Published: 10/28/2019 9:31:10 PM
Modified: 10/28/2019 9:31:04 PM
NEW SALEM — A book launch for Upper To’gallants and Rusty Scuppers will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4, in the New Salem Public Library before the weekly rehearsal of Quabbin Valley Pro Musica, resident chorus of the 1794 Meetinghouse, Inc.
Dorothy Johnson and Carolyn Brown Senier will host the event.
Harry P. Haldt III, longtime manager of Pro Musica, compiled and edited Upper To’gallants and Rusty Scuppers after discovering his late father’s 1982 memoir concerning his 1930s high school and college summers spent crewing on seagoing freighters, sailing yachts, and luxury liners. During those summers, H. Peale Haldt Jr. visited ports around the world and embarked on a year-long exchange of letters with the movie actress Dina Merrill, daughter of the owner of one of the yachts.
Published by Haley’s of Athol, Upper To’gallants and Rusty Scuppers contains entries from seagoing logs kept by Haldt Jr. as well as drawings, photographs, luggage decals from around the world, and Dina Merrill’s letters.
Haldt III will autograph copies of the book during the book launch. The book will be available for purchase, and refreshments will be served. Upper To’gallants and Rusty Scuppers is also available for $24.95 a copy at rustyscupperbooks.com, from other online vendors. The book is also on sale at Haley’s, New Salem General Store, and Petersham Country Store.