PREFACE

    A discussion regarding the feasibility of publishing a book by the Lowden Historical Society took place at a meeting of its Board of Directors on January 13, 1986. During the public meeting of the Lowden Historical Society on January 29, 1976, Chairman Paul Jordan presented the idea of asking a number of people in the community to write human interest stories of different lengths. These articles could then be used to compile a book as a project for observing America's Bicentennial. At a meeting of the Board on February 2, 1976, plans were made to send letters asking for the stories, to the Society members and to the different organizations of the community. On June 8, 1976 at a meeting of the Board, it was reported that twenty-five stories were already handed in, so three people were appointed to proceed with the formation of a book.

     The stories in this book give some indication as to how the people in this community lived in the past---their homes, working on farms, caring for businesses or trades, fellowship with neighbors, attending school, pasttimes and entertainments, and their obligation to their God and their country.

     With each of the articles in this book is the name of the person who wrote the story. The various authors have told the series of events in their own words and have told them as they remembered or interpreted them to be. Because the purpose of this book was to publish these stories in the vocabulary and style of the authors, editing was kept to a minimum. Occasional grammatical changes were made for the sake of clarity and where evident, errors were corrected, but this does not mean to imply that the stories are free from inaccuracies or errors. Since the views expressed by the various authors are theirs and not the views of the Book Committee, the Committee does not assume responsibility for what is said or how the stories are written. The committee’s chief concern has been the task of collecting, compiling, arranging, and publishing.

     Under some of the pictures and stories, references are made to the Lowden Centennial Book published in 1957. This was done to keep the duplication of the Centennial Book to a minimum. Following some articles and with some of the pictures is a description of the location of the event or place referred to in the story or on the picture. This was done so that if and when some person of the distant future were to read about what has taken place in the past, he would gain a clearer idea as to where it took place. Loren Horten, field representative for the State Historical Society, said, “Do for your grandchildren what you have wished that your grandparents would have done for you.”

     To all those people who have contributed stories, pictures, and in any way have helped to make this publication possible, our most grateful considerations are due. It is our wish that many fond memories will continue to mold in future years for all those living the the Lowden, and surrounding community.

The Book Committee Dorothy L. Sennett Earl W. Elowsky Arthur J. Fisher