To the Library and Beyond Joan’s from-our-shelves book review this week is a travel adventure wrapped around the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery’s consequential travels that began two hundred twenty-one years ago. In January 1804 the fledging group camped near present-day Wood River, Illinois preparing for the difficult westward exploration into unknown country. The expedition did not officially begin until May 1804. This 2019 book, Ghosts in the Wind, by Charles L. Schiereck is an interesting depiction of the author’s 2018-2019 trip through the western states on a three-wheeled motorcycle retracing the route of the expedition. He drove across Minnesota to the Missouri River picking up the Lewis-Clark route from there. Following the expedition’s route to the Columbia River Gorge and the Pacific, he described the country, weather, and wildlife, as well as his encounters with people in restaurants, bars, campgrounds, and motels along the way. The original expedition certainly did encounter people at times, yet hospitality and comfort were not customary. Roughing it today would have been unbelievable luxury back then. We have a book for sale at the library that was published a long time ago but still ninety-two years after the L & C Expedition began. It is, the Scholars’ ABC of Electricity by William H. Meadowcroft published in1896 and endorsed by Thomas Edison. The author proclaims the book is “Told in language that every school-boy and school-girl can easily and clearly comprehend.” We’re selling this compact 136-page hardbound book for $5. Come to the library or contact us to purchase. It would make a nice addition to a personal library or as a gift for an electrician. Last Thursday’s ukulele session set a record with eight participants. We’re delighted to welcome town folks and others from Grangeville and Craigmont. An enjoyable lively time was had for musicians and librarians. Come join us from 4-5:30 pm. Final thoughts – Be curious. And keep reading! Frances | COTTONWOOD
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