A & E

Book Review:

Davis’ ‘Beyond Depot Square’

Revisits Life in a Small Town

By Martha Slater

Thomas C. Davis grew up in Barre in the 1930s and 40s, the son of Deane Davis, who later became governor of Vermont from 1968-72. In his new newly-published book, "Beyond Depot Square," he recalls life in central Vermont during the Depression and World War II with wit and clarity.

This volume includes personal recollections of Barre and Davis’ family and features a chapter devoted to his father. Readers will also enjoy perusing over 30 period photos, including two of the well-known Silver Dome Dance Hall in Brookfield, where Davis recalls spending many a weekend evening in the late 1940s. He also includes memories of skiing at Mad River Glen, playing baseball for the Barre Collegians and several chapters on Barre history.

A bonus at the end of the book is the final chapter, a touching short story entitled "Shorty’s Cap," which Davis notes is "based heavily on events I happened to witness, with the names changed to protect privacy."

This is Davis’ second anecdotal history of Barre. The first, "Out From Depot Square," was also self-published. He is also the author of two other books, a political thriller entitled "The Duval Conspiracy," which was published in 1995 by Marshall Jones, and a murder mystery, "The Governor’s Man," self-published in 2002.

"Beyond Depot Square" is available at most Central Vermont area books stores including Cover to Cover in Randolph, Barre Books, Bear Pond in both Montpelier and Stowe, the Stowe Street Emporium in Waterbury, Galaxy Books in Hardwick, and the Tempest in Waitsfield. It’s also sold in several Burlington area book stores.

Signed copies may be purchased from the author by sending 15.95 plus $3.50 for tax and mailing to Wildersburg Publishing Co., PO Box 1286, Barre, Vt. 05641.

____________