Troup History Book nears completion
BY CHARLOTTE SMITH Editor

Photo/Suzanne Loudamy R.J. Roddy and John Eastman look over the display of historical photographs as part of Tuesday's Rotary program about the upcoming Troup history book.

Preserving history isn't easy, and it's not cheap.

A dedicated group of volunteers in Troup can attest to that as they have spent countless hours and a good deal of money creating a Troup history book.

Members of the committee working on the book presented the program at Tuesday's Rotary luncheon. The presentation included a detailed overview of the book's contents, as well as a request for necessary funds to complete the printing and publishing.

"I'm wearing green - the color of money," said Mary Anne Coney, a member of the book committee and treasurer of the Troup Genealogical/Historical Society. "We would appreciate any help we get with raising funds."

The groups involved - the TGHS and the Friends of the Library - benefited from a salad luncheon fund-raiser held last year and have other money-raising events planned. They have also received private donations and hope those will continue as the book nears completion for sale this summer.

Committee members working on the Troup history book, a joint effort between the Troup Genealogical/Historical Society and the Friends of the Library, are (left to right) Bobby Neel, Mildred Steele, Mary Anne Coney, Navoleine Roddy and Deborah Burkett. The book should be available to buy this summer.

The book, tentatively titled "The History of Troup: 1850- 1950," has been a hope of the TGHS since it was formed a decade ago in March.

"Ten years after the thought, the book is coming to life," said Mildred Steele, committe member and president of the TGHS. She added that the cost of the book will be kept as low as possible, with a discounted pre-sale price to be available.

Committee member Deborah Burkett gave an overview of the 11-chapter book, which features 336 photographs.

Beginning with a look at the earliest settlers of the Troup area, including excerpts from letters and diaries of that era, the chapters progress to themes such as the coming of the railroad, business development and a look at the community's civic organizations and local government, as well as social and fratnernal groups.

Chapters on agriculture, education, churches and cemeteries, and military follow, with the final section titled "Chasing Memories," where residents were asked to share their favorite stories about Troup.

The TGHS and Friends of the Library have established a joint account at the Troup Banking Center, where donations for the book are welcome.