One of Dublin’s founding sons shares his personal and family history

The book’s title actually came from Sells’ hospital stay at Mt. Carmel in Co lumbus in 1973. Sitting in a psychiatric ward, Sells began speaking with a nun who had arrived to visit with the patients. When Sells acknowledged that she probably hadn’t heard of his hometown of Dublin, the nun said otherwise.

“Everybody knows that Dublin’s doublin’ every day,” Sells quotes her as saying.

He would remember the story years later when he began writing his book in 2010.

A father of two and still married to his wife of 25 years, Debbie, Sells says he has the disorder under control by moni toring his lifestyle. He doesn’t drink alco hol, for example, and he makes sure to get enough rest. In the epilogue of his book, Sells credits his faith in God and the continued support of his wife with keeping him mentally healthy.

Sells’ editor, Don Rose, became in volved with Sells’ book in March 2012, when he heard Sells read an excerpt of his manuscript at a Dublin Historical Society meeting. His interest in the narrative led him to assist Sells with research and editing the manuscript.

Author Tim Sells watches the Ringling Bros. elephants parade through “Sellsville,” the winter home of the Sells Brothers Circus, which was between Fifth Avenue and King Avenue, west of the Olentangy River.

“I read it from cover to cover,” says Rose, also a Dublin native.

The book ended up receiving funding through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to print 200 copies. Sells purchased 40 additional copies himself. The books are being sold at a variety of retail outlets in Historic Dublin.

Despite Sells’ personal challenges, he says his book is meant to bring a smile to readers’ faces.

“They’re innocent stories. They’re stories you can read to your grandkids,” he says.

Sarah Sole is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at laurand@city scenemediagroup.com.