Laurie Winslow Sargent

Laurie Winslow Sargent • 1st May 2024

Grandpa and the Maharaja of Jaipur

The book The Henna Artist (by Alka Joshi) includes scenes set in the Indian palace of the Maharaja of Jaipur. That brings alive a 1920s invitation in my possession–from that maharaja to my American grandfather, J.K. Pearce. J. Kenneth and Gladys Pearce lived in British Raj India between 1923 and 1933.

Writing Tips & History Tidbits • 15th July 2020

A Sure-footed Dhurzee & a Sly Cook

In 1926, Gladys Pearce, fresh from America, was new to routines in British India. Although she admired the tailor, she let the cook know she was not as naive as he’d hoped...

Writing Tips & History Tidbits • 8th July 2020

A Reluctant Memsahib

In 1920s British Raj India, independent, hardworking American Gladys was expected to have servants — whether she wanted them or not...

Writing Tips & History Tidbits • 17th June 2020

A Mongoose Surprise

In 1926 British India, the Adyar Club in Madras (Chennai) had an unusual resident...

Writing Tips & History Tidbits • 8th June 2020

A Story About a Love Story

How Adventures in the Attic led to an India news story, about a 1920s American romance & a jungle honeymoon.

Writing Tips & History Tidbits • 28th May 2020

1926: Silent Valley

In 1926, Kerala India, Gladys and Ken finish their honeymoon hiking in Silent Valley. How silent? Can screams still be heard?

Writing Tips & History Tidbits • 14th May 2020

Adventures in the Attic

How a vintage suitcase, overflowing with 1920s-1930s jungle honeymoon adventures, birthed a book. ~ Featured in Mid Day News: American Author Traces Her Ancestors Love Story Through Letters

Writing Tips & History Tidbits • 12th May 2020

1929: New Motherhood in Ooty

In 1929, expat Gladys sent this sweet note on motherhood from Ooty, South India to her mother in Walla Walla, Washington. Funny, even then teddy bear outfits on babies were popular.

Writing Tips & History Tidbits • 4th May 2020

1923: Ken in the Raj

While Gladys worked as a physical education teacher in San Diego, she received letters from India describing strange and wonderful tales. Ken, hoping for romance, had finally gotten her attention:

Writing Tips & History Tidbits • 28th April 2020

1918: A Day She Beat the Boys

In 1918, Gladys was not to be deterred from winning the race against the frat boys, so she ditched her cumbersome ladies’ “swim dress” for a men's tank suit.

Writing Tips & History Tidbits • 24th April 2020

A Naughty Baby Elephant

When elephant Kitty gave birth to the first baby elephant born in Nedangayam lumber camp in S. Malabar India, Kitty’s Baby became a beloved pet to all — until she outgrew her welcome...

Writing Tips & History Tidbits • 23rd April 2020

1929: Dearest Funny Baby

Kenneth — 91 years ago — wrote this love note to his wife and new child when all were confined to home. He was ill, so couldn’t be in the same room with them. He “mailed” it from one end of their house to the other.

Writing Tips & History Tidbits • 22nd April 2020

One Less Crocodile

This 1926 jungle story is from the diary of Gladys Gose Pearce, a Seattle woman who lived with spouse Ken in India during the British Raj era. On their honeymoon, only weeks after arriving in India, he asked her to help him defend locals from a crocodile...