Freddy Information

"The Friends of Freddy" is an international membership organization dedicated to the preservation and perpetuation of the writings of Walter R. Brooks and his literary alter ego, Freddy the Pig. Founded in 1984, the Friends of Freddy celebrates the writings of Walter R. Brooks (1886-1958) and his literary alter ego, Freddy the Pig. First published by Alfred A. Knopf between 1927 and 1958, the Freddy books were illustrated by Kurt Wiese, who deftly brought to life hundreds of hilarious events throughout the series. The 26 books in this remarkable achievement in children's literature contain more than 250 humorous characters. The books evoke both town and country, in the rural setting of the Bean farm and its nearby commercial hub, Centerboro. When the Freddy books were allowed to go out of print in the 1970's, many mourned their loss and began to hunt them down in used bookstores and through out-of-print books search services. From a small group of fans who had written Walter R. Brooks' widow came the first members of the Friends of Freddy. The Bean Home Newsletter began publication in 1984, and our first convention was held two years later. The first convention, in 1986, adopted our mission: to continue publication of the Bean Home Newsletter (quarterly) as a means of communication among our members to share both our memories and literary insights at biennial conventions to work toward ensuring that the 26 books are available for future generation to help locate original editions, and promote trading of the books through the newsletter and at the conventions In 1988, at our second convention, the Walter R. Brooks Memorial Fund was established. Proceeds from this fund have been donated to the Roxbury Library, a private library in Brooks' home town. Another charitable effort has been our Needy Schools and Libraries Book Donation Program, under which we have donated hundreds of Freddy books to libraries in New York State and around the country, to selected childrens' hospitals, and to shelters. All of our dues ...