After spending nearly two decades researching and writing Fips, Bots,

Doggeries, and More, the finished book left its author with more

questions than answers. Specifically: what happened after Henry Rogers

and his family returned from their trip? Local records indicated that

their plans to expand the family’s sawmill business into a flour mill

had been put on hold for nearly half a century. Tracy didn’t believe it,

and went in search of the truth.

Surprising and tantalizing information began to appear and to inspire.

As the research progressed, Tracy and historic millwright Steve Hagaman

met and joined forces. Together, they pieced together a much more robust

physical and social history of the mill, infused with unexpected twists

and remaining uncertainties. Pride of the Valley is enhanced by Tracy’s

notes, which she hopes will provide a humanizing touch to the work and

encourage others to take on similar research projects relating to their

own families.