Contact:
P.O. Box 5630, Helena, MT 59604
800.821.3874 • fax 406.443.5480
Linda Netschert, [email protected]
Sue Johnson, [email protected]
Lisa Kuntz, [email protected]
Robb Helfrick, [email protected]


MOOSE COUNTRY SCHOOL

By: Cheri Lawson
Published by: Cheri Lawson
Publication date: April 2012
Specs: 32 pages, 6" x 9", hardcover, 9 historical photographs, 12 color photographs,
10 illustrations
ISBN 13: 978-1-59152-101-3

$15.95


>>>CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD HIGH RESOLUTION IMAGE OF BOOK COVER<<<

00-YEAR-OLD MONTANA TEACHER THE SUBJECT OF CHILDREN'S BOOK

Cheri Lawson admits that although as a child growing up in Montana she spent many of her summer vacations in the woods picking huckleberries with her family, she could never imagine moving into the secluded mountains as an 18-year-old fresh out of high school. But that’s exactly what Elsie Mero did in 1929.

A graduate of Flathead County High School, Mero found herself teaching at the remote Trail Creek School just outside Glacier National Park, Montana. Inspired by her story, Lawson, of Hot Springs, Montana, wrote a book about the young teacher.

Moose Country School (Cheri Lawson, 2012, $15.95), tells the story of Elsie Mero Dondanville’s first year of teaching.

“I asked her if she was scared,” says Lawson, “and she said, ‘Oh no. I was tickled to death to have a job.’”

Trail Creek was a forest service cabin turned school house with no electricity or modern amenities.

“I was amazed that an 18-year-old could go out into the wilderness,” says Lawson.

Lawson decided to tell Mero’s story after putting together a scrap book of pictures, photos, and mementos Mero had saved from her years of teaching.

“She saved everything,” says Lawson. “When she gave me the pictures I decided to publish a book about her.”

Those same pictures are featured in the book, along with Lawson’s own photography, and illustrations by Lawson’s grandchildren, Kane, 12, and Karly, 11.

“Karly and Kane love to draw,” says Lawson. “Whenever they come over they always ask what they can do. So, one day, I tell them that I am working on a book, and asked if they wanted to help.”

Elsie and her husband, Lavern, had been family friends of Lawson for some time.

“They used to come over for family dinners often,” says Lawson. “But it wasn’t until recently when she started to donate her things and I looked through them that I knew she had taught at Trail Creek.”

Moose Country School takes readers through one year in the mountains with Elsie Mero and her five students. Elsie loves seeing the wildflowers bloom in the meadows when the harsh winter gives way to spring.

Lawson’s photography features the colorful blossoms both she and Elsie enjoy.

“I love wildflowers,” says Lawson. “I hope that the story and pictures help kids identify the different flowers.”

During the year, Elsie would spend recess with her students every day, says Lawson.

“Back then kids didn’t have fancy playground equipment, but Elsie always had a game for them to play,” she says. “I hope kids can see what life was like back then and feel blessed.”

Moose Country School is available at local bookstores and gift shops, through online retailers, or from distributor Farcountry Press at 1.800.821.3874, www.farcountrypress.com.

About the Author
Cheri Lawson lives with her husband on a cattle ranch near Hot Springs, Montana. She is the author of a previous work for children titled Chip the Buffalo.

For an interview, contact Heather Ripkey at 406.422.1267.

About Farcountry Press
Celebrating its 32nd year in 2012, award-winning publisher Farcountry Press specializes in photography books, children's series, and regional history titles nationwide.

Farcountry Press also distributes books for several publishers, including Northern Rockies Publishing, University Pride Publishing, and Sweetgrass Books, Farcountry's custom-publishing division.

www.farcountrypress.com, 1.800.821.3874

For a press kit (cover image, interior photos, review copy), contact Heather Ripkey, Sales Assistant, [email protected], 406.422.1267.



All Content © Farcountry Press 2012.