NORWICH – Local veteran and historian Archie Hubbard is in the final stages of releasing the second volume in a two-part autobiographical series that’s been in the works since he was a small child. At 96 years old, the author said writing the books has been a “labor of a lifetime.”

“Archie Hubbard’s Business Life in Upstate NY: Volume II” continues Hubbard’s recollections of Chenango County and its history, this time focusing on the hard-working family man’s time spent toiling on the county’s railroad – specifically the Lyon Brook Bridge – as well as the New York State gas line transfer station in Gilbertsville. The book also includes photographs and information on the various equipment he has owned and many of the other jobs he has performed over the years.

Chenango Union Printing owner Andrew Phelps – who printed both editions of the autobiography – said the book is a testament to the ethics and hard work Hubbard and his generation thrived on.

“They knew nothing but hard work,” added Phelps. “You can look into their eyes and see nothing but hard work ... putting this all down on paper is important.”

Hubbard called the work he put in on the Lyon Brook Bridge – removing woodwork and timber – was one of the most dangerous and hair-raising jobs he ever took on. At 980 feet long, according to the author, he was approximately 165 feet above the creek bed when working on the middle of the bridge.