WINSTON WEEKLY^[1]

February 1, 2026

Vol. 4, No. 5

TABER TIME[2]

In the never-ending cycle of information and misinformation, one can find comfort in the many books of Gladys Taber, a prolific author, gardener, animal lover, and teacher who passed more than four decades ago. She wrote more than 59 books, including the Stillwater series which has been referred to as “a mid-20^th-century escape that feels like a hug from a dear friend. … [T]his series is a love letter to nature, community, and the rhythms of the seasons.”

The series is based on experiences in and around Stillmeadow, the 17^th century farmhouse in Southbury, Connecticut. Originally purchased by Gladys and another couple, it remains in her family today, more than 45 years after her death at age 80.

Her books are filled with quiet wisdom and humor. In the first of the series, Harvest at Stillmeadow, Gladys wrote: “Well, any love makes us vulnerable. Whatever we love will give the gift of pain somewhere along the road. But who would live sealed in spiritual cellophane just to keep from ever being hurt?” Of dogs and cats, she wrote: “I cannot imagine a cat in an Obedience ring, running around in the hot sun and doing things on command. Whereas a dog is tolerant of your not making sense and only wants to fix things so you are happy.”

Born in Colorado Springs in 1899, her father’s work as a mining engineer meant frequent moves across multiple states. Eventually marrying and settling in New England to raise her daughter, Gladys also raised more than thirty Cocker Spaniels. In addition to her books, including a cookbook collection, she taught Creative Writing at Columbia University where she also studied toward her doctorate. A columnist for many years for Ladies’ Home Journal and Family Circle, it is believed she inspired the 1945 classic romantic comedy, “Christmas in Connecticut.”

WEEKLY ACTIVITY

Go to your local library, a local bookstore, or check with friends for one of Glady Taber’s books. Commit to reading at least one before May, and another in the second half of this year, or cooking a recipe or two from one of her cookbooks.

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[1] A weekly blog/newsletter by Alysen Bayles to be shared with the appropriate attribute.

[2] Resources: The quote in the first paragraph is from Books on Board, https://www.booksonboard.com; Friends of Gladys Taber, https://friendsofgladystaber.org; Linda Tuccio-Koontz, Did Southbury author Gladys Taber inspire the classic file, ‘Christmas in Connecticut’?, CT Post, Dec. 20, 2020,