Stories from the Heartland is the title of a book authored by Max Armstrong (WGN, Chicago, IL). “I like to say that it is my story of thanksgiving...deep appreciation for the people with whom I have worked and others I have been able to meet while originating broadcasts from every state in America and some 35 different nations. It is also a story of profound appreciation for the family and community in which I grew up.” He notes, “One of my favorite stories is about the Indiana farmer, who despite being paralyzed from his shoulders down in a fall more than 25 years ago, has not only continued to farm but has watched his farm grow and thrive. His story was so good at the time that Paul Harvey picked up my report and quoted me. But if Paul could see this farmer today, he'd love sharing ‘The rest of the story.’ Some others deserved their own chapters I felt. I wrote about former Secretary Clayton Yeutter, as well as Edward Telling, the former CEO of Sears, who lived down the street from us after he retired. And, of course, there are also stories and pictures of tractors.” 

 

Cutline from the book for photo at right: “No, officer, you don’t need to get your ticket book.  I just took a wrong turn at Princeton.  The next sign I saw said ‘Dan Ryan Expressway’. Yes sir, I know I can’t stay parked in front of the Wrigley Building. Is there anything I can do to convince you to not write me a ticket? Of course, sir, come on up!”

Max includes this photo of the 1862 Commissioner of Agriculture Report. The book was given to him by a corporate executive who was a WGN listener. “That was an important year for USDA, you may recall. With Lincoln's name embossed on the cover, it was appraised by a Lincoln book expert and described as Lincoln's personal copy of the Yearbook of Agriculture. The book is now in the Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield, IL.”

If you wish to acquire a copy of Max Armstrong’s book, it can be ordered from www.Amazon.com or obtained through the website: www.maxarmstrongbook.com.