Third Thursday Features Book Author

A special treat is in store for those who remember when during World War II many young British airmen trained in Oklahoma at schools in Ponca City and in nearby Miami.Now Paula K. Denson of Ponca City has authored a book which preserves the history of these schools, the young men who trained there, and the Oklahomans who made them part of their lives.

Denson will be the speaker at Third Thurday at 12 noon April 19 at the Grove Public Library.Third Thursday welcomes everyone to come and enjoy the experience. Attendees are invited to bring a brown bag lunch. "The Royal Air Force In Oklahoma" tells the history of Oklahoma's two secret British Flying Training Schools. It is a comprehensive, well-documented social commentary detailing and illustrating the heritage of the two schools. The publisher is the Oklahoma Heritage Association.The book has hundreds of photographs the author sought out.

"I suppose it was blind luck that I attended an estate auction in 1997 and came away with a $2 shoebox full of old letters. They were postmarked from various locations in Great Britain during the years 1942 throuogh 1947. I decided to learn more about the authors of these letters," Denson said. So began her search for the history of the RAF in Oklahoma.

"I have met some of the writers and their family members and established friendships all over the world. What a thrill to meet some real heroes," Denson said. Denson previously was responsible for founding the North Central Oklahoma Historical Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of her county. The result was a two-volume, national award-winning history, "North Central Oklahoma: Rooted in the Past, Growing for the Future."

Copies of the book will be available to buy and have autographed. Third Thurday is sponsored by Friends of the Grove Public Library and the Grove Public Library.Everyone is welcome. Desert and drinks are provided.