Black Draught, Coal Oil, and Sassafras Tea: Stories from the Past: Some Humorous, Some Enlightening, All Taken from Life

Some who read this book will think the stories are far-fetched exaggerations, others will find them just amusing stories and then there will be those who will read them with nostalgia—recalling such times in their own lives. They are all hopefully true, all experienced by members of the family of William Squire and Claire Ray. There are four generations involved in these stories and there are generations following me who will have no idea that their ancestors had experienced such an existence. The home place that is talked about in these stories is still in the family and we still have family reunions there yearly. Yet there are many in the family who have never been there and have no concept of their heritage. I am sure you have similar experiences in your families. It is my hope that these stories will kindle a keener awareness of family heritage, both in my family and in yours. If it does, then this labor of love will have been well worth the effort. Enjoy.