From: John Davis <[log in to unmask]> To: Mark Twain Forum <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Re: Books involving Elmira?..... Date sent: Wed, 26 Sep 2001 08:59:11 -0400 Although the story does not state its general setting, "A True Story" apparently begins and ends on the porch of Quarry Farm in Elmira. The servant of the Cranes, Twain's in-laws who lived there, Annie Cord (I believe I am correct about her name) told the original story which he transformed into "A True Story." When one sees the front porch of the house, one can easily imagine the family seated there and on the steps talking and listening as they gazed over the long sloping front lawn toward the trees, river, and mountains beyond. Our imaginations, with equal ease, can place the people as Twain describes them. Most of the story, the interior frame, is set farther south. John H. Davis, Ph.D. English Division Chowan College Murfreesboro, NC