INDIANOLA — Scott Trueb is only 22 years old but already has plenty of memories of his time as an Indianola resident.
And he’s sure there are others with their own recollections of spending time on the famous beach, at the “downtown” store or just hanging out in the neighborhood with friends. Trueb is hoping to capture some of these stories and publish them in a book, with proceeds going to the Indianola Beach Improvement Club.
However, the first step is actually getting the stories.
“I have a great time being in Indianola and I have great stories and I want some people to share their stories,” he said, noting the anecdotes can also come from visitors who had a noteworthy experience while in the quaint community.
While there are two books already about Indianola, primarily citing the history of the area, Trueb said his book will be different because it will have stories about the town as told by the residents themselves.
“This is more about what it’s like here,” he said.
The idea for the book was inspired after he was hanging out with his friends last year and recalling some of their favorite moments in the neighborhood.
“There should be a book on all these stories,” Trueb recalls one of his friends commenting. “I was thinking of ways we could make this.”
He kicked off the effort last December by placing a box decorated with pictures of Indianola on the fireplace mantel at the Indianola Country Store. A letter accompanies the box, requesting people to insert written copies of their narratives. So far, Trueb has only received confirmations from folks who said they are planning to turn in their own recollections, but Trueb would like to see his box fill up.
“I have stories in the works from people who have lived here for a long time,” he said. “I have a great story to put in there, but it’s only one.”
Trueb said he also expects there will be poems and short and long stories in the book. He is requesting pictures that could be included as well.
Submissions can be mailed to Scott Trueb, P.O. Box 279, Indianola, WA 98342 or dropped off in the box at the store.
