Stanley Browning ('47) publishes book on Matheny

MATHENY and ME, Recollections From Life In A Simpler Time And Place By Those Who Lived It And Others Who Heard Their Tales.

The book, MATHENY AND ME, is now available free of charge on the Internet as a download from the publisher. For those who do not have access to the Internet or desire to have a permanent printed copy, it may be ordered from directly from the author. For a free downloaded copy, or to order a hard copy from the publisher, go to www.lulu.com/stanbrowning and follow the instructions. Any associated costs may be charged to a credit card. To order a copy from the author, send your request and a check for $22.50 (which includes shipping) to: Stanley C. Browning, PO Box 71314, Salt Lake City UT 84171.

Book Overview

This story is about a boy and a town. It is local history as seen through the eyes of a typical farm boy who grew to manhood during and following the Great Depression in a rural southern farm community that was also experiencing growing pains at the same time. Although there is emphasis on personal experiences in the emerging town of Matheny during the 1930’s and 1940’s, the intent is to portray typical family and community life in general in those decades that were marked by the Depression and World War II.

The reader is first introduced to pioneers, who recognized the value and potential of the Matheny area and worked to shape it for their descendants. They and people who later lived and reared their families in Matheny are featured through short biographical sketches and pictures. The descriptions painted by the author of his own life typify what it was like in much of southern West Virginia during those early days when people managed to enjoy life while struggling to better themselves and their community. Some insight is provided into the lives of many of the subjects and their children following the period of focus. That area of emphasis attempts to address the question: What ever happened to those folks that were so much of our life during our growing- up years?

The intent is to have readers gain a better understanding and appreciation of life in the not-too-distant past, of how we worked, how we played, how we improvised, and even how we talked and managed to get into mischief. The stories and recollections of people taken from those days of the past typify a lifestyle that remains only in the memories of those who lived it.

If you are one who loved your grandparents’ stories of the "olden times" or simply long for a simpler time and place, you will delight in the recollections of Matheny and Me. You may be inspired to add your own memories.

MATHENY AND ME DESCRIPTION

• Over 300 pages of pictures and text, paper back, 8 1/2 x 11, perfect binding.
• Original settlers. Early land grants and exchanges in and around Matheny.
• Physical description and changes in the community.
• Practices and living conditions in a rural farm community.
• Matheny Elementary School; students and description.
• Matheny Chapel Methodist Church; some members and history.
• The War years.
• Antics and adventures of a teenage boy.
• Selective old and new traditions including the role of the Matheny softball teams.
• A brief history of the Matheny Church of God.
• More than 550 pictures of present and former Matheny residents. Most taken prior to the fifties. Forty plus pictures of men who served in the military during WW II and the Korean War.