Work underway for second volume of popular book
Wait list available for possible reprint of the sold-out edition
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Working to put together the hardback book "A Look Back: Businesses in the Juniata Valley," last year was so interesting that I couldn't wait to give it another go.
The book must have hit a chord with our readers, too, because it sold out in record time -- just weeks after we received it back from the printer. In fact, we've had so many inquiries that we have started a wait list for people who would like to get extra copies, or who missed purchasing a copy altogether. If we get enough interest, we will order a second printing, possibly in the spring or early summer.
To get on the waiting list, call us at (717) 248-6741 with your contact information, or send an email to: marketing@lewistownsentinel.com with your phone number or email address, and let us know how many books you'd like. The price is $24.95 plus tax. If we find that we are able to reprint the books, we'll give you a call to get payment details for your order.
'A Look Back'
For those who may have missed it, "A Look Back" is a real trip down memory lane, taking people back in time via stories, hundreds of photos, advertisements and memorabilia from Mifflin and Juniata county businesses as far back as the late 1800s.
The collection tells the stories of local businesses through the eyes of the customers they served and the people who founded, owned and worked in them. The contents of the book came from readers who graciously shared their memories, family stories, photographs, collections and ephemera. To that, I added photos from the archives of The Sentinel and the Mifflin and Juniata county historical societies, as well as some stories and photos that were previously published in The Sentinel.
And while there are 166 pages jam-packed with photos and stories, the book just scratches the surface of local business history.
I have a few more photos and tidbits that did not make it into the first volume, but to make a second volume as big and interesting as the first, I'll need your help.
Please take some time to dig through those boxes stored in your attic or basement, and pull a few favorite images from your old scrapbooks to share in the next volume of "A Look Back."
There are several businesses that I would love to know more about (and feel certain there are people who could tell their stories): Marrone's, The Loft, Mussettia's, The Artley Shop, Glick's, Angelo's, Cargill's, Goss Candies or Schlegel's, for example.
Because business and industry go hand-in-hand, I'd like to feature more industries in the next volume, and you can help by letting us know where you work(ed), what you did and how it impacted your life. Feel free to share photos of the workplace, company picnics, uniforms and special celebrations. Many people know at least a little about the American Viscose Corp., Standard Steel and New Holland, but what about Mann Edge Tool, Dairyland, Empire Kosher or Scotty's, and many other local industries?
We will consider for publication, stories and photos from businesses and industries that once served the Juniata Valley but are no longer operating, businesses with a history that are more than about 20 years old, and businesses that are still operating but once existed in a different form (such as a different owner, purpose or location). For example, I already have a promise from Carlen McClure that she will contribute a history of the Spruce Hill Lunch in Juniata County for the next edition.
The details
Like our previous seven hardback books, this newest edition will be printed and available for purchase by Thanksgiving. Deadlines for discounted, pre-ordered books will be announced this summer.
In the meantime, reminisce a little about the past, and please, share those memories.
Here are some tips:
¯ For photos and paper memorabilia, scan the items and send us the JPG images, or send or bring them into the office and we'll scan them here. Bigger items can be photographed, and we can do that, too, if you bring them in.
¯ Scanning: If you're scanning an old photo, set your scanner to 100 percent size and 300 dpi resolution. Items photographed with your digital camera should be at the highest image quality and sent exactly as they come off the camera.
¯ Please share as much information about the content of the photos as possible, such the name of the business, the names of people in the picture, if known, the location of the business and at least an approximate date.
The deadline to submit items for the book is June 29. Here's how:
¯ By mail: Send to me, Jane Cannon Mort, Special Projects Editor, The Sentinel, P.O. Box 588, Lewistown, PA 17044.
¯ Online: E-mail stories and/or JPG images as attachments to jmort@lewistownsentinel.com
¯ Or, drop off your item at The Sentinel office, at the corner of Sixth Street and Summit Drive in Pleasant Acres, Lewistown.
If you have any questions, call me at (717) 248-6741 ext. 115, or e-mail jmort@lewistownsentinel.com.
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Jane Cannon Mort is The Sentinel's lifestyles and special projects editor.