Student publishes book highlighting hometown

Add author to Austin Frederick's résumé. Frederick, the vice president of the history club on campus and just barely 21 years old, recently published a book chronicling a full history of the small town of Markesan, Wisc.

Growing up in Markesan, "Images of America: Markesan" was a familiar adventure to Frederick, allowing him to see where the roots of his hometown went.

"I've always been interested in the history of where I grew up … so I took it upon myself to undertake the project," Frederick said.

During the 2011 fall interim, Frederick began his research to introduce this new induction of "Images of America," a series by the historically conscious Arcadia Publishing.

Arcadia is best known for its "Images of America" series, but have others as well ("Images of Rail," "Images of Sports," "Scenes of America" and "Then & Now").

"We have [published] over 7,500 titles of communities, towns and cities across the country," Arcadia's Leigh Scott said.

Arcadia enjoys working with student writers.

"We've published student writers who are enthusiastic and passionate about their local history," Scott said.

Frederick is no exception. Balancing school, work and his recent engagement added a lot to Frederick's plate, but his curiousity about Markesan proved to make the project a success.

The book is comprised of images found in many cardboard boxes at the Markesan Historical Society. Frederick dusted off 200 historical photographs, researched each individually and organized them into different categories to make each chapter.

"It was like putting a big puzzle together," Frederick said. "Some days you'd be sitting there trying to figure out one picture, then you'll find something when you least expect it."

Gale Schultz, vice president of the Markesan Historical Society, handed the keys over to Frederick to gain access to the photos. Schultz, along with the other board of directors at the historical society, were enthusiastic to work with Frederick.

"You go to meetings and these things come up and people think it's a good idea but nobody wants to put in the time," Schultz said. "It's hard to find people to do things that's that labor intensive."

The level of detail in this chronicle of Markesan is staggering for someone of Frederick's age. He has a strong passion towards history and, with his book, has proven that he knows how to rediscover intriguing stories of past lives.

"Not everyone just grows up, graduates from school and moves out," Frederick said. "There are people who appreciate where they're from."

The future looks bright for Frederick. He published his first book, he'll be graduating next spring and he will be married next June. "Images of America: Markesan" should be used as a symbol for the level of talent he has in his field.

"Austin has been wonderful to work with, he is a professional and his love for Markesan is obvious," Scott said.

When asked what his dream job is, Frederick said "Does being Indiana Jones count?" If he's ever given a project big enough and purchases a fedora and whip, maybe he'll get a chance.

Frederick will be doing a book signing March 13 at 7 p.m. at the Markesan Historical Society.

"Markesan," $21.99, Arcadia Publishing, available at local retailers, online bookstores or through Arcadia Publishing at www.arcadiapublishing.com or (888) 313-2665.