The New England Historical Society recently posted an item about Ipswich’s “former, famous novelist resident” and the stir that Couples caused after it was published.

“Updike, who was himself a former columnist to the local newspaper, tried his hand at damage control, sending a letter to the newspaper flatly denying that Tarbox was Ipswich. But no one was buying it. . . .

“In the end, Updike found it convenient to head off on a European trip and move out of Ipswich altogether to the tonier environs of Beverly Farms. But he would continue to visit Ipswich throughout his life, lunching at one of the downtown clubs and avoiding the scowls from some residents that would follow him until he died.”

Here’s the full article, “John Updike in Couples Titillated America, Infuriated his Neighbors”