Hi Gang, Well, I got a Father's Day gift from my sister. No, it's not strange at all - quite normal for my family. We all do that .. My family knows that I would rather have history book than food or clothes. When they find a book that they think I might want they use any excuse to get it for me. I even got one for my birthday one year from my dog - the card read "Happy Birthday from your Son". Well, I was not blessed with children . The card was signed " Love you bunchies - Bucky Gene" and they put his paw print in the card. We're a 'strange bunch but lots of love and sharing'. Back to the Book - It's creation and publication came about for the celebration of the 250th Anniversary for Hampshire County, WV. The Editors were Dr. Wilmer Kerns( a cousin and very prominent local historian) and Roberta Munske who was co-curator for the exhibit, "George Washington on the VA Fontier: the Surveys, the Settlers, the Forts" part of the 1999 Geo. Washington Bicentennial celebration, at the Kurtz Cultural Center in Winchester, VA.(my hometown). Just an outstanding compliation of local authors (about 70) working on each and every aspect of the developement of Hampshire Cty from the time it was part of Frederick Cty, VA. Many Photographs and a healthy surname listing. It even mentions Daniel Boone (PRA Grp 4) and Ft. Cox. The book is hard bound with 262 pages chocked full of information. I don't know the price of the book but if you want any more information about it you can contact : Dr. Wilmer Kerns c/o Hampshire Cty. Visitors Bureau 91 South High Street Romney, WV 26757 Who knows - maybe your pet hampster will give you a present ! Rene'e Davis ARD, Family Groups PRA - Group 9 Pennington Research Association, Inc. www.penningtonresearch.org