Gaspee Days is an exciting celebration that takes place every June in Warwick and Cranston, complete with re-enactments and retelling of the story of how a brave crew of men burned the hated British frigate, Gaspee.

What is little known is who these men were. One of them in the burning party was a 19 year old who carried his father's gun into the long boat that night. His name was Ephraim Bowen, Jr.

A new Pawtuxet Village book tells the rest of the story. Colonel Ephraim Bowen; A Pawtuxet Hero by local author, Janet Hudon Hartman, talks about Ephraim and the years he lived in the village. Little has been written about this man. Hartman reveals how this man influenced the community.

The portrait of Ephraim looks at his military life, business endeavors, personal relationships, his wives and children, acquainting us with all facets of his adult life in Pawtuxet Village.

The book includes a map and directory of homes included in Hartman's research, which is a snapshot of all the village streets and buildings as they stood between 1800 and 1841 during Ephraim Bowen's lifetime.

"Finding records and photos of buildings no longer standing was quite a feat," says Hartman. "Even more fun was trying to put houses into their original location as so many were moved from Main Street/Broad Street. The roads had to be widened to accommodate the first trolley cars coming from Providence."

Events and developments within village, state and country give the story context and create a snapshot of this National Historic District during the period between the Revolution and the Civil War.

There will be a Book Launching Party open to the public at Aspray Boat House in Pawtuxet Park, 2 East View Street, Warwick on July 1 from 3 to 5 p.m. The book will be available for purchase and signed by the author. The book can also be purchased through www.Amazon.com.

In addition to this book, Hartman has written three others. Her recent memoir, "Journey to Poland," documents her struggles to connect with her Polish heritage through travel and genealogical research. Her other two books are focused on the village of Pawtuxet itself. "Second Nature: Blooming in Pawtuxet" is a collection of short stories about growing up in Pawtuxet, written in collaboration with Hartman's daughter Susan. "The Cranston Side: Pawtuxet Village National Historical District," her other Pawtuxet book, describes the historical background and architecture of the village.