Personne

Charles, Buchanan

1898 - 1977

Bucanan Charles(1898 - 1977) first visited Grand Manan in 1924 and there immediately began an association of mutual benefit that was to last for over half a century. As he came to know and respect the people of the insular community, and their way of life, the history of the area began to hold a growing interest. Older citizens like Joseph Gaskill, last of the shipbuilders, and others having intimate links with the past, along with local historians, became special friends. Under his leadership, Grand Manan Historical Society was organized in 1930 and incorporated a year later. Then, in 1934, as one observance of the 150th anniversary of the first settlement(of Grand Manan), he brought out the first issue of the Grand Manan Historian. The objective for the new magazine was, along with featuring original works, the republishing of the array of reports and essays that had appeared over a period of two centuries, quite sufficient material on which to draw for many years to come. Bucanan Charles set about to create a unique publication that soon attracted wide attention for its design, content and general excellence. After six issues of the Historian, and production of the first detailed map of the Island, in 1941 with the world at war, and his recent marriage to Mary Stevens of North Andover, he found it necessary to conclude the work related to Grand Manan. Bucanan Charles died on March 2, 1977 at age 79.
Note: written by L. K. Ingersoll In Tribute and Farewell in the Memorial Issue of the Grand Manan Historian, 1977.