PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – Springtime is upon us, and for the past 15 years, Dick Graves, author of a local history book, “Forgotten Times: Presque Isle’s First 150 Years,” has focused on celebrating his birthday by hitting the road, running eight to 10 miles on April 26. But this year, he’s doing something a bit different to mark the occasion – his 65th birthday.
“My first book debuted last April, but it wasn’t my 65th birthday, a milestone prized by many because of the Social Security checks which follow. This year I’ll double up on the enjoyment of being 65 years young. My second book, “A Walk Through History,” will debut on my 65th birthday on the 26th,” said Graves.
Born and raised in the Star City, Graves has long yearned to publish his memories of his years living and making a living right in his hometown.
“My chance to do so came a few years ago when I was approached by Kim Sebold, a professor of history (including local history) at UMPI, to do a book which would include Star-Herald articles written for my column, Forgotten Times, as well as hundreds of old Presque Isle photos, histories of local homes built before 1895, a timeline spanning the first 150 years of Presque Isle history and a section showcasing the previous generation of doctors (1900-1970),” said Graves.
Graves said only 600 copies were issued and by the fall of 2006, the book was sold out.
The second book is “decidedly different,” according to Graves.
“Showcased are the histories of schools, churches, stores, businesses, buildings, etc. – some of which survive today, while many disappeared from our local landscape,” said Graves, adding, “the new book is predicated on ‘then and now’ photos which accompany the histories.”
Graves spent many hours over the summer of 2006 clicking photographs of the present venues of the places where the 60 or more showcased subjects existed or still exist.
“Many photos are panoramic with the ‘old’ next to the ‘new’ for an easy 75 years or so between comparison. Like my first book, there is no publication with which to compare. It’s one of a kind,” said Graves.
Graves said the book would have been nearly impossible if it hadn’t been for Craig Cormier, owner of c3 Creative, Inc., in Fort Fairfield.
“Craig is my designer and computer guru. Craig, along with Dr. Sebold and a handful of very talented UMPI students, were highly instrumental in getting my first book designed and printed,” he said.
As with the first book, the second book will be published in a limited quantity.
“It will be printed in a very short run of only 500 copies. The buyers of the first will have first option to buy the second. There will be no second printing,” said Graves.
A book-signing is being scheduled by Sonja Plummer-Morgan, head librarian at the Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library in Presque Isle. That signing is planned for May 5, with a second one scheduled for May 19. Each session will take place from 10 a.m. to noon. Books may be purchased and signed, if desired.
A 1960 graduate of Presque Isle High School, Graves resides in Presque Isle with his wife, Angie.
“My first book debuted last April, but it wasn’t my 65th birthday, a milestone prized by many because of the Social Security checks which follow. This year I’ll double up on the enjoyment of being 65 years young. My second book, “A Walk Through History,” will debut on my 65th birthday on the 26th,” said Graves.
Born and raised in the Star City, Graves has long yearned to publish his memories of his years living and making a living right in his hometown.
“My chance to do so came a few years ago when I was approached by Kim Sebold, a professor of history (including local history) at UMPI, to do a book which would include Star-Herald articles written for my column, Forgotten Times, as well as hundreds of old Presque Isle photos, histories of local homes built before 1895, a timeline spanning the first 150 years of Presque Isle history and a section showcasing the previous generation of doctors (1900-1970),” said Graves.
Graves said only 600 copies were issued and by the fall of 2006, the book was sold out.
The second book is “decidedly different,” according to Graves.
“Showcased are the histories of schools, churches, stores, businesses, buildings, etc. – some of which survive today, while many disappeared from our local landscape,” said Graves, adding, “the new book is predicated on ‘then and now’ photos which accompany the histories.”
Graves spent many hours over the summer of 2006 clicking photographs of the present venues of the places where the 60 or more showcased subjects existed or still exist.
“Many photos are panoramic with the ‘old’ next to the ‘new’ for an easy 75 years or so between comparison. Like my first book, there is no publication with which to compare. It’s one of a kind,” said Graves.
Graves said the book would have been nearly impossible if it hadn’t been for Craig Cormier, owner of c3 Creative, Inc., in Fort Fairfield.
“Craig is my designer and computer guru. Craig, along with Dr. Sebold and a handful of very talented UMPI students, were highly instrumental in getting my first book designed and printed,” he said.
As with the first book, the second book will be published in a limited quantity.
“It will be printed in a very short run of only 500 copies. The buyers of the first will have first option to buy the second. There will be no second printing,” said Graves.
A book-signing is being scheduled by Sonja Plummer-Morgan, head librarian at the Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library in Presque Isle. That signing is planned for May 5, with a second one scheduled for May 19. Each session will take place from 10 a.m. to noon. Books may be purchased and signed, if desired.
A 1960 graduate of Presque Isle High School, Graves resides in Presque Isle with his wife, Angie.
