Charles Layne

Memories of a Beaverdam Boy Charles Layne

This book is my autobiography. My target readers are my family and my progeny. Over the years I have regretted not talking to my grandparents more about their lives and their parents and grandparents. I hope this book fills that void for my progeny. I have written it, too, for my friends and for my neighbors in Beaverdam who have often asked me about the history and events in Beaverdam that I have witnessed and heard from the "old folks" that I knew. An autobiography must pass through a very strong filter. It is an inherent part of the process. Winston Churchill has been quoted as saying, "History will be kind to me. I know because I intend to write it." The strongest filter I have applied is neglecting most of the interactions between myself and my family, my wife and children. I have left those parts out because they know them. Otherwise, I have strived to make the material interesting to read and coherent within the confines of a life. I have also sought to revel myself and depict my life journey from an isolated farm to some exotic career and international travel activities.