Book signing planned at American Legion Post

12 years ago

HOULTON, Maine — American Legion, Chester L. Briggs Post 47 will sponsor a book reading presentation on Tuesday Sept.18. The book, “Commander and Builder of Western Forts, the life and times of Major General Henry Clay Merriam, 1862-1901,” was published in 2012 by Texas A &M University Press. The author, Dr. Jack Stokes Ballard is a retired Career Air Force Officer who taught history at the United States Air Force Academy.
    The book is the first career biography of General Merriam, who was born and raised in Houlton. General Merriam’s military career began in 1862 as an officer of the 20th Maine infantry. General Merriam was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for volunteering and leading his command, the 73rd U.S. Colored Troops in a daylight assault on the main Confederate lines defending Fort Blakely, Alabama.  This action led to the successful surrender of Mobile Ala. on the same day that General Lee surrendered at Appomattox, Va.
Dr. Ballard visited Houlton for research on the book and lists his special appreciation of Catherine Bell, curator of the Aroostook Historical and Art Museum as well as the staff of the Cary Library.
The book reading, power point presentation will be held on Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion hall on Bangor Road in Houlton. Post Commander Jim Dunlop extends an invitation to all veterans of the American legion and V.F.W. posts throughout Aroostook County. There will be light refreshments and a book signing will follow.
The Aroostook Historical and Art Museum will be open on Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 18 prior to the book reading for veterans to view all the Civil War exhibits on display in the Museums War Room, which includes artifacts from all major wars. The Museum is located at 109 Main St. in Houlton.