Oh, my aching back (and everything else)! Planting grass, weeding, spreading sand and keeping the new stuff watered is a big job for me, so I got to thinking about days gone by when people swept their yards and grass was kept out. Maybe that was the solution to suit my aversion to yard labor. Then I thought of that big ole corn shuck broom down in The Leach House Museum and decided that wielding that awkward piece of equipment over my big yard would be a worse evil. Sometimes, in our dreaming of the "good old days", we overlook the fact that some things have improved greatly, including ways to keep our yards clean and neat.

Those of you who did not attend the May meeting of the ASHS really missed a special program given by Ann Biggs-Williams on recording family history (Ann is the Vice-President of the Escambia County Historical Society in Brewton). She was not talking about genealogy, but personalized family history. She told us that there are three ways of recording the family history: Hiring a professional to do it, doing it yourself, or go into politics (someone will be sure to dig up everything you never wanted known).

Ann brought several books on different techniques such as using a camcorder or tape recorder for personal interviews. She recommended giving "My Story" kinds of books for gifts to people of all ages, but particularly to children to get them started. She also brought out that one of the advantages of doing the family history is that you have access to sources that no one else would be able to obtain. Family health history can also be of great value in later years.

We cannot bring all to you, but just wanted to give you an idea of the high interest and quality of Ann's program and to remind you that in June we have another such program coming. Betsy Bishop Thomas will be here to report on her book, "Homestead", which is based on her grandfather's 1800's homestead near Jay. Mark your calendar for Tuesday, June 21, 7 PM.

We hope that everyone read Seldon Pierce's article about bringing home engine 100 in last Thursday's Pensacola News Journal. That same day we had a phone call from Jesse Scott, of Pace, who used to be with the DSNGRR railroad out in Colorado. He had some suggestions for us and hopes to come visit soon. Hopefully, by the time you read this column we will have even more response and even some contributions.

The Society has tentative plans for a huge event in September or October. We hope to have an engine barbecue, antique auto show and entertainment in the beautiful James Houston Jones Historic Park. No, it won't equate to "Sawmill Day", but we are excited about the possibility of a really good time together. Stay tuned. Jerry and I will keep you posted as plans develop.

We were pleased to welcome Don Sales as a new member at the May meeting. Maybe that will inspire others to join us. There is so much to do that our aging members are finding it difficult to keep things going as they should, so you readers who are not members do give serious thought to joining.

Jerry covered the news of the Scrapbook 4 debut in detail, but that was last week. By the time you read this we will have picked up the rest of the order from Atmore and will be waiting for you to contact us with your orders for more books. For the folks on your gift list (who have everything) Scrapbook #4 will be ideal whether they are from this area or not. I know, because I sent one to my college roommate for her birthday. She is a retired librarian in Owensboro, Kentucky. A few days after she received it she called me to tell me how much she enjoyed reading it. She has visited here in Century, but did not know any of the people in the book, but said that their stories are somewhat universal people experiences. She was very enthusiastic.

Let us not forget the "Old 100" book either. I sent one to an old college friend in Ohio who also highly endorsed it. He plans to send a donation to help with getting the engine back home.

Yes, these books, as well as the others in our collection, can very well be the answer to your gift-giving needs. If you can not get to The Leach House you will find copies of the new ones in Century at Purr-fect Creations, Southern Treasures and at Ann Brooks' office. In Flomaton copies are available at The Village Flower Shop, Flomaton Antique Auction and the Escambia County Bank. We appreciate all of these businesses handling these for us and making them more accessible for you. AND, if all else fails, we'll bring yours to you (restrictions apply)!