BETHEL – This year marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of the first edition of Eva M. Bean’s classic local history, “East Bethel Road,” which appeared in 1959 and was originally priced at $12.50 plus tax.

Bean was later the leading founder of the Bethel Historical Society. To celebrate the milestone, the society is offering copies of the second 1984 edition of the book at a 50 percent discount through 2009, or until supplies are exhausted.

The second edition contains all of the original 1959 information, plus another 300 pages that bring the genealogies and house sites up to date.

Bean compiled the book to raise funds for a fence around the historic Bartlett Cemetery in East Bethel, but that was not completed during her lifetime. She died in 1969.

In 1976, Bartlett Cemetery received its fence to keep wandering cattle from doing further damage to the fragile gravestones. It was a volunteer project and “Eva’s Fund,” derived from the proceeds of the book, provided the money for the fencing.

Because the cemetery contains the graves of a number of Revolutionary War veterans, the Bethel Historical Society placed a historic marker there in 1976 as part of the national bicentenary observance.

Bean intended for her book to update the “East Parish” history found in Dr. William B. Lapham’s “History of Bethel” (1891). The second edition has long sold for $50, but during 2009 the book will be available for $25.

To further highlight the 50th anniversary of the book’s appearance, a special program will be presented on May 14 by society Executive Director Stanley R. Howe, titled “East Bethel Road and Eva Bean: A Half Century Perspective.”

A native of East Bethel, Howe, who knew Bean from the time of his earliest childhood, will discuss the subjects covered in the original 1959 edition and will provide some perspective on the work carried out to update and republish the book in the mid-1980s.

The lecture, which is free and open to the public, will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Dr. Moses Mason House Exhibit Hall.

Those wishing to purchase the book should visit the society’s museum shop during its regular open hours, Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m., or by appointment, calling 824-2908 or 800-824-2910.

The book may also be ordered by mail; an order form is available on the shop page of the society’s Web site, www.bethelhistorical.org.