While 'thrifting' at Talize recently, I picked up four 'vintage' books. Full disclosure - I have self-banned from thrift stores because like dollar stores, I manage to find things I need to buy that I didn't know I need! Buy four, get one free. These four cost what worked out to $13.50.
I gather from responses posted to social media that Dairies of Kingston & Area is quite rare. Some have apparently been searching for it for years. "My late husband helped with the dairy book", commented Mary Smithson. "I could not have done it without him. So generous with his time and energy. Miss that guy." replied author Steve Gates, "I gave Gord one and he gave me a Williamsville book."
The book is inscribed to Gordon Smithson from Steve Gates. I have offered my copy to Mary, and I'm not sure how it ended up at Talize! For posterity, I snapped quick photos of some pages of interest.
Hello Eric,
ReplyDeleteHow many books did Gordon Smithson write or help with. ?
I would love to find a copy of his book on the Bath road. I found his At the Bend in the road Kingston book about the Hanley spur. Awesome book.
you always have an interesting blog
Thanks
Mike
Thanks for your kind comments, Mike. Not an exhaustive list, however, books:
ReplyDeleteCataraqui Village, Williamsville Revisited, Bath Road Kingston West - An Illustrated History of Bath Road. Major contributions to: Frontenac County History - Land of 1,000 Lakes, Pittsburgh Township History - Lilacs and Limestone and The Diaries of Kingston & Area.
I agree with you about At The Bend in the Road - Kingston. Probably my favourite book. Period.
Eric
I should add, Mike, that most if not all of Gordon Smithson's books should be available in the upstairs special collections room at the Central Branch of the Kingston Frontenac Public Library.
ReplyDeleteEric