Traveling Through Time With the Shelby County Historical Society
Feature Article on Lois Lenski. Topic: WOMEN & PEOPLE
Written by Marguerite Mittermaier Ressler in April, 2000

RETURN TO SKIPPING VILLAGE - ANNA, OHIO
"Childhood is a preparation for life. It is my hope that the books I have written have enriched the lives of children." So wrote Lois Lenski, gifted author and illustrator of children’s books. She drew heavily on her own childhood and family life in Anna, Ohio, to write her first creative work. Over the years, I have developed a deep interest in Lois and the Lenski family. Like her, I grew up in Anna and can relate to her background and experiences through my own.

Richard Charles Henry Lenski, the father of Lois, studied for the ministry at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. Later upon earning his Doctor of Divinity degree, he became dean of the seminary. He was a brilliant man whose personal magnetism brought him early recognition. He wrote numerous religious books and commentaries. He also possessed innovative talents, abilities, and hobbies. It was known that he undertook every task with intensity and thoroughness both in his ministry and personal life. Strict adherence to a schedule was his credo. Even as a pastor he found time for his photography hobby and took all the pictures for the church and events in the lives of parishioners.

skippingvillagebyloislenski.jpg (77914 bytes)

Skipping Village was one of Lois Lenski’s most popular books and one of special attachment to the Shelby County, Ohio community. It is closely based on Lenski’s growing up years in Anna and contains many references of unmistakable origin. Architectural style of the homes on this book cover mimics that of Anna homes, particularly the Lutheran parsonage pictured on the next page. To those who have read the book, Skipping Village is Anna, or at least what Anna was 100 years ago.

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