SHARING ELSIE

31 Mar

Sharing Elsie
March is Women’s History Month. How fun to think Elsie’s recorded notes of what life was like 100 years ago is now being enjoyed by so many people. I have been delighted to share her stories with both the Historical Society and Genealogical Society in Temecula. I have shared with one Rotary club and look forward to another in June. Other speaking events are on the calendar and I am looking forward to meeting other history buffs. Here are a couple reviews for “Elsie’s Mountain.” Thanks, readers, for the encouragement of reviews:

“I enjoyed this second book about Elsie, even more than the first one. After reading both books, I feel as though Elsie is my grandmother too. This second book starts out with Elsie’s parents in early Virginia near where Arlington National Cemetery is today, and their life as they moved west to California. It is interesting to see what life was like for people who lived then, and how different California was then compared to how it is today. There are wonderful old photographs throughout the book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in history, early Virginia and California, as well as anyone interested in genealogy.”

“Elsie’s Mountain takes us back in time in so many ways. Yet it reminds us that “the more things change the more they stay the same.” Anyone privileged to visit Palomar Mountain today will see modern conveniences scattered about, but the flavor of the mountain and the sense of majesty about the place remains timeless. A few gnarled apple trees still exist from Elsie’s original orchard, as does her cozy little home at the bend of the road. The author did not merely copy well preserved journals, she brought them to life in a way that takes the reader to Palomar Mountain to feel the sense of place along with Elsie. This book is not only a compilation of letters and diaries, it is life at it best and sometimes at its most difficult; it is history in the making and history well preserved. Congratulations to Barbara Anne Waite for the loving perseverance it must have taken to gather Elsie’s story into one beautiful book!”

I delighted to receive this email thanking after speaking in Temecula:
“March 14, 2016 was a delightful evening for the members of the Temecula Valley Genealogical Society as we listened to your presentation on Discoveries Made While Writing Two Memoirs. We all enjoyed hearing more about Elsie’s life and the history of life on Palomar Mountain.
Your enthusiasm for telling the story of your ancestor’s life is contagious! I heard many of our members say they were going to get serious about writing their ancestor’s stories. We so appreciated your sharing your expertise on how we could research not only our ancestors but also the time and places they lived so that we could make their stories came alive.
On behalf of the TVGS Board and members, thank you so much! We hope we will have the opportunity to have you return.
Sincerely,
Dotye Summers -TVGS Corresponding Secretary

TREES PLANTED BY ALONZO HAYES IN 1904 STILL GLORIOUS

TREES PLANTED BY ALONZO HAYES IN 1904 STILL GLORIOUS


We retreat to Elsie’s mountain and delight to see the blossoms.
ELSIE'S ORCHARD

ELSIE’S ORCHARD

TEMECULA - SPEAKING TO THE GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

TEMECULA – SPEAKING TO THE GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

2 Responses to “SHARING ELSIE”

  1. Rita Covalt March 31, 2016 at 1:41 pm #

    Loved reading the comments and seeing pics from Palomar Mountain and your speaking engagement in Temecula! It is with delight that I have read both of your books and enjoyed the historical value of them. Too many of our books today (especially in schools) are destroying TRUE history. Thanks for keeping it alive!

  2. Carole Binder March 31, 2016 at 3:01 pm #

    Barb, it is great to hear others reactions to Elsie’s stories that you have brought to life! I’m not really a history buff, (more into modern day spy’s)but quickly appreciated learning Elsie’s life story. I’m so glad you have had the opportunity to share your grandmother thru your books and speaking engagements. We are so fortunate today that those who have gone on before us, have paved the way thru toil and hardships, that I’m afraid would cause today’s modern person to collapse. Celebrate Elsie during this ‘Women’s History Month’…she, and you, deserve it!

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