I’ve now been working on this project for over a year–in my spare time. I’ve taken three video courses and am now working on transcribing primary sources and interviews. I have about 80 pages of newspaper articles left to transcribe (although most of the entries are quite short) and about 2 hours of interviews to transcribe. I’m considering having the following threads in the story–
–the illustrated story (illustrator needed)
–Harry’s journey (interviews, exhibition)
–the “interviews” with the Pedestriennes, journalists, and trainers
I may try to interview the other people Harry recommended and the author Mike discovered. I’d like to find sheet music of the songs mentioned in the newspapers and have a band adapt and record them. (Contact Cedar Valley College?) The music could even be modernized I think. I would like to have some costumes made, a green screen, and several backgrounds that would suit the story. I’m also studying Barry Hampe’s book “Making Documentary Films and Videos.” Trying to learn the ropes.
C. Dawn McCallum 
I’ve recently been in communication with Harry, as I share your interest in Victorian pedestriennes! I’m in the process of researching the topic, with full intent to use the information to combine my passions for costuming and running. I’m going to construct a historically accurate outfit to wear while participating in an ultra-marathon, and was wondering what images of these women or descriptions of their costumes you might have to share? Fyi, having done a fair number of fixed distance events up to 50 miles, and timed events to 48 hours and 100+ miles, I definitely feel that I am following in the footsteps of these women! 🙂
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Hi Heather! It’s great to connect with you. Harry told me about you, and I think it’s so exciting what you’re doing! I’m freeing up more time in my schedule in the fall so I can work on more on the Pedestrienne video. (I’m still going to be working part time but will be keeping a school year calendar as much as I can.) I actually have it on my to do list to look for a costumer so we can get some video of actresses portraying the lady walkers. There’s so little visual evidence for this story, so we’ll need to create it. I do have some pictures and descriptions of their costumes. I got them from Harry so let me check with him to see if I can share them. There’s a chance I’ll be in southern Alabama this Christmastime. If that works out, maybe we’d have a chance to meet and possibly shoot some footage of you walking in your costume and what inspires you about the Pedestriennes. I’m more of a writer than filmmaker, so I’m learning how to do all of this still and there’s a significant learning curve. Fortunately, there are many great people to learn from. And the women are worth it. Whenever I feel frustrated with how slowly it’s going, I think, “If the Pedestriennes can do what they did, I can do this.” I draw on their tenacity and courage. It may take a long time to get it done, but the story needs telling. Harry’s done extraordinary work, and I can’t wait to see how he pulls it all together. It’s such a great story, and I love the women the more I get to know about them and their lives. My personal email is dawnmccallum at yahoo dot com. Stay in touch! 🙂 Going to email Harry about the pictures and descriptions now….
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