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MOUNT VERNON – Dr. Shaw Memorial Library and Vienna Historical Society will co-host a book talk by local historian and author, Dale Potter-Clark, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, at the library, 344 Pond Road.
Potter-Clark will discuss her historical novel about the Underground Railroad, “Escape from Bunker Hill.” The book tells a story about a native Maine couple named Dr. Joseph and Myra Mitchell, who move to Jacksonville, Florida, to help slaves escape north. The story also follows four runaways as they pass through Portland, Hallowell, Manchester, Winthrop and Readfield, among other towns and cities along 1,500 miles of the eastern seaboard.
“Although the main characters Dr. Joseph and Myra Mitchell really did exist, their tale in my novel comes from my imagination,” Potter-Clark said. “I was inspired when researching their ‘real’ home in central Maine and evidence led me to suspect they’d been involved in the Underground Railroad. It is challenging to find proof that most anyone was involved in the secretive and dangerous movement so I did not find confirmation that Mitchells were – even after speaking to some of their descendants – but their story would not leave my head and this novel is the result.”
Real people, places and events of the day are included in the storyline and a 35-page appendix provides more details about them, including the Mitchells.
Representatives from the Vienna Historical Society will take questions, as will Potter-Clark after her book talk and reading.
