WVCB’s Ted Reinstein Discusses New Book at EB Newton

Story by Marianne Salza

Reporter, Ted Reinstein — 28-year correspondent for the WCVB Channel 5 television program, “Chronicle” – presented his latest book, “Travels Through the Heart and Soul of New England: Stories of Struggle, Resilience, and Triumph,” during a Winthrop Public Library author discussion at the EB Newton School and Cultural Center on October 30.

“This book is a labor of love,” said Reinstein about his fifth book, published in July, 2024. “I often describe it as a love song to New England. This is entirely about the memorable people who I have met. It’s the stories of the people who have impacted me the most.”

The individuals featured in “Travels Through the Heart and Soul of New England” are people who Reinstein now considers friends. They have overcome extreme challenges and exemplify joy, determination, and love. The importance of community is essential to their stories.

“Sometimes a struggle can be about preserving an entire way of life – in this case: fishing,” suggested Reinstein. “Gloucester typifies the struggle of New England fisheries. It’s like no other place in America. I’ve made wonderful friends there.”

Like ports across the nation, Gloucester has been severely affected by strict fishing rules and regulations that make it financially impossible for most family-owned fishing boats to prosper.

“It’s estimated that in 1900, there were almost 2,500 family fishing boats in Gloucester. Last year, that number went down to 75. Today, the vast majority of boats fishing out of Gloucester are corporate boats owned by a consortium of either investors or industries,” revealed Reinstein. “The problem is, as family fishing goes away, that pipeline of knowledge begins to dry up.”

Joe Sanfilippo – a member of a family of five generations of fishermen in Gloucester – is one fisherman who has been especially impacted by those governances. Sanfilippo learned the technical and economic aspects of fishing from his brother when he was 13-years-old, and believes that it is important to maintain the culture of family fishing.

“The note of optimism in this is he has done something that is unique,” Reinstein noted about Sanfilippo, who captains the Beauport Cruiseline out of Gloucester Harbor. “He started what I call night school for fishing. He works on the boat all day, and at night he teaches people – men, women, younger, older – (none of whom have a boat) the fundamentals he learned at 13-years-old.”

Reinstein believes that resilience is ingrained in the New England experience – even if only for the weather – and especially in mill towns.

“I always thought of New England mill towns as the embodiment of resilient because they’re still here, and they’ve been through hell and back,” said Reinstein. “They knew what it was like to have 100% employment. They know what it was like to be kicked to the curb.”

In the late 1800s-early 1900s, companies realized labor could be found cheaper in the south; and eventually, overseas. By the late 1960s-early 1980s, abandoned mill buildings were boarded up, becoming havens for crime, arson, and drugs. Although most of those former mill buildings are not producing what they had, they have become home to commercial enterprises and condominiums.

“They found a way to reinvent, re-emerge, and re-purpose themselves,” observed Reinstein.

Alan Casavant had a major part in reviving his hometown of Biddeford, Maine. Growing up in the mill town in the 1960/1970s, Casavant remembered the restaurants and stores being open late because residents had money to spend.

By the 1980s, the once prosperous community had become dark. When a six-story waste incinerator was built in downtown Biddeford, the city had no other option but to accept it.

“Just like people who are down and out, and vulnerable, so are mill towns,” said Reinstein. “When a town has no economic viability, there are commercial enterprises who prey on entire communities who they know need any kind of cash infusion, no matter where it comes from.”

Now, Casavant, a former math teacher, has become the longest-serving mayor of Biddeford, ordering the removal of the incinerator that he found humiliating. Casavant has attracted businesses and residents to occupy the former mill buildings.

“The Biddeford mill buildings today are a wonderment,” exclaimed Reinstein. “People describe it as a ‘Biddaissance.’”

“Travels Through the Heart and Soul of New England” also includes Reinstein’s favorite diners from all six states, such as the Windsor Diner, in Windsor, Vermont.

“There are two things make it a unique and rare diner. Not only is Theresa Rhodes one of the few women who owns a diner; she runs it entirely solo,” exclaimed Reinstein, who remembers intently watching Rhodes work behind her back, tossing forks to regulars.

During that visit, Reinstein met long-time customer, Billy Nye, who celebrated his 83rd birthday with a blueberry muffin that Rhodes had brought to him with a candle. Nye had grown up at the diner, where his mother had been a waitress. He shared that every day after school, he would sit on the first stool at the counter. Now that he has moved back to his hometown to be closer to family, Nye felt that he should graduate to the second stool: his new spot.

In addition to people and diners, Reinstein – a Winthrop native — expressed his deep appreciation for general stores and public libraries, noting that he is still in possession of his original, stained — but now laminated — first library card, from Winthrop Public Library. Reinstein grew up in the Highlands, and enjoys driving around town when he can, checking on his favorite spots, and inspecting to make sure his etched initials have remained intact.