When I decided to set my treasure hunt mysteries in a charming Christmas-themed village, I picked a remote stretch of rail in the Green Mountains of Vermont between Rutland and Bellows Falls to run my imaginary excursion train transporting travelers searching for Christmas spirit to the almost magical Dickens Station. Later research revealed a quaint little town called Chester, Vermont, near that spot on the map. But I didn’t think they’d mind sharing the countryside. So, Dickens Station remained between Rutland and Bellows Falls, founded by Merritt Otto Dickens in 1893, a concept conceived in my imagination in 2020.
On my recent birthday, my daughter Cynthia (yes, from whom the character Cynthia Flowers borrowed her name) came home most excited to give me her gift in person. She researched information from my book and website, searched online, and found not only a book commemorating the Rutland Railroad but also a lantern owned and used by that line in what would have been the early years of Dickens Station.
My daughter sought and purchased a piece of history from the real world upon which I’ve based my fictional stories. I was speechless when I opened the gift (I know, hard to believe, right?), not only because these things are just plain cool, but also because of the thoughtfulness and effort that brought a piece of Dickens Station history to me.
Ben Waggoner says:
That’s awesome, Don! What an extraordinary gift! <3
Donald Jay says:
Thanks, Ben. She’s a wonderful daughter.
Cindy says:
What wonderful and truly thoughtful gifts! Her gifts speak volumes of the death of your relationship. So heartwarming. Thank you for sharing! Enjoy your treasures!!!
Donald Jay says:
Thanks, Cindy!
Dianna says:
I couldn’t imagine a more perfect gift!
Donald Jay says:
Thanks, Dianna. I was completely taken off guard. I had no idea she was doing this.
Jan Broucinek says:
Cool
Donald Jay says:
Jan, nice to hear from you. Thanks for leaving a comment. I hope all is well with you and your fam.
Spike Rendalls says:
How wonderful that Cynthia went on a treasure hunt inspired by her father’s mysteries! (That’s probably a tale in its own right.) I hope we see a cameo of that lantern in a future story.
Donald Jay says:
What a great idea, Spike!
Lori Lee Palmer says:
Don –
What a blessing to have such a thoughtful daughter!
Lori
Donald Jay says:
Thanks, Lori. She’s a keeper.
Susan says:
How thoughtful! Cindy is brilliant….the perfect gift.
Donald Jay says:
Thanks, Aunt Soozn.