Mark and Rebecca Spencer to Sign New Monticello Book at Museum, September 30
September 19th, 2023 by Submitted
“Monticello: Past & Present” by Mark and Rebecca Spencer, will be on sale at the Drew County Museum on Saturday, September 30, from 10:00 a.m. until noon. The book is $24, and the authors will be present to sign copies.
The book was published in July by Arcadia Publishing (Charleston, South Carolina) as part of its popular local history series. “Monticello” focuses largely on changes in the local architecture through the juxtaposition of historical and contemporary images. The book is divided into five chapters: schools, commerce, worship, community and private homes.
Mark Spencer is associate vice chancellor for Program Development, Assessment and Distance Learning at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) and an award-winning author. Rebecca Spencer is an award-winning photographer and proprietor of Allen House Tours and the Nightmare Maze, a Halloween attraction.
In the introduction, Mark Spencer writes, “The juxtaposition of the past with the present provides us with the compelling experience of seeing what remains unchanged over decades, what is no more, and what has been transfigured. A majestic Victorian mansion dominates its surroundings as it has for 117 years. A French castle out of a fairy tale has vanished. A vacant field with a cluster of stubby trees is now a vast shopping center.”
He writes that Monticello “has its roots in a village settled in 1836 known as Rough and Ready Hill, a chaotic community of personal feuds leading to brawls and killings. Established [near] the seat of Drew County in 1849, Monticello derived its name from the desire of its founders to find civility, culture, and elegance—as reminiscent of the Virginia home of Thomas Jefferson.”
Mark and Rebecca Spencer hope that readers come away with a deep appreciation for the beauty of the town, its people and history.
For additional information about the book signing, contact the Drew County Museum or Mark Spencer at markspencerauthor@gmail.com or 870-224-5562.
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