You may have noticed that there's a new history book about Sumner. Images of America: Sumner shares the stories and pictures of Sumner, primarily through the early and mid-1900s. The best thing about this book is that it tells your story.

Many, many people contributed their photos, knowledge and memories to this book. We had a Kincaid descendant from California sending in pictures. The School District shared old scrapbooks from students. Many business owners and residents brought in their own photos of families, farms and shops on Main Street.

Whether you've lived here 30 years or just moved here or even love to visit, you are part of this story. Together, we are all caretakers of the memories as well as the authors of tomorrow's memories that are being written today. I think the best thing about this book is that it reminds us that we don't have to be a Ryan or Kincaid to shape this community. We could be like Ernest Darr, who helped raise his nephew and tried nearly every kind of business you can think of on Main Street.

Thank you for the wonderful stories that make Sumner what it is today. Copies of Images of America: Sumner are available in stores throughout Sumner. There's a full list here. If you live outside of Sumner, we know A Good Book is prepared to take orders over the phone and ship. We also have copies available in City Hall, and the proceeds of those will help the City with its ongoing upkeep of the historic Ryan House.

Mayor Dave Enslow