Small town celebrated in book of Berwick

BY SARA KEDDY

Kings County Register

Judging by the turnout for the launch of a book on the history of Berwick, the town’s past - and author, the late Ron Illsley - are not forgotten.

The Apple Capital Museum in Berwick was full August 12, as Illsley family members, friends, long-time Berwick area residents and others gathered for the end of a long road through history Illsley started down many years ago. “Every small town should be so lucky as to have this account in words and pictures,” society member John Rainforth said, welcoming the crowd.

He commended Illsley’s deep attachment to Berwick, a town he grew up and did business in but left many years ago for Kentville. “This is a celebration, and the book is a lovely account of who we are - the clubs, the organizations, the people that have made Berwick such a nice place to live. “It inspires all of us to look at this and work a little harder to make the next history of Berwick as good.”

Rainforth said the Illsleys’ donation of the books to the society will go a long way to help volunteers devote time to the museum’s collection, rather than fundraising just to keep open and developing. “We’re in the midst of an ambitious project now - a new fire escape out back, we’ve gyprocked the big room upstairs and we will be able to add to our display space.”

A heritage garden of plants from 100 years ago is also developing in the backyard - all thanks to volunteers.

Berwick Mayor John Prall said the town is thrilled to have such a historical resource, and he thanked everyone involved for its completion. “It’s been quite a feat to put it all together, making this book a reality,” he said. “The “boy from Berwick’s’ dream is now real.”

Illsley’s widow, Doris, spoke emotionally on behalf of the family and thanked everyone for attending, and then went through a list of friends, historical enthusiasts, museum staff, book contributors and others who helped pull the book together after Illsley’s death four years ago. “Rose Malpass: thanks especially for the many hours visiting families, on the phone and tying up loose ends,” Doris Illsley said. Malpass volunteered to assemble Illsley’s book from his years of clippings, research and photos.

Malpass herself said she was glad to see Ron Illsley’s name and picture on a book of his own, as they had worked together on several other Kings historical books for others. “Ron worked a long time on this, and I’m amazed at how much he had put together,” she said, then laughed: “I’m sure there are mistakes - just correct them in your book and don’t call me! It’s too late!”

The crowd moved quickly to buy the first copies, and books will continue to be available at the Berwick museum, the town hall, the Kentville Old Kings Courthouse Museum and R.D.Chisholm’s.