Sandra A. Crowell, author of “The Land Called Lewis: A History of Lewis County, Washington,” will speak 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Vernetta Smith Chehalis Timberland Library. After the presentation, Crowell will take audience questions; books will be available for purchase and signing.
“The Land Called Lewis” provides a panoramic view of the county’s history and a framework for researchers of local history, families and communities.
Once encompassing most of Western Washington and British Columbia, Lewis County today stretches 96 miles from the Willapa Hills to the crest of the Cascade Mountains — 2,436 square miles.
The book’s scope spans 200 years and focuses on the lives of Lewis County’s people: the Native American inhabitants, followed by the early non-Native settlers, residents who lived through the Great Depression and two world wars, ending with the people who shape Lewis County today.
Over 300 photographs illustrate the area’s history, many of them restored for the book. Crowell interviewed dozens of people, threading their personal stories through accounts of transportation, economy and agriculture developments, health issues and racial and ethnic relationships. She also places Lewis County in the context of national and international historical events.
Crowell is a former Centralia College instructor and served as director of literacy. “The Land Called Lewis” is her second book. She co-authored her first publication, “Up the Swiftwater,” with David Asleson. Crowell has written numerous newspaper articles, newsletters and brochures.
All programs at Timberland Regional Libraries are free and open to the public.
The Chehalis Timberland Library is located at 400 N. Market Blvd. For more information, call the library at (360) 748-3301 or visit www.TRL.org.
