A 100 page historical booklet showcasing photographs and past happenings in the town of Westernport will soon be for sale later this month, said Pat McCarty, chairman of the booklet committee for the Westernport Heritage Society.
“The book is being written by a handful of people interested in history who has writing and researching skills,” said McCarty. “There will be 20 some articles in the book.”
The writers featured are both current residents and former natives who now live afar, two of which are David Kalbaugh of Boston who once resided on Johnson Street and Thomas Kooken, currently living on the Eastern Shore.
McCarty, who is serving as editor of the book said the articles will not be written chronologically, but rather are pieces featuring different eras of the city.
“Our goal is to put together a very rewarding history of the town in the hands of as many people as possible with as low cost as possible,” said McCarty. “We have an incredible amount of material that is available, much totally untapped.”
Adding that Westernport cannot possibly be separated from the other towns of the Tri-Towns – Piedmont and Luke, McCarty said these three cities developed together with Piedmont celebrating its sesquicentennial just two years ago.
“Piedmont was the economic pump of the community and Westernport has always been pretty much the area of homes, places to live,” said McCarty.
Rosemary Bateson, member of the Heritage Society who is in charge of compiling patrons, advertisers and memorials for the booklet, said she hopes everybody has a good time at the Sesquicentennial Celebration scheduled for Saturday, August 16 at Creekside Park from 12-6.
“I hope everybody remembers their roots, where they came from and show their appreciation for the town,” said Bateson. “This is an old town and a lot have moved far away. A lot my age and younger grew up here and have fine memories and still enjoy our lifestyle.”
Bateson said the deadline to submit photographs and names for the booklet is Monday, July 7.
Craft tables and vendors who are interested in setting up for this event should call Becky Donnellan, chairperson at (301) 359-3641 or (301) 707-4123 no later than July 15.
Set up is free with the Mineral Daily News-Tribune sponsoring a hot dog eating contest.
To send in photographs or become a sponsor for the booklet, contact Bateson at (301) 359-9456.
The Westernport Heritage Society will be publishing a newsletter in late July sharing more details about the Sesquicentennial Celebration as well as booklet cost and information.