New Book: 'A Grafton Tale'

To the Editor:

I retired almost 13 years ago from the Maine warden service and there are times when I really miss that part of my life; especially exploring the woods, the camaraderie of fellow wardens and even those whom I chased. Some people can tell an interesting story — I can’t. But I have discovered that I can put my stories on paper. I have very fond memories of life as a game warden and I enjoy sharing those and the history I have discovered with others.

One day two summers ago while riding my motorcycle, I stopped in Grafton to rest where there are photos engraved in pieces of granite rock, and when I saw the picture of Joe Chapman standing in front of his house looking out across at Speck Mountain, I knew then I would have to write a book about that area. During my research I discovered that Joe Chapman’s house was actually across the road from the rocks and photos. For some strange reason I always feel at home in Grafton, whether riding through or out exploring the old farms.

This new book, “A Grafton Tale,” is a historic novel situated in the western mountains of Maine.

Major Kirby Morgan survives the Civil War and journeys to the secluded town of Grafton, Maine; in a beautiful mountainous valley. It was a pioneering lumbering town founded by Captain James Brown. Grafton survives for 80 years before the timber runs out and people begin to move away looking for work. Then in 1919 the town’s charter is surrendered and the town disappears forever; but not her people.

Kirby Morgan and Rachel LaMontagne meet at the Brown Farm and are instantly captivated with each other. She guides him to her People’s Village beyond Paramachnee Lake and the leader, Falling Bear, tells them about her father, The Great Peacemaker.

In 1880 when Maine creates the new Warden Service Department, Kirby becomes a game warden, and together they patrol the Richardson Lakes and the Paramachnnee regions.

“A Grafton Tale” and other books by me are available at Books N Things book store, the Cross Road Deli, the Bethel Foodliner and the Bear River Trading Post.

I will be signing books at Melby’s restaurant in North Waterford, on May 29, beginning at 9 a.m.

Randall Probert

Bethel