What Is The F.O.G.T.?

The Friends of Gladys Taber [FOGT] was formed soon after Gladys Taber died on March 11, 1980. Our earliest members, 40 years ago, wanted to learn more about their favorite author who sadly was no longer with them. They wanted to read more of her books, read about her in newspapers and magazines, as In Memoriam pieces were published in many places. They wanted to speak to Gladys’ friends who she mentioned in her books, and they wanted to look into her family tree. After all, Gladys wrote that she was a descendant of Cotton Mather! They also wanted to collect Gladys’ letters to her readers, as she answered every letter she received. These numbered about 1000 per year for many years. As letters (original and photocopies) found their way to FOGT members, Gladys’ kindhearted, compassionate, and thoughtful personality shone through each one.

Southbury, CT, Post Office employees who had personally known Gladys, cheerfully answered the questions of our early members, explaining that Gladys received more mail in Southbury than any other resident. (This was prior to IBM establishing a large office complex in town.) In fact, the postal service throughout the state of Connecticut knew where Gladys Taber lived and where Stillmeadow was located. Letters sometimes arrived addressed merely to Gladys Taber, Stillmeadow, CT and would reach her with only a one day delay.

We hope someday that Gladys Taber books will be reprinted and we continue to introduce more readers to her fine work. She left us a wonderful legacy which should not be lost. Her wisdom, calmness, and positive attitude are exactly what we need in this troubled world. No wonder so many people want to read and re-read her wonderful books!

We will be opening The Gladys Taber Archives which will include her original, published works, including books, magazine columns, interviews, and more. This is a repository of original books for readers who already know Gladys and for those who wonder who she was and what she wrote. It will be an opportunity for visitors to browse the bookshelves, choose a book or magazine article, and enjoy a wonderful read while relaxing in comfortable chairs or at a table. We expect to have a few chairs from Gladys’ house called Still Cove, which her family has been saving for such a use. You’ll be able to sit in a chair where Gladys sat many years ago!

The Archives will also be a place to read many of her out-of-print books, which are increasingly difficult to find. 

As we learn more about Gladys Taber, we have meetings at which members share what they’ve learned. There we have speakers, reports of any news, and much visiting and the camaraderie of like-minded people who wish they had known Gladys personally. We also hear from members who actually did meet her!