This book is dedicated to all children, recognizing in particular, the students educated at St. Peter's Lutheran School in Columbus, Indiana. Their request for stories about the author's childhood memories have inspired the publication of this book. May this work, of historical fiction, bring a spark of inspiration to all who take time to scan its pages.

I wish to thank my sisters and brothers for their input and verification of the experiences recorded on these pages. Furthermore, I am indebted to my parents, who by persisting in faith, triumphed over their trials and hardships, when hope was dim and times were difficult. Many thanks to Charlotte Pardieck, Shirley Duncan and Helen Mellencamp for their proofreading assistance and editing suggestions. I would like to give special thanks to my wife, Kathy, for her encouraging words, and for editing the final manuscript. All thanks and praise to Jesus, my Lord and Savior, who has made this completed work possible.

Paul Eisenbraun