“The Spruce Gun Box”, authored by Elizabeth Egerton Wilder, is a treasure. Detailed descriptions, based on heavy research, and written in a gentle and honest voice, this book will be a favorite for years to come.
Mentioning the conflict “Bloodless Aroostook War” between the U.S. and Great Brtitian, the “Treaty” so often discussed in Aroostook history and long passages describing the Micmac way of life are intriguing and informative. The spruce gum boxes play a definite role throughout the text, and is definitely what caught this reader’s attention to our delight and we hope, yours.
Log drives? Included with colorful sidelines. Prejudice? Prevalent throughout the book with little inflamatory language. Love interest? Lots of it and portrayed sacrificially and with gusto.
The Aroostook River was uncharted, lumbered very little at the time of this book and the British, French and the U.S. were all concerned about the borders between Maine and Canada and just where the lines were drawn among the best timber. How were the Micmacs to live – as Canadians or Americans?
As soon as this reader is able, a reread is promised. Well, if there isn’t too long a waiting list. Enjoy!
