DALTON, Mass. — The reissuing of the book "Down Memory Lane" has received a lot of interest from the community, the historical commission said during its meeting Wednesday afternoon. 

 

The commission started to accept orders on Thursday and has already received 10 orders. They initially ordered 20 copies from Adams Specialty & Printing Co. but voted to order another 20 due to the high demand.

 

Resident Bonnie Eastwood said they hope to get the new prints before Christmas.

 

The book is a compiled series of weekly columns by the Rev. Franklin L. "Cap" Couch that appeared in the now-defunct Dalton News Record from 1972 to 1977

 

To cover printing costs, a book is priced at $25. Currently, the only payment method accepted is by check only.

 

Order forms can be obtained from Dalton Public Library, Senior Center, and the Clerk's office at Town Hall. 

 

The commission also showed interest in selling the books at elections where they will be able to accept cash. During elections, the commission will meet to determine how many copies they should order. 

 

The commission will send a copy of the reissued book to Franklin 'Cap' Couch's son, Robert Couch. 

 

Couch approved the district's initiative to reissue his father's book during a meeting in September. 

 

Adams Specialty & Printing Co. did a great job, Eastwood said. Showing off the cover and inside dedication. 

 

The commission used an original copy of the book, which belonged to the late Mary Jane Caliento who served on the commission. 

 

When Caliento passed in March 2022 the book was added to the commission's collection. The tattered book had pages falling out prior to being used in the reprinting process. 

 

As the original book was revealed to the commission, members remarked on the wonderful job Adams Specialty & Printing Co. did putting the book back together.

 

Adams Specialty & Printing Co. took the book apart, scanned the pages, and placed the yellowing pages into a new binding, giving the book a much-needed makeover. 

 

In other news: 

 

The commission is in the process of reorganizing its collection now that they have moved back into the Town Hall. 

 

They are looking to find volunteers willing to move the fireproof cabinet from the basement to their office on the second floor of the town hall.