Chivalry for Children

Christine Wells-Leddon was born on a cold and blustery day in January, some two months before her parents anticipated her arrival. Being a precocious child, she continued her reputation of being "perpetually curious & temporally displaced" by embarking on a career of emptying library shelves at every opportunity; in the process earning the nickname "She who walks between worlds" from her delighted teachers and perplexed relatives.

And the trend continues today...

As an adult, Christine continues to indulge in her love of all things literary and historical.   In 1999, believing that children can find good role models in both literature and history, she co-authored the Chivalry for Children program to help them do just that.  In 2006, wishing to expand her understanding of chivalric Orders of all kinds, she accepted appointment as a forum moderator on the well-regarded Templar History.com discussion forum.  As a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Daughters of Rebekah and the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War she has expanded her experience into the realm of fraternal orders as well.

When not teaching, moderating discussion forums, researching elusive ancestors, or performing at Renaissance Faires; Christine can most often be found volunteering for a wide variety of charitable endeavors.  "For Chivalry to truly live" she says "it must be more than just an ideal, it must be become a way of life."

Websites:  http://blingenstein.renspace.com/ & http://www.myspace.com/blingenstein

Sir Axel, known in the real world as Allen L Leddon, is a retired real estate agent with J.P. Weigand & Sons in the Wichita area.  Before becoming a Realtor(R) he had a twenty year career as a Medical Technologist.  He attended Wichita State University, and is an Alumni of Wichita North High School.

Allen has been involved in the Living History Movement for more than 30 years.  He is a member of the Society for Creative Anachronisms, and currently teaches and volunteers at Wichita's children's museum:  Exploration Place.   In the past, he has been a member of the Civil War reinactment group, the 9th Texas Infantry, and has volunteered at Wichita's Historic Cowtown.  In 2008, he was accepted into membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (or IOOF).

His is a life-long fascination with history, which he sees as an endless continuum from the prehistory of his college field of study, anthropology, to his interest in "future history" like "Star Trek" and other science fiction genres.

"A committment to Chivalric Ideals" is a committment to the common humanity of all people, and to service to the weak and powerless."

Websites:  http://blingenstein.renspace.com/ & http://www.myspace.com/blingenstein

Chuck Bell was born and raised in central Illinois.  He grew up in the Scouts, becoming an Eagle Scout and a Vigil Honor Member.  He earned two degrees in History form Illinois State University and a Master's Degree in Library Science from the University of Illinois.

He pursues a life-long facination with medieval history by being involved in the SCA, the Order of St. Sebastian, the College of St. George and Chivalry for Children.  He also serves on the Court at the Great Plains Renaissance Festival.

Chuck is learning a whole new side of knighthood since earning the title "Daddy."

Website:  http://www.seebellz.net/stgeorgecollege.html

The Chivalry for Children Program would like to thank
the following photographers and artists for their gracious permission
in allowing us to use their work on this website:

B. Parrish
G. Dalton
S.A Dafoe
A. Dawson
Clan Deeds
M. R. Gheesling
G. Gunnels
S. Howell
A. Jackalope
A. Leddon
G. Napier
C. Stanford

and

"The Other Capt. Jack Sparrow"