The Local News reported on April 12 that the Ipswich Historical Commission has finalized details for the John Updike plaque unveiling at the Caldwell Building, 15 S. Main St., in Ipswich, Mass. on April 28, 2023.

The plaque will be unveiled at the Caldwell Building next to the entrance leading up to the second floor, where Updike wrote in Suite #5 for many of the 17 years that the Updikes lived in this North Shore community. The ceremony is set for 6 p.m., rain or shine.

At 6:30 p.m., the Ipswich Public Library, 25 N. Main St., will host a reading of “A&P,” one of the most anthologized stories that Updike wrote in his Caldwell Building office above the Choate Bridge Pub. After that, local writers also will offer short readings on Ipswich, followed by an open mic.

From April 28-30 the Choate Bridge Pub will offer a special menu item in honor of Updike’s preferred lunch back when the the space was occupied by The Dolphin Restaurant: a pastrami sandwich with a side of pea soup. Just ask for the “P&P” special. That weekend the pub will also offer a special cocktail (“The Witches of Eastwick”) named for Updike’s popular novel. And who knows? Maybe the specials will catch on.