Library benefits from yearlong joke

HAYDEN LAKE’S historical Clark House was the setting for an unusual take on Margaret Mitchell’s classic novel “Gone with the Wind.” Roger Welch, as Ashley Wilkes, peered through the window to view the lovely Scarlett O’Hara, portrayed by Ellen Travolta.

Rhett Butler, portrayed by Jack Bannon, and the woman he loves, Melanie Hamilton, portrayed by Teri Farr, stood on the sweeping staircase leading to the magnificent foyer. Local historian Robert Singletary lent a more serious tone as Gen. Sherman, yet he was mounted on a stuffed pony.

The photo-op is all part of a project by select board members and volunteers with the Coeur d’Alene Public Library Foundation. The foundation is putting together a 13-month 2005-2006 calendar, featuring well-known community members in parodies of famous literary works.

“Gone with the Wind” features Travolta wearing a curtain rod across her shoulders, paying homage to Carol Burnett’s comedy skit “Went with the Wind,” that first appeared on Burnett’s television show. In Mitchell’s book, Scarlett uses the curtains at Tara to make herself a beautiful new gown during the Civil War.

“I loved it, it was great fun,” Travolta said. Welch echoed her thoughts, saying he didn’t give a second thought to participating in the project. Both are professional actors, as is Bannon.

Mark Danner of the Clark House said they were honored to be a part of the calendar. In fact, according to Ruth Pratt, development coordinator for the Library Foundation, no one refused an invitation to take part.

Tad Leach pulled up with his mint-condition Buick Roadmaster, which he had given his mother for her 80th birthday and now was loaning to the library foundation for “The Great Gatsby” shoot. Anna Rolphe, looking very flapper-ish in her fringed dress, was to model along with her husband, Ben Rolphe. Also posing in the Gatsby shoot were Jim and Lynn Addis, and Doug and Marge Chadderdon. Marge thought she was supposed to be a “Miss Daisy” type of character, but wasn’t quite sure. It didn’t matter though; it’s all in fun and for a good cause.

Local photographer Sue Homan is shooting each month’s photo, with her husband Tom assisting. Sherry Lenarz is the shoot coordinator, Lori Mayfield is Pratt’s assistant and Nancy Flagan is the committee chairperson. Others on the committee include Roberta Larsen, who brought tassels for the “Gone with the Wind” shoot, Katie Sayler, Jo Ann Nelson, Ann Smart, Mary Sanderson, Judey Brown, Vickie Roberge, Samm Haight and Judi Messina.

Lenarz, Pratt and Flagan did all of the coordinating. They plan to wrap up shooting by the end of the month, and the calendar will go into production in October, so it will be ready to hit the market in time for Christmas sales. Pratt said the calendar will be available “everywhere.” They will retail for $15 and all of the proceeds will benefit the construction of the new Coeur d’Alene Library.

Local businesses also can sponsor a month. For $1,000 – or $500 each if two businesses want to share a month – the sponsor’s name will appear on that month’s display. A few months are still available to sponsor.

Other titles and featured folks include “Moby Dick,” featuring Sheriff Rocky Watson, Police Chief Wendy Carpenter, Capt. Ben Wolfinger and Marine Deputy Todd Jackson. Jackson commandeers a Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department boat while the other three survey the waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene, spears in hand.

“Little Women” features Louise Shadduck, Ruth Burch, Jeri Robideaux and Marie Weitzel in a memorable pose. Still to shoot is “The Tale of Two Cities,” which will feature Coeur d’Alene Mayor Sandi Bloem and Post Falls Mayor Clay Larkin. The two mayors will be in top hats and tails, playing on the “tail” part of the title. “The Grapes of Wrath” will feature Coeur d’Alene schools Superintendent Harry Amend.