Thanks for the Memories Longtime residents as well as newcomers to Crown Point have a new tool to help them learn a little more about the area’s rich history. A book focusing on Crown Point and titled Treasured Memories hit the shelves in December 2005 to a hot reception. “People keep telling me that they started reading the book and just couldn’t put it down,” says Alda M. Vellutini, who served as chairwoman of the book project committee. A true collaboration of former and current residents, city and school officials, and community groups, the book includes local residents’ stories, family tales and photographs. At 226 pages, the hardcover Treasured Memories is being hailed as the best representation to date of Crown Point’s past and present. It’s filled with detailed histories of famous buildings, including the old courthouse, and profiles of interesting residents, such as astronaut Col. Jerry Ross and the Vellutini family. Alda Vellutini’s father and mother, Ovidio and Lina, came here from Italy about 90 years ago and operated restaurants in Crown Point for many years. Alda has been involved with local government for about 40 years, and her sister, Iole, is a retired local schoolteacher. “I’ve always been interested in Crown Point history, and this was a way to bring it all together,” Alda says. “This is especially useful for young people to read and see how the town has grown and understand that some of our businesses have been operational for multiple generations. It’s a wonderful city.” Treasured Memories is sold at several businesses on the square and at City Hall. Story by Kari K. Ridge

Photo by Brian McCord

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