Looking back, fighting forward If you’re as fascinated by history and historical fiction as I am, you know this month is chock full of anniversaries and milestones, including the 120 th anniversary of the San Francisco earthquake (April 18, 1906). I found this gem of a postcard in my brother’s collection, mailed long ago to Massachusetts spinster lady Mabel Spooner of the quaint little town of Petersham (believe me, don’t even try to pronounce this town’s name). In the 1906 version of marking themselves safe, Mabel’s relatives George and Fritz dashed off a postcard right after the quake to assure her they were okay. Sadly, the proprietor of a local hotel where they were staying wasn’t as lucky. What sparked my interest in all things historical? Simple – the library. My hometown library: books with a midcentury modern vibe I’ve always loved going to the library, from day one. What an adventure to go there, pore over all kinds of books on all kinds of subjects, an...
