the goal of this project is to build poems out of the memories and reflections of seniors, in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, who worked in the mostly now gone mills and factories of berks county, pennsylvania many decades ago.
the project will last at least three years and will involve three books with 25 poems in each, created from recollections seniors have of working in manufacturing in berks county, to preserve their stories and give light to a part of local history which might otherwise be overlooked. and this is also a way to honor those who kept our economy more than afloat for so long.
( the boyertown burial casket company in the early 1900s )
a pennsylvania council on the arts grant and berks arts council grant are helping to fund this project, as will a kickstarter campaign soon. all support in all possible ways, whether financial, suggestions for seniors to interview, or spiritual and emotional hurrah-ing, is greatly appreciated.
foothills publishing based in kanona, new york will be releasing the first book by the end of this august, as well as the others into the next few years. each book will be hand-stitched, which in itself a form of contemporary manufacturing and deserves a lot of respect per fingertip of those who help to make these and many other great poetry books possible, including several other berks county poets.
look for announcements of poetry readings around the community at libraries, art galleries, senior centers, retirement communities, and colleges and universities. some seniors from the poems will be in attendance at the readings so members of audiences can connect and talk with them about any common memories and stories of days long ago.
as the books are published this summer into the next few years, copies will be donated to all berks county libraries and historical societies as well as the seniors who offered their memories to help make this project possible.
as the books are published this summer into the next few years, copies will be donated to all berks county libraries and historical societies as well as the seniors who offered their memories to help make this project possible.
if you have any recommendations for seniors to interview or insights of any kind which would benefit the project, or if you'd like to support it with monetary donations, please email us at thelaborsofourfingertips@yahoo.com, or call and leave a voicemail at 610.401.3392.
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