By Joseph Edgerton
Staff Writer

Using 200 vintage photographs, a local author and historian has traced the evolution of Pembroke for more than a century, and her findings are available to the public.

The west side of Pembroke's Main Street has withstood the test of time. (Joseph Edgerton Photo)

Lianne E.H. Keary's new book "Pembroke" is a pictorial history of the riverside town that details views, people, homes, businesses and institutions. It is the second such book that Keary has assembled and written.

"Since I had written a title about New London in 2003, writing a book about my hometown seemed the next logical choice," she said.

The book, which has been available to the public since July 6, features photographs of town residents and landmarks dating as far back as the late 1800s.

As a resident of the town, Keary came to some unique realizations as she conducted her research.

The west side of Pembroke's Main Street has withstood the test of time. This photo was taken around 1890. (Joseph Edgerton Photo)

"Since I grew up in Pembroke, I had an idea in my head that I already knew a lot about the town," she said. "As it turns out, the more research I did, the more I realized that I hardly knew anything."

As one example, Keary cites the fact that her parents. house was physically moved up the street to its present location during the 1880s.

Keary also said that the reaction to the book by citizens has been enthusiastic.

"While doing research for the book, the response from people in town was quite amazing," she said. "It's been a long time since anything about the town was published, and I hope the book lives up to expectations."

The book also provides a closer look at little-known town occurences.

For instance, few people know that the town was the site of a brutal murder on Oct. 4, 1875.

Seventeen-year-old resident Josie Langman was murdered while walking to Pembroke Academy from her Buck Street home. Her killer was executed in Concord in March 1878.

Other historical events, such as the flood of 1936 and the bicentennial celebration are featured in the book, alongside historic pictures of landmarks, some of which have remained unchanged for decades.

Keary also said the stories of residents themselves were fascinating.

"There are the usual things that local histories love; lurid tales of gruesome murders, border disputes, etc.," she said, "but the thing that struck me was the extraordinariness of 'regular people,' such as those who worked in the mills for 50 years, or immigrants who built successful businesses."

The price of "Pembroke" is $19.99. The book from Arcadia Publishing is available at area bookstores, independent retailers, online bookstores or through Arcadia Publishing at www.arcadiapublishing.com or by calling (888) 313-2665.