By Joe Cox
Staff Writer

Dott Purington is trying to bridge the history gap.

The most recent history of Candia was written in 1893. "There's quite a span of years that hasn't been covered," Purington said.

She has assembled writings and illustrations to produce "A Candia Collection," historic anecdotes about the town. The book will soon be published by the Candia Historical Society.

"I just started collecting interesting pieces and I finally thought, 'Gee, maybe somebody else would like to see them,'" said Purington, a trustee of the Fitts Museum.

Though not a history book, the publication follows a timeline that begins with the founders of the town and takes the reader through modern history.

"I've always been interested in the town's history because my family had a lot of connections and there was a lot of stuff here in the house about Candia," Purington said.

The 78-year-old writer summered in the town with her family as a youngster. Her father taught at Columbia University in New York.

She married a Candia man and moved away for some time before returning to the town in 1983.

Through the years, Purington spent many hours sorting historical papers at the Fitts Museum. She found documents, diaries and old newspapers. Select writings are included in the new book.

Purington spent about three years putting the collection of writings together.

"We're scrambling to get it ready before Christmas," she said.

The book will sell for about $20. The 275-page collection of historical writings and illustrations will be offered as a softcover and spiral-bound book and will be available through the Candia Historical Society.

Sign-up sheets are available at the town office building, the post office, the library and Moore School for anyone interested in purchasing the new book.