Town historian Jean Luddy and volunteer John Rowe presented Mayor Daniel A. Champagne with a published edition of a previously unpublished 1936 manuscript prepared under the Works Progress Administration’s writers’ project. The manuscript — compiled before World War II — includes interviews and photographs that the presenters said capture Vernon and Rockville in the 1930s.

John Rowe said the book is a “fascinating snapshot in time, taken during the Depression,” and noted it will be a resource for genealogy and local history because it documents organizations and multiethnic community groups that existed at the time. Luddy and Rowe worked with the Vernon Historical Society’s photograph collection and edited the manuscript for contemporary publication.

During the same meeting, resident Nancy Bedlock read a citation recognizing Mayor Champagne. She said the National Professional Organization of Adult Educators honored the mayor with a “friend of adult learners” award, quoting Melissa Ayles, director of Vernon Regional Adult Education: “She was immediately struck by the mayor’s support of adult education and the sincerity when speaking at the annual adult education graduation.” Bedlock said the mayor often attends graduation ceremonies and praises the teachers and staff who support adult learners.

Council members thanked the presenters and the mayor for their community involvement. No council action was required for the presentations.