This is sent as a courtesy and public service announcement for the Ripley County Historical Society. ----- Forwarded Message ----- PRESS RELEASE – Ripley County Historical Society – July 1, 2002 HISTORY BOOK A BESTSELLER By Ray Burson The long-awaited book, History & Families, Ripley County, MO, has proven to be an instant bestseller, exceeding the expectations of everyone involved in the project. The handsome black and gold-embossed hardback book arrived at the Current River Heritage Museum on June 5, and the nearly 1,000 copies were all sold in less than three weeks. “We thought we had ordered plenty of books as we had pre-sold 750, but apparently it wasn’t nearly enough,” said Committee Chairman Eugene Braschler. “We have had to put in a rush order for a second printing of 250 and they should be here in about six weeks,” he added. Several large family reunions in June brought in customers and many who bought a book came back for another one. Numerous orders have come in by mail as people learned of the book via the Internet. In addition to book orders, the committee has received many letters praising their product. “My delight in your achievement is exceeded only by my pride in the quality of your product. Complete, comprehensive and attractively organized and presented, the book contains the answers to all my questions about the geographical and cultural history of the area and its people,” wrote Margaret McCluskey from Vancouver, WA. “It was refreshing to see what a beautifully careful job had been done on the book,” said Virginia Hurt Bailey of Albuquerque, NM. “Thank you for a lovely book and all the hours it took to put it together,” wrote Leatrice Buckley Clark of Norman, OK. Turner Publishers representative Doug Sikes believes this is the best county history book they have published in recent years. The book is selling for $60. Add $6 for postage and handling. Pre-paid orders continue to be taken at the Museum, tel. (573)-996-5298).