Violette's History of Adair County

For many years time, Mother has had a copy of Violette's History of Adair County (1911). It belonged to her Uncle Harley Samuel ("Harl") Wiles, who was an Osteopathic Physician in Neodesha, Kansas. No doubt, the text was jointly the property of Uncle Harl and his Wife Clara Brenz Wiles, who was Mother's Aunt.

Although they lived most of their Lives far away from Adair County, Uncle Harl and Aunt Clara never lost the feeling that it was Home. I look at this large text of more than 1000 detailed pages of the History of this Place, and I can see their love of the Area. The text has been covered with either an oil cloth or wallpaper. The cover is handsewn to fit in small and careful stitches.

Mother had given the copy of this book to my Brother who has shared it with me. Her hope is that we will share it together, which we are doing in this moment in time. I have poured over the beautiful pages of the text, finding tidbits which illuminate the past which is foundation of this place. My many bookmarks sprout wings to the text.

I am careful. I dare not explore too often or too much. What I hold is what was held by ancestors from before. The pages are delicate. The binding is frail.

I was excited that the Adair County Historical Society is offering reprints. The fact that they are offering reprints is testament to the fact that interest in the History of this County continues through the present day. I find that very special indeed. Melanie and I headed down to their center to claim a copy for ourselves. It now is home on this Little Farm.