First Wheel in Town:
A Victorian Cycling Club Romance
Book I in the Tales of Chetzemoka
In the summer of 1881, a Pacific Northwest town is buzzing with curiosity over a mysterious package received by handsome young Dr. Brown. Kitty Butler, the town dressmaker, is as curious as anyone else. She only knows one thing about that crate in the post office: everyone else's guesses about its contents are all wrong.
When Dr. Brown unpacks the crate and reveals the first bicycle the town has ever seen, he wants to share his enthusiasm for this revolutionary new piece of technology —but encounters overwhelming hostility instead of the excitement he'd expected. The only one who seems positively interested is the pretty young widow Kitty Butler, and Dr. Brown soon realizes how much he needs her support…
Buy the book on Amazon!
Tales of Chetzemoka Merchandise
For vignettes from the story, read on!
Manuscript pages from the story.
I write out my manuscripts by hand before transcribing them. There have been some really interesting studies done into the effects of writing vs. typing in memory as well as production; for more on this see the links on this page: http://www.thisvictorianlife.com/writing-tools.html
Slideshow: photos that inspired the characters in First Wheel in Town.
Slideshow: Landmarks and images that inspired scenes in First Wheel in Town.
"Women Shopping for Baskets on the Beach, Port Townsend, ca. 1895"
This photo in the UW Special Collections archive inspired the scene in the story where Kitty buys salmon from Indian women selling baskets on the beach. (For a link to the image source and more information about the photo, scroll down to the bottom of this page.)
Listen to a KUOW piece about fishing treaty rights in the 19th-century (Gabriel was interviewed for this piece—you'll hear his voice on the recording)
http://kuow.org/post/schelangen-also-right
For more about how those treaties affected the 20th-century and continue to have social and environmental implications now, check out Gabriel's thesis: http://depts.washington.edu/civilr/fish-ins.htm
Listen to a KUOW piece about fishing treaty rights in the 19th-century (Gabriel was interviewed for this piece—you'll hear his voice on the recording)
http://kuow.org/post/schelangen-also-right
For more about how those treaties affected the 20th-century and continue to have social and environmental implications now, check out Gabriel's thesis: http://depts.washington.edu/civilr/fish-ins.htm
Slideshow: Traditional Northwest native baskets, photographed at the Port Gamble Historic Museum and the Suquamish Museum.
In the nineteenth-century, "refrigerator" was the most common term for the appliance now more usually called an ice box. For more on this, see the article "Ice Boxes vs. Refrigerators" by Jonathan Rees: http://histsociety.blogspot.com/2013/12/iceboxes-vs-refrigerators.html For a description of living with a Victorian refrigerator, see http://www.thisvictorianlife.com/kitchen-and-dining-room.html
Image source: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Flicker/id
Colaptes auratus: Red shafted Northern flicker—the woodpecker. Pictures never do these birds complete justice. When they spread their wings to fly, the undersides of their wing and tail feathers are an unbelievably vibrant orange. In their courtship ritual the male flashes these bright feathers over and over again to impress the female. The "woodpecker wedding" in the story which Kitty and Dr. Brown watch in the woods is one I've actually witnessed myself —although when I saw it, there was one little detail that I left out of the novella because it would have taken the story off-course: The woodpeckers I saw were going around several large holly trees together, and a hummingbird considered those trees his private property. The whole time the woodpeckers were dancing around the trees with eyes only for each other, the tiny little hummingbird kept buzzing around them screaming in his little, squeaky hummingbird voice. The hummingbird was only a fraction of the woodpeckers' size: they paid absolutely no attention to him, and he kept getting angrier and angrier. It was sweet, and charming, and hilarious all at the same time.
Fashion plate from "The London and Paris Ladies' Magazine", April, 1881. (The middle dress is the one in the story.)
Slideshow: Sawmill equipment
"…He waited for her at the crossroads, and when he saw her coming she nearly took his breath away.
She was in a beautifully fitted black dress with red trim and white lace all down the front. He bowed and offered her his arm..."--First Wheel in Town
Calypso bulbosa, Venus' slippers (also called Fairy slippers) grow wild in the Pacific Northwest. Plentiful in the past, they are now rarely seen.
When I recently wrote these beautiful flowers into the wedding scene of First Wheel in Town, I had read about them but never actually seen them in the wild before. Then, just a couple weeks after I finished the story, Gabriel and I went cycling in the Olympic Rain Forest, along a Rails to Trails path following a former railroad route. I was delighted beyond words when I saw the wild orchids I'd dreamed and written about growing by the side of the trail.
When I recently wrote these beautiful flowers into the wedding scene of First Wheel in Town, I had read about them but never actually seen them in the wild before. Then, just a couple weeks after I finished the story, Gabriel and I went cycling in the Olympic Rain Forest, along a Rails to Trails path following a former railroad route. I was delighted beyond words when I saw the wild orchids I'd dreamed and written about growing by the side of the trail.
"…As they came closer, the crowd heard hearty singing by masculine voices. Those who recognized the tune joined in…"--First Wheel in Town
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Praise for First Wheel in Town on Amazon:
A sweet beginning!
Natalie
I took to Mrs. Chrisman's books soon after I found her website, which immediately happened after coming across her and her husband on a Netflix show my boyfriend had put on his computer in the background. I was immediately smitten with their lifestyle and wanted to dig my (hands? eyes?) into some fresh Victorian fiction, as I'd been trying to find more recently! (At this point, I already powered through both her nonfiction offerings and wanted more..!)
First Wheel in Town is a short, pleasant, utterly Victorian read full of charming characters and captivating historical detail. I can really tell that this novella is crafted by the hands of someone who seriously knows their source material, and I appreciate that very much in my historical fiction. The plot itself is captivating enough and centers around the arrival of a bicycle in a coastal Victorian town, budding romance, and all of the social events that come with people not quite understanding something they've never seen before. From start to finish, it was a welcome reverie of a time gone by.
Oh...and I'll be moving right on to the next one!
***
Loved the book
Robin H.
I have to admit that I read book two before book one. I enjoyed the book with its captivating story. I didn't want to stop reading the book. I enjoy Sarah's writing and story telling. The perfect mix of adventure and romance.
***
This is a wonderful, quick read
USCG Mom
This is a wonderful, quick read. A great story with history and a touch of romance. Ms. Chrisman does a wonderful job with her in-depth research bringing the story of the bicycle to life through her characters. Her attention to detail for the past is why I enjoy reading her books so much. I learn a lot about the period as well as enjoy a sweet, gentle read with a touch of action while reading this latest book from Ms. Chrisman. I look forward to future books from her.
***
Loved it!
Lacy S
I desperately wish this book was a good deal longer, as I truly loved reading it. It was utterly delightful and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sarah's gift with words is not just with nonfiction; she writes delightful fiction as well. Can't wait to read the rest!
***
A Pleasant Read
Chris C.
This is a very sweet story from a very sweet lady. I have read a couple of her non-fiction books, and she does just as well with fiction. It's a well-written novella that is decently edited (I am a writer/editor, so I'm always aware of such). What I most appreciate is that it is not filled with garbage, shock value, or profanity. Don't get me wrong, those elements can work in a novel and I'm not an activist against them, but it's very refreshing to not have them (it gets old after while). We need more books like this, which have a bit more class than your standard affair these days.
I'm not sure that I agree with the review which stated something about the language usage being Victorian. I don't think that's really the case. If you read a novel written in the nineteenth century, chances are, you are going to get very formal, flowery, and sometimes overly wordy prose. Nothing wrong with that, but it can make for very slow reading at times when you are struggling with the language usage and flow of the words. That's not at all the case with Ms. Chrisman's book. It's not written in Victorian language, but more along the lines of modern language with a bit of 'flare' from past usage. It's certainly not slangy and overly lazy as with many modern authors. It tends to lean toward the formal side of English without becoming cumbersome. I'd say that overall, Ms. Chrisman has a pleasant writing voice that offers a hint of Victorian usage and romantic flare that flows very well. I'm a huge fan of English as used (written) prior to about 1850, so I can appreciate the little hint of the past in Ms. Chrisman's usage. But she certainly does not go full on in that direction.
Overall, as I said, a great story. If you like historical (specifically, Victorian era) fiction and sweet, light romance, you'll love this book. I could actually see this story making a good short movie.
***
Lovely!
Kindle Customer
I was little suspicious about the book - is it for ladies only - or.. And I'm really happy to tell that First Wheel in Town was a one of the books I like to read again! It is so fresh, there is nice humor, and makes me very happy. I'm looking forward to read the next two books, (actually just started the next one.)
***
Loved it.
Mrs. Guthrie
Fun, cheerful, historical novel. Wonderful reading for a Summer evening. Can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series. :)
***
Lovely piece of historical fiction
brooksiesgal
Carefully researched, illuminated by the author's personal experience and passions, and delightful to read. Couldn't pick a better way to spend and afternoon.
Looking forward to the next installment already!
***
... a very exellent writer about all her books Very easy to read with a lot of knowledge of the ...
Verena Dundar
Sarah is a very excellent writer about all her books
Very easy to read with a lot of knowledge of the Victorian era and with a dose of a great humor
I enjoyed all her books
Thanks for sharing your personal experiences
In those books
Xo Verena
***
A great read for young or old
Amazon Customer
Squeaky clean, tickling humor and sweet romance in a short novella. What I appreciated most is the care with historic accuracy in her depiction of the Victorian culture. You will likely forget you are reading a modern author.
***
I thoroughly enjoyed this book
Lisa Nickel
This is a fabulously written book set in Victorian times. The book includes history, humor, light romance, and suspense. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
***
I really enjoyed the characters and historical details offered in this book
J.Bundick
I really enjoyed the characters and historical details offered in this book. I like to learn and to laugh, with this book I did both. Very nicely done.
A sweet beginning!
Natalie
I took to Mrs. Chrisman's books soon after I found her website, which immediately happened after coming across her and her husband on a Netflix show my boyfriend had put on his computer in the background. I was immediately smitten with their lifestyle and wanted to dig my (hands? eyes?) into some fresh Victorian fiction, as I'd been trying to find more recently! (At this point, I already powered through both her nonfiction offerings and wanted more..!)
First Wheel in Town is a short, pleasant, utterly Victorian read full of charming characters and captivating historical detail. I can really tell that this novella is crafted by the hands of someone who seriously knows their source material, and I appreciate that very much in my historical fiction. The plot itself is captivating enough and centers around the arrival of a bicycle in a coastal Victorian town, budding romance, and all of the social events that come with people not quite understanding something they've never seen before. From start to finish, it was a welcome reverie of a time gone by.
Oh...and I'll be moving right on to the next one!
***
Loved the book
Robin H.
I have to admit that I read book two before book one. I enjoyed the book with its captivating story. I didn't want to stop reading the book. I enjoy Sarah's writing and story telling. The perfect mix of adventure and romance.
***
This is a wonderful, quick read
USCG Mom
This is a wonderful, quick read. A great story with history and a touch of romance. Ms. Chrisman does a wonderful job with her in-depth research bringing the story of the bicycle to life through her characters. Her attention to detail for the past is why I enjoy reading her books so much. I learn a lot about the period as well as enjoy a sweet, gentle read with a touch of action while reading this latest book from Ms. Chrisman. I look forward to future books from her.
***
Loved it!
Lacy S
I desperately wish this book was a good deal longer, as I truly loved reading it. It was utterly delightful and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sarah's gift with words is not just with nonfiction; she writes delightful fiction as well. Can't wait to read the rest!
***
A Pleasant Read
Chris C.
This is a very sweet story from a very sweet lady. I have read a couple of her non-fiction books, and she does just as well with fiction. It's a well-written novella that is decently edited (I am a writer/editor, so I'm always aware of such). What I most appreciate is that it is not filled with garbage, shock value, or profanity. Don't get me wrong, those elements can work in a novel and I'm not an activist against them, but it's very refreshing to not have them (it gets old after while). We need more books like this, which have a bit more class than your standard affair these days.
I'm not sure that I agree with the review which stated something about the language usage being Victorian. I don't think that's really the case. If you read a novel written in the nineteenth century, chances are, you are going to get very formal, flowery, and sometimes overly wordy prose. Nothing wrong with that, but it can make for very slow reading at times when you are struggling with the language usage and flow of the words. That's not at all the case with Ms. Chrisman's book. It's not written in Victorian language, but more along the lines of modern language with a bit of 'flare' from past usage. It's certainly not slangy and overly lazy as with many modern authors. It tends to lean toward the formal side of English without becoming cumbersome. I'd say that overall, Ms. Chrisman has a pleasant writing voice that offers a hint of Victorian usage and romantic flare that flows very well. I'm a huge fan of English as used (written) prior to about 1850, so I can appreciate the little hint of the past in Ms. Chrisman's usage. But she certainly does not go full on in that direction.
Overall, as I said, a great story. If you like historical (specifically, Victorian era) fiction and sweet, light romance, you'll love this book. I could actually see this story making a good short movie.
***
Lovely!
Kindle Customer
I was little suspicious about the book - is it for ladies only - or.. And I'm really happy to tell that First Wheel in Town was a one of the books I like to read again! It is so fresh, there is nice humor, and makes me very happy. I'm looking forward to read the next two books, (actually just started the next one.)
***
Loved it.
Mrs. Guthrie
Fun, cheerful, historical novel. Wonderful reading for a Summer evening. Can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series. :)
***
Lovely piece of historical fiction
brooksiesgal
Carefully researched, illuminated by the author's personal experience and passions, and delightful to read. Couldn't pick a better way to spend and afternoon.
Looking forward to the next installment already!
***
... a very exellent writer about all her books Very easy to read with a lot of knowledge of the ...
Verena Dundar
Sarah is a very excellent writer about all her books
Very easy to read with a lot of knowledge of the Victorian era and with a dose of a great humor
I enjoyed all her books
Thanks for sharing your personal experiences
In those books
Xo Verena
***
A great read for young or old
Amazon Customer
Squeaky clean, tickling humor and sweet romance in a short novella. What I appreciated most is the care with historic accuracy in her depiction of the Victorian culture. You will likely forget you are reading a modern author.
***
I thoroughly enjoyed this book
Lisa Nickel
This is a fabulously written book set in Victorian times. The book includes history, humor, light romance, and suspense. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
***
I really enjoyed the characters and historical details offered in this book
J.Bundick
I really enjoyed the characters and historical details offered in this book. I like to learn and to laugh, with this book I did both. Very nicely done.
Buy the book!
First Wheel in Town
Other books in the
Tales of Chetzemoka series:
Love Will Find A Wheel (Book II)
Buy the book Learn more
A Rapping At the Door (Book III)
Buy the book Learn more
Image credits:
Cycle:
Columbia bicycle, 1881: http://www.vintagecolumbiabikes.com/id94.html
Historic images:
University of Washington Digital Collections:
Women selling baskets on the beach: http://digitalcollections.lib.washington.edu/cdm/ref/collection/loc/id/54
Salish canoe: http://digitalcollections.lib.washington.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/loc/id/56/rec/39
Canoe with sails: http://digitalcollections.lib.washington.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/loc/id/55/rec/27
Canoe and clamming baskets: digitalcollections.lib.washington.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/nol/id/50/rec/93
Loggers:
digitalcollections.lib.washington.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/indocc/id/90/rec/71
Mercantile store:
digitalcollections.lib.washington.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/wastate/id/575/rec/39
Downtown with steam and sailing ships:
http://www.palacehotelpt.com/construction.jpg
"Lumbering in Washington Territory" line drawing in logging slideshow: Scanned from a September, 1870, Harper's Magazine in our private collection. (To see more images scanned from our private collection, go to: Historical Images)
Artifact location credits:
Ceremonial canoe: Victoria, British Columbia Parliament.
Logging equipment tableau with boots: Port Gamble Historic Museum, WA
Sawmill equipment, picture of "Bill Clapper", picture of men with sawmill equipment: Port Gamble Historic Museum, WA
Racing canoes: Island County Museum, Coupeville, WA.
Native baskets: Port Gamble Historic Museum, WA and also: Suquamish Museum
Cycle:
Columbia bicycle, 1881: http://www.vintagecolumbiabikes.com/id94.html
Historic images:
University of Washington Digital Collections:
Women selling baskets on the beach: http://digitalcollections.lib.washington.edu/cdm/ref/collection/loc/id/54
Salish canoe: http://digitalcollections.lib.washington.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/loc/id/56/rec/39
Canoe with sails: http://digitalcollections.lib.washington.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/loc/id/55/rec/27
Canoe and clamming baskets: digitalcollections.lib.washington.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/nol/id/50/rec/93
Loggers:
digitalcollections.lib.washington.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/indocc/id/90/rec/71
Mercantile store:
digitalcollections.lib.washington.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/wastate/id/575/rec/39
Downtown with steam and sailing ships:
http://www.palacehotelpt.com/construction.jpg
"Lumbering in Washington Territory" line drawing in logging slideshow: Scanned from a September, 1870, Harper's Magazine in our private collection. (To see more images scanned from our private collection, go to: Historical Images)
Artifact location credits:
Ceremonial canoe: Victoria, British Columbia Parliament.
Logging equipment tableau with boots: Port Gamble Historic Museum, WA
Sawmill equipment, picture of "Bill Clapper", picture of men with sawmill equipment: Port Gamble Historic Museum, WA
Racing canoes: Island County Museum, Coupeville, WA.
Native baskets: Port Gamble Historic Museum, WA and also: Suquamish Museum
Victorian Cycles
Hand-built 1890's-style bicycles
Interested in a real time machine? Commission one of our 1890s-style custom bicycles! Custom, hand-made steel frames with wooden fenders and chainguards, leather saddles and cork grips. Whether you are interested in a roadster or a racer, we can build you the period bicycle of your dreams.
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