Local author to hold book signing

Local writer Carolyn Saul Logan will have a book signing and talk at the Humboldt Public Library on Monday, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m., for her new book, Humboldt History in the News, a collection of Iowa historical articles.
The 140-page paperback book features 71 stories Logan wrote for Humboldt Newspapers and the Humboldt NOW magazine. It is available for $10.
“Several people suggested it would be nice to have the articles in book form. I picked out the ones I liked the best. There are several about the Humboldt County Historical Museum, and many about the history of Humboldt including some of my recollections growing up here,” Logan said.
The front cover of the book is a postcard photo taken by her grandfather, Peter Frank Saul, who established Saul Studio in Humboldt in 1883. The photo depicts a youth fishing from what is termed the north cliff of the Des Moines River, Hum-boldt.
After completing a photography apprenticeship in Illinois, Peter Frank Saul settled in Humboldt so his wife could be closer to her sister, who lived in Bode. His son, Lytton (who everyone called Pete) took over the photography business and later Lytton’s son, Peter Saul, took it over in 1960, before selling the business to Denny Cox in 1981.
Some of the historical photos taken by the Saul family accompany stories in Carolyn’s new book.
“People who have lived here a long time might enjoy the book. It may bring back memories. Others who have not lived here as long could find it interesting to catch up with what has happened here over the years,” Logan said. “And some of the stories are just plain interesting. Humboldt’s history is different from the surrounding towns and the small settlement was peopled with some fantastic characters.”
“It was a real eye opener to see that there’s more to this small, rural town than meets the eye,” Humboldt High School student Sydney Savery said. Savery reviewed the book for Logan and her comments are featured on the back cover along with comments from Humboldt Library Director Demi Johnson and Humboldt Museum archivist Pat Baker.
This is the fifth book Logan has had published. Her first book was a novel for middle school age students. Her last book was a young adult historical novel. Two of her books were set in Humboldt and one in Peru. Her previous books are available to check out from the Humboldt Public Library.
Carolyn Logan grew up in Humboldt and left for college to Iowa State University in 1953, where she obtained a science degree, majoring in Applied Art and English. After college she moved to Hawaii, which was still a territory at the time, to work as an art teacher. While in Hawaii, she met her first husband, Bruce Logan. They lived in San Francisco and then moved to Peru where they taught for a mining company. They spent 15 years in Peru, until the government was over-thrown in a coup. They returned to Humboldt for a short time before moving to Australia. Carolyn went back to college and became a librarian in Australia for 17 years working in both public libraries and the Western Australia Department of Education. During that time her books were published in Australia and the U.S.
She obtained her Masters in Creative Writing and worked as a freelance writer for a few years. After 23 years in Australia, she moved to Texas to help care for her parents in 1997. While in Texas she worked as an editor for publisher, Holt, Rhinehart and Winston.
In 2004, Logan and her second husband, John Rucks, moved to Humboldt and Carolyn started writing for Humboldt Newspapers.
Humboldt History in the News will be available for purchase at the book signing. Copies can also be purchased from Carolyn Logan. For out-of-towners, mail a check for $10 per book, plus $5 for shipping and handling to Carolyn Logan, 1701 10th Avenue North, Apt. 204, Humboldt, IA 50548.
The book can be purchased at the office of Humboldt Newspapers, 512 Sumner Avenue. The book is also available at the Humboldt County Historical Museum.
Carolyn can also be reached by email at csaullogan34@gmail.com.
Carolyn also plans to have books available at the 50 Plus Reunion at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds on Sept. 15. She is also available to speak about the book.