What heirlooms, novelties, antiques or uniques are stashed away inside your attic or other storage spaces? Author Donna Cronk asked this question of herself when she climbed her attic’s pull-down ladder during 2020.
What she found among the old prom dresses, letters, tap shoes, and childhood toys were more than treasures – they were reminders of the people, advice, and lessons that inform her life.
The career journalist and Pendleton resident wrote about her finds, resulting in a new memoir: There’s a Clydesdale in the Attic: Reflections on Keeping and Letting Go. The book will be featured at a Sheridan Library book club meeting set for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16, at the library, located at 103 W. First St., Sheridan. Cronk will speak about her nonfiction book, and copies will be available for purchase and signing. They are $15 each, which includes state sales tax.
The public is invited and encouraged to bring a special keepsake that is special to them. Items can be funny, unique, sentimental, or come with a great story. There is a limit of one item per attendee and one minute to tell about it.
Event organizer Loretta Sutherland said, “This book is so timely as many of my friends are cleaning out and downsizing their own houses in preparation for retirement. This includes my basement that I have been working on for three years! Come, share your treasures and stories and listen to Donna who laughed, cried and relived many memories.”
Refreshments will be served. A time for author questions will follow the program.
Cronk is a farmer’s daughter at heart and cherishes the rural roots of her youth near Liberty, Ind. She spent 37 years as a newspaper journalist, 31 of them with the New Castle Courier-Times.
The author currently writes a column for several Indiana newspapers. She is married to Brian, a long-time Hamilton Southeastern Schools administrator and teacher. They have two grown sons. Cronk’s previous books are inspirational fiction: Sweetland of Liberty Bed & Breakfast and That Sweet Place: At Home in the Heartland.
Reservations are not necessary. For information, call Kim Riley at (317) 758-5201.