Hottest local summer read comes from a Senoia legend
Ellis Crook signs his new book in Senoia. Photo by John Thompson.
It was a book nearly 90 years in the making.
"Senoia Boy," penned by Senoia businessman Ellis Crook with help from writer Angela McRae, tells the story of the eastern Coweta town as it went from boom to bust to boom. Crook is a first-hand witness for many of the events that helped transform the former railroad town to a small city that is equal parts Hollywood and quintessential Southern small town.
The businessman who believed in Senoia when few people did recounts his life and some of the colorful characters that helped weave the tapestry of the town.
On Aug. 13, Crook was greeted by a large and eager crowd to get an autographed first edition of the book. The gathering at the city's senior center had the flavor an old-fashioned homecoming, except for the face masks that adorned nearly every face in the time of COVID-19.
As Crook autographed more than 100 books, the familiar smile and twinkle in his eye lit up the room, and everyone was made to feel welcome in his unique style. From working in a "cotton patch" to building the city's first grocery store, Crook has built a legacy that is forever entrenched in the city's history.
"Senoia Boy" sold out of its first printing and will be available at the Senoia Area Historical Society on Couch Street from 1-4 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays starting Aug. 30. It is available on Amazon in Kindle form and will soon be in paperback. The final Crook touch is that all proceeds from the book go to the historical society. Ellis Crook wouldn't have it another way.
Published August 19, 2020 By Fayette News
Categorized as Community, Coweta, News, Senoia, Top Stories
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