By November 15, we will have in the library the 2006 edition of Friends of the Library’s “Step Back in Time” historical calendar. The cost is again $5. You may reserve a copy at the library by coming by, paying for the calendar, and having your name put on a list. We will not be taking phone reservations this year and are requiring prepayment. You will be notified when the calendar is available. This is a limited edition calendar, first come, first served, and we will not be reordering as we did last year.

The front of the calendar features the Washington-Lincolnton Railroad’s Engine #203 which pulled the train from Lincolnton to Washington where it made a connection to other parts of Georgia and the U.S. In 1995 the Knoxville Locomotive Works began restoration of the quintessential southern shortline locomotive. Now nicknamed “Lindy,” it pulls an excursion train operating on weekends on the Knoxville & Holston River Railroad. The train gives tourists an hour and a half ride from downtown Knoxville through farmland along the Tennessee River. This beautiful little locomotive was an exhilarating part of Lincoln County’s history.

Among the pictures in the calendar are the 1937 football team, the pupils attending Midway School, Jimmy Deason’s store with its history, and Stern Simmons who weighed 650 pounds and is said to be the fattest man ever to have lived in Lincoln County. Interesting and amusing tidbits of news from The Lincoln Journal are also scattered throughout the calendar. We don’t think anyone will be disappointed in the 2006 “Step Back in Time” edition.

Work continues on the new genealogy annex being built at the back of the library. In addition to the original donation of money, the Dova Partridge estate has added another considerable sum to make this genealogy department possible. Later we’ll give a full rundown of contributors. The have joined Friends of the Library recently: Richard A. Conerly (sponsor), Beth and Steven Dawkins (family), Marie Smalley, Norman McKinney, Joyce Hightower, Jennie L. Garnett, Mamie L. Garnett, Venita D. Garnett, Gary Ward (sponsor), Jerry and Sharon Willgus (patron), Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Powell (family), Orion and Evelyn Kujala (family), Mr. and Mrs. Murray T. Norman (family), Mrs. Rivers Purdy and Barbara Purdy (family), Crawford Asbell, Helen Asbell, Betty Jean Holloway, Dr. and Mrs. Randall Edmunds (patron), and Frank and Barbara Doyle (family). generosity of people in Lincoln County is amazing and the library is so grateful for the opportunity to serve the public as fully as possible.

We are again asking for book donations for our second semi-annual book sale which will be held on November 19 in conjunction with the Holidays in Olde Lincoln Towne Festival. As usual, we will have the children’s carnival so the kids will have affordable entertainment. We’ll also have a bake sale and food. More details of what will be available at the library that day will be printed in a later column.

And, of course, we are taking 2007 memberships. The following people