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Friday, June 11, 2010

Local Author, Ruth Bell Gauger, Publishes Book On Historical Era in Jackson County

Book Signing Set at Library in Marinna on June 18

Ruth Bell Gauger was raised in Jackson County, near Neal’s Landing.  Her maiden name was Ruth Bell, which is how she was known when she graduated from Malone High.  She was later known as Ruth Hornsby, prior to the death of her first husband, and subsequent remarriage.  Ruth retired from a career with the State of Florida as a Judicial Assistant in 1990.  She has recently published a book which tells of her childhood memories in Jackson County.    
The title of her new book is “Jimmy and Jessie, Above the Crowd” . It seems that her parents were close friends to “Jimmie and Jessie” two performers with the “Mighty Haag Show”, a traveling show which toured the nation each year, and then wintered in Marianna during the era of the 1920’s and 1930’s.  Ruth fondly remembers her childhood experiences with these nationally known performers. 
It seems that the performers, Jimmie and Jessie, returned to Jackson County after they retired from show business.  They bought a 180 acre farm near Bascom where they lived until Jessie died in 1968, and Jimmy died in 1978. 
The story is rich with the flavor of Jackson County in the early 1900’s, and is a must read for area historians.  Ruth will hold a book signing at the Jackson County Library in Marianna on Friday, June 18 from noon until 3:00 PM.  The book sells for $10.00.  She looks forward to seeing many of her old friends.

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