The Depot Master

Joseph Lincoln was a 20th century writer of short stories, poems, and novels. He said that he just wanted to tell tales that would make the reader feel good about themselves and their neighbors. His stories about he make believe town of Cape Cod are a delight to read. The characters are enduring. The occurrences of every day life in this village in New England come alive for the reader. This story begins: "Mr. Simeon Phinney emerged from the side door of his residence and paused a moment to light his pipe in the lee of the lilac bushes. Mr. Phinney was a man of various and sundry occupations, and his sign, nailed to the big silver-leaf in the front yard, enumerated a few of them. Carpenter, Well Driver, Building Mover, Cranberry Bogs Seen to with Care and Dispatch, etc., etc., so read the sign."