Author's 'Telfair Inn' inspires play for kids

When Idella Bodie began writing "The Secret of Telfair Inn" in 1971, she merely wanted to create a tale for her children about the mysterious building they passed every Sunday morning on the way to church.

"When we passed by the building at that time, it was very dilapidated. My children thought it was spooky and wanted to explore it. I always told them, 'No, we can't do that,'" Bodie said.

She created the tale as a way for her children and others to explore the building. The "spooky building" is the historic Willcox Inn located at 100 Colleton Ave. in downtown Aiken.

"I purposefully put numerous scenes of Aiken in the book," Bodie said. "I was a schoolteacher, and I could see the book being used in schools."

In order to ensure the book stayed true to historical facts while captivating young readers with mystery and adventure, Bodie extensively researched The Willcox and many other aspects of Aiken. Though the characters are fictional, much of the story weaves Aiken's history throughout.

Now, 39 years after the publishing of Bodie's first book with Sandlapper Publishing, it is not only still in print but Celebrate Aiken also has incorporated it into the 175th anniversary celebration. The book is the basis for an original script written by the Aiken Community Playhouse's Tayler Rodgers that will be performed on Sunday, March 28 at 3 p.m. at Banksia for youths between the ages of 7 and 12.

"When I was approached about it, I just thought it would be wonderful," Bodie said. "This is the first time a play has been written from one of my books, and I thought they did a great job with the script. When I met the characters, it was so interesting because I said to them, 'I'm so glad to know how they (the characters) look.'"

In addition to the performance, each child in attendance will be given an autographed copy of the book and have the chance to meet Bodie in person.

For more information on Bodie's career and for a full selection of books written by the author, visit www.sandlapperpublishing.com.

Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com.