Finding the right Christmas gift can be challenging, and the White County Historical Society has several items which may fit your needs. With the extra challenge of trying to avoid Covid virus, you might want to consider one of these unique items. They are available at the Genealogy Library (the old Carmi Public Library). The Library is currently closed due to Covid-19, but we will be open two times for those interested in purchasing items: Friday and Saturday December 11 and 12 from 1 to 4 PM each day. Please call Ranelle Hubele at 382-8586 if you cannot come then but are interested in a purchase. The ornaments and the matted print of the Robert Williams Home as well as a bronze medallion of the Robinson Stewart House are also available at H.D. Bean Jewelry store on Main Street in Carmi.
–Recipes and Recollections, 2005 Cookbook. Over 200 pages with recipes, pictures, and family stories from 137 local contributors. There is another generation of cooks emerging since this was published. For $10 this can bring a smile for any gift giving occasion.
–Brass ornaments. High quality brass replicas of the Ratcliff Inn and the Robinson Stewart House are attractive on a Christmas Tree, hanging on a display stand, or in a shadow box. $10.00 each.
–Heritage Houses of White County. This book of pictures and descriptions of each of the first 22 Heritage House recipients was published in 1990, and we still have several copies available for $20 each. This book is a must have for the current owners of those houses as well as for their children and grandchildren. Descendants of the original owners may be interested as well. The Board is in the process of preparing an upgrade to include the additionally named White County Heritage Houses. The public as well as Heritage House Home owners and owners of the book will be informed when it becomes available.
–The Burnt Prairie I Remember, an autobiography written by James R. Whetstone, who was born in 1938. He has a vivid memory of his early life and includes family genealogy in his 230-page memoir. This $30 book also includes many pictures and references to other local families of the era.
–An 18 x 22-inch matted print of the Robert Williams Home (“The Castle”). This is ready for framing and would make a nice addition to your home décor at $20.
–There are also Cemetery records, Census records, Veteran’s records, and other books and maps including the collections by the late Charlene Shields and James Davis, available at various prices.
