MONROE - Over the years, Joey Norton has heard stories that have always been worth re-telling.
She recently completed a book, "It Happened in Green County," that includes stories from the county's early pioneer days, settling the county and modern times.
"Did these events really happen? Are they accurate? Basically, yes, as far as I know," Norton said.
The opening to her book reveals a little information about both the book and its author. Both are light-hearted and humorous.
Norton, who has lived in Monroe for about 60 years, loves to tell stories and she loves to make people laugh. She's friendly and open with visitors and loves to talk.
"I talk a lot because I live alone," she joked after offering a cold glass of tea.
Norton says her book isn't meant to read as history.
"It's entertainment," she said.
A few of the anecdotes from the book include:
• Pioneer Days. "Forty acres for $50 were commonly known as 'government forties' and were the unit of exchange for pioneers and settlers buying government land. They were also used to pay the militia. And used for betting in poker games."
• Building Our Towns and Our State. "Homesteaders used horse and plow to cut a trail to the schoolhouse so children didn't get lost. But the local snakes liked the warm, turned dirt and preferred it for nap, so the kids had to walk in the weeds alongside."
• Our Times (More or Less). "The head of maintenance at The Swiss Colony told a new employee to get some cleaning supplies from the attic crawl space above the offices. To the workman, the area looked like a dandy place for a short nap. So he stretched out - and fell straight through the fragile ceiling. Right onto the Swiss Colony President's desk!"
The stories have come from memories, newspapers, bridge clubs and family reunions, Norton said.
She left out the names of people who may be still alive or have relatives whose exploits could be in some of the stories.
Norton isn't sure what she plans to do with the book. She made about 40 copies to give to her children, grandchildren and some friends. She might sell copies of the book but she's not sure.
"I might make a few extra copies to sell," she said.
She recently completed a book, "It Happened in Green County," that includes stories from the county's early pioneer days, settling the county and modern times.
"Did these events really happen? Are they accurate? Basically, yes, as far as I know," Norton said.
The opening to her book reveals a little information about both the book and its author. Both are light-hearted and humorous.
Norton, who has lived in Monroe for about 60 years, loves to tell stories and she loves to make people laugh. She's friendly and open with visitors and loves to talk.
"I talk a lot because I live alone," she joked after offering a cold glass of tea.
Norton says her book isn't meant to read as history.
"It's entertainment," she said.
A few of the anecdotes from the book include:
• Pioneer Days. "Forty acres for $50 were commonly known as 'government forties' and were the unit of exchange for pioneers and settlers buying government land. They were also used to pay the militia. And used for betting in poker games."
• Building Our Towns and Our State. "Homesteaders used horse and plow to cut a trail to the schoolhouse so children didn't get lost. But the local snakes liked the warm, turned dirt and preferred it for nap, so the kids had to walk in the weeds alongside."
• Our Times (More or Less). "The head of maintenance at The Swiss Colony told a new employee to get some cleaning supplies from the attic crawl space above the offices. To the workman, the area looked like a dandy place for a short nap. So he stretched out - and fell straight through the fragile ceiling. Right onto the Swiss Colony President's desk!"
The stories have come from memories, newspapers, bridge clubs and family reunions, Norton said.
She left out the names of people who may be still alive or have relatives whose exploits could be in some of the stories.
Norton isn't sure what she plans to do with the book. She made about 40 copies to give to her children, grandchildren and some friends. She might sell copies of the book but she's not sure.
"I might make a few extra copies to sell," she said.