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Point Roberts historian to speak

by Davea Fisher

Richard E. Clark, the author of �Point Roberts, U.S.A.� will give a talk about the history of the Point at 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, at the community center. �Dick�, as he likes to be called, was born in Wenatchee, Washington, but moved to the Blaine area when he was two. The book was an expansion of his master�s thesis at Western Washington University, where he graduated in 1970.

Dick was the first person in that university to receive a master�s degree in sociology, as it was a new program. The thesis committee rejected his initial thesis on the ground that it was much too long. Dick was told it was not a thesis - it was a book. So, Dick cut the thesis in half. Ten years later, (1980), the book was published. To date, it is the only book written about Point Roberts, and contains a marvelous amount of historical information including excerpts from books, newspapers, journals and letters. One of the quotes that appears on the back cover might be considered relevant 23 years later.

�The inability of the United States and Canada to come to grips with the problems of Point Roberts are an embarrassment to both governments. Mr. Clark�s work will play an important role in helping these two giants understand that Point Roberts� underlying difficulties are a result of the international border.� Congressman Al Swift.

The Friends of the Library will provide a display of family histories and videos and the Point Roberts Historical Society will provide a display of historical photos. The event is free and all are welcome.

Come and learn about your town and meet the man who knows more about its history than most.

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