While Mother Goose is a name known worldwide as the imaginary author of nursery rhymes like “Jack and Jill” and “Hickory Dickory Dock,” Columbus has a unique claim to the character in the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library’s children’s librarian.
Edwina Williams has become synonymous with the character in the Golden Triangle. Whether she is in the library or on the street, Williams is often referred to as “Mother Goose” more often than her own name. And she can often be seen wearing her “uniform,” a straw hat covered in flowers, a blue dress and a white apron.
But how did the local Mother Goose become the character? How did she end up at the library? And how does Mother Goose help children learn?
How did Edwina Williams become Mother Goose?
Williams told The Dispatch on Tuesday that she never imagined she would become Mother Goose when she was younger. But from 3 years old, she would make up songs around the house, which may have been a sign of things to come.
In her 20s, Williams attended Mississippi University for Women, where she received a bachelor’s of science in education. She taught first grade for a few years, moving between schools in Amory, New Orleans and eventually she taught a year at Franklin Academy.
But it wasn’t until Williams started substitute teaching that her feathery future started to come into focus. A few of the teachers at the schools she was visiting asked why she didn’t incorporate stories into her programs, and Williams had the idea to become a character to tell those stories. She picked a character she believed all children could relate to: Mother Goose.
“I felt like Mother Goose was a person who loved children, could relate to children and felt at ease around children,” Williams said. “And maybe she could help children, if they had an inhibition… I could help bring them out and help children have self confidence.”
When she wasn’t being Mother Goose in schools, Williams would also perform at birthday parties and other special events as Mother Goose, telling stories and singing to children.
“Even people who are in their 40s say, ‘Mother Goose, I remember when I was a little kid and you did a birthday party for me,’” Williams said.
How did Mother Goose end up at the library?
Mother Goose came to the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library in 1985, Williams said, upon special invitation from then-library director Chebie Bateman.
“Ms. Bateman, the director of the library, called me one day,” Williams said. “Their regular person who worked with children had to leave. And I said, ‘Ms. Bateman, I’m not a library science major.’ And she said, ‘well, that doesn’t matter. Come up here and we’ll teach you.’”
Despite Williams’ initial hesitation, Mother Goose became a fixture of the library. She may be best known for her story time at 10 a.m. every Thursday. The story time is geared toward children between 3 and 6 years old.
Still, Mother Goose is not confined to the walls of the library, Williams said. Mother Goose often visits children at schools and attends local public events. It’s also the name Williams responds to the most often, she said, when she sees people on the street.
“I’m always Mother Goose. And sometimes, people say, ‘well I don’t know your real name,’ and I say, ‘well, sometimes I forget my real name,’” Williams joked.
“It does wonders for me,” she added. “It just lifts my spirits.”
How does Mother Goose help children learn?
During Mother Goose Story Time every week, children enjoy stories, songs and other activities Williams guides. But Williams said her intention is always to help children learn.
That includes reading and counting, but also self confidence. All of those things are important, Williams said, as children develop and learn to see the world in a positive way.
“I only want them to see the positive side of things, not the negative,” Williams said. “And if some little kid comes up here that I know of, and they don’t act very nice, I’ll shake my head and say ‘Well, I wouldn’t expect you to do that. You’re such a nice, cute, sweet kid.’ I try to use the positive approach. And laughter goes a long way.”
Williams said she also hosts an annual Valentine’s Day tea party to teach children about good manners and etiquette. Skills like looking someone in the eye while speaking, she said, or keeping your elbows off the table while you eat, can help children for years in the future.
Being Mother Goose and teaching children those crucial skills are both things Williams hopes she never has to stop doing, even if not everyone understands her role, she said.
“If I’m silly, that’s ok. Because even adults relate to silly things,” she said. “And I can laugh at myself.”
Editor’s note: Do you want answers to questions about the Golden Triangle? Each week, Dispatch reporters set out to explain or update a timely, practical issue. Email your question to [email protected].
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You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 48 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
