Next Wednesday afternoon, I’ll be presenting a talk on my second book, “A Brief History of Eastham,” at the brand new Eastham Public Library.
The talk is made possible through the efforts of the Friends of the Eastham Library. Arranging the talk was none other than Debbie Abbott.
The connection of my talks with Debbie Abbott’s family goes back some 16 years and 200 events ago.
You see, my very first public lecture ever was held next door to the library, at the Chapel in the Pines, during this week in 2001. That event was arranged by none other than the late, great George Abbott, an Eastham hero of mine and, with his wife, Rosemary, were dear friends to me and my wife, Nita.
This event was for the Eastham 350th Anniversary celebration, and Abbott was the chairman of the publications committee. It was Abbott’s efforts that allowed me to publish “On its Solitary Dune,” a 32-page magazine about Henry Beston and “The Outermost House,” for the 350th Anniversary. Other Eastham notables, such as Jim Owens and Russ Chenoweth, also put together books for the milestone celebration.
George Abbott died in 2004. He was an Eastham historian responsible for obtaining National Historic status for several Eastham landmarks, and a member of the group that created the Eastham Historic District.
This week, I raise a glass in George's memory.