THOMASTON — The first half of the 19th century was a volatile economic time in America, coupled with the invention of the telegraph allowing for rapid transmission of information and then the start of the Civil War. The near financial collapse of the prison in 1861 was brought about by the confluence of these events and years of fiscal mismanagement, according to the Thomaston Historical Society, in a news release.

On Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m., Sandra Hoekstra will tell this story, unraveling the events that led to the financial collapse of the prison. Hoekstra came upon details of this story through old documents. 

Hoekstra is a rare book and map dealer with a special interest in illustration. She is a member of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America, the International Booksellers Association, and the Bibliographic Society of America.

Hoekstra is a resident of Thomaston, happily having made her home here seven years ago. She has always had a special interest in the local history of where she lived and how it connects to the broader scope of world events. 

Join the Thomaston Historical Society on Tuesday, September 12, in the hall on the lower level of the Federated Church (8 Hyler St.) to hear this story. The entrance is from the parking lot (easy access) behind the church, accessible off of Hyler Street or Dunn Street.