Linda’s Monday Morning Moaning’s:
I have for many years loved the Arcadia Publishing books, their vintage photo images and memories of times long past. Knowing that they have in excess of 14,000 titles to choose from, there was always one that would peak my interest. From purchasing them from areas I would visit, or the places I have lived, or just stories that interested me, I have been a big fan.
While still volunteering at the library, I mentioned to the girls there that I had asked about why didn’t Arcadia have a book on Washington Township, and to my surprise I had been told, “it was because I hadn’t written it yet”! Not being aware that these books were put together by everyday people who have a passion for history and photography, this surprised me. When I told this to Stacie at the library, she asked why didn’t I do the book on Washington myself. This is not a thought I would have had in my wildest dreams, and stated to her, “I couldn’t do that”, and she asked me “why not”? I guess with the work I had been doing for them on the historic homes, she and Julie had more faith in me than I had in my self.
After much thought, I contacted Arcadia and they had me put together a proposal. And with no end of help from Cherie Allen and the rest of the Greater Washington Historical Society, and the image scanning genius of Julie at the Romeo Archives, I would start the project. I submitted my proposal to Arcadia, and within a couple of weeks I was sent a contract, and a request that within the next six months they would like a finished product! While I was totally thrilled, I was also a ‘wee’ bit scared, could I do this?
I found I did not mention what I was doing to many people, I guess in the back of my mind the less people who knew, the less people to know I might fail? Once I found my best way to research and collect images and begin my writing, I found that this was something I might have a talent for. But basically I loved what I was doing! The support from Stacie and Julie at the Kezar, Cherie from GWAHS, my family and those friends I had told about it, was more than I could have hoped for. While turning the book into to be published three weeks early, I became the proud author of Washington Township on September 3rd, 2019!
With the New Year of 2021 coming in the next few days, my thoughts turn to not having concerns about finding toilet paper, being able to hug our friends again and getting to a point of being able to breath the fresh air without our masks. Hopefully we can see the light at the end of this long 2020 tunnel. My best hopes and wishes are for a more ‘normal’ and healthy New Year for all of us.
On that ‘wee’ note, till next week
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Linda Osborne Cynowa 