Join

At 80, Author Debuts First Published Book

By CINDY BROOKSHIRE
For PotomacLocal.com

Haymarket author June Pair Kilpatrick is celebrating her 80th birthday this spring with the best present ever – the debut of her first published book.

“Now my granddaughter, who wants to show the book to her classmates, can do that before she graduates from high school,” she said.

June is the author of “Wasps in the Bedroom, Butter in the Well: Growing Up in the Great Depression,” (Inkwater Press, Portland, Oregon). The book is available in print, 318 pages with 40 photographs, $16.95 or Kindle eBook, $5.99, through Inkwater Press, Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com.

A lifelong Virginian who earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Richmond’s Westhampton College, June spent much of her career as a writer and editor for nonprofits in Richmond and Northern Virginia. For eight years she was consulting writer for the Business Council, a Washington, DC-based association of 150 CEOs of the world’s top business enterprises. Historically, the Council assisted in the nation’s recovery from the Great Depression.

But it wasn’t until after June and her husband Fritz retired to the Evergreen Farm community at the foot of Bull Run Mountain that she began to think of writing her own family’s Depression-era experiences. In 1934, living in the industrial town of Hopewell, Virginia, her parents lost everything when unionizers caused a violent confrontation at the rayon mill. After a night raid that destroyed the machinery, 1,858 jobs were gone.

“We moved from house to house and town to town, out in the country where we lit lamps with matches and used an outhouse,” June recalls. “We had a roof over our heads, unlike many, but one of my vivid memories of childhood was the wasps that squeezed in through the gaps in the siding… and sometimes, the butter had to be kept cold in a bucket dropped in the well.”

Two years ago, June took her manuscript to the Memoir Writers group at Bull Run Regional Library for feedback and support. Over time, they quelled her doubts:

“And so as I write…a question occurs to me: Who but my daughter, Rebecca, would be interested in my ordinary life?…in Granny June Bug’s early life?…most likely my story, my memories, will be only for myself.”

On Sunday, May 6, June Kilpatrick debuts her book in a big way at Arts Alive! 2012, a free, family-friendly, festival celebrating the local arts from noon to 6 p.m. at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on the Prince William Campus of George Mason University in Manassas. The event, presented by the Hylton Center and the Prince William County Arts Council, features 18 live performances on three stages, indoors and out, with visual art on display and for sale, as well as presentation of the 2012 Kathleen K. Seefeldt Awards for Arts Excellence at 2:30 p.m. Event sponsors include United Bank and Discover Prince William & Manassas. A complete schedule of performers is at pwcartscouncil.org.

There, June will join seven other local members of the Facebook networking group, Write by the Rails, in the Lovey Hammel Lounge: Dan Verner, Sheila Lamb and Cindy Brookshire of Manassas, Katherine Gotthardt and Carol Covin of Bristow and Marvin Josaitis and Leigh Giza of Gainesville. Besides readings and book signings, event-goers are welcome to participate in writing exercises and bring their own poetry and prose to share at open mic times throughout the afternoon.

Read an excerpt of June’s book.

Recent Stories

The mother of a former student at North Stafford High School has filed a lawsuit against the county school division seeking $15 million in compensatory damages, alleging failure to protect her child.

Virginia is beginning to experience some of the impacts from the cargo ship crash that brought down Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, closing a vital shipping lane leading to one of the eastern seaboard’s busiest ports.

Rep. Abigail Spanberger was in Stafford County on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 to tout her efforts to bring federal dollars to the district.

Route 1 is closed at Port Potomac in Woodbridge, near Cardinal Drive. 

Are you facing life’s challenges, feeling overwhelmed, or seeking personal growth? Embrace the path to emotional well-being with our expert psychotherapy services!

Why Choose Us?

Our team of compassionate and experienced psychotherapists is here to guide you on your journey to inner peace, self-discovery, and positive change. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Dreaming of small-town charm with big-city convenience? Look no further than 7156 Main St in Clifton, Virginia! Nestled just 30 miles from the heart of Washington D.C., this picturesque property offers the best of both worlds.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city to find tranquility in this quaint, historic town. With its tree-lined streets and friendly community atmosphere, Clifton is the perfect place to call home. Yet, with its close proximity to the nation’s capital, you’ll never be far from the excitement and opportunities of urban living.

Imagine weekends exploring local shops, dining at charming cafes, and enjoying outdoor adventures in nearby parks. Then, commute to D.C. for work or play, soaking in all the culture, entertainment, and career opportunities the city has to offer.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Van Metre 5K Run

Participate in the 32nd Annual Van Metre 5K Run, a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, and every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and

×

Subscribe to our mailing list