The organisation behind Kingston’s tricentennial commemorative volume has announced a second printing of Tales of Jones River Village: Kingston’s 300 Years is now available for purchase, offering residents additional opportunities to buy the locally produced history book during several community pickup events this month and into September.
Local events, local vendors
Directors of Kingston 300, Inc. — Ken Brack, Jan Guidoboni and Thomas Vendetti — said the group will host several initial pickup and sales events in Kingston. The first of those is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 20 at the Early Bird Restaurant from 4 to 7 p.m., where books will be sold for $45 each (cash or cheque only). Photographer Ed Nute will also have prints available at that event.
“Both are great gifts or keepsakes.”
Early Bird owner Stephen Coe is opening the restaurant for the late-summer evening and will provide appetizers for attendees.
Dates and places to pick up the book in Kingston
Organizers listed several additional pickup opportunities in Kingston over the coming weeks. The schedule includes breakfast and community-centre events as well as multiple mornings at the Beal House.
- Sunday, Aug. 23 — Bradford House breakfast, 9 to 11:30 a.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 22 — Beal House, 9 to 11 a.m.
- Wednesday, Sept. 9 — Kingston Senior Centre, 1 to 2 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 19 — Beal House, 9 to 11 a.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 26 — Beal House, 9 to 11 a.m.
Organizers also noted that online orders remain open for those who cannot attend a pickup. The online ordering page is operated through Givebutter.
| Date | Location | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug. 20 | Early Bird Restaurant | 4–7 p.m. | Appetizers provided; books $45 (cash/cheque); prints by Ed Nute |
| Aug. 22 | Beal House | 9–11 a.m. | Pickup and sales |
| Aug. 23 | Bradford House | 9–11:30 a.m. | Breakfast event |
| Sept. 9 | Kingston Senior Centre | 1–2 p.m. | Senior-centre pickup |
| Sept. 19 & 26 | Beal House | 9–11 a.m. | Extra pickup dates |
Context and community significance
The title reflects three centuries of local history centred on Jones River Village, a focal point for Kingston’s tricentennial commemorations. Kingston 300, Inc. organised events and publications to mark the city’s 300th anniversary, and the book has been part of that effort to preserve and share stories, images and memories of Kingston’s past.
For many residents, locally produced histories like this are more than souvenirs; they are community memory projects that contribute to civic identity, spark discussions about preservation and offer material for schools, heritage organisations and family collections. The decision to do a second printing suggests sustained interest from residents and visitors in owning a copy.
Practical details — the cash-or-cheque policy at the Early Bird event and in-person pickup windows — will matter to buyers. Kingston 300, Inc. has provided an online ordering option for those who prefer to pay electronically or cannot make the scheduled local events.
For further information or special inquiries, Kingston 300, Inc. directed the public to contact Ken Brack at the email address provided by the organisation.
Residents wishing to buy the book online can use the Givebutter campaign page identified by the organisers.
