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History In The Making

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By LAURA KINSLER

lkinsler@tampatrib.com

Published: December 20, 2008

ZEPHYRHILLS - History buffs lined up outside the Zephyrhills Depot Museum on Friday as the clocked ticked down to 5 p.m.

They had waited eight years for a chance to read the newly published "Zephyrhills From A to Z." One minute longer seemed intolerable.

Mayor Cliff McDuffie and Councilman Clyde Bracknell were among the first to buy the 296-page book that was commissioned by the city. The book, published by University of Tampa Press, profiles 138 people and events.

Librarian Vicki Elkins spent eight years researching and compiling an encyclopedia of information. She set aside time every Thursday and worked closely with Margaret Seppanen, president of the Zephyrhills Historical Association.

Elkins researched decades' worth of archives from the Zephyrhills News, but many of the photos and details came from local residents. As early as 2000, when head librarian Kathleen Burnside launched the project, the library put out a call for family histories and artifacts.
Margie Partain, who is working on her own book about Pasco County, said she just can't enough of history. "I just can't wait to get home and start reading it," she said.

The books were printed and bound at a press in Dexter, Mich. The city ordered 700 copies for the first publication.

Elkins bought the very first. Retired English teacher Caroline Marlette bought two - one for her, and a gift for former school principal Terry Turner.

Copies are available for sale at the depot museum, the Zephyrhills Library or City Hall, or they can be bought online from University of Tampa Press. The price is $32.05.

Reporter Laura Kinsler can be reached at (813) 779-4617.

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