I grew up as a child as a military dependent. (Army Brat) My father, Teddy Asselin originally from Warren, N.H., was a career Army personnel. I grew up predominately in the Panama Canal Zone and at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. 

In the summer of 1970 my father, retired and we settled our family of 9 in Warren.  The first time I experienced snow and cold was the winter of 1970! This was a cultural shock for sure. Holy Moly!

I started eighth grade at Haverhill Academy with a southern accent and being very unsure of my surroundings. For example; “When are we reaching the town of Frost Heaves?” I kept seeing the signs. I had the whole bus laughing. “Why do people drink tonic?” Isn’t that what men put on their hair?

And also, why are people calling me “Wicked”? Really? I think I am pretty nice. 

And then folks could not understand me and why did I say “Heyyy” to those I met on the bus and in the halls. In the South, we are taught to acknowledge others and to be friendly. 

At the time I did not fully appreciate that my English teacher, Mrs.Evans, was trying to help me adjust and acclimate me in our English class. In hindsight, she was being very kind and was trying to help me. 

I think she saw that I liked to draw and she asked me to participate in the logo contest for the snowmobile club. Ok, Of course I will…….but I did not know what a snowmobile was? I had never seen one or been on one. She explained that it is a machine, like a motor cycle, but with skis to drive in the snow. OK?!

My dad who was also pretty artistic, said to try and not do a real machine but maybe more of a cartoon. So he planted the seed for me to create a character and draw the duck in the bathtub with skis. It was as simple as that. I toyed around with different characters at first, a dog, lamb and if I remember correctly a cat. I settled on the duck because of little rubber ducks that float in tubs when one is young child. Mount Moosilauke was in the background in Warren so I thought this should be the backdrop. 

I submitted my work and much to my surprise it was chosen! 

And I got $10.00 and a certificate. Wow!! I was rich. So the duck was born. I am proud of the duck I created 52 years ago. I think it is unique. 

Maybe it is not surprising I also became a high school teacher and I took special care of the students who may have felt left out or different. 

So, this is a story of the kindness of a teacher to an eighth grader and the creation of the Duck. 

                                        Save the Duck!

Sincerely,

Sharon Asselin DiFranza