Was Nancy Drew a Part of Your Childhood?

Many adult mystery book fans began as a fan of Nancy Drew and/or the Hardy Boys. As an adult, I have read some of the Hardy Boys books to my children and grandchildren. But how much mental space does the love of these pulp books for kids occupy for you, now as an adult?

Is Nancy Drew a Part of Your Adult Life?

For thousands of adults, the answer is “Yes!” Meet Calina, an enthusiastic collector of all things Nancy Drew: Naturally that includes the books over the years, interactive computer games, boards games, keyrings, mugs, calendars, posters, and…. pretty much anything. View her whole collection video!

And then there is Carter. One day he visited 4 antique stores while making a video of his visit. Nearly every object reminded Carter of a plot from one of the 175 Nancy Drew books. He certainly has the ND canon memorized! It is amazing how Carter sees the world in terms of Nancy Drew! See Carter’s video and be amazed by his commentary!

Need answers about Nancy Drew characters, plots, book editions, art work… well, anything to do with that female Sleuth? Contact Jennifer Fisher, a bona fide Nancy Drew Consultant and researcher. On her website, she says she offers “Zoom Presentations on Nancy Drew covering topics including The Mysterious History Behind Nancy Drew – all about those who created her – as well as Collecting Nancy Drew 101 – an overview about Nancy Drew books and collectibles from 1930 to present day. Contact me at nancydrewsleuth@aol.com if you’re interested in scheduling a Zoom! Perfect for groups and libraries.” Maybe we could host her in the MBTS Library – if there is interest.

Many writers, film-makers, and game designers have consulted with Jennifer – and her vast collection has been loaned as props. Here (below) is part of her collection.

Want to get started as a fan? Read all the books of course. Then consider, getting some Nancy bling and show-off items…..

Here is how I stumbled onto all of this information. I am presently building a list of conferences and workshops for crime fiction fans. I was surprised when “Nancy Drew Convention” showed up while Googling such get togethers. Here’s a sample agenda from July 2022 in Toledo, Ohio:

Visit the ultimate Nancy Drew collection at the Toledo Public Library, see original Nancy Drew artwork. Visit haunted locations! Tour Nancy Drew history – did you know many of the original Nancy Drew books were written by original ghostwriter Mildred Wirt Benson in Cleveland and Toledo?

Thurs. July 14 – 6-8pm – Nancy Drew Party at the Toledo Public Library, downtown branch – Children’s section – On display are original Nancy Drew cover art paintings, artist prints inspired by Nancy Drew, an escape room challenge, photo booth, charcuterie bar and other goodies, and the dedication of the Jennifer Fisher Nancy Drew Collection in the Mystery Room – (Free event)

Fri. July 15 – 1-3:30pm – Nancy Drew Mystery Day at the Toledo Public Library, downtown branch – Includes a scavenger hunt, strolling magician, CSI activities from Imagination Station, photo booth and a program all about Nancy Drew’s mysterious history and collecting Nancy Drew by authors Jennifer Fisher and Julie Rubini and artist Laura Ruby whose Nancy Drew prints are on display throughout the library. Sleuth Kits to first several hundred guests. (Free event)

Sat. July 16 – Activities and scavenger style hunt on your own & Nancy Drew Fans dinner (Fee for dinner)