Is Mother Nature A Wet?: Snow and the DC Book Talk

Let me be clear, I love Washington, D.C. I love going there, researching there, staying there, and getting to see friends and family. And if you can spend time (and I urge you to stay on Capitol Hill) in the midst of power (as well as people who want it and those who think they have it), it is just an awesome place to be -- whatever time of year.

Now, how does all this tie into Prohibition, not to mention Shumaker? Well, this past weekend (two days after the State of Union and the same day that President Obama met with Congressional Republicans) I arrived in D.C. The purpose was to do a little research, do some work, maybe relax a bit, and then talk to the IU Alumni Association's Washington, D.C. chapter about Shumaker, IU and Prohibition (including why Bloomington is still officially a dry campus -- the legacy of President William Lowe Bryan, who hired and nurtured Paul V. McNutt as a law professor, who in turn was the governor whose "little New Deal" undid Shumaker's life's work).

Sure, when I landed, it was cold. But it had been cold in Indiana, and I didn't really care that I had flown to Milwaukee before arriving at Reagan National. Off I went on the Blue Line Metro to Capitol South and I was there. After a little time at the Library of Congress, I passed by the Capitol building, the Supreme Court (which, by the way, sits right beside the Methodist Building, where Shumaker's co-religionists once kept watch and pushed for legislation ), through a sea of uniformed military (both foreign and domestic), and down to the Hyatt Capitol Hill for more work and some rest. After a night of rest, it was time to talk Shumaker to the alums.

And then, the snow hit! I walked throught it on the way to the Metro. Along the way, I noticed our government in action. There were good federal employees out shoveling the snowy walkways in front of our nation's buildings. Of course, in front of the Capitol, I got to see why we have a debt. One worker was spreading salt on the snow, and about 30 seconds behind him came someone with a little snow plow, plowing the freshly salted snow! But I made it to where I needed to be and waited.

The snow, of course, caused delays. I'm from Northern Indiana. I understand snow and what it can do to a city and what it can do to drivers who aren't (and even sometimes those who are) used to driving on it. So I was ready to wait. I ate lunch. I got to visit with some of my family (thanks Jeff, Spencer and Abby for making the trek), and then the IU folks began to slowly trickle in. I really appreciate the fact that they braved the elements, and am very thankful that Nikki White put the event (the centerpiece of which was the IU-IL basketball game) together. But of course there was the snow, which dropped attendance (not unlike the buzzer beater shot that gave IL the win), and meant I needed to get to the airport sooner rather than later. Nikki was gracious enough to invite me to come back the next time I'm in D.C., an invite I'll be taking her, and the Alumni Association up on.

The end result, was a good trip to D.C., although it wasn't over JUST yet. I got to the airport and then waited. My flight was supposed to leave at 3pm, we got pushed back to 330. We sat on the the plane for over 4 hours, before taking off for Atlanta. I made my connection with 30 minutes to spare, and got home safe and sound a bit before 1am.

The only conclusion I could draw from this D.C. adventure was that Mother Nature was a wet! However, the Shumaker bandwagon continues. Next stop: Noblesville, February 3!

New Year -- Off and (Dry) Running

Some things are set, some other things are in the works....but here are where things stand at the moment:

In December, I made a massive "get out the word" push to libraries in Indiana and around the nation. So far, it is slowly but surely getting "Prohibition" onto more library shelves. I've been keeping track, somewhat on World Cat....though they don't cover everyone (including the Wakarusa Public Library and Yale University).

Next week (January 30), I'll be speaking to the Indiana University Alumni Association's Washington D.C. chapter about the book! I'm very excited to take Shumaker on the road.

That event will be followed up by a February 3 speaking event before the Hamilton County Treasure Hunters' Club. At the end of February, I'll be taking part in the Indiana Association of Historians annual conference...where I'll be reintroducing the state to Shumaker as well.

And then in March, I'm supposed to be talking about all things Shumaker before the Whitley County Historical Society.

In the works.....the release of an article in TRACES about Shumaker, Prohibition, and African Americans, a possible talk to the Marion County Historical Society, and maybe in 2011, bringing Shumaker to the Elkhart County Historical Society!

Book Signing V: IUPUI Strikes Back

Today's book signing back at IUPUI wasn't quite the same as the very first one in July, but was still a good time for this author. In the lead up, I conversed with several of my old profs from my grad school days there, which was nice in and of itself, but made more so when one of them stopped by. I got to talk with several people about the book as well. No doubt the highlight was when Shumaker's granddaughter arrived, bearing a gift from the Shumaker family and catching me up on all that has been going on with the family who let me tell the Reverend's story to begin with! That made my time downtown more than worth it. The staff at the IUPUI bookstore was once again great as well.

In other developments, there is a chance that the Shumaker show is going to go on the road in a big way....probably all the way out to Washington, D.C. if all goes as planned! But more on that when I know more.

Book Signing IV: Franklin in the Fall

Today was one of those Indiana Fall days. Cold, overcast at times, windy at times, and even some sun. The book signing was held at Kira's Cottage Christian Bookstore in Franklin, right on the courthouse square. It was a good time, I got to talk to several people about the book and see some old friends. Even if there aren't always sales, it never hurts to get the word out! A fine time when all was said and done, some good cookies, and the kids had a blast with all the Fall Fest activities, and with spending some time with Grammy and Grandpa Bill.

Overall, things are going well with the book (I think). Sales are solid, and there will be some reviews (fingers crossed) before to long!

Book Signing III: Methodists in the City

Today was the third book signing and first public event for the book. It was held at Meridian Street United Methodist Church in Indianapolis -- which has been my church home since moving to Indy, where Erin and I got married, and where both kids got baptized. It is an historic congregation (the mother church for Methodists in the Circle City), and I was very blessed and honored that the church wanted to do something in conjunction with the book's publication.

All told, there were about 14 members of the congregation in attendance, including 2 members of the church's ministry staff. Additionally, Erin was there with both the kids (who were great) and I was very happy that my parents got to be there as well.....as neither of them has actually ever gotten to see me do what I do.

It was a very good time, including some excellent questions from the audience. I can only hope that there might be more such events in the future!

Next up is a book signing in Franklin (October 3), and then a return visit to IUPUI in November! With a bit of luck there will be more in the new year (beyond just the one set for March in Columbia City)!

Sales and Signings

Book sales, officially, according to the Press for the fiscal year (ending 30 June 2009) stand at 157. Which is not a bad start (considering that the book didn't officially "drop" until 15 May 2009). I've been told that back in the day, academic sales were considered "good" if they topped 500. That's still my goal, of course I wouldn't mind going over that either!

On September 27th, there will be a book signing and "public event" at Meridian Street United Methodist Church......which has been my church home since I moved to Indy, and where research on what became the book first began. I'm very excited about being able to do this, and that the church wanted to do something!

On November 4th, I'll be returning to the IUPUI bookstore for a book signing as well. I'm still holding out hope something will come together for October in Franklin, but we'll see I guess. There also looks like I'll be doing something in Columbia City in March of next year. All very exciting, and reminds me how blessed I've been to be able to do this project.

The South Bend Signing

The book signing event of August was held at University Park Mall Friday night. The turn out was awesome, and my thanks to all who were able to come.....which ranged from friends from NorthWood's class of 93, to family, old friends, and plenty of members from Sugar Grove, as well as a few visitors from the Press. My thanks to all who came....it was great seeing you all.



There is every hope that the list of signing sites will grow. I've already nailed down one in Columbia City for March.....but there is also a possibility that there will be more signings in Indy, and maybe some other spots as well. Indeed, I'm not ruling out anything, and that would include a return trip to South Bend.