When I was researching and writing about Dennis Delany, Lizzie Littlefield and Wun Lung I asked myself several questions: How are they connected? How are they perceived and what do they represent? Why was it important to choose three unknowns of Biddeford and bring their stories to life?
They were working class people. Dennis Delany worked sporadically when not involved smuggling or organizing secret boxing matches. He might be looked at as a stereotypical Irishman, always in trouble with the law, drinking and stealing. Delany seemed to be always in the local newspapers, especially the Biddeford Daily Journal. I concluded that the reports on him seemed to be amusing and tolerated. He was the entertainment, the one who was always a step or two ahead of the law, the one who didn't pay the hefty fine for illegal dog fights.
It is rather fortunate to have discovered Lizzie's diary online at the wonderful McArthur Library in Biddeford. I was able to examine it: very tattered, torn and stained but somewhat legible. Thankfully there was a partial transcription. Is this diary important? Yes it is because it was written at a time of social and political change although she makes no reference to it. The diary is about her, about how she coped with a friend's betrayal, her divorce and defending herself against being defamed. She is a 19th century woman which makes her stand out. "I am a good person", she wrote. And she was.
Wun Lung persevered despite discrimination and hostility. Attacked by Delany, he fought back. So did his countryman against the boys who threw the rat into his laundry.
I chose these three because no one had written about them with the exception of the local newspapers. Lizzie was not news but Dennis and Wun Lung were. Lizzie's diary was unknown until a colleague clicked on "Diary" in McArthur Library's online archive. There was a story! I was drawn to this torn and tattered notebook because since 1989 I have kept diaries and still do.
The local newspapers introduced Dennis Delany and his escapades and Wun Lung confronting discrimination. They too were a story and in some way their lives had to be told.
Lizzie died in Saco on March 16, 1928 at the home of friends. Her funeral service was held at the Advent Church, now called Victory Chapel. She was 87.
Dennis Delany died on March 28, 1932 at home in Old Orchard Beach. His house is still there on Olympia Avenue and is an inn.
Lizzie Littlefield, Dennis Delany and Wun Lung each contributed something of themselves to Biddeford and its history. I am glad that I discovered them.
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