STRATTON – Author Donn Fendler, came to speak to the students of the Stratton Elementary School recently.
Fendler wrote Lost on a Mountain in Maine in 1978, now a legendary story, about how he got separated from friends and family and was lost for nine days while climbing Mt Katahdin at the age of 12. His dramatic story is retold in the 2011 graphic novel: Lost Trail: Nine Days Alone in the Wilderness.
Fendler spoke for over an hour, detailing his story of survival which included a 10-minute film his uncle took 73 years ago, showing Donn, a young, thin boy being carried to a canoe during his rescue.
The author then spent another two hours signing maps of his journey and chatting with each student who sat by his side, asking them what they liked to do and if they had any questions for him. He then joined the teachers at lunch.
“This was a very personal and special experience for the both the students and teachers alike,” said Andrea DeBiase, director at the Carrabassett Valley Public Library.
The Maggie Trafton Memorial Fund of the Carrabassett Valley Public Library sponsored the program, which was open to the public.
does anyone know how to get in touch with this author? My child LOVES his story and has 2 books on is adventure. She has asked several times for me to try and find his contact info and wants so much to meet him….
The original “as told to” Joseph Egan, published in 1939, was and is a Maine classic and still should be “required reading” in Maine schools
Brain cells “depart” for any number of reasons but I can still remember it from grammar school
Chuck I 100% agree with you that our schools should be including this in their reading. My daughter did read the book last year in 4th grade as did I when I attended Farmington schools. I would love to see Wilton AHS have the author come to our school. My daughter would be soooo happy. She was excited that I showed her this article and to see the young boy all grown up and was bummed that he didnt come to her school.
The Sandy River Ramblers and the Maranacook String Band have recently released their new CD “Cry of the Loon”. The last song on the CD is about of Donn Fendler’s survival journey down Mt Katahdin. Check it out and enjoy Maine talent and the stories from Stan Keach. Don, Thank-you.