Local Author talk with Alden Dreyer

The Greenfield Public Library welcomes local author Alden Dreyer on Wednesday, August 21 at 6:00 pm in the Community Meeting Room as he reads from and discusses his book The Tired Telegrapher’s Terribly Tall Traveler’s Tale.

In this whimsical, autobiographical, historical novel, the only son of a career aircraft engine factory worker becomes enthralled with the railroad industry at the time that the railways were disinvesting and disintegrating in the late 1950’s. After quitting high school at age 15, Alden fumbles around for a number of years and finally is hired as a spare telegrapher on the Boston & Maine in July 1964. Railroad work is challenging and fun, but Alden learns all too soon that it is detrimental to his health and love life. The health issue is finally resolved by retiring at age 41 on permanent disability. The love life problem is more complex, and after two failed marriages, Alden makes a deal with his Boss, Father Time, that if the Boss will provide the woman he wants and needs, then Alden will create the book the Boss wants and needs according to the Book of Revelations. This book, nearly a half century in the making, is the fulfillment of that long ago contract with the Boss. Alden is absolutely delighted with the woman that was provided. Will this book please the Boss? Time will tell.

Alden Dreyer has lived in Shelburne for decades and is the chair of the board of the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum. His book is available at the World Eye Bookshop and on Amazon and eBay. Copies will be available for purchase at the event.

This program is free and open to the public.