Mike Donovan and Dennis Moran at the Russell Senior Center. (Photo submitted)
RUSSELL – Recently at the Russell Senior Center, the Russell Historic Commission and the Russell COA Book Club held a “Meet the Author” gathering. Mike Donovan, who grew up in Woronoco, wrote the book A Place of Many Wanderings, The Rise and Fall of a New England Mill Town, chosen as their December book. Mike was available to sign copies of his book as well as to answer questions about life in a mill town. Mike has an amazing memory of the history and stories of the area. The questions led to discussions about how to make paper, the rag room and how to handle rattlesnakes coming into town from Mt Tekoa and the legendary counterfeiter’s cave. There were many current and former Woronoco residents and Strathmore employees present to add their memories to Mike’s stories. Photos and other Woronoco memorabilia were on display. The photos will remain on display in the Russell Senior Center and Town Hall for the Winter. Mike was presented with a copy of a large aerial photo taken in about 1950 of Woronoco and the Strathmore Paper Company complex. Thanks to the many residents who helped with this exhibit by loaning their items to the historic Commission and to Mike for making his book available.
