Mr. Warden:
I enjoyed your editorial article in The Advocate about your love of history. You gave me several new books I will need to read. As the president of the Historical Society of Maries County, I too enjoy history, particularly about our community.
One book, my favorite book of all time, is “Hold Dear as Always.” This book is a compilation of letters written to family in Germany by Jette Bruns, one of the first settlers in Westphalia, Missouri. It talks about the difficulties of establishing the town post-Civil War, and the severe hardships and sickness endured during punishing winters and drought. It really provides a direct look at what our ancestors dealt with so long ago. It is a hard read, due to the difference in speech from then to today, but worth it.
The Historical Society of Maries County also provides quarterly newsletters, The Maries Countian. You may find them of interest as they tell stories about Maries County history.
In closing, we also greatly appreciate coverage of HSMC events provided by The Advocate.
Thank you!
Lisa Jones
