James E. Benson Bücher

Beginning in the town of Solon, Old Canada Road winds for nearly 80 miles through the Upper Kennebec and Dead River Valleys before ending at the Canadian border. Following ancient aboriginal trails and early trade routes to Quebec City, Old Canada Road was traveled by Benedict Arnold and his army of 1,100 men in their failed 1775 quest to capture Quebec. By the mid-19th century the small villages along the route grew as the immigration of French Canadians blossomed and logging became a major industry in the region. This pristine wilderness also became a sportsman's paradise, attracting wealthy families from Boston, New York, and beyond. Today the Forks and West Forks cater to a new breed of sport as the center of white-water rafting on the Kennebec and Dead Rivers. The region is a major hub for snowmobiling, hunting, and hiking throughout the year.

Follow the tragic story of a fishing trip gone wrong and its impact on the community of Brockton, Massachusetts. On May 13, 1928, ten prominent men of Brockton, Massachusetts, headed off on a fishing trip to Moosehead Lake in Maine. After traveling fourteen hours, the group met Maine guide Samuel Budden and boarded the Mac II for the final voyage to their destination. Approximately six miles from the Tomhegan sporting camp, the boat took on water in rough seas and sank, taking Budden and all but one of the adventurers to a watery grave. Jim Benson and Nicole Casper chronicle this horrific tragedy and its legacy in two New England communities.

The official seal of Brockton boldly proclaims education, industry, and progress as hallmarks of the city. These three attributes guided Brockton to greatness in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and continue to shape and influence the community today. From its humble days as North Bridgewater, the growing industrial center of the region changed its name to Brockton in 1874 in part to entice business to the town. In 1881, Brockton became a city and was well on its way to becoming one of the world's foremost centers for the manufacturing of shoes.