Packed house for local author’s book signing

Local author Austin Wells with Patsy Stodghill, without whom Austin says this book may never have been. Photo by Blue Ribbon News.

Austin Wells’ first book features Heath history, vintage photographs

Heath Mayor Lorne Liechty picks up his signed copy of Austin Wells' first book, "Images of America: Heath" Photo by Blue Ribbon News.

(ROCKWALL/HEATH, TX – Jan. 30,2016) Lakeside Florist in Rockwall was bustling with visitors Friday, Jan. 29 as the floral shop hosted a Happy Hour and Book Signing to celebrate the release of local author Austin Wells’ first book, “Images of America: Heath,” now available at arcadiapublishing.com or 888-313-2665.

Wine and appetizers were served up alongside good conversation and book sales at the Happy Hour and Book Signing. Photo by Blue Ribbon News.

Austin’s book features the history of Heath, TX through vintage photos collected from the archives of the Rockwall County Historical Foundation, Heath City Hall, and the albums of longtime residents who were graciously willing to share their family history and the story of Heath.

Dawn and Richard Redig, owners of Blue Ribbon News, pose with Austin, a Blue Ribbon News staff writer. Photo by Brenda Cross.

Austin, works as a staff writer for the community “good news” publication Blue Ribbon News, is a graduate of the University of North Texas where he studied radio, television and film. He graduated from Rockwall High School in 2007 and has lived in the area his whole life.

In the opening of his book he writes, “I want to start off by saying I’m no historian. In fact, I am merely a young writer who started this whole project with one goal in mind: to learn a much as I could about the history of the community I grew up in. I am proud to say that thanks to the large amount of support and knowledge of those that helped make this book a reality, I feel I have accomplished my goal and so much more. And I have so many to thank for that.”

Dorothy Spradlin stopped by on behalf of the Young Professionals of Rockwall to celebrate Austin's success with his new book. Photo by Blue Ribbon News.

Among the acknowledgements are Clarice Ibell, Charlotte Krider, Bill and Jerry Way, Runell White, Ada Lou Myers, Reba Jett, Gale Terry, Mark Poindexter, Rosemary Klutts, Stephanie Galanides, Kim Dobbs, Jerry Deaton, Justin Holland, and Carolyn Francisco and the Rockwall County Historical Foundation, and all those who contributed to the project.

Many of the book’s images and information came from Fay Lofland’s photo albums and scrapbooks, which Austin says were “invaluable in helping to identify people and authenticating dates and events.”

He also gives thanks to Bob Chilton, Clarke Newman and Lisa Blankenship with Rush Creek Yacht Club.

A steady crowd kept Austin busy signing books and visiting with locals. Photo by Blue Ribbon News.

Stacy Parks was instrumental in the book’s success as well. Austin  xplains that Stacy welcomed him into the home of his late wife Sheri Stodghill Fowler Parks – the renowned author and Rockwall County historian who lost her battle with cancer a little over a year ago. Austinwas able to use the workspace in Sheri’s home to organize the volumes of material featured in the book.

And special thanks is given to Sheri’s mother, Pasty Stodghill, whom Austin now calls his “adopted grandmother.” Together they spent countless hours pouring over photographs, identifying people, and piecing together bits of history into organized chapters. Without Patsy’s knowledge of local history or her connections, Austin writes, “this book might not have been.”

Austin dedicates the book to his parents, Dennis and Tommie Wells, who own Lakeside Florist where the book signing event was held; his twin brother, Preston, and Preston’s wife, Victoria; all who supported him in his quest to uncover the history of his hometown; and the longtime families of Heath.

As for what’s next, Austin will continue writing for Blue Ribbon News as he aims to complete a second book, a fiction novel.

By Dawn Redig, Blue Ribbon News editor.

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