Spin Those Records

Today there was a genealogy meeting at the St. Louis County Library. It has been awhile since I have attended one since I have been busy with my book, but today the talk was on St. Louis County Records. Aha, I thought, I can justify going to the meeting because I may learn something new to be added to my book. A twofer... I always go into any meeting assuming I can walk away with at least one new idea, and I almost always do. I learned several things today, and the speaker was very good. I know Ann from the genealogical society, and I waited to speak with her after the meeting ended as she has published several books. I knew she had used No Waste, so I wanted to get her impressions of them as a printer. She would not recommend them, she told me. In fact she used someone else for her latest book. I got her email address so we can talk more about the printers and publishers she has used. Also she agreed to review Section Two of my book, and check all of my references to the St. Louis Genealogical Society for accuracy. With all of her experience and connections, it will be great to have her informed about my book. Hopefully, she will like it and will sing its praises. That will be a tune I can really get into.

Taking My Boobs Out to be Pressed

This morning I took my boobs out to be pressed, which I think pretty well summarizes what having a mammogram feels like. I remember my dad saying that mom told him it was like having your boob in one room and the rest of you in another. Men should all have to get manograms (ball pressing) once just to see how it feels. Anyway, it is nice to have that annual event off my laundry list of things to do. On the way home, I stopped in at the genealogical department of the St. Louis County Public Library. With my book in hand, I explained to the librarian that I had referenced the library in my book, and I want to make sure that I was correct in my information. Specifically, I want to ensure that the materials I have said could be found there really are there, and that I didn't omit any other reference materials they might have available. The woman was very excited about my book as they get numerous requests from people researching house history. In the meantime, Ruth Ann came out of the back room of the department. She taught the first genealogy class that I took 10 or more years ago, and she now works at the library. She, too, felt there is a need for the book, and also let me know about a new web site she reviewed that will have area maps posted which cover time periods not currently available. She asked that I email her, and she will try and find out when this web site will go live so I can include it in the book. One of the pieces of advice in my book is to tell everyone what you are doing as you research. You never know what they might be able to add. This is a perfect example of why that is so important. Further, this trip to the library helped to confirm that my book is needed and will be helpful. I'm going to get this done, Virginia Publishing or no Virginia Publishing!