This past Sunday afternoon, the Old Lyme Historical Society celebrated the launch of its latest book, The Charm of the Place: Old Lyme in the 1920’s, with a signing by author Carolyn Wakeman, Ph.D., at the Old Lyme Grange Hall.

The event was so enthusiastically received that a line formed outside the Grange prior to the official 2 p.m. opening.  Two antique automobiles were on display on the lawn in front of the Grange.

Inside the Grange, visitors walked amongst displays featuring historical illustrations from the book, which were exhibited on large, upright stands. Music was played and tasty refreshments served;

The Charm of the Place: Old Lyme in the 1920’s was meticulously researched and written by Wakeman, a native of Old Lyme and a recently retired professor from the Graduate School of Journalism at U.C. Berkeley.  The book describes the economic expansion that took place in Old Lyme the 1920s, as electricity, indoor plumbing, automobiles and paved roads were introduced.  

In her introduction, the author relates how, “Local history thrives on chance discoveries, like the unfurling of a cumbersome canvas screen (pictured above) that for years had remained rolled up and undisturbed at the back of the Grange.”

The canvas was on display in the Grange for all to see and enjoy, while waiting in the lively line to have their books autographed by Wakeman, see picture below.

The discovery of this mural in 2007 by members of the Old Lyme Historical Society led to the desire to know more about the 1920s and the businesses that paid for advertisements depicted as part of the mural.  The author explores the early commercial life of Old Lyme by taking a look at each of the advertisers in the painting and how changes in the population, income, taste, and technology in the 1920s impacted  the look and lifestyle of the community. 

For more information about the Old Lyme Historical Society, its publications and events, explore their website at www.oldlymehistoricalsociety.org or stop by their office in the Genealogy Room at The Old Lyme–Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library.  Hours are Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.