Living

Historical society marking book release with photo and art contest

BROWNVILLE — By mid-summer a new book chronicling the history of the Canadian Pacific Railway in Brownville Junction will be on the market. Author Ken Hatchette is looking for input in deciding the best cover photo or original artwork for the cover theme.

“More Than a Train Yard and a Whistle Stop, The Canadian Pacific Railway’s Brownville Division 1886 to 1963” will feature the history of the Canadian Pacific Railway’s (CPR) impact on the town of Brownville from 1886 when construction started on The Short Line to 1963 when the CPR Brownville Division’s operations were fully amalgamated into the Saint John, New Brunswick Division. The book contains over 53,000 words and 160 photos that identify and describe the human and technical attributes that existed primarily for the CPR, including its operations and maintenance facilities within the village of Brownville Junction. Interlaced with the historical facts are short stories containing details of how events likely occurred, bringing the human aspect and experience to the historical account.

An historical timeline is included that documents each major event that affected the town and the surrounding area. This publication will be a special edition only for local sales and distribution within the surrounding geographic area that included the CPR’s International of Maine also known as The Short Line. All proceeds from the book’s sale will benefit the Brownville–Brownville Junction Historical Society.

Photos and artwork submissions must be of suitable subject matter relating to early railroad operations, employee jobs and scenic areas within the division. Photos of railroad employees at their place of employment are acceptable with the names of the persons identified. Original photographic negatives and artwork are welcomed. Photos and artwork owned or copyrighted by others will not be accepted without expressed written permission. If a submission is chosen the original is expected to be submitted for photographing as the model for the cover theme.

The winning photo or artwork will be chosen by the B-BJHS Publishing Committee. All entries shall become the property of the historical society and Parish House Museum. Unfortunately, there will be no prize money connected with this contest. However, the person whose photo or artwork is selected as the cover for the book will be credited for his or her work in the publication. The exposure potential could be enormous.

All submissions must be received by June 30. For more information, please contact Susan Worcester at Brownvillehistorical@trcmaine.org or call her at 965-8070. Submissions can be dropped off at the Parish House Museum on Tuesday or Thursday the last two weeks of June or sent to the museum care of Susan Worcester, 100 Williamsburg Road, Williamsburg Twp., ME 04414. Submitters can also contact Worcester and make arrangements to personally deliver their work to her.

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