Local author writes children's book to celebrate Hayes' life, local changes

Sheri Trusty
·2 min read
Local author and poet Dr. Regina Vincent-Williams has written a book that teaches children about the many ways Fremont has changed since President Rutherford B. Hayes lived here.
Local author and poet Dr. Regina Vincent-Williams has written a book that teaches children about the many ways Fremont has changed since President Rutherford B. Hayes lived here.
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FREMONT - When President Rutherford B. Hayes lived in Fremont, life looked quite different than it does today. Hayes traveled by horse, not car, and the modern United Methodist Church that bears his name looks nothing like the church he actually attended.

Local poet and author Regina Vincent-Williams, Ed.D., helps children understand the many ways Fremont has changed in her newest book, “Those Were the Days.” The book, which features vintage and modern photos of the city, was written to celebrate Hayes’ 200th birthday in 2022.

Vincent-Williams, an accomplished, published poet, wrote the book in verse.

Author hopes parents read verse to children

“It’s a poem, actually,” she said. “I’m hoping it’s a book that parents read to their children and talk about the old days and the modernizations we have today. I hope it will be a learning experience for parents as well as children.”

“Those Were the Days” is available in the Hayes Presidential Museum Store, and author Regina Vincent-Williams will host a book signing before and after the Independence Day concert at Hayes.
“Those Were the Days” is available in the Hayes Presidential Museum Store, and author Regina Vincent-Williams will host a book signing before and after the Independence Day concert at Hayes.

Although Fremont has an extensive and eclectic history to draw from, Vincent-Williams had little trouble writing the book, which is illustrated with photos from the Hayes Presidential Library collections and local historian Larry Michaels.

“I thought, ‘What do I want to know?’ Then I let the words flow,” Vincent-Williams said. “I tried to keep the words in a way a child would understand.”

Vincent-Williams has strong ties to the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museums, where she serves on the board of trustees and the bicentennial committee. Her first exposure to the Hayes Home came when she attended summer concerts there after she moved to Fremont several years ago with her husband, Sandusky County Coroner James M. Williams, M.D.

Vincent-Williams has long connection to Hayes museum

“Then I started volunteering at the concerts, and my involvement kept growing and growing,” she said. “In my own way, it’s like my second home.”

According to information provided by Kristina Smith, Hayes Presidential communications and marketing manager, the book was designed by Makennah Rettig, Hayes Presidential digital media and design specialist, and it was published by Hayes Presidential. Christie Weininger, executive director, and Julie Mayle, curator of manuscripts, also worked on the project.

Mary Kay Farrell of Fremont, right, was surprised to meet Dr. Regina Vincent-Williams, the author of “Those Were the Days,” when she purchased a copy of the book for her grandchildren at the Hayes Presidential Museum Store. The serendipitous timing gave Farrell the opportunity to have the book signed.
Mary Kay Farrell of Fremont, right, was surprised to meet Dr. Regina Vincent-Williams, the author of “Those Were the Days,” when she purchased a copy of the book for her grandchildren at the Hayes Presidential Museum Store. The serendipitous timing gave Farrell the opportunity to have the book signed.

Pages from the book are on display in downtown Fremont storefronts as part of a Story Walk project.

“The stores were so welcoming, and Harvey Oaks Jeweler bought the first copy of the book,” Vincent-Williams said.

“Those Were the Days” is available in the Hayes Presidential Museum Store for $10, and Vincent-Williams will host a book signing before and after the annual outdoor Independence Day Concert at the Hayes Presidential Library and Museums. Vincent-Williams will sign books from 1:30 to 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 to 4 p.m.

More information on Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museums can be found at rbhayes.org.

Contact correspondent Sheri Trusty at  sheritrusty4@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Regina Vincent-Williams pens new book in verse and photos of local life