Book on Scott, Bollinger counties needs photographs

Photos from Scott and Bollinger counties are needed for two Faces and Places history books.

The pictures can be about anything and everything from old businesses, family snapshots, to events as long as they are from Scott and Bollinger counties during the 1800s through the 1950s.

"If the photos sit in photo albums, nobody sees them," said Carol Robert, special projects coordinator. "Other people want to see them -- kids, grandkids. This is worth a lot. This is our history."

Each county will have its own limited edition hardback book featuring 150 pages of black and white photos. They will be in chronological order in the book with an index in the back. The books will be available in November.

Although posters have been hung all over the counties, ads posted in numerous publications, and churches contacted, pictures have been slow to come in.

"There is no book without the photographs," Robert said. "It's important to submit photos and make sure each family and town are represented."

Robert believes some residents may be hesitant to hand over their photos because they fear they won't get them back.

Wherever Robert travels to gather photos, she totes around a scanner. This way, when residents hand her the pictures, she can scan and return them within minutes. If the photos are dropped off, they will be returned within 10 business days.

Robert, who has also worked on "Heartland Heroes to Remember" and "Cape Girardeau Faces and Places," suggests residents pick five to 10 favorite photos. Not all pictures are guaranteed to be published because the book is limited to 350 photos.

When submitting photos, include a note about where it was taken, the date, and any story behind it. The deadline is April 29.

Call Carol Robert at (800) 879-1210 or (573) 335-6611, extension 106, to make an appointment to submit photos.

cpierce@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127