Go back to a simpler time with Edward Stephens in "Home Place: Gone But Not Forgotten."
The Mentor author recalls the days of moonshine making and miles-long walks to a one-room schoolhouse 
His book opens with a recounting of his early years and family history.
As he recalls:

Now the older children had to start working harder to help with the new arrivals. Without running water or inside plumbing, this made things tough when it came to wash day. We had to draw water from the well with a bailer, or carry it from the creek. For the hot water it was boiled outside in a tub over an open fire. There was a lot of water to carry to fill the washer and tub for rinsing.

I don't think I'll be complaining about my laundry hassles so much now!
Stephens shares charming memories of nights listening to the grownups tell stories and of the fun he and his siblings had - with little to entertain themselves with except each other.
It will take folks of a certain era back and shed some light on the "old days" for younger readers.
The second part of the book is a compilation of Stephens' poetry. These pieces are autobiographical as well. Poems like "Sister," "My Baby Girl," and "Class of Sixty-Nine" speak to experiences he's had.
And it's always nice to see a  local author's dream of getting published come true. Keeps hope alive for the rest of us!

-Tricia Ambrose