Every year the Center for Mark Twain Studies hosts the “Quarry Farm Fireplace Writing Contest.”  The contest is based on decorative tiles situated in the Quarry Farm Parlor fireplace.  Originally owned by Susan and Theodore Crane, Mark Twain’s in-laws, the tiles are decorated with images from Aesop’s Fables.

It has been passed down that Mark Twain’s daughters would insist that their father tell them a bedtime story based on these tiles every night.  Legend has it that Twain was not allowed to simply retell the original Ancient Greek parables, but had to invent a completely new story every night.  The daughters would then summarily judge whether the story had any merit. 

CMTS continues this tradition with the Quarry Farm Fireplace Writing Contest. Students from 2nd to 6th grade are encouraged to submit their own original creative writing stories based on the fireplace tiles, just like the iconic author himself.

Three winners, chosen by the CMTS staff, have the opportunity to read their own stories next to the fireplace.  Furthermore, winners are allowed to bring a section of their class or entire classroom (depending on overall size) into the parlor to hear the reading. The visit to Quarry Farm concludes with Mark Twain’s favorite dessert: gingerbread, vanilla ice cream and lemonade!

The winners of the 2025 Quarry Farm Fireplace Writing Contest are:

• Avi Granger, Carder Elementary (Corning, NY)
• Luna Liu, Carder Elementary (Corning, NY)
• Katelynn Watkins, Carder Elementary (Corning, NY)

Teachers and students are encouraged to explore and utilize all of CMTS’ educational resources.  You can find the collection HERE.

Please direct any inquires to Dr. Joseph Lemak, Director of the Center for Mark Twain Studies at jl****@****ra.edu.

Avi Granger

Luna Liu