BANNER ELK, NC – Lees-McRae College’s Puddingstone Press has released Hemlocks &
Magnolias, the third book of Lees-McRae alumna and Banner Elk resident Becky Alghrary. A follow-up to Mountain Magnolias, a tribute to 14 women from Avery County, Hemlocks& Magnolias highlights the lives of 15 individuals, including men, women and families, from the area.
A reception and book-signing will take place Friday, February 3 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the James H. Carson Library on the campus of Lees-McRae. Several individuals included in the book will attend the event. The public is invited to the reception. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the reception. For more information, call Sandy Ramsey at (828) 898-8748.
Included in the book are profiles on Hade Smith, William Puckett, Jr., the late Ralph Gwaltney, Joe Ledford, Marvin Clark, the late Ray Hicks, three generations of Hartley men (Joe Sr., Joe Jr. and Robert), Jim and Ann Heaton, Leona Braswell Moldenhauer, Juanita Glenn Shomaker, Rosa Hicks Presnell and Dulsie Michael Shook. Alghrary also includes tributes to three women from her first book who have since passed away: Loyd Bare Hicks (April 16, 1908-Sept. 5, 2003), Helen Hughes Wiseman (July 16, 1913-April 29, 2003) and Mattie Barlow Gaultney (Jan. 29, 1907-Dec. 22, 2003).
“Both the men and women portrayed in this book have grown, endured, excelled and prospered, and are fine examples of the strength of the natives of our region,” Alghrary said. “I hope readers enjoy the subjects as much as I have.”
“I am excited about the reception and book signing at Lees-McRae and am grateful to the college for the help they have given me in the book’s publication,” she continued. “I love the mountains and the history of its people.”