CANTON -- A former SUNY Canton director of facilities has penned a new novel based on the rich history of Canton.

Frederick Rycroft, author of the new book “Young World,” returns to campus from noon until 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17, for a book signing at Richard W. Miller Campus Center’s Store. Copies of his book are also available at the Campus Center Store.

“Some of the characters are based loosely on people from the community of Canton,” Rycroft said. “Even though it is a work of fiction, all of the history is well researched and includes the local color of the late ’50s in our community.”

It is the story of the adventures, and misadventures, of teenagers who became friends in 1957 in a small northern New York town. It includes narrative descriptions of how the village of Canton looked and felt. Former popular venues including Billy’s Restaurant, the Hotel Harrington and the Miss Canton Diner are all in his work.

“There are a lot of things about both of Canton’s colleges in the book,” Rycroft said. “Specifically, I remember when the Canton hockey team had an unprecedented 42-game winning streak.”

Rycroft retired from SUNY Canton after working for the college for 35 years. He also was an assistant football coach for the college beginning in 1995.

This is his first work of fiction and the first in a trilogy. The second part of “Young World” is near completion.