When Eunice Chesnut had just published her first volume of Encyclopedia of Brockport, she had to cut about 45 entries from the book due to limited space. “I am saving those entries for Volume Two,” she said, but then questioned her sanity. “At 84 years of age, who in her right mind would think of Volume Two?”
That was May 30, 2010 (Suburban News, Hamlin-Clarkson Herald). Now, at 88 years old and quite sane, Eunice has completed Volume Two.
In a recent reprise of that first Westside News interview, she was asked what it was like to “give second birth to your book.” In her typical quick wit, the reply was, “It was a long, hard, labor.”
That labor did not just add names and places to extend the first volume. Her first encyclopedia contained facts on almost 2,000 people, from earliest arrivals in the area to current citizens. Volume Two does cover about 98 percent new names and places, but also has new visual appeal with historic file photos and illustrative ink drawings contributed by her daughter Glynn Chesnut. Eunice used a slightly different writing style “to make it a lighter reading with added interest.” Compared to the first volume “which I made strictly business with more specific facts,” she has included current commentary from people about the historic details.
Asked about challenges in writing this volume, Eunice said she had the text ready in September, but then the publishing date was delayed because of the decision to add photos and illustrations. Also, about a month of on-and-off illness diminished her productivity. The final frustration was the crashing of her computer which scrambled the new layout of text and graphics. The delays meant missing the intended early December publication for gift sales.
With the crises passed and 200 boxed encyclopedias under her work table ready for sale, Eunice said, “I feel good that it’s put together and completed, because I think everything in there is worth preserving.” She sees the book as unique, referring to many compiled newspaper clippings, quotes from Bill Andrews (Brockport Village Historian Emeritus), and other resources. “I would say I have offered something that hasn’t been written before.”
The book is available at the Morgan-Manning House, 151 Main Street in Brockport. The cost is $30 for Western Monroe Historical Society members and $35 for non-members. Proceeds support the society. For information, phone 637-3645. It is also available at the Lift Bridge Book Shop, 45 Main Street, Brockport.
Photo by Dianne Hickerson
