Author-Illustrator Will Participate

In Open House

Newtown resident Charles Fulkerson, the co-author of a new book on American railroads, will be at Lexington Gardens this weekend as part of the nursery and boutique’s annual open house event.

Lexington Gardens, at 32 Church Hill Road, will host its open house Saturday, November 10, and Sunday, November 11. The store is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Saturday’s special events, taking place primarily from 1 pm to 3 pm, will include visits with Santa Claus, presentations by Bohn Jewelry and Ogallala Body Care (beginning at 11 am), live music by Lucinda with special guest Michael Connolly, and food and wine samples.

On from there will be opportunities for children to write or drop off their letters and notes to Santa, and food samples for everyone. There will also be raffles and open house specials for shoppers all weekend.

Mr Fulkerson will be in attendance on Sunday to sign copies and talk about his books from 11 am until 2 pm.

Mr Fulkerson’s recent release, The Great Steam Trains, traces the development of the steam locomotive and its profound impact on the American economy. Along with co-author Fredric Winkowski of New York, Mr Fulkerson shows the resurgence of steam trains, once given up for dead, but now the focal point of hundreds of museums and attractions across the nation.

The Grand Steam Trains is published by Parragon of Bath, England, the world’s largest publisher. Mr Fulkerson wrote the complete text and also created three paintings, commissioned specifically for the book. In addition the book is lavishly illustrated with dozens of full-color photographs. It is available in most bookstores or by order.

A smaller companion book, Steam Trains, by the same authors, was released simultaneously for discount stores.

A 16-year resident of Newtown, Mr Fulkerson is a member of the Newtown Historic Commission. He is a longtime promotion copywriter, creative director and now copy chief/director for Reader’s Digest Promotion in Pleasantville, N.Y. The Great Steam Trains and Steam Trains are his second and third books.

The author is also a painter. He has had two solo shows and his work is in private collections in California, Wisconsin, New York, and New England. His paintings and illustrations have appeared in books, magazines, advertising, and on numerous First Day Covers from the Postal Commemorative Society. He works in transparent watercolor and opaque acrylic on board.