A sunny, warm, late September day brought record crowds to the official book launch for “Lanark County Classics: A Treasury of Tales from Another Time”.
The Book Nook, a popular store on the main street of historic Perth, Ontario, was the setting for a steady stream of book lovers eager to read the latest collection of stories set in Lanark County, the picturesque maple syrup capital of Ontario.
The newly released stories in this series are set in Perth, Lanark, DeWitt’s Corners, Pakenham, Clyde’s Forks, Middleville, and the former North Burgess Township, taking the reader along on a journey back to the 1960s and 1970s in rural Eastern Ontario.
An early visitor to the store on Saturday, was Tara Gesner, from Metroland Media, a reporter covering the book launch for the local newspaper.
There were many new faces stopping by, after reading the glowing reviews appearing in several publications Review of Lanark County Classics
A reader from Port Elmsley stopped by, interested in local history, and had certainly come to the right book launch for stories set around the region.
Dianne Tysick Pinder-Moss, former classmate of the author has purchased the entire collection for her mother, who has been a fan of the series since the beginning.
Nancy Townend, Pakenham resident, came to the launch after hearing that one of the stories ‘Perils in Pakenham’, was set in her lovely,scenic, village.
Carol-Ann McDougall, resident of the Big Rideau Lake, featured in the story “Lake Life – A Rideau Ferry Love Story” Lake Life – A Rideau Ferry Love Story brought a lovely, bright yellow chrysanthemum to grace the table of the book launch. Carol-Ann has read all of the books in the Lanark County series, and has been looking forward to reading the newest collection of stories.
Carla Brown stopped by, as she often does, to purchase the latest Lanark County book for her grandmother Shirley Myers.
Avid reader of local history, Tom Ayres was eager to get the latest book in the series. Tom has read all five in the collection, and is the reader who requested the story on Antler Lodge, featured in the last book – Lanark County Connections. Antler Lodge
One of the stories in the new book, Lanark County Classics is ‘Meet Me in DeWitt’s Corners. The story takes the reader back to the earliest days of the hamlet, recounts the history of this proud settlement, and the DeWitt family, whose name still graces the community today. It was a special treat to have members of this founding family attend the book launch.
Jane DeWitt Brady O’Grady – descendant of pioneer Zephaniah DeWitt, founding family of DeWitt’s Corners.
Also, a direct descendant of Zephaniah DeWitt, and native of DeWitt’s Corners – William ‘Bill’ Cavanagh, son of Helen DeWitt and James ‘Jim’ Cavanagh, and his wife Brenda.
Another native of DeWitt’s Corners, and descendant of pioneer Zephaniah DeWitt, sister of Bill, JoAnne Cavanagh Butler, daughter of Helen DeWitt and James ‘Jim’ Cavanagh:
It was a real treat to share some memories of DeWitt’s Corners with Jane, JoAnne and Bill!
Along with the DeWitt descendants, long-time residents of DeWitt’s Corners, Elaine and Dave Morrow stopped by the book launch. Both Dave and Elaine contributed their memories and stories of DeWitt’s Corners for the book. Owner of The Book Nook, Leslie Wallack, is standing to the right of Elaine. Leslie and her staff were busy the entire day assisting visitors to this popular store.
Beverly Miller Ferlatte also stopped by the book launch. Beverly shared her memories of S.S. # 4 , Bathurst, School for the story based in DeWitt’s Corners. Beverly’s grandmother Mary Jordan was a well-loved and respected teacher at the school for many years. The school house has been converted into a residence and Beverly’s brother Brian is the current owner of this historic building.
Janice Jordan Gordon was another contributer to the DeWitt’s Corners story in the book. Janice was very helpful in identifying the children in several class photos from S.S. # 4 Bathurst School.
A book launch would not be complete without a visit from former neighbours from the Third Line of Bathurst, Margery Conboy and her daughter Diana. Margery and her husband Wayne Conboy also shared their memories of DeWitt’s Corners, and the historic cheese factory that remained at ‘The Corners’ until 1979.
Another former neighbour, Dave Mitchell,stopped by the book launch. Dave was also interested in reading the story on DeWitt’s Corners, and finding out more about the history of the area where he was raised.
The Book Launch at The Book Nook was a great success! Many thanks to host Leslie Wallack and her staff, for keeping up with the steady crowds, and for providing the delicious refreshments.
A special thanks to all who came, from near and far, to stop by and chat, to share some memories, and to be a part of the busy day!
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Stories in “Lanark County Classics”:
- Baffling Banshees in Burgess
- Meet Me in DeWitt’s Corners
- Mystery in Clyde Forks
- Multitudes in Middleville
- A Grand Era in Lanark
- Perils in Pakenham
- Perplexed in Perth