Published: August 29, 2009 11:45 am      

Coal County History Volume II filled with family histories, stories

COALGATE — The long awaited Volume II of Coal County History is now a reality. Four year sin the making, the new books arrived this past week and have been pronounced "well worth the wait" by all who have seen them.

This beautifully bound, 463-page book was edited and compiled by Billie Rice, Betty Riley, Bill Avanzini and Randal and Angie Long. They were sponsored, supported, encouraged and aided in every possible way by the president of Coal County Genealogical Society, Verdell Clark, and members of the Coal County Genealogical Society.

Coal County History, Volume II, is best described by a paraphrase of the introduction: "this book is not a formal and documented text, but more nearly a compilation of the stories and experiences of the individuals and families who made Coal County history. It is what is called an "anecdotal" history. We lay no claim to being professional historians and, as a matter of fact, are even proud that the stories recorded in this volume represent the collective experiences of those who lived them. It is what might be called a 'history in the rough' or a 'memory book.'"

When the group began discussing the publication of Volume II, they said "We can do this."

The 357-pages of family histories were written by old settlers in the area and their descendents. The stories are sad, funny and heart breaking as they tell about difficulties of surviving depressions, droughts, and wars both before and after statehood. Many include descriptions of their long journeys to reach Coal County.

There are 12 sections in the 250-page history section and each section has many articles. The first updates the changes in the county since the publication of

Volume I in 1984. Other sections include histories of 23 of the cities, towns and communities of the county, stories about the coal mining days, dust bowl and depression eras, histories of the Native Americans, a complete guide to the cemeteries and churches and the complete 1920 federal census of Coal County. Still another tells about the roles Coal County residents played in all the different wars and a list of Civil War veterans who lived in Coal County. There is also an intriguing section called Tall Tales, Mysteries, Legends and Folk Medicine.

This is a valuable genealogical tool and book that can be displayed on the coffee table to share with children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors.

Purchases may be made and reserved books picked up at the Coalgate Genealogy Library Sept. 1 and 3 from 1-3 p.m. After that, books will be available by phoning the genealogy library at 580-927-1185. For information about obtaining books in Ada, phone 580-421-9865. Cost for Volume I is $60 and Volume II is $75.

Mailing address for the society is Coal County Genealogical Society, P.O. Box 436, Coalgate, OK 74538.

Other information concerning Coal County visit the library's website at www.coalcounty.org.