Brogan: Celebrating Concord's great history!

For many of us, coming of age in Concord during the 1950's and 60's was a mixed bag. Life was very close to what was portrayed on such television programs like Leave it To Beaver, Father Knows Best and The Donna Reed Show. We felt safe and secure, were surrounded by friends who would often remain so for the rest of our lives. Sure, we sometimes practiced Civil Defense Drills and spent a few nervous minutes under our classroom desks, but the warm and loving glow that mostly emanated throughout our city, usually eradicated any genuine fears.

As we grew, some of us became restive under the protective cocoon, leaving town when we were old enough or not returning to the city after college. However, many remained and for even those who ventured far and wide, with the passing of years, a tug at the heart brought a warm nostalgia for what had been, even if coated in an unrealistic remembrance.

Kathleen Bailey has a long career in journalism and a lengthy list of well-received books. She also has a history of being a part of the Concord community during those formative 50's and 60's. She is frankly honest in her personal recollections and, for her latest book, Growing Up in Concord, New Hampshire: Boomer Memories from White's Park to the Capitol Theater, she has been tireless in creating the perfect book to not only share her own memories, but those of the dozens of willing participants who shared their adventures and misadventures. It is a compelling, deeply moving, insightful and historically valuable piece of literature. It tells more than just a story about a city or its residents. It delves into how a community can inspire, develop and strengthen the resolve of those who were a part of it.

On Thursday, July 6, at 6:30 PM, Kathleen and her daughter Sheila, who has worked with her on several recent books, will be at Concord's beloved Gibson's. Kathleen will be talking about the book, signing copies and sharing memories.

Recently I caught up with Kathleen and asked her some questions about her latest project. She was delighted to respond.

1. In a couple of sentences, what especially motivated you to write this book?

I have always been fascinated by the period in which I grew up (and WE grew up). It seemed to be the last age of innocence, sandwiched between WWII and Vietnam. (Yeah, I know Korea was in there somewhere, but nobody cared unless you had someone deployed.) It seemed to be almost a permanent summer vacation, even in the winter. I inherited my photographer dad's negatives (30 years' worth) and we were off.

2. While writing it, what were some of the most pronounced emotions you experienced?

It was emotional to relive the Kennedy assassination and Vietnam. Nothing would ever be the same again. There's a difference between knowing intellectually that it was there and reopening wounds.
3. You interviewed a great cross-section of individuals who lived through the times you write about. Were they eager to share their stories and how did you decide on the ones you included in your work?

I "sat down" with about 30 people for in-depth interviews of an hour or more. They were eager to share and comfortable doing so. I don't think they would have agreed to an interview if they weren't. I was surprised at how open they were.

4. Your daughter has contributed a great deal to your recent work. She is a skilled photographer. When you work together is it as two colleagues or mother and daughter?

This was our third book together, so we've established a process. When we're out there, it's all business. She doesn't roll her eyes, and I don't make sure she has a rain jacket. Most of the time.

5. What is the single most important thing you would like a reader to take away from this book?

How lucky we were. I think that may have fueled some of the 60s unrest, although we didn't always go about it in the right way. But when you realize not everybody is a "have," it's a game changer".

For those who were there, this book will represent something poignant, funny as well as a walk down memory lane, replete with the kind of antics that we either all engaged in or wish we'd had the courage to. For anyone not born yet or who didn't make it to Concord until years later, it will prove to be a mesmerizing read as to why many continue to celebrate Concord on such sites as Concord New Hampshire. Now and Then, and I'm From Concord, New Hampshire and remember when...

Thanks to Kathleen and Sheila, we can all understand why the past cane speak to the present and the future.