Westport, MA Resident Publishes New Book About Hurricane Carol 1954

Top Quote The Last Fling is much more than an accurate report of the tragedy of the massive Hurricane Carol in 1954. In his book, John Cummings has magnificently captured the terror, sadness and loss as well as the hardy, brave spirit of Westport though it's people. The Last Fling not only chronicles the effects of Hurricane Carol, but also paints a vivid picture of this community in the 1950s. End Quote
  • (1888PressRelease) June 26, 2011 - Westport, Masschusetts - The Last Fling is a fascinating tale of a life-altering event of courage, terror and survival. There are first hand stories from more than 60 individuals and families and what they experienced as their homes and town were torn apart during Hurricane Carol in 1954. The book speaks of the spirit of the times and the people as wind and waves crashed without warning into a Massachusetts coastal town making Carol one of the most destructive natural disasters the area ever endured. The narrative is complemented by more than 40 illustrations. It is an absolutely vivid and charming depiction of life at another time, in a specific place. Most importantly, it is a story about a community, its people and the human spirit and how we all managed to survive in times of disaster as we experience these events together.

    The history includes events of the day at Horseneck and East Beach, Tripp's' Boat Yard, the Westport Yacht Club and Westport Point, including the rescue at Laura's Restaurant. The book also relates the near tragic story of the Cozy Cab bus being washed into the pond at Westport Harbor and the activities that took place at the Acoaxet Club and on Elephant Rock Beach.

    This is a must read for anyone who has ever experienced a hurricane, enjoyed the waves at Horseneck Beach, lived in Westport or any New England town and those who are interested in history or natural disasters.

    About the author:
    The author, John B. "Red" Cummings, Jr. is a lifelong area resident and was a witness to the events of the day on August 31, 1954. He has enjoyed a variety of careers including 10 years in banking as an executive of the former Fall River National Bank; President of the United Way of Greater Fall River, Inc.; and is currently local real estate broker and owner of Cummings Group Realtors in Westport, MA. He is married to the former Paula Francoeur from Somerset and has two sons and four grandchildren, all who reside in Westport. Cummings has also co-authored From Little Acorns to Giant Oaks, a history of the Greater Fall River Development Corporation. He is a graduate of Portsmouth Priory School and University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth.

    This paperback will have a retail price of $24.95 and can be purchased July 1 at local bookstores or direct from the author at www.thelastfling.net

    The ISBN is 978-1-4507-7648-6

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