Elizabeth Lorentzen of Decorah will give a free public presentation about the recently-published book, “Vera Harris’ Old Decorah Houses and Their Stories,” at 7 p.m. Thursday February 10 at Decorah Public Library. 

Compiled and edited by Lorentzen, the book is a first-person account of early Decorah people, the houses and business establishments that they built, and the contributions they made to the town of Decorah. It offers a tantalizing view of an earlier Decorah and a different era than we know today. The book is 140 pages in length with 60 full color photographs, Harris' text, and 95 footnotes that explain and expand upon that text.

Prior to her death, Vera Harris, a well-known character who lived out many of her 95 years in Decorah, gave the manuscript that forms the core of the book to friend and mentee Lorraine Borowski. Borowski shared it with Lorentzen, who then- by happenstance- met relatives of Harris’ who offered to pay for publication. Lorentzen performed additional research and then compiled her own and Harris’ text and photographs into a beautiful book that was published in December 2010.

The book will be available for purchase and signing following Lorentzen’s presentation. All proceeds from the $40 purchase price benefit the work of the Winneshiek County Historic Preservation Commission. 

For more information, contact Decorah Public Library at 563-382-3717.