NORWICH – Local author Christine Gibson will offer a sneak peek at her next book, “View from the Porch: Camps and Cottages at Chenango Lake” tonight at the Chenango County Historical Society Museum. Her program, like the book, will trace the growth of summer homes on the lake, and relive many activities that made Chenango Lake a great summer spot. Publication of this book will be later this summer.
Gibson’s first book, “Wish You Were Here,” took a look at the hotels built around Chenango Lake at the end of the 19th century, making the lake a popular summer getaway for an just an evening or a long vacation. Christine has applied the same careful research, collection of rare photographs and a love for hearing and re-telling stories about Chenango Lake in this second volume. “View from the Porch” picks up the story toward the end of the 19th century as people began buying property to build summer getaways both grand and small, either for themselves or to rent to vacationers.
Gibson’s interest in the history of Chenango Lake has grown over her many years as a summer resident. At first the stories, and knowledge of the lake’s many byways came from her husband’s uncle, Stanford Gibson, hiking around the lake and hearing stories of the Gibson family summers there. Old photographs in albums compiled by “Uncle Stan” captured her imagination. Later Christine gathered information from neighbors, studied old deeds and photographs, finally weaving together the story of this special Chenango County spot.
The evening begins with the monthly membership meeting at 7 p.m., followed by refreshments and the program at 7:30. The meeting and program are open to both CCHS members and non-members and are free. Donations are always appreciated. The Chenango County Historical Society is located at 45 Rexford St. For more information or directions, call 334-9227.