GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The town's Historical Commission will host a book launch and book signing party on Friday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. at Saint James Place featuring Local historian Bernard A. Drew's new book "Great Barrington Here & Gone."

 

The Great Barrington Historical Commission commissioned and published the book, which is "chock full of history and memories for long-term residents, new residents and visitors with an interest in the town's historical assets and historic preservation," said Historical Commission Chair Malcolm Fick. "It's a great holiday gift for just about anyone who lives in or visits our town, and a great read for any time of year."

 

At the Dec. 10 event, Drew and other noted town historians will speak about the book, the town's historical heritage and the importance of preservation for future generations. Drew is also the author of "Great Barrington: Great Town * Great History," published in 1999.

 

According to a press release, with storytelling and photographs, Drew brings fresh perspective to the town's history, life and historic treasures. The book is subtitled "Great Barrington, Housatonic and VanDeusenville Repurposed, Demolished, Hidden or Resituated: Dwellings, Stores & Offices, Gas Stations & Restaurants Factories, Roadways & Bridges, Farmstead and Landscapes" and chronicles the town's lost assets and those that have been preserved or repurposed.

 

The $30 book may be purchased at the launch party, or through local nonprofits including the Great Barrington Historical Society, Fairview Hospital's gift shop, Friends of the Great Barrington Library and other nonprofits. The Bookloft is also selling the book.

 

Drew, who was born in New Hampshire and has lived in Berkshire County since age 2, has been a Great Barrington resident since 1978. He has worked as a weekly newspaper reporter, editor and page designer. His "Our Berkshires" column has appeared bi-weekly in The Berkshire Eagle since 1996. He has also written reference books specializing in history and popular literature biography.

 

He has been active with Great Barrington Historical Society, Friends of the W.E.B. Du Bois Homesite and the Upper Housatonic Valley African American Heritage Trail. He was a founding member of Great Barrington's Historic District Commission, and he is past president of  both the Great Barrington Historical Society and the Berkshire Historical Society.

 

Drew has hiked the woods to discover remnants of 19th century charcoaling. He has researched the Civilian Conservation Corps Camps in Beartown and the sighting towers used in the construction of the Hoosac Tunnel in North Berkshire. He has investigated original sections of Henry Knox's cannon trail of 1775-76 and uncovered stories of the recreational community that grew around Lake Buel in New Marlborough and Monterey.

 

His book "The Past Unmasked," published earlier in 2021, examines William Cullen Bryant's decade in Great Barrington and looks closely at the dozens of comic book and comic strip artists and writers who have Berkshire connections, among other topics.