October 13, 2016 - Center native and Auburn University Professor Emerita Mary Helen Brown returned to her hometown last week for a reading and signing of her new book, “Headed for Home.”
Hosted by the Center Woman’s Reading Club and the Carthage Book Club at the First United Methodist Church in Center, Texas, Brown entertained attendees by reading an excerpt of “Headed for Home” on Thursday. Brown’s sixth grade teacher Fannie Watson introduced her to the group, and Brown concluded the meeting by signing books for friends both old and new.
The Center Woman’s Reading Club was started in 1896, and Brown was honored by the invitation to read at their meeting. Storytelling has always been an integral part of Mary Helen Brown’s life. “My family is full of these outrageous people who had these outrageous stories to tell,” Brown said. “That’s where it all started.”
While in Center, Brown spoke to a few dual-‐enrollment classes at Center High School, called the high school football game, and participated in a few events at the Poultry Festival. It was no coincidence that Brown’s visit coincided with the 40th annual Poultry Festival. Brown’s mother Nell Brown was actively involved in producing the first Poultry Festival in order to celebrate her beloved town.
Brown said that “Headed for Home” is her “love letter to Center.” “Headed for Home” is available for purchase at Nettie’s Nook and Sammich Shop on the square in Center, as well as amazon.com.
