While volunteering at the Garfield Memorial Hospital Thrift Store, Jill Nowers noticed some old booklets that were being saved for the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum. An unknown individual had donated the booklets after many years of saving them.
Jill could not get the booklets off her mind. Her thoughts were that these precious items should be kept not just in the museum but should be available to everyone to read and enjoy. Fueled by a passion to bring these wonderful old pictures to everyone’s attention, Jill began collecting every old booklet she could find. She advertised on the internet and talked to everyone she ran into about her idea for a new project. Jill wanted to compile and publish a book with the pictures and history of these booklets that were printed every 24th of July for Panguitch’s Homecoming Celebration.
The people of Panguitch responded to the request by donating booklets printed as far back as 1959. These old booklets contained pictures, ads, and information that most people had forgotten about. They preserved stories of the 24th celebration and life in Panguitch.
Not feeling like she had the technological expertise necessary to complete the project, Jill sought help from the Panguitch Library. Librarian Suzzane Dunham helped by showing Jill how to scan and digitize the information. This became a labor of love for both women. Suzzane spent many hours after work helping to compile and edit the book. Finally after a year and a half of work by these two ladies, this massive book has been completed and is available for all to read.
The book, Together Again, is 765 pages of pure joy. Pictures of people and businesses long gone tell the story of Panguitch and its former residents. It is available from the editor, Jill Nowers, who is doing book signings at the Alexander Cabin in the Panguitch City Park and at the Post Office.
– The Byway
Feature image caption: Jill Nowers’ book Together Again, made up of compiled old booklets from years of Panguitch Homecoming celebrations.