Licking County Historical Review

"History cannot give us a program for the future, but it can give us a fuller understanding of ourselves, and of our common humanity, so that we can better face the future." - Robert Penn Warren

Today I met Connie L. Rutter and Sondra Brockway Gartner, authors & publishers of the book ""Images of America: Licking County". This book is a collection of photos and excerpts about people, places and events from Licking County's past. Most of the photos were from the mid 1800's to current day. Sondra Brockway Gartner's father Chance Brockway published the books " Images of America: Newark" & "Images of America: Buckeye Lake". All these books are absolutely great books giving us a glimpse of the life and times of our community in days gone by.

Connie & Sondra gave a great presentation regarding their book and concluded with a book signing, at which time I met these fine ladies. Another highlight of the day was the presentation & sale of the publication by Dan Fleming & Russell Merritt "Six Cents and Raccoon's Tale from 19th Century Newark and Licking County".

I enjoyed this presentation and meeting all the above authors, but was slightly startled at the lack of attendees to this book signing. Less than 50 people showed in support of this event. Several other area book authors, historians, and folks of influence were present, which gave support to how important it is to share our rich culture and history with our community. I too am thankful for the staff at the Newark Public Library for sponsoring and promotoing this event. For all these things, I am grateful that these folks (and authors) have influenced our lives with the richness of our community's history.