About Mortimer & Martha
The Archivist
Quite by accident, I became the caretaker of weathered trunks filled with journals, letters, recipes, diagrams, and assorted oddities. Some pages are brilliant. Some are baffling. One contains a detailed inventory of umbrellas. Another appears to be a strongly worded complaint directed at a goose.
Together, they tell the story of Mortimer and Martha, two extraordinary siblings whose adventures have proven far too entertaining to keep to myself. And caramel corn.
The Discovered Journals
The journals begin in 1920s Detroit, amid a city preoccupied with invention, industry, art, automobiles, and the rather appealing notion that nearly anything might be possible. Across their pages are years of experiments, travels, observations, inventions, unfinished schemes, and meticulous notes written in several styles of handwriting.
There are also references to disguises, coded correspondence, peculiar appointments, and several incidents the Archivist has not yet satisfactorily explained.
Between discussions of chemistry, literature, music, mathematics, and the occasional mysterious mission, one recurring subject appears with surprising frequency: caramel corn.
Tucked among the pages were recipe revisions, ingredient calculations, and observations regarding what constitutes a “proper crunch.” Many of the notes appear to document Martha's efforts to create a caramel corn recipe suitable for her brother Mortimer’s notoriously fussy digestion. Judging by the number of revisions, she took the assignment seriously.
Mortimer & Martha
Brother and sister, confidants, and enthusiastic collectors of knowledge, Mortimer and Martha possess a rare talent for finding themselves in situations that are equal parts ingenious and improbable.
Martha approaches the world as a chemist, inventor, classical musician, and devoted cook. Mortimer favors books, theater, jazz, and asking questions that often lead to trouble. Together, they pursue their interests with curiosity and an unwavering belief that nearly every problem can be solved with sufficient cleverness and a well-timed snack.
FROM THE PAPERS OF MORTIMER & MARTHA