The Ellen Payne Odom Genealogy Library Family Tree
Heritage Publishing Consultants Newsletter - August 2003

The Heritage of Russell County, Alabama book was distributed the weekend of July 25-27, and initial reaction has been very good. Nearly 100 books have been sold since the day of distribution, and local papers provided solid coverage to the event and the book itself. Books are still available for purchase in the Genealogical Room at the Russell County-Phenix City Library.

Congratulations to the Heritage of Russell County Book Committee on a successful project, and thank you for all the hard work you put into the book.

Lamar Beck, one of the driving forces in the success of The Heritage of Geneva County, Alabama Book, has passed away. He died on Aug. 7, and we all ask that you keep his family in your prayers. Mr. Beck was instrumental in helping develop and complete the Geneva County book, and his legacy lives on even after his passing. In his will, his estate purchased 20 copies of the Geneva County book to be given to libraries in surrounding areas.

We all appreciate the work that Mr. Beck has done in Geneva County, both with this book project and with countless other community projects. He will be greatly missed.

Two books -- The Heritage of Covington County, Alabama and The Heritage of Houston County, Alabama -- are expected to come off press in September. Be sure and check your e-mail for separate announcements on these two new books in the Heritage of Alabama Series.

The Heritage of Santa Rosa County, Florida Book Committee believes all of its books will be sold out in September, and they are on schedule to do just that. The initial distribution happened on June 20, and there are less than 80 books remaining.

Preorders for a reprint will be taken just as soon as all first printings are sold. The committee is also considering collecting stories for a second volume in January 2004.

David Bice will hold two book signings of his latest work, Southern Smiles & Tears, in West Virginia Aug. 22-23.

The first will be at the Curiosity Shoppe in Old Main Plaza, St. Albans, W.V.
The next evening, he will sign books at the Scarlet Oaks Country Club in Poca, W.V.

The book has also been juried by a committee of published authors, who recommended it be made available for sale at the Tamarack System in West Virginia. Tamarack is the prime state outlet for Artisans, Authors and Crafters in West Virginia.

We have completed and published 57 of the 67 county books in the State of Alabama. The following print schedule for remaining books is tentative and subject to change based on our printer's requirements and restrictions:

Butler, Covington, Houseom and Macon Counties are expected off press this fall.
Bullock County is expected off press in January of 2004.
Dallas, Lowndes, Monroe, Sumter and Washington Counties are expected off press in early 2004.

Escambia, Jackson and Okaloosa Counties are expected to be printed this fall.

Paul Keane will be working on Memorials, Tributes and Business Histories -- along with working on promoting distribution dates and submitting press releases to local media outlets -- in Escambia and Okaloosa Counties, Fla.; Butler, Macon and Houston Counties, Alabama.

If you know of any business or individual that would like to purchase a Memorial, Tribute or Business History, simply e-mail the name, phone number and e-mail address to pdkeane@mchsi.com. We can and will help develop and build the page to fit the needs and budget of anyone.

We have begun book committees for Hill County, Texas; Holmes County, Florida; and Washington County, Florida. If you know anyone in those areas, please encourage them to submit their stories in the next few months so those committees can get the ball rolling on their projects. Tell people in those areas to be on the lookout for special announcements about upcoming meetings.

The manuscript for the Folsom, Louisiana book is to be completed by David Bice in December, with the book printed in May 2004.

First Baptist Church of Brownfield, Texas will complete its 100th Anniversary manuscript in March 2004.

Sarah Kelly has relinquished her duties as chairperson of the Heritage of Walton County, Florida Book Committee because she is moving due to a career change in her family. We wish her and her family the very best.

Charlot Lindsey has accepted the role of chairperson for that committee, and we know that she will do an outstanding job.

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