St. James Hotel Hosts Monthly Book Signings by Regional Authors
Jim Franklin to Sign Our Upper Midwest Heritage
 Sunday, July 22nd from 12 to 2 pm.

Red Wing, MN (July 5, 2007) The St. James Hotel is continuing its successful series of monthly book signings by regional authors throughout 2007 at Clara’s Gifts & Coffee, the courtyard area shop which serves up Starbucks coffee and sells gift items, apparel, magazines and books by local and regional authors.

Author Jim Franklin will sign his newest book Our Upper Midwest Heritage on Sunday, July 22 from 12-2 pm. This is Franklin’s fourth book of the Popcorn Press History Series. The book chronicles the stories of European immigrants and their sojourn to America and the Midwest, circa 1840s and beyond. The book includes over 200 photos and covers rural schools, the building of the railroads and pioneer life in general for the thousands of Norwegians, Swedes, Irish and German immigrants who settled into the Upper Mississippi River Valley and beyond.

Franklin is an accomplished author and historian, who has also written several books on the upper Mississippi and the history of his native Goodhue County. A retired music teacher and band instructor, he presently focuses on creative writing and publishing books on the upper Mississippi. He has also served as editor of Colorado Tennis Magazine and his articles and stories have appeared in the Denver Post, academic journals and national and state magazines.

The St. James book signings will continue in August with author Jacquelyn B. Fletcher signing A Career Girl’s Guide to Becoming a Stepmom on August 25th.

For a complete schedule of book signings and special events, or to make dining or lodging reservations, please contact the St. James Hotel at 651-388-2846.

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NOTE SCHEDULE CHANGE: Jacquelyn Fletcher, previously scheduled for July 28th, will now sign her book on August 25th. Jim Franklin’s signing is a Sunday, July 22nd.