Seymour, Alta Halverson
Dates
- Existence: 1893 - 1970
Biography
Alta Halverson Seymour was a children's author. Her books drew inspiration from her family's history as well as holiday traditions. Seymour's father emigrated from Norway to Wisconsin. At age 19, her family moved to Los Angeles, where she set up her own public stenographic office. Seymour studied English at the University of Minnesota, where she earned both her bachelors and her masters degrees. She and her husband, George Seymour, then moved to Oak Park. In 1939 Seymour became owner and manager of a community kitchen and tea room at 711 South Blvd. In that same year, Seymour gained exposure in the local press for braiding a room sized rug.
Seymour published her first children's book, "Timothy Keeps a Secret," in 1939 to positive reviews. Her next book "On the Edge of the Fjord," was presented by Eleanor Roosevelt to the Crown Prince and Princess of Norway. A new edition of the book was published in England and it was also the first Westminister Press book to be translated into Braille.
