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[Following story courtesy of the Watertown Public Opinion and Jarret Bies.]Singer-storyteller Sherwin Linton, who got his start in country music right here in South Dakota, DJing at KWAT in the mid-1950s, now can add author to his list of accomplishments. He will be signing copies of his book, “Mildred’s a Mommy,” at DDR Books in Downtown Watertown Friday, Sept. 12, 2-4 pm.
With the help of some talented friends, Linton put a true story to paper, explaining and expanding on the tale of a hen mallard who nested near a local business in his now-hometown of Coon Rapids, Minnesota.
“Mildred’s a Mommy” is Linton’s first book. It is a story for people of any age.
“I’d never thought about writing a children’s book,” Linton said. “But this book wrote itself. It was a true story, and I just had to imagine the details and bring the characters to life.”
The facts are engaging on their own. Linton’s wife, Pam, owns a boutique in a retail center in Coon Rapids. The hen mallard picked a flower planter next to the parking lot to make her nest. Pam Linton gave her the moniker of Mildred. In time, she carefully laid 13 eggs. Customers and staff saw her diligent work, caring for the eggs, and eventually, they hatched. Momma duck marched them all to a nearby creek, where they thrived.
Many people noticed the brood-to-be as Mildred waddled the area and attracted attention.
“When they were ready, Mildred brought her ducklings to Paradise Creek, and later they all flew away,” said Linton. “She kept them safe from the foxes, raccoons and possums, as well as all the traffic.”
Linton took the unfolding natural scenario and wrote the narrative, much like the many story songs people know him for over his many decades in country and rockabilly music. He named Mildred’s drake/partner Maynard and hopes his book can bring joy to anyone who wants a wildlife-focused tale to share with loved ones.
“We saw Mother Nature at work with those ducks,” he said. “In many ways, they came to life for us, right before our eyes.”
Jonny Borgen served as the book’s artist.
“We’re so blessed because we have a neighbor who loved the story, and she’s a gifted artist,” Linton said. “She took photos, made sketches and really brought Mildred and Maynard, and their offspring, to life with her colorful illustrations.”
Linton was nominated for Entertainer of the Year and Best Male Vocalist by Music City News and the Academy of Country Music. In the 1960s, '70s and '80s, Linton played from the Grand Ole’ Opry to the Las Vegas strip.
The Watertown native has been inducted into the South Dakota Musicians Hall of Fame, the National Traditional Country Music Hall of Fame and the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame.
Copies of “Mildred’s a Mommy” are available at DDR Books, located at 7 S. Maple in Downtown Watertown. Call 605-868-3705 or email [email protected] with questions or to arrange shipping for the cost of postage within the contiguous United States.
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7 South Maple, Watertown, SD, United States, South Dakota 57201
