Dave Dwiggins has written a new book named LOWRY STATION, a story about Orestes and the northern part of Madison County from 1871 to 1876. Lowry Switch or Lowry Station are the names used at the crossroad prior to being named Orestes.

The story centers around Nathan Lowry and his dealings with the La Fayette Muncie and Bloomington Railroad as it cut a path through Alexandria and across Monroe Township. The book also describes the north-south railway in Alex, the Cincinnati Wabash & Michigan. Also in the book are early township settlers and pioneers including: Micajah Chamness (the son), James and Elizabeth Ellis, Isaac and Paralee Goodman, Jane and Leroy Young, William Young, Enoch Reavis, Jim and Mattie Russell, Rev John Forrest of Forrestville, Sam Harden, Peter Schwinn, Lewis Carver, Anderson and Lydia Gordon, Jacob Little, Noah Brown, John Moyer, George Moyer and others. Nathan and friends travel the Pipe Creek and Lily Creek valleys as they keep an eye on matters on the railway and matters in the area. The Old Settler's Meeting in Alexandria in 1873 is one of the events in the book. To tell more would be too revealing. You'll love the ending!

Dave has also made his ORESTES HISTORY available on CD. The CD is full of Monroe Twp history, stories, documents, photographs, obituaries and other information. Since he is now residing in the Philippines the CD's are somewhat limited. Dave and his wife have the honor of being marshals of the Oak Tree Festival Parade and will have the CD's available at the festival on Friday the 18th and Saturday the 19th. I have already read the book and if you love local history you will love this. The Lowry Switch CD is $8 and the entire Orestes and townshp history is $10. He hopes to see everyone soon.