“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.”
– Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States
We choose to rejoice because our hometown is blanketed with roses. Showcasing those roses is the purpose of Touchstones: Life and Times of Modesto, a new book commissioned by the McHenry Museum & Historical Society, as we near the sesquicentennial founding of our city.
Touchstones is a contemporary snapshot of the values, people, places, organizations, and activities that make Modesto a unique, attractive, and authentic California city; that contribute to its identity and quality of life and form the foundation of our community.
This hard-bound book features essays, illustrations, stories, photographs, and artwork that capture the vibrant lifestyle, rich heritage, distinctive culture, evolving diversity, and essential character of our hometown. It showcases what connects and unites us. It identifies what we’ve done, are doing, will do, and still need to do. It also contains a special sponsored section entitled Sharing the Heritage, which profiles prominent businesses and institutions.
Touchstones is much more than another history book, as it reaches into our past, present, and future to tell a memorable story about this town. Each chapter covers an important aspect of our hometown; significant themes that help illuminate our ever-transforming city. Each chapter was written by experts in their respective fields; a prestigious group of knowledgeable, well-known, and well-respected contributors.
Touchstones will cost $40 and is now available for purchase at the McHenry Museum store. An on-line storefront is being created. All sales benefit the McHenry Museum & Historical Society.
A book release party will be held Thursday, November 30th from 6PM to 8PM at the Museum. The writers, artists, photographers, and other contributors, including the sponsoring organizations, have been invited to attend. Other upcoming events at which the book will be sold are the Dickens Faire, Saturday, December 2nd, 9AM to Noon at the McHenry Museum, and the Modesto Chamber of Commerce Mixer, Thursday, December 7th, 7:30 to 9PM at Carolyn Huff Photography, 1224 K Street.
There are many common threads that unite this uncommon town. It is compassionate, inclusive, and hopeful. It is a community. It is our hope that Touchstones: Life and Times of Modesto will change how we are viewed by highlighting the distinctive threads that make up this amazing tapestry we call home.
Copyright © 2017 Ken White, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Ken White
3430 Tully Road
Suite 20-058
Modesto, CA 95350
