BERLIN – A new book on Berlin is expected to educate and entertain visitors and residents alike.
Joanne Guilfoil’s new book, “Berlin Maryland ABCs,” highlight’s the town’s colorful past and contemporary activities by taking readers through the alphabet.
Guilfoil said each letter of the alphabet corresponds to a location, activity, historical figure or event in Berlin. The book, for example, includes pages on Stephen Decatur, the Germantown School Community Heritage Center, the Atlantic Hotel, the Berlin Bathtub races, Island Creamery and more.
“If the readers are locals, they might learn something they didn’t already know,” she said. “If the readers are visitors, hopefully the book can be a piece of Berlin they can take home with them.”
The book’s 62 pages feature photographs, line drawings and rhyming sentences that illustrate Berlin businesses, festivities, food and people.
Guilfoil, who wrote and illustrated the book, said “Berlin Maryland ABCs” is meant for readers of all ages.
“I didn’t want it to be lame,” she said. “I wanted it to be historical and fun.”
In addition to photographs and descriptions, Guilfoil said half of the book features line drawings that readers can color.
“It will hopefully fill the void between readers and nonreaders,” she said.
Guilfoil said she never imagined becoming a writer. She explained that she didn’t even learn to read until the seventh grade.
“Between injuries and childhood illnesses, I missed out on learning how to read …,” she said. “So I went through most of elementary school without reading.”
During that time, Guilfoil said she developed a passion for drawing and painting and eventually made it her career.
“If you had told me then that I’d have a Ph.D. and would become a professor emeritus, I would have said you were nuts,” she joked.
Now retired, Guilfoil said she spends her free time, painting, drawing and writing. In recent years, for example, Guilfoil has written “Flying Over Delmarva: Spray Planes, Banner Planes and Bi-Planes” and “The ABCs of Flying Over Delmarva.”
Guilfoil said the idea for her newest book, “Berlin Maryland ABCs,” came from Victorian Charm co-owner Steve Frene.
Joanne Guilfoil
“A few months ago, I was at Victorian Charm talking to Steve about having my books in his shop ….,” she said. “In setting that up, his idea of an ABCs book on Berlin came about.”
With the help of Frene, Ivy Wells, Susan Taylor, Patrick Henry, Barbara Purnell, Anna Mullis and Gee Williams, and support from family, friends and publisher Judy Layman of Layman Enterprises, Guilfoil said the idea for “Berlin Maryland ABCs” quickly became a reality.
“Without their help, I wouldn’t be able to do this book,” she said.
Guilfoil said the book celebrates Berlin’s 150th anniversary and the people and events that make Berlin “America’s Coolest Small Town.”
“It’s sort of like a family scrapbook,” she said.
Books are available online for $15, plus shipping and handling, and at World of Toys, Victorian Charm, the Worcester County Arts Council and the Berlin Welcome Center.
For more information, or to purchase a copy of “Berlin Maryland ABCs,” visit www.shorebooksllc.com. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Berlin Main Street organization.
