A lifetime of memories, friendships
JoAnn Van Valkenburgh Whitacre was a regular summer visitor to Martins Ferry from age 10 to 17. Memories of those annual visits continue to be so highly treasured by her that several
sections of a family
history and select
childhood memory book are filled with memories of those experiences. Many of her summertime
vacation memories reflect special
friendships made during those special times, such as her lifelong friendship with Martins Ferry native Martha Weber.
Of what value is a bright summertime memory to a child? To a woman who spent many summers of her youth as a guest of family members who lived in the heart of Martins Ferry, they are still among the life memories she holds most dear; making them well worth including in a written collection she recently completed for a very special target audience: her grandchildren and their descendants. “Memories of Growing Up and Samuel and Van Valkenburgh Family Histories” is the book JoAnn Van Valkenburgh Whitacre has crafted, and recently has seen come to life through a limited number of copies for exclusive distribution to a very special readership group – her family members. At age 10, JoAnn Van Valkenburgh, now Mrs. Sam Whitacre – wife, mother, grandmother, and retired registered nurse, saw everything about her many childhood summer adventures to Martins Ferry as part of a great adventure designed solely for her enjoymen.
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