BARBARA CHRISTIANSEN - North County Staff | Posted: Wednesday, January 11, 2006 11:00 pm
The history book, "The Growing Years," by Betty G. Spencer, is making its way toward the presses and is expected to be released in early April.
Mayor Heber Thompson expressed enthusiasm for the project.
"We are delighted that her work is going to be available to all the citizens," he said. "She has been a very dedicated and patient person to stay with us through the funding issues.
"We are anxious for citizens to be able to refresh their memories about their heritage and thank the city staff and donors who made this possible."
American Fork has arranged to transfer funds in its annual budget to allow for the printing of the 300-page book, complete with a CD with more than 1,300 historical images of the community.
The Bank of American Fork has made a $10,000 donation toward the printing. It is in honor of two of its former presidents, who also served as mayors of the city.
Warren Anderson was the bank's president in 1958 and 1959. He was mayor in 1932 and 1933.
Glen Anderson was bank president from 1975 to 1988. He served as mayor from 1958 to 1965.
The volume focuses on the years following the Great Depression and it follows "Early History of American Fork" by George F. Shelley. It was reproduced in 1993 and included "Some history of a later day."
"The Growing Years" is written by Spencer, an award-winning journalist and author.
"I am really excited to see it coming to a conclusion," she said of the history. "It has been a long-term effort and a worthwhile thing we have been doing. I have enjoyed doing it. The research has been wonderful."
Spencer has served as president of the Utah Press Women and been on the board of the National Federation of Press Women. Spencer was a member of the board and wrote the scripts for the Utah Pageant of the Arts for 20 years.
Melanie Marsh, Chief of Staff of American Fork City, also expressed appreciation for the history.
"I think it is going to be awesome," she said. "Betty has worked so hard. This is a great project."
She also encouraged interested residents to make contributions toward the book's printing. Anyone with interest or questions may contact her at 763-3000.
This story appeared in North County on page A1.