Join us for the 2021 Judy Bolton Festivities!

Join us for the 2021 Judy Bolton festivities! Due to the COVID19 pandemic, we will not be gathering in Potter County, Pennsylvania this year.  Instead, you are invited to join us on Zoom for a virtual get-together. The Zoom links for Friday and Saturday are given below.  You can join anytime during the activities.  However, to participate in Saturday's trivia contest, you must enter the zoom meeting before the contest begins. 

Friday, October 8

• 2:00 PM Zoom happy hour.
  ZOOM Link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81361745522
  Judy Bolton fans will have a chance to say hello and give us a brief update. Pour a glass of your favorite beverage and join us!

• 3:00 PM  Zoom to the Judy Bolton Exhibit at the Eliot Ness Museum in Coudersport, Pennsylvania, Margaret Sutton’s hometown.  Our friend Stephen Green of Southwoods is looking forward to welcoming Judy Bolton fans.

Saturday, October 9 

• 6:00 PM 
  Zoom Link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86419577955
  Evening activities on Zoom begin with a virtual trip back to 1949 when Margaret Sutton visited a reservation in Wisconsin.  From her letters and files, plus photos, we’ll learn about the Ojibwe and their sacred island plus the hotel in the story. This will be followed by the presentation of the 2021 Margaret Sutton Essay Contest winners.  Potter County students in grades 7-12 have been invited to submit a story! Join our panel of judges and the finalists as we announce the winners and hear the top junior high and high school winners read their essays. View the contest rules.

• 7:00 PM Annual Judy Bolton Trivia Contest. Last year’s winner, Katelyn Mascato, will conduct the contest on The Spirit of Fog Island, #22 in the Judy Bolton Mystery Series. You must be in the Zoom meeting when the contest begins, which will be shortly after 7:00 PM. Have three playing cards handy as these will serve as your markers.  You must promise to keep the book closed and out of sight during the contest! Study up—this is a very competitive contest!  Prizes will be awarded and mailed to the winners, and laughter is guaranteed!

Although we can’t be together in person this year, we hope that Judy Bolton fans who have been unable to travel to Pennsylvania for our past events will be able to join our virtual festivities!

Margaret Sutton Writing Contest 2021

All junior high and high school students residing in Potter County, Pennsylvania are invited to enter a writing contest with cash prizes!  The contest is being held to encourage young writers and to honor the memory of author Margaret Sutton, who was born and raised in Potter County. 

Theme: A Special Friendship.
Create a short story featuring two people who seem quite different from each other who become friends.  
Entries will be accepted starting June 1, 2021. 

Deadline for submissions is midnight on September 22, 2021.  The judges (a panel of published authors) will announce the winners.  The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in the Junior High and High School categories will receive cash prizes and be invited to attend the annual Judy Bolton fans dinner with their parents.  The first place essays will be published online. 

For complete contest rules, visit www.MargaretSuttonBooks.com.

2020 Judy Bolton Trivia Contest Winners!

Thank you to everyone who took part in the 2020 virtual Judy Bolton weekend. Congratulations to the winners of the annual Trivia Contest: 1st place, Katelyn Mascato, 2nd place Bill Land, 3rd place Zoe Ann White. Our next Judy Bolton Weekend will be October 8-10, 2021 in Coudersport, Pennsylvania. Our book will be THE SPIRIT OF FOG ISLAND. Check this website for details.

First Virtual Judy Bolton Weekend Includes New Children's Book, History Tour, Trivia Contest and Prizes

Join us for the 2020 Judy Bolton festivities! Due to the COVID19 pandemic, we will not be gathering in Potter County, Pennsylvania this year. Instead, you are invited to join us on Zoom for a virtual get-together.  If you are new to Zoom, please go to www.zoom.com and sign up for a free Zoom account.  Then just click on the link before each meeting starts.

Friday, October 9, 2020

6 PM (EST) Happy Hour
 Zoom link  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83846766192
Judy Bolton fans will have a chance to say hello and give us a brief update. Pour a glass of your favorite beverage and join us. Letters to Live By, a new book for children written by Margaret Sutton and her daughters Lindsay Stroh and Marjorie Eckstein, will be introduced.

Saturday, October 10, 2020

12 Noon (EST) Margaret Sutton items and tour of the E.O. Austin Museum
Zoom link  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85153564570  
Margaret Sutton’s hometown can’t welcome us in person this year, but we’ll have an interesting virtual visit in cooperation with our friends in Potter County. The first Judy Bolton book, THE VANISHING SHADOW, was based on the dam that burst in Austin in 1911. 

6:00 PM (EST) An interview with Margaret Sutton
Zoom link  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85097164095 
In 1971, Margaret Sutton was interviewed at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga by Rosa Ann Moore of the English Department.  Listen to our favorite author as she describes bringing her childhood pretend friend to life as Judy Bolton!  Mrs. Sutton describes her career journey and also discusses the history of series books.   The author’s youngest daughter, Lindsay Sutton Stroh, discovered the tape of this 50-minute interview several years ago.  She will invite questions and comments at the conclusion of the interview before the trivia contest begins.

7:00 PM (EST) Annual Judy Bolton Trivia Contest 
Zoom link (continues from 6 PM)  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85097164095  
Last year’s winner, Rachelle Lerner, will conduct the contest on The Clue of the Stone Lantern, #21 in the Judy Bolton Mystery Series.  Please check in to the Zoom meeting between 6 PM and 7 PM.  You must be in the Zoom meeting when the contest begins, which will be shortly after 7:00 PM. Have three playing cards handy as these will serve as your markers. You must promise to keep the book closed and out of sight during the contest! Study up—this is a very competitive contest! Prizes will be awarded and mailed to the winners, and laughter is guaranteed! 

Although we can’t be together in person this year, we hope that Judy Bolton fans who have been unable to travel to Pennsylvania for our past events will be able to join our virtual festivities!

Join Us for the 2018 Judy Bolton Weekend!
October 4-7 in Coudersport, Pennsylvania
Conference Center: The Westgate Inn

The Westgate Inn (814) 274-0400 has a block of rooms is reserved for Judy Bolton fans until August 31 only, so please make your reservations early and mention the "Judy Bolton Weekend" when calling.

Since 1991, fans have gathered in picturesque Potter County to explore the real life sites that served as inspiration for the Judy Bolton Mystery Series, to discuss the books, and to honor the author, Margaret Sutton (1903-2001). The author was born Rachel Beebe and raised in Odin and Coudersport, Pennsylvania. This year, the Judy Bolton weekend activities include:

Thursday, October 4

• 6:00 PM - Meet in the Westgate Inn lobby, then enjoy a casual dinner followed by open mic music at Olga's Café in Coudersport.

Friday, October 5

• 8:00 AM – Breakfast and socializing in the Westgate Inn lobby.
• 10:00 AM – Falling Leaves Outdoor Festival, all day Friday and Saturday on the Courthouse Square with vendors, wood carving, children's activities and more. This is also a good time to explore Potter County museums, antique shops, and used book stores.
• 4:00 PM – Meet and greet reception, Potter County Chamber of Commerce. Wine and cheese reception honoring the memory of Margaret Sutton and her Judy Bolton books. Book signing of The Mystery on Judy Lane, a new Judy Bolton mystery, by author Beverly Hatfield. Buy tickets here for lunch during the Saturday tour.
• 6:30 PM - Farmer's Delight Dinner at a 19th century historic farmhouse built by Margaret Sutton's father and grandfather, $14, advance reservation requested by October 4, 2017. Call Ilene Altenheim at 814-274-9798 with your name, phone, and number of people attending. Pay at the door.
• 8:30 PM – Join us in the Westgate Inn lounge for activities including series book sales, an overview of this year's featured book, The Secret of the Musical Tree, and presentation of the Susabella Passengers and Friends 2018 Margaret Sutton Writer's Award. 

Saturday, October 6 

• 9:00 AM-3:30 PM - Tour of the real Judy Bolton sites. Peg and John Rotello direct this tour which includes lunch at the Austin School where the students created a Judy Bolton mural. Bring your cameras! See the sites that inspired the series locales such as the dam, the Potter House and the Farringdon-Pett mansion. Early October is the perfect time to enjoy Potter County's fall foliage! 
• 5:30 PM – Dinner at The Costello Inn at 1050 Costello Rd, Austin, PA 16720.
• 8:00 PM – At the Westgate Motel lounge the series book sales continue. The highlight of the evening will be the Annual Judy Bolton Trivia Contest about The Secret of the Musical Tree. Laughter guaranteed! 

Sunday, October 7

If you are staying at the Westgate Inn, enjoy the complimentary breakfast and a last chance to visit with Judy Bolton fans.
For reservations at the Westgate, call early (814) 274-0400, and tell them you are with the Judy Bolton group. A block of rooms has been reserved, with first priority to those who are arriving on Thursday and staying 3 nights. Address: 307 Route 6 West, Coudersport, PA 16915.

2017 Judy Bolton Weekend – New Location!
October 5-8 in Coudersport, Pennsylvania 2017

Since 1991, fans have gathered in picturesque Potter County to explore the real life sites that served as inspiration for the Judy Bolton Mystery Series, to discuss the books, and to honor the author, Margaret Sutton (1903-2001). The author was born Rachel Beebe and raised in Odin and Coudersport, Pennsylvania. This year, the Judy Bolton weekend activities include:

Thursday, October 5

6:00 PM - Meet in the hotel lobby, then enjoy a casual dinner followed by open mic music at Olga's Café in Coudersport.

Friday, October 6

• 8:00 AM – Breakfast and socializing in the hotel lobby.
• 10:00 AM – Falling Leaves Outdoor Festival, all day Friday and Saturday on the Courthouse Square with vendors, wood carving, children's activities and more. This is also a good time to explore Potter County museums, antique shops, and used book stores.
• 4:00 PM – Meet and greet reception, Location to be announced later. Wine and cheese reception honoring the memory of Margaret Sutton and her Judy Bolton books. Buy tickets here for lunch during the Saturday tour.
• 6:30 PM - Farmer's Delight Dinner at a 19th century historic farmhouse built by Margaret Sutton's father and grandfather, $14, advance reservation requested by October 4, 2017. Call Ilene Altenheim at 814-274-9798 with your name, phone, and number of people attending. Pay at the door.
• 8:30 PM – Millstream Inn Conference Room. Activities include series book sales, an overview of this year's featured book, "THE LIVING PORTRAIT," and presentation of the Susabella Passengers and Friends 2017 Margaret Sutton Writer's Award.
  

Saturday, October 7

• 9:00 AM-3:30 PM - Tour of the real Judy Bolton sites. Peg and John Rotello direct this tour which includes lunch at the Austin School where the students created a Judy Bolton mural. Bring your cameras! See the sites that inspired the series locales such as the dam, the Potter House and the Farringdon-Pett mansion. Early October is the perfect time to enjoy Potter County's fall foliage!
• 6:00 PM –Dinner at a local restaurant, to be announced later.
• 8:00 PM – Millstream Inn Conference Room. Series book sales continue. The highlight of the evening will be the Annual Judy Bolton Trivia Contest about "THE LIVING PORTRAIT." Laughter guaranteed!
  

Sunday, October 8

If you are staying at the Millstream Inn, enjoy the complimentary hot breakfast and a last chance to visit with Judy Bolton fans.
For reservations at the Millstream Inn, call early (814) 274-9900 www.millstreaminn.com, and tell them you are with the Judy Bolton group. A block of rooms has been reserved, with first priority to those who are arriving on Thursday and staying 3 nights.

2016 Judy Bolton Weekend
October 7-9 in Coudersport, Pennsylvania

Since 1991, fans have gathered in picturesque Potter County to explore the real life sites that served as inspiration for the Judy Bolton Mystery Series, to discuss the books, and to honor the author, Margaret Sutton (1903-2001). The author was born Rachel Beebe and raised in Odin and Coudersport, Pennsylvania. This year, the Judy Bolton weekend activities include:

Friday, October 7

4:00 PM
Meet and greet reception, Chamber of Commerce, 227 North Main Street, Coudersport, PA 16915. Wine and cheese reception honoring the memory of Margaret Sutton and her Judy Bolton books. Buy tickets here for lunch during the Saturday tour.

6:30 PM
Farmer's Delight Dinner at a 19th century historic farmhouse built by Margaret Sutton's father and grandfather, $14, advance reservation by October 3, 2016. Dinner cooked on a wood stove is always a feast! Send your check to Ilene Altenheim, 18 McLatchee Hollow Lane, Mina, PA 16915. Last minute? Call her at 814-274-9798 with your name, phone, and number of people attending and pay at the door.

8:30 PM
Westgate Motel media/conference room, 307 Route 6 West, Coudersport, PA 16915. Activities include series book sales, an overview of this year's featured book, "THE RAINBOW RIDDLE," and presentation of the Susabella Passengers and Friends 2016 Margaret Sutton Writer's Award.

Saturday, October 8

9:00 AM-3:30 PM
Tour of the real Judy Bolton sites. Peg and John Rotello direct this tour which includes brown bag lunch at the Austin School where the students created a Judy Bolton mural. Bring your cameras! See the sites that inspired the series locales such as the dam, the Potter House, the Farringdon-Pett mansion, and Dry Brook Hollow (the author's birthplace). Early October is the perfect time to enjoy Potter County's fall foliage!

6:00 PM
Dinner at a local restaurant, to be announced later.

8:00 PM
Westgate Inn Conference/Media Room. Series book sales including many hard-to-find treasures! The highlight of the evening will be the Annual Judy Bolton Trivia Contest about "THE RAINBOW RIDDLE." Laughter guaranteed!

Sunday, October 9

If you are staying at the Westgate Inn, enjoy the complimentary breakfast and a last chance to visit with Judy Bolton fans.

For reservations at the Westgate Inn, call early (814) 274-0400 www.westgateinn.net, rates $79 single, $82 double per room per night plus tax. Breakfast included.

2015 Judy Bolton Weekend
October 9-11 in Coudersport, Pennsylvania

Since 1991, fans have gathered in picturesque Potter County to explore the real life sites that served as inspiration for the Judy Bolton Mystery Series, to discuss the books, and to honor the author, Margaret Sutton (1903-2001). The author was born Rachel Beebe and raised in Odin and Coudersport, Pennsylvania. This year, the Judy Bolton weekend activities include:

Friday, October 9
4:00 PM
Meet and greet reception, Chamber of Commerce, 227 North Main Street, Coudersport, PA 16915. Wine and cheese reception honoring the memory of Margaret Sutton and her Judy Bolton books. Buy tickets here for lunch during the Saturday tour.

6:30 PM
Farmer's Delight Dinner at a 19th century historic farmhouse built by Margaret Sutton's father and grandfather, $14, advance reservation by October 5, 2015. Dinner cooked on a wood stove is always a feast! Send you check to Ilene Altenheim, 18 McLatchee Hollow Lane, Mina, PA 16915. Last minute? Call her at 814-274-9798 with your name, phone, and number of people attending and pay at the door.

8:30 PM
Westgate Motel media/conference room, 307 Route 6 West, Coudersport, PA 16915. Activities include series book sales, an overview of this year's featured book, "THE SECRET OF THE BARRED WINDOW," and presentation of the Susabella Passengers and Friends 2015 Margaret Sutton Writer's Award.

Saturday, October 10
9:00 AM-3:30 PM
Tour of the real Judy Bolton sites. Peg and John Rotello direct this tour which includes brown bag lunch at the Austin School where the students created a Judy Bolton mural. Bring your cameras! See the sites that inspired the series locales such as the dam, the Potter House, the Farringdon-Pett mansion, and Dry Brook Hollow (the author's birthplace). Early October is the perfect time to enjoy Potter County's fall foliage!

6:00 PM
Dinner at a local restaurant, to be announced later.

8:00 PM
Westgate Inn Conference/Media Room. Series book sales including many hard-to-find treasures! The highlight of the evening will be the Annual Judy Bolton Trivia Contest about "THE SECRET OF THE BARRED WINDOW." Laughter guaranteed!

Sunday, October 11
If you are staying at the Westgate Inn, enjoy the complimentary breakfast and a last chance to visit with Judy Bolton fans.

For reservations at the Westgate Inn, call early (814) 274-0400 www.westgateinn.net, rates $79 single, $82 double per room per night plus tax. Breakfast included.

2013 Judy Bolton Weekend
October 11-13 in Coudersport, Pennsylvania

Since 1991, fans have gathered in picturesque Potter County to explore the real life sites that served as inspiration for the Judy Bolton Mystery Series, to discuss the books, and to honor the author, Margaret Sutton (1903-2001). The author was born Rachel Beebe and raised in Odin and Coudersport, Pennsylvania. This year, the Judy Bolton weekend activities include:

Friday, October 11
4:00 PM - Coudersport Area Chamber of Commerce, 6 East Second Street, Coudersport, PA 16915, sponsors a reception with appetizers honoring the memory of Margaret Sutton and her Judy Bolton books. Buy tickets here for lunch during the Saturday tour.
6:30 PM - Farmer's Delight Dinner at a historic farmhouse built by Margaret Sutton’s father and grandfather, $12, paid advance reservation preferred. Send check payable to Ilene Altenheim, 18 McLatchie Hollow Road, Mina, PA 16915 by October 4, 2013. Please write “Judy Bolton dinner” on your check.
8:30 PM – Westgate Motel media/conference room, 307 Route 6 West, Coudersport, PA 16915. Activities include series book sales, an overview of this year's featured book, "THE CLUE IN THE PATCHWORK QUILT," and presentation of the Susabella Passengers and Friends 2013 Margaret Sutton Writer's Award.

Saturday, October 12
9:00 AM-3:30 PM - Tour of the real Judy Bolton sites. Peg and John Rotello direct this tour which includes lunch at the Austin School where the students created a Judy Bolton mural. Bring your cameras! See the sites that inspired the series locales such as the dam, the Farringdon-Pett mansion, the house at Dry Brook Hollow and much more. This is the perfect time to enjoy Potter County's fall foliage!
6:00 PM –Dinner at the Odin Grange $14. Reservations needed. 814-647-8441.
8:00 PM - Westgate Inn Conference/Media Room. Series book sales and the Annual Judy Bolton Trivia Contest about "THE CLUE IN THE PATCHWORK QUILT." Laughter guaranteed!

Sunday, October 13
If you are staying at the Westgate Inn, enjoy the complimentary breakfast and a last chance to visit with Judy Bolton fans.
For reservations at the Westgate Inn, call early (814) 274-0400 www.westgateinn.net

2012 Judy Bolton Weekend
October 5-7 in Coudersport, Pennsylvania

Since 1991, fans have gathered in picturesque Potter County to explore the real life sites that served as inspiration for the Judy Bolton Mystery Series, to discuss the books, and to honor the author, Margaret Sutton.  This year, the Judy Bolton weekend coincides with the town’s Falling Leaves Festival which offers food, crafts and entertainment all day Friday and Saturday on the Courthouse Square.  Weekend activities include:

Friday, October 5
4:00 PM - Coudersport Area Chamber of Commerce, 6 East Second Street, Coudersport, PA 16915, sponsors a reception with appetizers honoring the memory of Margaret Sutton and her Judy Bolton books. Buy tickets here for lunch during the Saturday tour. This year the reception includes a book release and autograph party for Judy Bolton #39, THE STRANGE LIKENESS," by Kate Duvall and Beverly Hatfield, illustrated by Margaret Sutton's daughter, Marjorie Sutton Eckstein, and edited by another daughter, Lindsay Sutton Stroh. The book's title, characters, settings and parts of the plot were created by Margaret Sutton. Details about ordering THE STRANGE LIKENESS in advance are posted on this website above.  Be sure to visit Bosela’s Gifts and Collectibles which is just around the corner from the Chamber of Commerce at 131 North Main Street, Coudersport, Pennsylvania 16915.  They have Margaret Sutton’s artwork and Judy Bolton books for sale. 

6:30 PM - Farmer's Delight Dinner, Sweden Valley Grange #1216, Rt. 44, Cherry Springs Road, Sweden Valley, PA,  $12, paid advance reservation required.  Send check payable to Ilene Altenheim, 18 McLatchie Hollow Road, Mina, PA  16915 by October 2, 2012.  Please write “Judy Bolton dinner” on your check.

8:30 PM – Westgate Motel media/conference room, 307 Route 6 West, Coudersport, PA 16915.  Activities include series book sales, an overview of this year's featured book, "THE NAME ON THE BRACELET," and presentation of the Susabella Passengers and Friends 2012 Margaret Sutton Writer's Award.

Saturday, October 6
9:00 AM-3:30 PM - Tour of the real Judy Bolton sites. Peg and John Rotello direct this tour which includes lunch at the Austin School where the students created a Judy Bolton mural. Bring your cameras! See the sites that inspired the series locales such as the dam, the Farringdon-Pett mansion, the house at Dry Brook Hollow and much more. This is the perfect time to enjoy Potter County's fall foliage!

6:00 PM – Dinner at an area restaurant.  Details TBA

8:00 PM - Westgate Inn Conference/Media Room. Series book sales and the Annual Judy Bolton Trivia Contest about "THE NAME ON THE BRACELET." Laughter guaranteed!

Sunday, October 7
If you are staying at the Westgate Inn, enjoy the complimentary breakfast and a last chance to visit with Judy Bolton fans.
For reservations at the Westgate Inn, call early (814) 274-0400 www.westgateinn.net

Memories of Margaret Sutton and the Judy Bolton Mysteries - August 10, 2011

Speakers: Meg Eckstein, Eleanor Kratzat and Lindsay Stroh (daughters of Margaret Sutton)

Where: University of Minnesota, Anderson Library (west branch)
Room 120 222 21st Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55455

When: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 from 4-5:30 PM

Reservations are encouraged: email to circ@umn.edu or phone 612-624-4576.

Save the Date!
11th Annual Judy Bolton Days in Coudersport, PA
October 8-10, 2010

Friday, October 8, 2010:
4:00 PM - Coudersport Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors a reception with appetizers honoring the memory of Margaret Sutton and her Judy Bolton books. Buy tickets here for Friday’s dinner and lunch during the Saturday tour.

5:30 PM - Dinner, details TBA

8:00 PM - Westgate Inn Conference/Media Room. Activities include a series book sale, an overview of this year's featured book, "The Unfinished House," and presentation of the Susabella Passengers and Friends' 2010 Margaret Sutton Writer's Award.

Saturday, October 9
9:00 AM-3:30 PM - Tour of the real Judy Bolton sites. Peg and John Rotello direct this tour which includes lunch at the Austin School where the students created a Judy Bolton mural. Bring your cameras! See the sites that inspired the series locales such as the dam, the Farringdon-Pett mansion, the house at Dry Brook Hollow and much more. This is the perfect time to enjoy Potter County's fall foliage!

6:30 PM - Dinner details TBA

8:30 PM - Westgate Inn Conference/Media Room. The Annual Judy Bolton Trivia Contest about "The Unfinished House." Laughter guaranteed!

Sunday, October 10
If you are staying at the Westgate Inn, enjoy the complimentary breakfast and a last chance to visit with Judy Bolton fans.

For reservations at the Westgate Inn, call early (814) 274-0400.

Margaret Sutton’s Gail Gardner series now available!

A limited reprinting of Margaret Sutton’s 2-volume series about a student nurse became available in April 2010.  Please contact Lindsay Stroh at strohlin@verizon.net to order a set before they sell out.  $80 per set of 2 books includes shipping within the USA; contact Lindsay for postage to other countries.

These are quality hardcovers with applique and dustjackets, from The Adventure Continues... (Jim Towey).  Only 50 sets were printed through an agreement with the author's estate.  "Gail Gardner Wins Her Cap" (1944) and "Gail Gardner Junior Cadet Nurse," (1945) were originally printed by Dodd Mead & Co.  The stories are based on the diary of the author's niece during her training to become a U.S. Cadet Nurse and also on the author's own experiences as a Red Cross Nurse's Aide.  Nurses have praised the books for their authenticity, and fans love Gail, who manages to get into trouble and solve mysteries while remaining dedicated to her patients. The dust jackets were illustrated by the author's daughter, Peggy Sutton. 

10th Annual Judy Bolton Days in Coudersport, PA October 9-10, 2009

Friday, October 9:
4:00 PM
Coudersport Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors a reception with appetizers honoring the memory of Margaret Sutton and her Judy Bolton books. Buy tickets here for dinner at the farm and lunch during the Saturday tour.

5:30 PM
Klein family Century Farm buffet dinner. Karl and Ilene Altenheim open their historic farmhouse (built by Margaret Sutton's grandfather and father) and offer a scrumptious feast.

8:00 PM
Westgate Inn Conference/Media Room. Activities include a series book sale, an overview of this year's featured book, "Riddle of the Double Ring," and presentation of the Susabella Passengers and Friends' 2009 Margaret Sutton Writer's Award.

Saturday, October 10
9:00 AM-3:30 PM
Tour of the real Judy Bolton sites. Peg and John Rotello direct this tour which includes lunch at the Austin School where the students created a Judy Bolton mural. Bring your cameras! See the sites that inspired the series locales such as the dam, the Farringdon-Pett mansion, the house at Dry Brook Hollow and much more. This is the perfect time to enjoy Potter County's fall foliage!

5:00 PM
John Axe Memorial Service, details to follow

6:30 PM
Dinner at Gaelotti's in Austin

8:30 PM
Westgate Inn Conference/Media Room. The Annual Judy Bolton Trivia Contest about "The Riddle of the Double Ring." Laughter guaranteed!

For reservations at the Westgate Inn, call early (814) 274-0400 and ask for the Judy Bolton convention room rate.

Applewood Books Reprinting the Judy Bolton Books in Paperback Format

Aplewood Books has reprinted most of the Judy Bolton series in colorful paperback editions. The books can be ordered from Applewood's web site, by phone at Applewood (800-277-5312), or by fax with a credit card number and expiration date. If ordered on Applewood's website, freight is a flat $5.00, regardless of the number of books ordered, as long as it is within the Continental U.S. Otherwise, our freight is $5.00 for the first book on an order and $1.00 for each additional book ordered.

The books are also available through Amazon.com, and can be ordered through bookstores. The additional titles which complete the series are also in the works to be published sometime in late 2009.

2008 Judy Bolton Days in Coudersport, PA

Judy Bolton fans, including four of the author’s children and other family members, will gather in Coudersport, Pennsylvania for the annual celebration of the Judy Bolton series.

The event begins with a reception on Friday, October 10 at 4:00 p.m. hosted by the local Chamber of Commerce. Fans will gather on Friday and Saturday nights at the Westgate Inn for presentations, awards, trivia contests and book sales. On Saturday, vans and cars will form a caravan to various Potter County sites that served as inspiration for series locales. Stops on the tour include the ruins of the dam, the Dry Brook Hollow house, the Farrington-Pett mansion and more. Tickets for the tour, including a box lunch, will be sold at the Friday reception.

Fans are especially excited this year, as all 38 Judy Bolton Mysteries have just been published in paperback and are available from Applewood Books, Amazon.com and can be ordered at local bookstores. The town of Coudersport is a great place to view brilliant autumn foliage.

Celebrate the 75th anniversary (1932-2007) of the Judy Bolton Mystery Series Oct 5-6, 2007 in Coudersport PA!

Celebrate the 75th anniversary (1932-2007) of the Judy Bolton mystery series in Margaret Sutton's hometown, Coudersport, Pennsylvania. The festivities begin on Friday, October 5 with a reception at the Chamber of Commerce at 4:00 p.m. followed by dinner at a nearby restaurant.

On Saturday the group tours sites that were inspirations for Sutton's mysteries including the broken dam and the mansion. The town holds its Falling Leaves Festival on the courthouse square on Saturday, so there's lots to do. The evening activities at the Westgate Inn include presentations by Judy Bolton collectors, trivia contests, and a recently discovered story in rhyme, written in 1918 in a mysterious code!

If you can't attend, copies of Sutton's coded letter are available from the author's daughter, Lindsay, e-mail strohlin@verizon.net.

JudyBolton.com News Archive

September 22, 2006
Margaret Sutton Art Exhibit!

You are invited to view artwork by Rachel Beebe Sutton (Judy Bolton author Margaret Sutton) during Judy Bolton Days 2006. A 2007 calendar featuring this artwork will be offered for sale along with postcards and limited edition art prints. Antique calendars from Margaret Sutton’s extensive collection will also be available for sale.

The author’s childhood drawings show people and places in Potter County, Pennsylvania as well as imaginary characters. Two pictures done in 1911 after the Austin Flood show Rachel’s impressions of this disaster. Included are sketches for “Melissa of Dry Brook Hollow” as it was first submitted to Grosset & Dunlap. This book became “The Vanishing Shadow,” the first of 38 Judy Bolton mysteries.

View the collection at the Judy Bolton Days Reception!
Friday, October 6, 2006
4:00-6:00 PM
The John White 2nd Street Gallery
6 East Second Street
Coudersport, Pennsylvania
Sponsored by the Coudersport Chamber of Commerce

The gallery will be open on Saturday, October 7th from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM as Coudersport celebrates its annual Falling Leaves Festival with craft vendors and a parade. The exhibit will remain at the gallery throughout October.

If you are unable to attend the event in Coudersport but would like information about ordering 2007 calendars and postcards featuring Margaret Sutton’s artwork, please contact Lindsay Stroh at Strohlin@verizon.net.

September 9, 2005
Margaret Sutton's Personal Library Being Sold On Ebay
By Donald Gilliland Managing Editor

Fans of the Judy Bolton mystery series, bibliophiles and people interested in Potter County history are in for a treat. The personal library of author Margaret Sutton is being sold on Ebay, offering collectors of all stripes a chance to bid on pieces of history as well as good books. Sutton, the author of the Judy Bolton mystery series as well as a host of other titles, grew up in Potter County and returned often to see family and friends. Her library contains books passed down to her from Potter County ancestors as well as her own books and titles she read for pleasure. (read full article)

August 26, 2005
You can buy books from the personal library of Margaret Sutton!

The executor of the Estate of Margaret Sutton is selling books from the author’s personal collection starting August 1, 2005. To find the books being sold each week, go to www.eBay.com and look for items being sold by lindsay19990. The collection includes many books for children and young adults from various authors as well as rare historical volumes and autographed books. Most of the historical books were handed down from Margaret’s aunt, Gladys Beebe, fictionalized along with her sister Marjorie as one of the Jewell sisters in the Judy Bolton series.

Books by Margaret Sutton are included in the items to be sold so keep a lookout! Since the author’s family has decided to sell the collection by online auction and not by private sale, please do not contact the family to request an off-line sale. However, you can ask the seller a question through eBay.

The family wishes to thank Judy Bolton fans for your many kindnesses to our mother which gave her so much pleasure.

July 20, 2005
Judy Bolton Day is Saturday October 8th, 2005 in Coudersport, PA

Most fans arrive Friday in the early afternoon. There are activities Friday afternoon with the Chamber of Commerce and always a group dinner that evening, then later book-related activities in the hotel. Everyone always has a great time and the group is very inclusive. Most fans stay at the Westgate Inn, route 6 west, 818-274-0400. E-mail Mike for more information at stratomiker@aol.com.

December 25, 2004
*New edition 2005!*
The Talking Snowman is a Judy Bolton mystery co-written with Margaret Sutton! The Talking Snowman is now available in a limited-release collectors' paperback edition.

Originally written over a decade ago, The Talking Snowman was conceived by Margaret Sutton and later jointly written with Linda Joy Singleton. This new Judy Bofton mystery takes place between The Invisible Chimes #3 and Seven Strange Clues #4, making it #3 1/2, bringing to life Judy's first Christmas in Farringdon.

To order The Talking Snowman, email Linda at: ljscheer@inreach.co

November 25, 2002
Great news for collectors! Margaret's daughter has signed a contract, on behalf of the Estate of Margaret Sutton with Applewood Books to publish all the Judy Bolton books, including the Haunted Attic first edition which has Judy's birthdate as Halloween.

Related news, Applewood has a new site - americanwebbooks.com. Here you can order new copies of out-of-print books. The only catch - the books will not be printed up until 100 copies are ordered. Currently 2 Judy Bolton titles are up for reprinting: The Haunted Attic (Special Birthday Edition) and The Pledge of the Twin Knights.

September 12, 2002
Susabella Passengers and Friends are sponsoring *The Third Annual Judy Bolton Day* on October 4,5,6 2002 in Coudersport PA, the birthplace of Margaret Sutton and the 'real' Farringdon. Make reservations at The Westgate Inn, 347 Allegany Rd., Coudersport PA. Prices are modest - a modern new inn. Phone 814-274-0400; fax 814-274-8607.

Susabella Passengers and Friends is a series book fanzine. For subscription info or further info about Judy Bolton Day, contact Garrett Lothe at spsngrs@mbay.net.

May 30, 2002
Lindsay [Stroh Sutton - Margaret's Daughter]: I was talking with my brother Tom about our search for the Haunted Fountain, probably about 1955. Perhaps some of you who live on Long Island could find out more.

Tom remembers that he and his girlfriend (later his wife) Sally used to meet up with other teens and slip onto the grounds of the Jock Whitney estate in the evenings to explore--it was their "lover's lane." He believes it near Glen Cove or Manhasset. Sally told Mom about the fountain which she thought would make a good story, and we drove up there one afternoon (I was about 8 years old). I remember grassy hills, statues of lions and other statuary, some in disrepair, and then we found the fountain. It wasn't working at the time. There was a doorway at the base of it, and we were able to go inside where there were small rooms below the pipes. I seem to remember seeing the remains of a sandwich and a dirty jacket down there, but it was a long time ago! Tom doesn't remember the exact location, but maybe someone would enjoy tracking it down!

August 19, 2003
The annual Judy Bolton Day for fans in Coudersport, PA will be held on October 9, 10, 11 2003. Most fans stay at the Westgate Motel. For more information contact Mike at stratomiker@aol.com or you can join the Judy Bolton list on Yahoo and ask about the event. It is a beautiful time of the year to go to Pennsylvania!

June 22, 2001
Sadly, Margaret Sutton passed away on June 21, 2001. She was 98 years old. She will be missed. Please read the obituary.

May 27, 2001
Sad news from Debby Myer of Coudersport, PA. Ms. Myers reports that the E. Second St. house burned down several weeks ago due to an accidental fire. Fortunately no one was hurt. Fans of the series will remember that this is the "Haunted Attic" house in the series and the house that author Margaret Sutton lived in during her childhood after the dam tragedy.

May 26, 2001
Lindsay Stroh, daughter of Margaret Sutton, has accepted an invitation to speak at the Austin Area School high school graduation on June 8, 2001.

April 8, 2001
Applewood Books is going to be reprinting copies of the following Judy Bolton books:

#1 The Vanishing Shadow
#2 The Haunted Attic
#37 The Search for the Glowing Hand
#38 The Secret of the Sand Castle

You can call Applewood for more information or to order the books at 1-800-277-5312, Mon- Fri 9-5 EST.

March 4, 2001
The Judy Bolton Fall Festival for this year is to be held on a Saturday, October 6th, 2001.

January 22, 2001
Margaret turned 98 this past January 22nd! Happy Birthday Margaret!!

Dear Judy Fans,
We hope some of you can help us with the following question:

Question: Who were the cover artists for the Judy Bolton series (besides Pelagie Doane) after #20 in the series? In addition to a list, we’d like to get any biographical information on the other Judy artists.
Thank you so much!
Cheryl and Joe cherylhomme@yahoo.com

July 30, 2000
Get ready for the Judy Bolton Harvest Festival in Coudersport Pennsylvania, on Saturday, October 7, 2000! Coudersport Pennsylvania is an attractive, prosperous vacation and retirement town in Potter County, long known to Judy Bolton fans as the 'real' Farringdon. This is the town where Margaret Sutton grew up and where she placed the Judy Bolton series. For more info on the events planned click here!

March 26, 2000
The new issue of Mystery Scene Magazine contains two articles about Judy Bolton: an appreciation of Judy and her creator Margaret Sutton; and the true, tragic story behind The Vanishing Shadow.

Copies of Mystery Scene, issue #66, can be ordered by contacting editor Ed Gorman at: Ejgorman99@aol.com

2000
Back in 1960 a fan named Marguerite wrote to Margaret Sutton and asked her for a recipe for a Girl Scout troop project. Marguerite has been kind enough to share both Margaret's reply and recipe!

August 23, 1999
If you haven't visited our archive, check it out! The Judy Bolton Articles Archive contains many articles on author Margaret Sutton and some in-depth analysis of the series itself.

A Guide to Judy Bolton Country, is a 726-page , fact-filled, photo packed guide to everything you ever wanted to know about Judy Bolton is available now for $39.95! To order your copy contact Synsine Press.

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