COBOURG – Memories from a Grey Wooden Box, Cobourg Stories from the Great War is built around a series of memories, and is a mix of fictional and real characters bringing to life the Town of Cobourg as it faces the challenges of the Great War and the many changes of the 1920’s. The central character, Arthur Gerson, was born in 1895, but – the result of an injury – he cannot go to war, as so many did. Instead, he acts as observer and narrator, recalling events and people and giving each a perspective in the years from 1900 to 1929. Arthur is a fictitious character, but his observations illuminate the town in time and place.
Memories from a Grey Wooden Box will be launched in the main lobby of Victoria Hall in front of the plaque dedicated to WWI soldiers from Cobourg on Saturday, December 8th from 10 am to noon.
Gerry Brown is a retired history teacher who began reading historical novels at age eight. Often dismayed by history curriculum in secondary school, he believes the day-to-day lives of people – in whatever time and place – are a more interesting and valuable study than treaties, constitutions or political theorizing. Deeply interested in the War of 1812, this, his first story of the 20th Century, is engaging, personal, and a thoughtful commentary on The Great War.
“Through the genius of Gerry Brown, we see with Arthur’s eyes his strange fascination with World War 1 and how he tries to make sense of it all: the battles, the mud, the barbed wire, the boys he knew who didn’t make it home and the ones who did that were never the same. It feels like we were there celebrating the Armistice on the streets of Cobourg with Arthur. The setting is Cobourg but the story could be a slice of life in the wartime era for any small town in Canada. Memories From A Grey Wooden Box should be on everyone’s bookshelf.”
Judith Goulin, Past President of the Cobourg and District Historical Society
Memories from a Grey Wooden Box is published by Lighthouse Press of Cobourg and is available for purchase for $15 (HST Included). Gerry Brown will be signing books at the launch. The second part of the book includes a list of almost 600 volunteers from Cobourg and a special tribute to Gunner Henry Ivy from Cobourg. Armistice ’18 was a wonderful commemoration to the Great War and this book is a small contribution by Gerry Brown to these memories. This will be a wonderful Christmas gift for anyone interested in local history. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
