FARMINGTON — Lawrence Wilbur has applied his storytelling talents to print.

Wilbur will discuss his new book, “Let Me Take Your Hand: A Memoir,” during a book signing planned for 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at Devaney Doak & Garrett Booksellers on Broadway.

“The book is a portrait of life in Franklin County,” Kenny Brechner, manager of the bookstore, said. “It has a real charm, it’s funny and entertaining.”

Wilbur grew up during the Depression, “poorer than Job’s turkey,” and left school at age 15 to care for his dying mother and siblings.

He never went back to school. Instead, he earned money by cutting wood and working at the Wilton Woolen Mill.

Wilbur, 89, formerly of Wilton and now living in Farmington, started hand-stitching shoes for G.H. Bass & Co. in 1953. He spent the last 19 years of his 47 years with Bass traveling around the world, demonstrating how Bass Weejuns were made.

Many elements frame the story of Wilbur’s life, such as the poverty of his childhood, his World War II experiences and his family, Brechner said. Wilbur’s courtship and marriage to his wife, Hazel, and the consequent grief of her death have been particularly instrumental. 

His talents as a born storyteller evident as he describes the interests he has developed throughout his life — beekeeping, scuba diving, trick water skiing, ice fishing in below-zero weather and even cross stitching.

“It’s a memoir of his life, but it has a distinct character to it that is quite entertaining and will have a much broader appeal,” Brechner said.

For more information regarding this event contact DDG Booksellers at 778-3454, or by email at [email protected].

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