On Wednesday, February 18, 2015, Gray Public Library hosted author, Chester L. Blanchard. He talked about his book “The Spirit of Capt. Ruben Blanchard”, a historical novel based his own family’s story stretching back generations.
About Chester Blanchard
Born and raised on a farm in the small town of Cumberland, Maine, life in the mid 1900s was simple for me. Hard work yes, but there was always time for fun and relaxation. Family picnics down by the brook on a Sunday afternoon, or a game of horseshoes under the huge maple trees was normal family time. I am the last born of six children, and back then, quickly learned the importance of teamwork. I also learned, at a young age the importance of a close bond with family and relatives. Not until the turn of the century, did I realize that bond had been replaced by things I thought more important. I remember only a few stories of my ancestors told to me by my parents. After they both had passed away, only then did I wish I asked more questions about the history of my ancestors. The story of Frederick at the end of this book was verbally handed down by my grandfather and father. Because of circumstances in my life, I knew what I needed to do. I have descendants who need to know where they came from, and the history behind their name, and the only way to do that was to write it down and put it in their hands, thus the reason for writing The Spirit of Captain Reuben Blanchard.
