LIVING MEMORIES: A Memoir is about one of the intrepid pioneers that helped build Orange County, California into what it is today. Born in 1878 in Irving, Kansas, Nellie Gail began life amid hardship that would be met by her remarkable resilience. After surviving a cyclone, Nellie and her family traveled across Kansas in a covered wagon and lived in a humble sod house on the prairie. After the devastating loss of her mother and sister to illness, Nellie stepped up to support her family while her father chased one risky venture after another, narrowly avoiding ruin each time.

Nellie eventually met and married Lewis Moulton, finding not only a partner in life but in work. Together, they raised two daughters who would follow in their parents’ footsteps as skilled cattlewomen. When Lewis passed away, Nellie did more than inherit the family’s thriving ranch; she took charge of its operations herself, continuing the legacy they had built.

Her story, captured in her own words, is one of courage, perseverance, and an unyielding pioneer spirit. Complemented by some truly remarkable historic photographs, the book gives insight into American history with a freshness that can only inspire contemporary readers—whether she is discussing how to run a ranch or her views on painting. One dramatic image finds her up on a rock, painting Niagara Falls.

The book’s key strength is that Moulton is an engaging narrator. Written when she was eighty-eight, the prose style is a beguiling blend of wry humor and exacting detail. As she writes: “I dwell, ponder upon the fast and furious changes within the span of years since my birth, and the kaleidoscope becomes all the more incredible.” And it is indeed an incredible story. Skillfully edited by Scott Barnes, Moulton’s great-grandson, and with the addition of carefully considered footnotes that explain key facts without overshadowing the main text, LIVING MEMORIES is accessible living history. With such a fine eye for detail, Moulton’s recollections bring events to life, including a visit to the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago and a ride on the first-ever Ferris wheel: “It was both thrilling and frightening rolling to the top, the winds from Lake Michigan whipping around you.”

For those who know Orange County well, the book is an essential read—though people from anywhere will find a great deal to enjoy here.

Many family memoirs hold little to engage a more general readership, but LIVING MEMORIES: A Memoir stands apart. Nellie Gail Moulton proves to be an astute observer with a winning prose style. This slim volume is also pleasingly designed, with thorough referencing included and a wonderful selection of period photographs.

~ Kent Lane for IndieReader