BOOKS
History
Forgotten History and Stories of the Railway: Hespeler, Preston, Galt, Ontario and Area
Released 11/10/2025 — ISBN 978-1998829316
This book brings together rare historical documents, vintage photographs, and stunning contemporary rail imagery. While not intended as an exhaustive history of every rail line, this collection offers something far more valuable — a passionate historian's carefully curated treasure trove of railway memories. Langan has thoughtfully organized these stories into accessible chapters and sections, making it equally appealing to serious rail enthusiasts and casual readers fascinated by local history.
Orval Shaw — The Bandit of Skunk's Misery
Released 11/13/2024 — ISBN 978-1998829408
As the years have gone by, the legend of Orval Shaw — The Bandit of Skunk's Misery — seems to be forgotten by many. Skunk's Misery is an area located between Bothwell and Newbury, Ontario. He never killed anyone or committed any major crime, yet from 1921 to 1934, Orval's life of petty crimes led to some of the most sensational police hunts to try and capture him. On April 3, 1929, in Hespeler, Ontario, the greatest force of police anywhere in Canada was assembled to search for the "mystery man of Skunk's Misery." For the first time ever, historian and author Paul Langan has collected all the known published information on Orval into one book.
John "Jack" Langan — The Legendary Irish Pugilist
Released 03/26/2024 — ISBN 978-1998829354
John "Jack" Langan was born during the firestorm of insurrection on May 18th, 1798, at Clondalkin, in the county of Kildare, Ireland. For the first time, Paul Langan has compiled a book on Ireland's fabled pugilist. The book covers his early years — the two epic 74- and 76-round battles with English champion Tom Spring are discussed in significant detail — then follows Langan's retirement in Liverpool as a publican and brewery owner until his death.
The Three Hotels of Preston — The History of the Preston Springs, Kress, and Sulphur Springs Hotels
December 2023 — ISBN 978-1998829323
People came from around the world to Preston, Ontario to visit the Kress, Preston Springs, and Sulphur Springs Hotels and bathe in their sulphur mineral springs water, widely believed to have healing powers. All three hotels are no longer standing. This book captures the history of these hotels, from their heydays to their fateful ends.
The Four Artists of Hespeler — Frank Panabaker, Vera Rosenberger, Shirley Brent, Debbie Ellis
December 2023 — ISBN 978-1998829255
Now part of Cambridge, Ontario, the village of Hespeler has produced some amazing artists. Renowned Canadian painter Frank Panabaker is well-known to art fans; he was born in Hespeler and started his long career there. Less known is the work of Vera Rosenberger, a teacher for over 40 years who retired in 1960 and is remembered for the elaborate artwork she drew on the chalkboard. Shirley (Cox) Brent was the first artist to capture the essence of her beloved hometown of Hespeler. Debbie Ellis continues today in that same spirit, prolifically producing drawings and paintings of Hespeler and the surrounding area. For the first time, these four artists' biographies and a selection of their works are brought together in this book.
Hespeler's Hidden Secret — The Coombe Home 1905–1947
October 14, 2023 — ISBN 978-1-998829-15-6
Smyly Homes personnel from Dublin, Ireland came to Canada in 1905 to find a home to send boys and girls in their care to. The Coombe home in Hespeler was purchased by Smyly Homes. This 75-page booklet details the history of the home and includes interviews with children who lived there — a difficult but important part of our Canadian history to come to terms with.
Idylwild Park — The Forgotten Paradise, 1895–1919
June 29, 2023 — ISBN 978-1998829224
Idylwild Park was located between Preston and Hespeler, Ontario, along the Galt, Preston, Hespeler Electric Railway line. It has been over a century since it was in operation, and there's no trace of its existence today — yet people remain intrigued to learn more about it. This booklet, for the first time, collects all known information on Idylwild Park including photos, articles, postcards, interviews, and maps, along with a rare 1896 railway map confirming the park's location. Available in colour and black-and-white editions.
The True Story of the 1899 Shipwreck of the "Scotsman"
Released November 15, 2022 — ISBN 998829-00-2
The "Scotsman" ocean liner slammed into Belle Isle off the northern coast of Newfoundland on September 22, 1899. This tragic shipwreck turned even more devastating when firemen hired on as "scabs" in England began a drunken rampage and robbed passengers of their belongings. Stranded in the harsh climate of Belle Isle, men, women, and children fought to survive; in the end, 24 people lost their lives.
The History of Fisher Mills and Beaverdale, Ontario
Released October 2, 2022 — ISBN 978-1-7778643-4-7
Covers the history of Fisher Mills — the mill, dam, and pond; Edward Snyder & Snyder's Potato Chips; the hotels; Stager General Store and Blacksmith; Maple Grove School; Zion United and Wanner Mennonite Church; Squire Ellis; the Beaver family; Ed Ratcliffe; historic homes still standing; rare photos and maps, and more.
The Authorized Winfield Brewster Hespeler History Collection
Released 11/10/2021 - ISBN 978-1777864316
Rare photos, new photos, vintage ads, a map, and the three Winfield Brewster small books from the 1950s combined into one: Jacob Hespeler New Hope, C.W. (1951), Hespeler Yarns (1953), and La Rue de Commerce — The Street of Business, Queen Street, Hespeler, Ontario (1954). Most of the book covers approximately 1830–1915, with two historical sections relating to the Indigenous people who lived in the area.
Tales of Opera — Waterloo County/Region, 1885–2021
Released 09/23/2021 - ISBN 978-1777864309
Covers the Berlin, Scott's, and Preston Opera Houses; the Twin City Operatic Society (1948); Mabel Krug, community activist and opera supporter; the Preston Operatic Society; the Gilbert & Sullivan Society; opera singers from the area; Wilfred Laurier University Opera; the Kitchener-Waterloo Opera Guild; Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest operettas; Raffi Armenian and Centre Opera Studio; Opera Ontario/K-W Opera; Kitchener Opera; Vera Causa Opera, and much more. Guest writers: Leslie De'Ath and Dr. Ted Rhodes.
Remembering Glen Christie
Released 05/01/2021 — ISBN 978-0968586785
Covers Christieville to Glen Christie history, memories from former Glen Christie residents and their children, and numerous photos and an aerial map of Glen Christie. Glen Christie was located north of Hespeler where Highway 24 bends south of Kossuth Road. With contributions by historian Marjorie Clark.
"You're always learning something from a book by Paul Langan. He has a keen interest in history. Well done." — PSue
Tragedy in Galt — The May 2, 1956 CP Rail Crash
Released 01/27/2021 - ISBN 978-0968586778
Features interviews with Ronald Westworth (Brakeman), William Hopkins (Fireman), Ken Shillington (Brakeman), George Nutkins (Engineer), and Len Mills (Fireman at the crash scene), along with the accident and inquest recommendations and eyewitness reports from The Evening Reporter.
"The book was very well written and researched. I learned a lot about the background of the tragedy, and it answered many questions I had as a young boy. It was a tragedy that has stuck in my mind for many years." — Bob N.
"Excellent history of the tragic rail accident in Galt, Ontario. Great read and memory of this event that I witnessed as a young boy." — Craig Y.
Hockey
Classic Hockey Stories from the Golden Era of Pulp Magazines — Volume 2, 1930s–1950s
Released 01/11/2024 — ISBN 978-1998829330
More stories, novelettes, and rink novels with a touch of Canadiana — more unique, rare, and fun writing from authors who were making one cent a word to write them.
Play and Coach Hockey Like 1959!
Released August 24, 2022 — ISBN 978-1-7781289-5-0
In 1959, the Royal Canadian Air Force released a series of booklets on hockey titled Beginning Hockey, How to Play Better Hockey, and Coach's Manual, covering skill development, instruction, and drills for players and coaches. These booklets are reprinted in their entirety for the first time in half a century — go "old school" and learn how hockey was played and taught in 1959.
Classic Hockey Stories from the Golden Era of Pulp Magazines — 1930s–1950s
Released 12/04/2021 — ISBN 978-1777864323
Nine stories, novelettes, and rink novels with a touch of Canadiana, plus two bonus comics — unique, rare, and fun writing from authors making one cent a word.
Music
The Complete History of The Chantones, 1954–1976
Released 11/08/2025 — ISBN 978-1998829637
This is a compilation book of three previous books about the Windsor, Ontario legendary vocal group, The Chantones. Co-written by Chantones member Jack Grenier, the book consists of:
Part 1 — The Early Years (1954–1957). Follows the group's beginnings in Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan, up to the release of their first Canadian hit record, "Ann Marie."
Part 2 — Jack Scott and More Success (1958–1961). Details the group's success recording with Jack Scott, as well as their own records and extensive touring — including three singles of their own, while providing backing vocals for Jack Scott on two albums and twelve singles.
Part 3 — The Folk Trio Years (1962–1976). During this time the group appeared often on Robin Seymour's CKLW TV show "Teen Town" and played extensively across Canada, the USA, and Europe. They also recorded one single, an EP, and an album.
Doris Carroll — Windsor's Siren of Song
Released 12/13/2024 — ISBN 978-1998829484
Dolores Carroll was Windsor's siren of song. In 1945, at 16 years old, she performed on CKLW radio as part of the Sons of the Saddle Show. By the age of 21 she was singing in the top clubs in Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario. At 23 she recorded and released two songs in Detroit with the legendary Four Tops providing backing vocals. She met and married Walter Sayeg in 1953 and moved to Florida, where she played music and raised a family of three. This booklet captures her history for the first time.
The History of The Brothers-In-Law, 1963–1970 — Windsor, Ontario
August 2, 2023 — ISBN 978-1998829170
Windsor, Ontario's The Brothers-In-Law folk group performed from 1963 to 1970. The group originally consisted of police officers, and their first album sold over 240,000 copies. This booklet looks back at their career, with interviews with original members Alec Somerville and Larry Reaume.
Ginni Grant — Galt, Ontario's Forgotten Jazz Singer
A short history video on child pianist prodigy Virginia Belfer, who changed her name to Ginni Grant and had a 25-year career in Toronto. Watch the video
Religion
Limbo: A Historical Review of the Cruel and Horrific Catholic Church Doctrine of Limbus Infantium
Released 01/26/2026 — ISBN 978-1998829699
In this compelling exposé, you'll discover how the 1917 Code of Canon Law mandated burial segregation for unbaptized infants, the hundreds of cillÃnà scattered across Ireland as monuments to pastoral failure, Canada's unmarked graves — from Corner Brook to residential schools — why the doctrine contradicts Scripture and divine mercy, the 2007 quiet retirement of Limbo without acknowledgment of harm done, and why the Catholic Church owes bereaved families a formal apology.
"For the parents who carried decades of grief," writes Langan, "wondering about the fate of their unbaptized children, the shift toward hope came too late." Whether you're a Catholic struggling with Church teaching, a parent who lost a child, or a researcher investigating institutional harm, this book provides the historical evidence and moral clarity needed to demand accountability for this pastoral catastrophe.
To Hell with Purgatory: Someone Should Tell the Catholic Church That Purgatory Does Not Exist
Released 09/02/2025 — ISBN 978-1998829620
A bold challenge to one of Christianity's most divisive doctrines. For nearly 500 years, the Catholic doctrine of purgatory has shaped the faith and fears of millions. But what if this teaching — used to control believers through guilt and terror — has no biblical foundation whatsoever? Canadian author and historian Paul Langan delivers a devastating critique of purgatory in this concise yet comprehensive examination, drawing from careful biblical analysis to demonstrate how the doctrine not only lacks scriptural support but directly contradicts core Christian principles about salvation, death, and the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice.
Short Stories
Scammed in Detroit, June 2, 1933 — The John J. Langan Story
Released 03/09/2026 — ISBN 978-1998829705
A successful businessman. A charming stranger. A con so perfect it fooled them all. In June 1933, John J. Langan had everything a careful man could build: a thriving grocery store, rental properties, oil stocks, and a summer home in Bright's Grove. He was respected in his community, secure in his success, and certain that his years of hard work had taught him to see the world clearly. This is the untold true story of the "pigeon drop" — the most sophisticated confidence scheme of the Depression era — and what happens when a con artist exploits the one weakness that success can create: the belief that you're too smart to be fooled.
The Fisted Fate: A Tale of the Preston-Guelph Stagecoach
Released 10/14/2024 — ISBN 978-1-998829-46-0
In 1849, the stagecoach ran between Preston, through Vance's Corners, Fisher Mills, and on to Guelph. Flynn Doyle and the other passengers had no way of predicting what would happen. It should have been just another routine run — instead it turned into a tale that will not soon be forgotten.
Sundown in Bergeytown
Released 03/26/2024 — ISBN 978-1998829385 — 24 pages
Baker's House saloon was a deadly quiet place. Irish Jack, a paid gunman, had just walked in. Bergeytown lawman Jim Forbes demanded Irish Jack leave town by sundown the next day. Hell would come to Bergeytown before then.
About the Authors: Phillip Morgan wrote fiction short stories in western pulp magazines in the 1950s. Canadian author and historian Paul Langan adapted one of his stories to reflect the mid-1880s, in the hamlet of Bergeytown — which would later become Hespeler and is now part of Cambridge, Ontario.
The Canadian Brucellosis Incident
Released December 15, 2022 — ISBN 978-1-998829-02-6
A thrilling short story by Paul Langan recounting an event based on his time working for the federal government. A freezer full of brucella cultures, left over from 1940s–50s biological weapons development in Canada, was shipped from Saskatoon to Lethbridge. What happened that night in 1995 has never been told until now. Names and some events have been changed.
Sabotage in Hespeler
Released 12/04/2021 — ISBN 978-1777864330 — 3,000 words
WWI was raging and Canadian soldiers were fighting and dying overseas. On February 3, 1916, Parliament's building in Ottawa burned to the ground under suspicious circumstances. On February 6, 1916, the A.B. Jardine Munitions Factory in Hespeler, Ontario was destroyed by fire. Was it set by German spies? Paul Langan weaves a creative non-fiction short story based on the facts uncovered that fateful day in Hespeler.
Transportation
The History of Bombardier's JetTrain
Released 12/11/2024 — ISBN 978-1998829477
In 2002, Bombardier unveiled their JetTrain locomotive, capable of travelling on existing track at speeds up to 240 km/h. JetTrain promised to be a game changer for passenger rail in North America — high-speed rail corridors had been identified for Ontario-Quebec, Edmonton-Calgary, and Florida, among others. Bombardier put together a massive promotional campaign featuring JetTrain touring cities in Canada and the USA. By 2005, the JetTrain project was over. For the first time, author Paul Langan puts together all the archival information on the subject and explains how politics on both sides of the border killed the JetTrain.
Monorails in Magazines, 1918–1971
Released 01/23/2023 — ISBN 978-1-998829-11-8
An amazing collection of articles on monorails gleaned from European and North American magazines from 1918 to 1971 — an exciting era in which scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs invented monorail systems, some built and some never realized. Includes covers, articles, photos, and references from twenty magazines.
The 1969 Tri-Mono-Trans (TMT) High-Speed Monorail Proposal — A Historical Document Review
Released December 24, 2022 — ISBN 978-1-998829-09-5
In 1969, Lamartine "Marty" Cavanaugh Trent, an engineer for North American Rockwell Corporation, designed a high-speed rail monorail capable of 300 mph (482 km/h). Originally designed as a toy for his daughters, he patented the idea and his company seriously reviewed it as a public transportation system. Includes all known documents, photos, and patents related to the proposal.
VIA Rail Canada vs The Public
Released October 27, 2022 — ISBN 978-1778128981 — 116 pages
In 1991, a citizen was refused a VIA Rail Canada "CANRAILPASS" because they were a Canadian citizen. Paul Langan and MP Herb Gray filed a complaint with the National Transportation Agency under the Railway Act, arguing that Canadians were being prejudiced against by VIA Rail Canada. Absurd as it sounds, VIA Rail fought against offering the pass to Canadians — and lost — at the Federal Court of Appeal. The book features the National Transportation Agency Decision, Order, and Staff Report, the Federal Court of Appeal Decision, and newspaper articles.
Alternatives Denied — The $100,000,000 Highway 7 Fiasco (2000) — Reprint
Released March 28, 2022 — ISBN 978-1-7778643-6-1
The provincial government recently announced plans to build a new Highway 7 between Kitchener and Guelph. A group of concerned citizens put together a book in 2000 about the original fiasco; the project was stopped for two decades. This reprint is a chilling reminder of a flawed rationale to build a new highway.
Forgotten Monorails of Canada
Released 01/15/2021 — ISBN 978-0968586761 — 132 pages, 55 images, 6"×9", b/w
The definitive history of monorails built and proposed in Canada — a fascinating piece of national history, with over 200 references.
"It's a wonderful book, and I own it in both paperback and digital. It literally makes a great stocking stuffer!" — Kevin F.
"I've got a copy and if you haven't read it, I think you ought to pick one up. It's well researched and a good read." — David S.
