Tonight, Tuesday, September 22nd at 6:30 p.m., I'll be speaking at the Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut Street, Holyoke, Mass., as part of their Conversations with Local Authors series. I'll be discussing my book Ann Blyth: Actress. Singer. Star., and will bring along some film memorabilia for display. I'll also have a selection of my other books for sale and signing.
Celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II on Saturday, September 12th with a special gala, featuring a very special Big Band - Dan Gabel and the Abeltones!
Here from The Greater Boston Vintage Society Facebook page:
Indoor, 8pm--Then head inside for the amazing Dan Gabel and the Abletones ...Authentic Big Band featuring vocalist Elise Roth! This extremely talented band will have you swinging your heart out in no time! Along with the music there will be performances, a high output Lindy Hop contest with prizes, and a genuine 1940’s Army projector playing wartime newsreel films!
Get your tickets in advance! At only $25, this all-ages show is going to sell out fast! Tickets will be $35 at the door if there are any left. Special bonus: Members of GBVS who are in military service or Veterans get in for FREE!!! (must bring proof of service) Free appetizers and snacks will be available for the outdoor portion of the event! Snacks and drinks will be sold inside. There’s plenty of parking, and the hall is right on the T (Green Line-Newton Centre)! See you in 1945!
Bishop Mackenzie Center
1337 Centre St. Newton, MA
For more on Dan Gabel and his Abeltones, have a look at his website for upcoming appearances.
A notice of speaking dates and book signings in September:
On Wednesday, September 16th, at 7:00 p.m., I'll be speaking at the Chicopee Historical Society meeting on "Revolution vs. Rebellion" -- a look at how manufacturing change society during the Civil War years and brought about a social and commercial revolution. The meeting is open to the public at the Bellamy Homestead, 91-93 Court Street, Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts. The site is the home of nineteenth century author and social visionary Edward Bellamy, and is a National Historic Landmark.
On this occasion, a room in the Bellamy Homestead to display historical items is to be dedicated and named for my late sister, Ann Lynch Beebe, longtime treasurer of the Chicopee Historical Society.
On Saturday, September 19th, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., I'll be signing a variety of my books along with other local authors at the Springfield City Library, 220 State Street, Springfield, Mass., as part of their autumn Author Fair.
On Tuesday, September 22nd at 6:30 p.m., I'll be speaking at the Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut Street, Holyoke, Mass., as part of their Conversations with Local Authors series. I'll be discussing my book Ann Blyth: Actress. Singer. Star., and will bring along some film memorabilia for display. I'll also have a selection of my other books for sale and signing.
On GROWING UP IN PRESCOTT - LOST TOWN OF QUABBIN:
Linda Carraway said...
What a wonderful story! My mother, nee Esther Lindell, and her family lived in Hardwick from 1919 until 1922, and I have always been fascinated (yet saddened) by the story of the lost towns.
Can you imagine my surprise when I read this and came upon the name of Marion Kelly? Miss Kelly was the principal of Pines School in Wilbraham when I was there in grades 3-5 (circa 1950-1953) and my mother, having attended Westfield Normal School, was the third grade teacher! Boy, was she hard on me!
Thank you for these memories. You can never know how many hearts and minds you will reach.
Linda Johnson Carraway, Tampa FL
On Starring Chester, CT - http://newenglandtravels.blogspot.com/2012/05/starring-chester-connecticut.html
I just watched the movie again last night and was looking for information on where they filmed it. It looks like several towns have claimed credit but after seeing your pictures it's obvious most of it was shot in Chester. I hope to get back that way and see it in person someday soon.
On the Hammersmith Farm:
Lynn Shoen said...
The month after Jackie died, I took my three young nieces from Nevada to Hammersmith Farm. It was owned by Camelot Gardens at the time, and was open to the public. Since the Rhode Island schools had not recessed for the summer, we had the entree house and grounds to ourselves for the day. The guides let us go wherever we wished, into Jackie's bedroom, her bathroom, the kitchen, the deck room, and the wonderful sun porch. It remains one of the most memorable days of our lives, since the house was truly a family home, and we felt so welcome. Lynn Shoen
On Brigham's:
Paul Fox said...
I'm the son of the last owner of Brigham's, Paul F. Fox. He operated the store from about 1948 until it closed in 1970. At that time the store was still somewhat successful, but my father correctly believed that he would have to establish branches in the suburbs as Forbes & Wallace and Stieger's were doing. He did not want to run such a large operation.
Paul G Fox
pfox500@gmail.com
On Forbes & Wallace - Springfield:
Helene Kelly said...
Thanks so much to all of you for keeping the 'old downtown Springfield alive. I am the niece of George Legos, the former owner and key cook of the Nuttie Goodie Tearoom. He just passed away this morning at the age of 80 from a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a wonderful uncle and a great man. So many people have fond memories of my family's downtown Springfield landmark, the Nuttie Goodie Tearoom. Helene
February
17, 2013
On Iwo Jima Memorial - New Hampshire:
Anonymous said...
This article is rubbish. I am Rene Gagnon's grandson and this article seems to pull untrue information out of its ass. My grandfather never tried to capitalize on anything, he was never an alcoholic (who writes this stuff?) He wasn't embittered, and he never worked a menial job... in fact he owned a travel agency with my grandmother.
May 25, 2012
tammy chalbeck said...
Just found out by my brother that Rene Arthur Gagnon was my grandmothers uncle..makes me proud to know that I am related to this man...wish I had heard the same stories from my grandmother that my brother did but I was young...my grandmothers name was Lillian Gagne...would love to know more about him and wish she was alive to tell me! Thank you Tammy Chalbeck
May 28, 2012
On The Ames Mfg. Company:
Yuki said...Hi, I loved your article. Very informative and well executed. I have 2 Ames Swords and was wondering if you know what year the business was sold to Ohio and who the company was it was sold to? Thanks! Still enjoying your article many years after it was written.September 27, 2013
Thomas Fowler said...Thank you so much for this well researched and interesting article on the Ames family and its swords. We are a Southern family near Danville, and have an Ames non-commissioned officer's sword...captured, of course. This is beautiful research, well presented. Thos. B. Fowler August 27, 2013
Mrs. LaFlamme said...
Fascinating article. I grew up in Chicopee and traveled past the old Ames Manufacturing Co. on my way to high school every day. I learned so much from your well documented article.
August 16, 2012
