“The Plains of Abraham: A History of North Elba and Lake Placid,” the collected historical writings of the late Mary MacKenzie, won the first Special Appreciation Award ever given at the Adirondack Literary Awards program. The annual awards program was held on Sunday, June 8, 2008 in Blue Mountain Lake, N.Y. The award recognized the work of Wagner College media relations director Lee Manchester, who compiled and edited the book.

One of the judges, Bibi Wein (author of “The Way Home: A Wilderness Journey”), explained that the unique award was being given because of the long-term importance to Adirondack literature of the book.

“This is more than just an important book for this year,” Wein said. “People will be reading and appreciating this book 100 years from now. Adirondack Park residents and visitors owe Manchester a great debt of gratitude for this extraordinary project.”