Dale Potter-Clark Picasa

The Kennebec Cabin Company and the Manchester Historical Society will co-host a book talk by local historian and author, Dale Potter-Clark, at 2 p.m. on Oct. 2 at The Woodshed restaurant (adjacent to Kennebec Cabin Company) at 915 Western Ave., Manchester. Potter-Clark will discuss her new historical novel about the Underground Railroad titled “Escape from Bunker Hill,” which tells a story about a native Maine couple who move to Jacksonville, FL and help four slaves escape to the north. The refugees pass through Portland, Hallowell, Manchester, Winthrop and Readfield, among other towns and cities along 1,500 miles of the eastern seaboard.

“Although the main characters Dr. Joseph and Myra Mitchell existed, their tale in my novel comes from my imagination,” Potter-Clark related in a news release. “I was inspired when researching their ‘real’ home in Readfield and evidence led me to suspect they’d been involved in the Underground Railroad. It is challenging to find proof that most anyone was involved in the secretive and dangerous movement, so I did not find confirmation that Mitchells were — even after speaking to some of their descendants. But their story would not leave my head and this novel is the result.” Potter-Clark further explains that a 35-page appendix, with pictures, provides information about the real Mitchells plus actual abolitionists, events, places, publications and organizations she included in the novel.

Representatives from the Manchester Historical Society will take questions, as will Potter-Clark after her book talk and reading. Copies of “Escape from Bunker Hill” are available for sale at the Kennebec Cabin Company, and the book will be available for purchase and signing during the event. For more information about Potter-Clark’s other works, visit readfieldmaine.blogspot.com or email crossings4u@gmail.com.