweep up the floor every day, all the time. It’s all that dust blowing in from the south. It isn’t fair. It’s a relief to go to school. Maybe it’ll rain today. I’m worried about Pa and his fields.”
- Character profile: Lenora, born on the eve of one of the wealthiest, inflated decades of the 20th century, only ever knew what it meant to be the daughter of a wealthy farmer. It wasn’t until crop prices began to fall after the market crashed in 1929 that Lenora began to realize the importance of familial cooperation. Raised in a paternally conservative home, Lenora knew what it meant to work hard, save money, and invest wisely but didn’t really understand the importance of scrimping and saving for survival. When the depression hit, she learned the lesson fast. It was all her family could do to keep Lenora in school. Determined and dedicated, Lenora found a job outside of the home and now works after school every day for two hours at the general store. Vehemently opposed to it, her father daily orders her home by dinner time and expects all of her chores to be finished before homework. Lenora is wholeheartedly supported by her mother, however, who has taken an unusual liking to the idea of female independence. Lenora has learned one lesson above all: working fast and hard allows for a little extra time with her most important friend, Amanda Carter. Intimate companionship during these difficult times has become, for Lenora and many others, more valuable than gold.
LENORA JENNY ROSGAARD – AGE 15 – 16
HISTORY
- Born October 12th, 1916 in Sioux County, Iowa
- Daughter of: Benjamin Theodore Rosgaard & Evelyn Jenny (Miller) Rosgaard
o Siblings:
Adam Ryan Rosgaard born 1918
Samuel Kevin Rosgaard born 1919
Baby Rosgaard born 1932
PERSONAL DESCRIPTION
- Occupation: NA
- Location: Rock Valley, Iowa (Sioux County)
- Personal interview: “I don’t know if there’s anywhere I’d rather be. Except maybe somewhere where the dust doesn’t blow so much. Mama wants us to sweep up the floor every day, all the time. It’s all that dust blowing in from the south. It isn’t fair. It’s a relief to go to school. Maybe it’ll rain today. I’m worried about Pa and his fields.”
- Character profile: Lenora, born on the eve of one of the wealthiest, inflated decades of the 20th century, only ever knew what it meant to be the daughter of a wealthy farmer. It wasn’t until crop prices began to fall after the market crashed in 1929 that Lenora began to realize the importance of familial cooperation. Raised in a paternally conservative home, Lenora knew what it meant to work hard, save money, and invest wisely but didn’t really understand the importance of scrimping and saving for survival. When the depression hit, she learned the lesson fast. It was all her family could do to keep Lenora in school. Determined and dedicated, Lenora found a job outside of the home and now works after school every day for two hours at the general store. Vehemently opposed to it, her father daily orders her home by dinner time and expects all of her chores to be finished before homework. Lenora is wholeheartedly supported by her mother, however, who has taken an unusual liking to the idea of female independence. Lenora has learned one lesson above all: working fast and hard allows for a little extra time with her most important friend, Amanda Carter. Intimate companionship during these difficult times has become, for Lenora and many others, more valuable than gold.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Audition Information & Head Shots
Audition Information
Early-Bird Auditions: August 19th, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Hotel Kadaatz
Auditions: September 22, 23, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Hotel Kadaatz
*Please submit an audition application and formal or informal head shot.
For more information or an audition form, contact redeemerssongministries@gmail.com
Head Shot Photography FREE for those auditioning provided by Larson Photography.
Head Shot Sessions:
July 21, 22, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
August 4, 5, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Location - 1106 N Cleveland Ave
Contact discoverlarsonphotography@gmail.com to sign up for a time.
*Alternative session available only upon special request.
Early-Bird Auditions: August 19th, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Hotel Kadaatz
Auditions: September 22, 23, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Hotel Kadaatz
*Please submit an audition application and formal or informal head shot.
For more information or an audition form, contact redeemerssongministries@gmail.com
Head Shot Photography FREE for those auditioning provided by Larson Photography.
Head Shot Sessions:
July 21, 22, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
August 4, 5, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Location - 1106 N Cleveland Ave
Contact discoverlarsonphotography@gmail.com to sign up for a time.
*Alternative session available only upon special request.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Meet The Characters: Evelyn Rosgaard
For the next few months, Christ Family Film Productions will be posting character descriptions of the roles being auditioned in September for He Leadeth Me. Get to know the people...get to know the story. And join us in September for auditions in Fergus Falls, MN!
EVELYN JENNY (MILLER) ROSGAARD – AGE 29 – 30
HISTORY
- Born October 11th, 1902 in Sioux County, Iowa
- Daughter of: Nels Ezekiel Miller & Evelyn Audrey (Rielly) Miller
Siblings:
Rosalee Dorris (Miller) McBride born 1909
Susanne Eda Miller born 1911
PERSONAL DESCRIPTION
- Occupation: farmer’s wife
- Location: Rock Valley, Iowa (Sioux County)
- Personal interview: “I never thought I’d be a farmer’s wife. My ma always said I’d make a good preacher’s wife, or even a good storekeeper. It’s not like I favor dirt over the pulpit…and who doesn’t like a consistent income? No…it’s the man. It’s always been about the man.”
- Character profile: Evelyn, one of three girls, was raised in town. Her parents, originally homesteaders, gave up on the homestead after a series of hailstorms and grasshopper plagues. Nels and Evelyn Audrey purchased a small plot of land on the south side of town and constructed a simple shanty that soon evolved into a comfortable and tidy home. Nels found work at the lumber yard and Evelyn taught her daughters at home until she felt religiously convicted to send them to school…especially after the women in the tea circle challenged her to become more independent. The young Evelyn then grew up extremely engaged in her learning. She eventually attended and graduated from high school, boarding at a different location for the remainder of her schooling. Even with her high school degree and an opportunity to go to college, she fondly remembered the little boy who would tag after her in the play yard and share his soup and crackers with her at mealtime. Evelyn resolutely moved back home and planted herself daily in a place where Benjamin would be sure to notice her…his front yard. The couple were married in the local Presbyterian church in the spring of 1920. Their mothers served soup and crackers at the reception.
EVELYN JENNY (MILLER) ROSGAARD – AGE 29 – 30
HISTORY
- Born October 11th, 1902 in Sioux County, Iowa
- Daughter of: Nels Ezekiel Miller & Evelyn Audrey (Rielly) Miller
Siblings:
Rosalee Dorris (Miller) McBride born 1909
Susanne Eda Miller born 1911
PERSONAL DESCRIPTION
- Occupation: farmer’s wife
- Location: Rock Valley, Iowa (Sioux County)
- Personal interview: “I never thought I’d be a farmer’s wife. My ma always said I’d make a good preacher’s wife, or even a good storekeeper. It’s not like I favor dirt over the pulpit…and who doesn’t like a consistent income? No…it’s the man. It’s always been about the man.”
- Character profile: Evelyn, one of three girls, was raised in town. Her parents, originally homesteaders, gave up on the homestead after a series of hailstorms and grasshopper plagues. Nels and Evelyn Audrey purchased a small plot of land on the south side of town and constructed a simple shanty that soon evolved into a comfortable and tidy home. Nels found work at the lumber yard and Evelyn taught her daughters at home until she felt religiously convicted to send them to school…especially after the women in the tea circle challenged her to become more independent. The young Evelyn then grew up extremely engaged in her learning. She eventually attended and graduated from high school, boarding at a different location for the remainder of her schooling. Even with her high school degree and an opportunity to go to college, she fondly remembered the little boy who would tag after her in the play yard and share his soup and crackers with her at mealtime. Evelyn resolutely moved back home and planted herself daily in a place where Benjamin would be sure to notice her…his front yard. The couple were married in the local Presbyterian church in the spring of 1920. Their mothers served soup and crackers at the reception.
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