Fore-word or Fore-warned

     We who have collected these articles realize it would be wise to do more research. Exactness as to time and place, and the who, why and where may be somewhat vague. But by mutual agreement we don't want to be any later, and too, there's "no time like the present." We expect errors and several repeats. The repetition should only tend to emphasize the authenticity of the story.
     Too much research might create arguments and disclose faulty and insipid memories, or that our imaginations have been too active, or that we have reached the age of senility.
     From this work of searching records of our ancestors, we are more and more convinced that there are no common-place people and that the Great Creator has sown talents and virtues as liberally among past generations as among the present; among the poor as well as the rich. The pity of it is that talents may have been lost in several instances for want of cultivation. Those lost talents might have blest the world.
     It has been satisfying to learn that these early day people lacked sophistication and skepticism. Perhaps our generation has too much of both. They have come like frost to blight our faith and trust.
     We feel a lack in our hurried ways of the Faith of our Fathers. Their faith led them to look well to their household's spiritual training So many times we put other things first. We find ourselves trading too much for entertainment and gadgets. The virtues of our fathers and mothers may be classed as homely and out of tune with the times but a great commonwealth was built on that kind of tried and true principles.
     If there are reasons for this endeavor the first may be to enrich and inspire home relations. A closer walk with father and son, mother and daughter, sisters and brothers will impress upon us the deeds of trust and courage we have seen and recognized in those with whom we have lived and "lost awhile."
     Some one of our contributors said it has been good to put memories into words, and there are others who admit a healthy curiosity of what others may write. Someone wrote: "What is printed may bring a chuckle, a heart throb or only a smile." Whatever it is, will certainly enrich family ties and encourage love for one another.
     Roselle Kroth Aitken deserves first place when we acknow- ledge those who have helped in this effort of publication. She contributed 3 P's: pencils, paper, and persistent push, without which nothing would have been accomplished. She has counted neither time, patience, nor hard work.
     Laura and Dorothy Loughmiller, Arch and Harley Kroth, Lucy and Pauline Kroth cooperated every possible way. May Watts, Lilah Huffman, Lorah Kroth, Stella Manuel, Ina and Florence Clements and many others have furnished data and stories. Mrs. Rodney (Verna) Hayes was our able typist.
     Several have contributed cash as well as encouragement, to these and many others, we are sincerely grateful.


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