‘Sometimes, one thing led to another.’
Marjorie Howard 
‘How to get the photos was a story in itself.’
Barbara Goodman
Howard, a former reporter at the Boston Herald and writer for Tufts University, found many who are “not household names but have accomplished amazing things.” She found so many, in fact, “there could a volume 2.”
Want to know what legendary Arlingtonions, present and past, look like? The 128-page book brims with photos.
Indeed, “how to get the photos was a story in itself,” Goodman said. After finally contacting down Mark J. Sullivan, a native named director of the Secret Service in 2006 and retiring in 2013, he sent a photo of himself that included former President Clinton and then-Pope Benedict.
Tracking down Bob Frankston, who helped invent the spreadsheet when he lived in Arlington, was tough, until she dug around on Facebook and found a mutual acquaintance.
“What a hoot!” she said of resolving photo mysteries, sounding as if the experience may have topped balancing school budgets.
The project, which took most of a year, until last June, involved the surprise of discovery. “Sometimes, one thing led to another,” Howard said. In talking to Jane Howard (no relation), among the founders of Vision 2020, a volunteer network aimed at improving the town, she learned about Mildred Dresselhaus, a neighbor.
The renowned scientist at MIT proved an engaging find: She is known for her work in carbon, leading to the field of nanotechnology.
As a School Committee member from 1993 to 2005, Goodman said: “So many people I knew but didn’t take time to sit down with. With the book, she found the time and learned so much more about Pat Tassone. The man in charge for music for Arlington Public School revealed other, operatic dimensions captured in his story.
Their book is supported in part by a grant from the Arlington Cultural Council, which is supported by the state cultural council.
Where to learn more
Now the two friends are off to tell you all about what they have published. Catch up with them at these locales:
Menotomy Grill, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2 to 4 p.m.;- Kickstand Cafe, Tuesday, Dec. 15, 7:30 to 9 p.m.;
- Arlington Historical Society, Thursday, Dec. 17, 7 to 8:30 p.m.;
- Old Schwamb Mill, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2 to 4 p.m.;
- Book Rack. Sunday, Dec. 20, 3 to 5 p.m.;
- Menotomy Beer & Wine, Wednesday, Dec. 30, 6 to 8:30 p.m., wine-tasting;
- Dallin Museum, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2 to 4 p.m.;
- Robbins Library, Wednesday, Jan. 13, 7:30 p.m.; and
- Barnes & Noble book-signing, Burlington, Saturday, Jan. 30, noon to 3 p.m.
Want to get the book? Click here >>
Learn more at www.legendaryarlingtonma.com
This report was published Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015, and updated Jan. 28.
Marjorie Howard is the wife of YourArlington Publisher Bob Sprague, who is included in the book.
