Book recalls magic arrival of electricity

More than five years ago, the George W. Norris Foundation of McCook sponsored a national contest, asking citizens throughout the nation to submit stories about the arrival of electricity in rural America.

The contest served two purposes. First, it paid tribute to Sen. George W. Norris, the late, great lawmaker from McCook who sponsored the Rural Electrification Act in 1935; and, second, it chronicled what many regard as the greatest change ever in rural America: the day the lights came on.

Inspired by the essays which flowed in from all parts of the nation, the board of the Norris Foundation vowed to compile the stories into book form.

Members have finally fulfilled that promise. With the editing and design leadership of Brent L. Cobb of McCook, the foundation has produced a new book: "Circle of Brightness: Rural Americans Recall the Day the Lights Came On."

The 354-page book rolled off the press shortly before Christmas and has already generated widespread sales. Besides a number of books sold to the 170 story contributors, the foundation has also marketed copies locally.

Sales were especially brisk on the Saturday before Christmas, when three story contributors joined the editor for a book-signing party at The Book End in McCook. Gathering to autograph copies were Editor Cobb and three writers from the Southwest Nebraska area: Elaine Frasier of Max, Alberta Wolf of McCook and Phyllis Reynolds of Farnam.

"It was a great day," Cobb said. "We had the second largest sale ever at a book signing party at The Book End."

In the days since then, orders have continued to flow in through the mail and copies are being purchased at local outlets. Copies may be acquired at The Book End, as well as Top Office Products, the McCook Daily Gazette and the Norris Home.

Books may also be purchased by sending a check to the Norris Foundation, P.O. Box 884, McCook, NE 69001. A check for $23.76 is required to cover the cost of the book, sales tax and postage.

Cobb said he is pleased with how well the book turned out. "The contributors tell me they like the size of the type and the pictures which are included to illustrate the stories."

But, most of all, readers appreciate the sincerity and human emotion expressed in the stories. When the lights came on, life immediately changed on the rural countryside.

For that, we will be eternally grateful to the legislative leadership of the late U.S. Senator and Congressman: George W. Norris. We are also indebted to the Norris Foundation board, to the editor, Brent L. Cobb, and to the contributing writers for sharing their memories in the precious collection of stories called "Circle of Brightness." Be sure to acquire a book for your library. The stories are an important part of the history of rural America.