Walt Disney once said, "There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates' loot on Treasure Island.." Books were rare and expensive in Colonial America, but Benjamin Franklin had an idea! He conceived of a library with a subscription fee, the Library Company of Philadelphia, of which he founded in 1731. It stands today, free and open to the public.
The history of Winona's library is like a map of the town. Many years ago, it was housed in a couple of rooms in the northeast corner of the Community House. My mother took me for weekly visits there. In 1969, it moved to the corner of Summit and Quitman streets in an old store building, where it remained for ten years. My children joined me for our visits then and Frances Gardner was the librarian. That was also the year it joined the regional library system, and the county opened up other libraries- Duck Hilll and Kilmichael. A trip through our libraries of today is vastly different from past libraries. Technology has made so many changes that it would be difficult to number them, but, my friends, your public library is a treasure for you to discover when you visit! Though I retired in 2014, the library remains a favorite stop. One of my many joys was our patrons, being a part of their news, small visits, and simply establishing lasting memories. Having reading material available was also a blessing.
National Library Week would be a special time to make your visit, check out the many features in each library, and sign up for a library card if you don't already have one. Remember, our libraries are a treasure.
Apple pie belongs to all of us, but every region has its signature treat. The following material is taken from Taste of Home:
What is Mississippi's favorite treat? It's Mississippi Mud Pie! When it comes to chocolate desserts, this one takes the cake . A waitress who lost her home to a Mississippi River flood in 1927 is said to have coined the name and it stuck, the way a bit of mud pie might stick to the roof of your mouth!
A little laugh: When the tour group entered a cafeteria for breakfast, the woman walking in with me made a beeline for the carrot cake. But, just as she reached for a slice, she thought better of it and withdrew her hand. As she turned away, someone heard her murmur, "No, it's too early for vegetables."
One must never be in haste to
end a day'; there are
too few of them in a
lifetime.
Dale Rex Coman
