Sadie, Max, David, Lil, Sam, Jacob, Lena, Mae and Harry.

Their voices speak about growing up and coming of age in what was once a small town of graceful meadows. Their first-person recollections share a slice of life that mirrors the evolution of Holyoke as it grew into a robust industrial complex.

Through first-person oral histories, Olivia Davis Mausel has composed a vivid picture of what life was like in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for the city’s Jewish community. Their work, their families, their traditions, their struggles and their joys are all recounted in “Their Stories: The Holyoke Jewish Community.”

A series of readings and book signings will kick off Nov. 7 from 10 a.m.  to noon at the H.H. Richardson-designed train station at 12 Bower St.  The train station played an integral part in the lives of many people featured in “Their Stories.”

The book is the latest publication of The Republican’s Heritage Book program which has been highlighting the untold stories and contributions of Western Massachusetts’ diverse population for more than a decade.

Said editors Joseph Carvalho III and Cynthia G. Simison of “Their Stories.”   Holyoke was the home of one of our region’s earliest Jewish communities. Olivia Davis Mausel’s research and interviews contained in this volume provide the reader with significant insight into the Jewish experience in our region.

A retired teacher, Mausel is a former member of the Holyoke Historical Commission and the Local District Commission and currently a board member of the Holyoke Preservation Trust.  Over the course of more than 20 + years, her interest in Holyoke cultural and historical issues spurred her efforts to gather the oral histories compiled in “Their Stories.” 

“More people speak up about the changes and quality in their lives. Some people recognize the change, the growth and the importance of our past and the people who helped establish our city as the great powerhouse that was Holyoke at its height years ago.  Mausel said. “We have lost important people, significant buildings and iconic places over the years and we have learned that the past is important.”

Mausel said she received special support from Jean Jonker, Gordon Alexander, Ken Schoen and the Jewish community of Holyoke in compiling “Their Stories.”   She said she feels the preservation of the recollections of those she interviewed was important to ensure their voices are not lost in the telling of the city’s history.

“We have to keep moving forward and improving and building a safe community and the importance of holding on to our traditions for ourselves and our children,” she said. “I hope the reader finds some humor and some insight into what the early settlers went through.”

“Their Stories” was designed by Michelle Johnson, creative lead for The Republican’s Headline Studio Massachusetts. Available for $25, it can be purchased at any of the upcoming reading events.

Along with the train station, the events include:

Nov. 17, 6 to 7 p.m., Holyoke Public Library, Chestnut Street; and

Nov. 23, 9 a.m. to noon, Holyoke Senior Center, 291 Pine St., all in Holyoke.

The book is also available for purchase daily during regular business hours at Holyoke Hardware, 917 Hampden St.  Cash or check only.