BRATTLEBORO — On Thursday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m., there will be a presentation about Brattleboro's Stephen Daye Press in the History Center at 196 Main St.
This event is open to the public and admission is free.
Founded in 1932 by John S. and Marion R. Hooper, the Stephen Daye Press published books about New England, according to a news release. It is considered the first in the field of regional publishers in the United States.
John, Mary Ann, and Steve Hooper, all children of the founders and formerly of Brattleboro, will give a talk about the Press. There will also be a display of books, photos, tools of the trade, original promotional materials, and other items.
The name, Stephen Daye Press, honored the first printing press in the colonies, brought from England in 1636. The Press published over 125 titles during the 10 years of its existence, 1932-1942. Most were hard cover books, but it also published pamphlets, folios, soft cover books and other materials.
Brattleboro's Vermont Printing Company facilitated the start-up of the Press and was its printer. The Stephen Daye Press not only acquired and cultivated authors, but also focused on craftsmanship, including type selection, book design, dust jackets, and the many other details of publishing.
The Brattleboro Historical Society and the Friends of Brooks Memorial Library are sponsoring the presentation and exhibit. The event is part of the Historical Society and Friends collaboration to tell the story of Brattleboro's important and distinguished publishing and printing history.