Dear Editor:

As a subscriber, I have enjoyed this year’s contributions by Barbara Rumsey, especially the articles on the Harbor battleships and Before the Bowling Alley. Who hasn’t been to the bowling alley?

At my town (now for 67 years), the town historian is gone (she is deceased) and the local newspaper folded. The citizens of the Boothbay region are so lucky to have both.

Memories fade but the histories should be preserved. Luckily the local cable TV station recorded a number of “Talks with Margaret” and these CDs are still available through the cable company.

But it isn’t the same. You are fortunate that history can still come alive. Many lessons can be learned from prior mistakes. The generosity of earlier folks often comes as a surprise and can inspire us to give.

Len Johnson

Amesbury, Massachusetts