In writing about the Edwardsburg authors there is a new book added to the display and one that is for sale in the museum.

The one that has been added recently to the collection is titled “Isabella, A Civil War Story.” It was written by Ruth and Robert Pabreza.

Ruth and Bob found 147 letters written by Ruth’s great-grandmother in her mother’s attic. The letters describe the life of six families during the Civil War. All of the letters were written or received by Ruth’s great-grandmother and her extended family and friends that were affected by the Civil War.

The letters were kept in a shoebox in the attic and were well preserved. “Isabella” is a Civil War story about the courageous young woman who lost her husband and brother in the war and left with a small child had to make her way in life while giving meaning to others.

The letters cover the chronology from 1859 to 1866.

Robert and Ruth Pabreza are part of the families that donated the hotel and adjoining buildings to the museum. Unfortunately the book is not for purchase or loan but can be read in the museum.

The second book that I wish to point out is also a new addition to the collection and there are a few copies for purchase. The title is “ABC Trees” by Judith Singley.

Judy and her husband Eric noticed as they were walking in the woods that tree branches often were shaped in letters of the alphabet. The more they walked the more they found. Judy and Eric decided to take pictures as they came across the letter shapes.

All of the pictures were taken in Cass County in October so that the colors of the leaves form a background. Along with the photographs are rhymes written by Singley as well as facts about trees.

The essence of this book is its threefold purpose: the beauty of nature, the sound that rhyming words produce and the factual information about trees that make this a delightful book. The book can be purchased at the museum or at www.trafford.com.

Judith Singley is a retired teacher and has lived with her husband Eric in Edwardsburg for many years. They are originally from Marcellus.

 

JoAnn Boepple works with the Edwardsburg Area History Museum.