The Greenfield Historical Society will have a booth during the Greenfield Music Festival planned for June 2-4. The booth will have a display featuring Johnny Paycheck, the late well-known country music star and a Greenfield native.

In addition to Paycheck there will be a display on Ralph Price, who was an accomplished musician, band director and composer in Greenfield for over 50 years. There will also be a display on the C. R. Patterson & Sons buggy and automotive manufacturers.

In addition to the displays, Christopher Nelson, author of “C. R. Patterson & Sons, Black Pioneers in the Vehicle Building Industry”, will hold a book signing. Nelson will be in the tent greeting people and signing books immediately after the dedication of Patterson Way until 2:30 p.m.

The dedication of Patterson Way is to take place downtown at 10:30 a.m. Saturday with speakers sharing information on the Patterson company.

Nelson’s book has won several awards since its publication in 2010 with a second edition in 2022. These awards include: American Writing Awards: winner in the history-general category; finalist in best new nonfiction, history — United States, biography; 2022 Best Book Awards sponsored by American Book Fest: finalist in history — United States, history — general; Book Excellence Awards: winner in biography; Outstanding Creators.com: Best Research Reviewer’s Choice Awards: winner in history — adult classics (non-fiction).

The Patterson and Sons Company, the first Black-owned automobile manufacturer in the United States, brings recognition to not just the Patterson company, but the Patterson family and its long-lasting contributions to American society as well.Beyond the leaps the Patterson family made in America’s early automobile industry, the family’s story is a powerful testament to overcoming obstacles, breaking color barriers, and realizing the American Dream in areas of education, sports, business and politics, a news release from the Greenfield Historical Society said.

“Christopher Nelson takes you on a winding journey through the past with elements still entirely relatable to the present,” said Madisun Leigh of Scenario Entertainment and Pergola Pictures.“The book is a must-read for generations to come as these pioneers are finally given a well-deserved place in the annals of history.”

The book was inspired by Nelson’s master’s thesis and was successfully redeveloped and expanded in the 2022 second edition release this year. Nelson’s prominent background in archaeology and history, fields in which he has worked for nearly two decades, shines alongside his interest in the history of transportation and the 19th and early 20th centuries, the news release said.

For more information on C. R. Patterson & Sons, Black Pioneers in the Vehicle Building Industry check out C.R. Patterson and Sons Company Book (crpattersonandsonscompanybook.us).