Seasons of Colorado County’ unveiled

After two years in the making, the Columbus Historical Preservation Trust (CHPT) book “Seasons of Colorado County,” is now available for purchase at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and online at www. herringpress.com.

The 168-page hard cover book is a photographic celebration of Colorado County through the eyes of over 70 contributors.

A true community project, the book highlights all areas of the county through the changing of the seasons. The book is a piece of art that will be treasured by all who view its pages.

For more than 200 years, the people of Colorado County have enjoyed the towering live oaks, fertile soil, shaded banks of the twisting Colorado River, and abundant wildlife. Today, residents praise the warm hospitality, welcoming smiles, and friendly small-town atmosphere.

Essays written throughout the book by the Honorable Ty Prause, Sandra C. Thomas, PhD, Ester Chandler, Charlotte Tilotta, Karen Beken, Robby Cook, Dr. Thomas B. Hancher, MD, and James (Jim) Kearney, PhD capture the spirit of the county.

This coffee-table book is a visual documentation of the look and feel of Colorado County today, through the spectacular photographs donated by members of the community and beyond.

Designer and publisher Jerry Herring with Herring Press summed up the monumental task of editing this visual moment in time.

“We had so many people volunteer images for this project,” said Herring. “The love for this area and its many assets were evident in the quality of the photographs submitted. We could not fit them all in, sadly, but we tried. Ultimately the photos chosen represent a well-rounded snapshot of Colorado County and its people.”

As the book was being conceived by the leaders of CHPT the idea of organizing the book’s images by seasons seemed the most appropriate way to cover the county.

“We have so much to see here,” said CHPT president Julie Prause. “We have historic architecture and community celebrations, picturesque landscapes and an abundance of wildlife, and the look of smalltown America around every corner. And what makes it exciting to live here is that the seasons continually change how we see the environment around us.”

Doris Klaus, a CHPT Board Member and co-producer of the book, did most of the heavy lifting to see the project through.

“We learned a lot during this process,” said Klaus. “Julie and I and the board had no idea how complicated such a project could be, so you can imagine how thrilled we are that the books are arriving and that everyone’s hard work has paid off.”

The hard-cover, all-color book retails for $45. Books ordered online can be mailed out or picked up at the Chamber office at 425 Spring St.