Essex – The Essex Region Conservation Authority has published a new book by author and historian, Dr. John C. Carter. The Perils and Pitfalls of the Steamer Ploughboy: A Story of Its Construction to Destruction details the intriguing history of one of the merchant ships belonging to John R. Park and his brothers, through their 19th century business Park and Company Shipping.
Dr. Carter’s connection to the Essex region runs deep; he served as the Curator of the John R. Park Homestead early in his professional career. “Through his keen interest in the Parks, coupled with his continuous research and captivating writing, Carter has provided a fascinating case study of maritime shipping and trade on the Great Lakes in the mid-19th century,” says current Homestead Curator, Kristin Ives.
The John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area will welcome Dr. Carter to the Lost Arts Festival on Sunday, August 11th. He will be reading from the book and providing an author’s commentary, followed by a question and answer period. Dr. Carter will be in attendance throughout the Festival, from Noon to 4pm; and the reading will take place at 1:00pm in the museum’s auditorium.
“Copies of The Ploughboy are available for purchase now through the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area gift shop,” adds Ives. “The book will also be available for purchase and signing at the Festival.” To purchase a copy, contact the Homestead at jrph@erca.org or 519-738-2029. Through the generosity of Dr. Carter, all proceeds from book sales benefit the ongoing preservation of the John R. Park Homestead.
For more than four decades, Essex Region Conservation has been sustaining and enriching the environment of the Windsor-Essex-Pelee Island region to ensure it is the Place for Life.
