NORWAY – The 24-page booklet about fiddler and snowshoe maker Mellie Dunham are available for $3 at Grassroots Graphics and the Norway Downtown Revitalization office on Main Street.

The book was researched and written by David Sanderson of Waterford and published by Norway Downtown Revitalization as part of the 150th birthday celebration for Dunham at the Summer Festival.

The book focuses on Dunham’s period of fame as a musician, visiting Henry Ford and appearing in vaudeville, and includes music for Dunham’s four published fiddle tunes.

In preparing the book, Sanderson researched original sources, especially newspapers and materials in the Ford Library. Included are the text of the original letter Dunham wrote to Henry Ford in October 1925; a newspaper account of his win at the Lewiston fiddle contest; descriptions of his vaudeville performances from Norway natives who wrote home to the Advertiser newspaper; and Dunham’s own words, quoted by reporters or taken from his letters.

Many photos are included. The book also documents the contributions to Dunham’s success by his friends from Norway, including Vivian Akers, Freeland Howe and Fred Sanborn.

Sanderson continues to collect information about Mellie Dunham.

“This has become a long-term project,” he said, “perhaps with a book to be written some day. I never expected my casual interest in Mellie to turn into something like this, and I have to say that it never would have happened without the encouragement and support of the folks associated with the Summer Festival, and the wonderful friends I’ve made in the Dunham family.”

For more information, or to order the booklets, phone Norway Downtown Revitalization at 207-739-2215. Booklets may be mailed to out-of-town friends and family.

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