Helen G. Huttenhauer had such an appreciation for her hometown and described it so vividly from its infancy to modern day, the Moore County Historical Society felt compelled to reprint her book, "Young Southern Pines."

In warm detail, she tells of Squire Shaw's belief there was a dramatic future ahead for the "Pine Barrens." She describes the characters who inhabited the area, citing family feuds and hard times endured.

She praises the visionaries who contributed to the shaping of the young town's future, and their ultimate success in establishing its uniqueness.

As she traces its history, she notes the coming of the railroad, the development of the tar, pitch and turpentine industries, and the business acumen of John Patrick in proclaiming the area a health resort for respiratory ailments.

Government was established, businesses developed, and residences, schools, churches and hotels built. Southern Pines was well on its way to becoming a tourist mecca, with horseback riding, buggy excursions, musicales and drama offered for entertainment.

Hers is not a dry portrayal of history, but rather an exciting recounting of the birth and endurance of a new town.

She speaks eloquently of the blending of the North and the South and of how the sandy soil became home to Northerners who melded their distinct personalities into the Southern ones here.

"It's very inception was unique," she writes, "a southern gentleman founding a town for Yankees on southern soil."

And today, Southern Pines is noted for the wonderful blend of down-home atmosphere with the cosmopolitan flavor contributed by newcomers who came from all over, found it good, and called it home.

Told with deep feeling and a propensity for detail, "Young Southern Pines" is nostalgic and compulsively readable. It is a masterpiece of history and humor.

The book was recently released at the Moore County Historical Association's 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee and 46th Annual Antiques Show and Sale.

It was also the subject of a special program presented by long-time resident, Norris Hodgkins, which was held on Nov. 12 at the Southern Pines Civic Club. The program was standing room only, with over 100 people attending the one-hour pictorial program.

The book is 240 pages and contains over 110 photographs and illustrations of the town when it was "young."

It lists for $19.95 and is available at all local bookstores, including The Country Bookshop, Walden Books, Midland Crafters and the bookshop at the Shaw House. It may also be ordered online at www.morehistory.com.

Photographs from the book will be on display at the Southern Pines Planning and Water Billing Department on Broad Street (former Southern Pines Library) next to the Post Office.

The display is a special annual exhibit sponsored by the Moore County Historical Association.