Florida Historical Society publishes new book by John J. Kimiecik

FLORIDA — John J. Kimiecik is a life-long resident of Florida, NY and a long-time English teacher at S.S .Seward Institute.

And for more than 20 years he also wrote feature articles and essays for The Warwick Advertiser.

The Florida Historical Society has just published his new book, "Touching all the Bases, Places and Faces in Early Florida, New York."

The book compiles many of his writings and illustrates them with photographs, some of which are in color and most of which have never previously been seen.

All proceeds from the sales of the book will go to the Florida Historical Society, which will hold a book signing for him from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, in the S.S. Seward Institute cafeteria, 52 North Main St.

"Touching all the Bases, Places and Faces in Early Florida, New York," is divided into two parts separated by a selection of historic and other interesting photographs.

In place of chapters, Part I, "Touching all the Bases," is cleverly organized by baseball innings and for good reason. The first part of the book consists of Kimiecik's memoirs revolving around baseball.

His own baseball career started as a freshman with the Seward High nine, the team he would later coach.

Kimiecik later played semi-professional baseball and as a correspondent for The Warwick Advertiser, he covered Seward sports.

The second part of the book contains a compilation of feature stories about life in and around the Village of Florida when Kimiecik and his two brothers were growing up on Meadow Road and helping out on the family's onion farm.

Except for the time spent earning a degree at Kings College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, followed by two years serving as a lieutenant in the Marine Corps and a couple of years first teaching at Monticello High School, Kimiecik has always lived and worked in the Village of Florida.

He is a charter member and Vice President of the Florida Historical Society.

During their 57 years of marriage Kimiecik and his wife Dorothy raised two sons and two daughters, all very successful. And they are also proud of their two grandchildren, both of whom are college students.

"A lot of credit for this book goes to my wife, Dorothy," said the author. "She is my best cheerleader as well as critic. And she kept me going, especially with my hospital stays. I couldn't have done it without her."

- Roger Gavan