Saturday’s book signing at the McNairy County Historical Museum was a big success! After four hours, every copy of Hurst’s Wurst that my wife Cindy and I brought with us was sold–27 in all! We met a lot of nice people and I enjoyed talking with everyone who came by.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I’ve had book signings before that drew no one, so I hoped for the best yet expected the worst. But when we arrived, we had about five people waiting for us (we were a little late in getting there) and I didn’t sit down and catch my breath for the next three hours! It was a better turnout that I could’ve expected.
I had the chance to meet many people who are interested in McNairy County history, many of whom are readers of this blog. Thank you for stopping by. I also met several members of the Hurst family, who appreciated the fairness that I’ve shown him in the book. There’s been so much of a negative slant to most everything written about him that they’re apprehensive when anything new comes out.
I’d like to thank Judy Hammond, president of the McNairy County Historical Society, for giving me the opportunity to have the book signing that day as part of the Arts in McNairy Artisan Trail. It’s a great way to spotlight the talents of artists throughout the county.
We were only able to make one stop on the Artisan Trail. We visited the workshop and museum of Hockaday Homemade Brooms at 2704 Hwy 142 outside Selmer. There we met owner Jack Martin, who makes brooms the same way his grandfather Jack Hockaday did over 90 years ago and with the same equipment he did back then. He does excellent work and I would encourage anyone interested in quality, handmade brooms to visit Jack’s workshop or his website at www.hhbrooms.com
Kevin D. McCann 