Kathy, To answer your question, I see that Jane Ailes has just posted the information that is needed to order the book. The title is Hampshire County, West Virginia, 1754-2004. Unlike most books in this class, it has a complete name index and a general index. It will be bound in hardcover, 8 1/2" x 11". There are 94 chapters (2-4 pages each) plus numerous pages of "box topics" and photographs. Approximately 75 "authors" or writers participated in the project. As stated in the preface, the book presents a cross-section of people and events over a 250-year period. It presents fresh ideas and material rather than rehashing what others have said in publications of the past. No single volume can present a comprehensive history of a County-- all there is to know. The book contains excellent discussions of Colonial history, which has been neglected in Hampshire County. It deals with all the wars and their impact upon Hampshire County residents. The topics are too numerous to mention, but to name a few: history of roads, the fine arts and artisians, profiles on politicians, a writeup on each of the counties that were formed from Hampshire, mills, the forts, some industries, school history, medicine and doctors, a brief history of the major communities, agriculture and orchards, history of newspapers in the County, the court system and the jail, railroads, and geology, geography, ecology, plants and animals, and a chapter that explains how West Virginia became a State in 1863. Also, the book contains biographical information on selected individuals, and I must tell you that the publication is friendly toward those doing genealogical work, who want to know more about the area. At one time, genealogical research was little more than the collection of names and dates and relationships. Today, there is an emphasis on understanding the historical context, as well as evidence and documentation. The book is going to the printer now and should be ready for delivery no later than March of 2004. We believe the book will be a first-class publication, but you will be the judge. A book like this would easily retail for $45.00. A special pre-publication price was considered, but a decision was made to set a reduced price for everyone at $29.95 (see Jane's instructions for ordering.) Last but not least, yours truly served not only as co-editor with Roberta Munske, but he wrote a number of the chapters. I know that many of you would like to know what names are in the book. At some point we might consider placing the index on Cheryl's Hampshire website and/or other websites, but that is premature for now. Jane can tell you how many individual names are in the book, as she did a superb job creating the indexes. Wilmer L. Kerns -----Original Message----- From: Redrabbitt@aol.com [mailto:Redrabbitt@aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2003 2:11 PM To: WVHAMPSH-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [WVHAMPSH-L] update on the cemetery inscription project Wilmer thank you for your involvement and diplomacy on this matter. Someone was made mention in the past about a book for the 250 anniversary of HC........I think this is other than the cemetery info. Any word on that? What about any submissions of photos etc? Also, any set dates for the events that are to be held. Need to mark my calender to be there. Thanks, Kathy Heare Watts