Authors, writers sign Downtown

Photos, stories, essays part of new book about St. Johns

Authors and contributing writers for Downtown: the History of St. Johns took a collective "pen in hand" to sign copies of the new book last week at the Paine-Gillam-Scott Museum.

Downtown author and St. Johns resident, Dave Collins, cites a number of reasons for his decision to write the book that has a primary focus on the 150-year history of St. Johns from the perspective of the downtown area – where the "history of St. Johns began."

"Some of my reasons for starting the original project are included in various parts of the book: my fascination with the architecture, the use of the space for historical events, the romantic notions of the vision of downtown, the respect I have for those original individuals who gave up a life and moved here because they saw an opportunity to pursue what we now call the ‘American Dream,’" Collins says.

Collins, along with co-authors, Rhonda Dedyne and Melissa Milton-Pung, signed copies of Downtown at the Nov. 19 event that was coordinated by PGS Museum Director Catherine Rumbaugh and a host of Museum volunteers. A majority of funds from the sale of the book are being donated by Collins to the Museum.

In recognition of his contribution to the Museum, Rumbaugh presented Collins with a pen-and-ink drawing of the downtown business district as it appeared in the early 1900s.

An important part of Downtown is a series of essays submitted by area residents who have a connection to the downtown business district.

"Some of the contributing writers grew up here, some had a business downtown, some are authors or historians, and all have a unique perspective to offer about downtown," Collins says.

Contributing writers include Ray Parr, Kurt Becker, Fraser MacKinnon, Jean Martin, Ruth Nihart, Catherine Rumbaugh, Joann Martis, Marsha Dedyne, Lynn Gregory, Merritt Scharnweber and Tyler Barlage.

Downtown features numerous full-color and black-and-white, historic photographs that document the history of people, places and events that helped shape the city of St. Johns.

Books are $30 each, plus sales tax. A $4 fee for shipping and handling applies for books that are mailed at the customer’s request.

The book and order forms are currently available at the Museum. Copies can be delivered within the city of St. Johns at no cost by calling Diane Carlson at 227-9677 or Catherine Rumbaugh at 224-7402.

‘Downtown’ details history of St. Johns
Book-signing set for Nov. 19

"The story of St. Johns began downtown."

So says author and St. Johns resident, Dave Collins, in his new book, Downtown: the History of St. Johns.

Collins, along with co-authors, Rhonda Dedyne and Melissa Milton-Pung, will answer questions about the project that details the 150-year history of St. Johns at a book-signing event that runs from 7 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Paine-Gillam-Scott Museum, located on Maple Street across from the Clinton County Courthouse in downtown St. Johns.

An integral part of the book is a series of essays written by 12 area residents. The contributing authors will also take part in signing the first-run, limited edition books that will be available for purchase throughout the evening.

Books are $30 each, plus sales tax. A $4 fee for shipping and handling applies for books that are mailed at the customer’s request.

Downtown features numerous full-color and black-and-white, historic photographs that document the history of people, places and events that helped shape the city of St. Johns.