Dainger-ous Mail
Historical society announces book release

By Scott Nicholson

Look for a little “dainger” in your mail box, but it’s safe to say the mailing will help preserve county history.

Postcards from the Watauga County Historical Society to announce the release of a new book feature a painting by Elliott Daingerfield. Photo submitted

The Watauga County Historical Society has sent out 4,000 postcards formally announcing the upcoming publication of “The Architectural History of Watauga County.” The postcards feature a painting by Elliott Daingerfield, who lived in Blowing Rock, and the card outlines various ways people can help the historical society publish the book.

The book goes to press in June, with a presell price of for $55, plus $9 shipping. The price will increase $10 when it is released next spring. The hardcover book has about 368 pages, with 550 black-and-white photos and several color photos of historic homes, businesses and public buildings.

Society president Diane Barefoot said the purchases and contributions are critical to the project’s success, and there are opportunities to sponsor the book and get special recognition within the pages.

“We are trying to raise funds to finish up with the publication,” Barefoot said. “We’ve sunk quite a bit of money in it. We’ve gotten donations from businesses and the county and through grants to do what we’ve done so far. We’re trying to presell the books to offset the cost of publications.

There are various sponsorship levels, and people who give more than $250 as a gift will have their names listed in the frontispiece of the book. They can also give a gift in honor of or in memory of someone.

The book goes to press on June 1, so sponsors that want to be listed in the book should make their contributions before then. Categories of recognition are: Benefactors, $5,000; Patrons, $2,500; Sponsors, $1,000; and Friends, $250. Each contributor will receive a copy of the book. To order or support the project, fill out the form on the postcard or call Nicole Jones at (828) 264-3601. Checks can also be mailed payable to the Watauga County Historical Society, P.O. Box 3453, Boone NC 28607.