The Cherokee County Historical Society is pleased to announce the release of its newest publication, Picture Perfect in Cherokee County: Selections from the Buddy Alexander Collection.  In celebration, the Historical Society will host a book signing on Thursday, November 18, from 4-7 p.m. at the Historic Courthouse, 100 North Street, in Canton. 

The new publication features the photographs of Mr. Alexander who recorded Cherokee County from the late 1940s to mid 1970s.  The book features 200 pages of local businesses, celebrations, activities, civic and social organizations, portraits, schools, and students.

This is the second collaboration between author Mick Wagner and the Historical Society.  His successful first publication, The Canton Cotton Mills: A Pictorial History, was completed in 2008. 

Mr. Wagner has donated his time creating these publications to the Historical Society and all of the proceeds benefit education and preservation programs. Mr. Wagner is employed as an aviation mechanic for Delta Airlines and has a Bachelor Degree in History from Kennesaw State University.
 
Mr. Wagner partnered with Rebecca Johnston, who wrote the chapter introductions in the book.  Mrs. Johnston grew up in Cherokee County and captures the essence of the era through her vivid descriptions. Mrs. Johnston received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and has worked in the journalism field for over 20 years.  She was editor of the Cherokee Tribune for 10 years and is currently an award-winning weekly columnist.

The collection of photographs was donated by Mrs. Frances Alexander and Buddy’s family to the Historical Society in 2004 and is comprised of 76,665 images. The collection represents an invaluable resource for Cherokee County and this book makes it widely available to the public. 

Mrs. Johnston, has said, “For those who lived here then, his pictures capture perfectly the stuff of memories; for those who were born later or who moved here along the way, Buddy Alexander gives them a glimpse of what once was.”  

The upcoming book signing will feature both authors on November 18 at the Historic Courthouse. Light refreshments will be served and visitors will get a sneak peek at the new space that will become the Museum of Cherokee County History and Visitors Center. 

The book may be purchased from the Historical Society for $25 at their office in the Historic Courthouse on the 3rd floor. All current Historical Society members receive a 10% discount.  Orders can also be placed online at www.rockbarn.org (includes shipping) or by calling 770.345.3288.

Tags: book signings, books, Buddy Alexander, Cherokee County Historical Society, history, local events