French Quarter, St. Martin—The Les Fruits de Mer association is thrilled to launch the new book Homemade Games & Toys of St. Martin by Celeste Rollin Beauperthuy. The public is invited to celebrate this landmark work at the free launch event. It will be held Saturday, January 25th from 9am to noon at Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House in French Quarter. Guests will receive a free copy of the book, and the author will be present to sign copies.
“This amazing book reveals the St. Martin of the 1940s and 1950s, when the island was very different,” said book editor Mark Yokoyama. “Children made their own toys with the materials they had, from wood scraps to cashew nuts. They were very creative, and we are very lucky to have a chance to read about it.”
The book includes descriptions and illustrations of over 20 games, toys, traps, ovens and musical instruments handmade in St. Martin. Celeste Rollin Beauperthuy wrote detailed descriptions of the items and how to make them. He also illustrated all of them from memory. In addition, the book shares stories about the items and their use from the author and others.
“This book is an incredible way to explore the cultural heritage of St. Martin,” explained Les Fruits de Mer president Jenn Yerkes. “It’s a window into a lost era, a kid’s-eye view of what it was like to live here at that time. For elders, I’m sure it will bring back memories. For younger generations, it’s a fantastic chance to connect with the past. The excellent instructions and illustrations could even pave the way to bring some of these toys and traditions back to life on the island! Mr. Beauperthuy’s extraordinary work preserves and passes on this special heritage and history in a truly unique way. It is a beautiful gift to his island and his people. And it is also a delight to read!”
The Homemade Games &Toys of St. Martin launch will be at Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House on Saturday, January 25th from 9am to noon. Free copies of the book will be given to those who attend the event. The book is also available as a free download at lesfruitsdemer.com, and for sale worldwide at amazon.com.
Free printed copies of Homemade Games & Toys of St. Martin will be given to local schools and students as part of Les Fruits de Mer’s book program. This program is supported by Vie Associative and the Politique de la ville de Saint-Martin, implemented by the State and the Collectivité de Saint-Martin, and by Fondation Air France.
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