Promise
By Joe Zeni. Zeni’s book describes the exponential changes at the turn of the last century in Western Colorado and in the Balkans (Eastern Europe) during WWI. Well-researched with maps, newspaper articles, and over 200 historical photographs. 6″x9″ Soft cover, 387 pgs. Includes Endnotes, List of Illustrations, Bibliography, and Annotated Index. ISBN: 978-1-7336234-4-5BISAC HIS036140 HISTORY / United States / CO | HIS027090 HISTORY / Wars & Conflicts / World War I
Promise. This is a story of Harold Aupperle, a special young man whose life was filled with promise. It is told in the context of the time and places he experienced—Grand Junction and the Grand Valley—at the turn of the last century. Both were also filled with promise. It was a time of rapid transition and exponential growth. Harold also attended Stanford, then served with the ambulance corps during WWI in the Balkans, where his special talents helped the people transition to a post-wartime economy…offering promise to them as well.
PURCHASE BOOK
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR.
Joe Zeni, a retired educator and historian, is involved with local historical museums and now teaches post-retirement history classes. A third-generation resident of Grand Junction, he enjoys caring for the family orchards in his spare time and participating in the administration of the region’s Special Olympic Games. Zeni became interested in the life and history of Harold Aupperle, whose story is the core of his new book Promise, when neighbors shared their extensive collection of material chronicling the life of a young man, who like his times at the turn of the last century, was filled with Promise. Auppeprle’s impressive legacy was unfulfilled until Zeni wrote this book. Filled with personal photographs, letters, documents, newspaper accounts and articles written by Aupperle, who was a reporter for local papers, it gives a clear picture of an exciting time and is well worth the read.
AUTHOR PRESENTATIONS. Joe will be giving book signings at and speaking on his book.
SIGNINGS
Oct. 7, 2024, Montrose Pavilion.
Nov. 14, 2024. Event Center, Montrose Fairgrounds
Nov. date TBD, 2024. Grand Valley Books
Nov. 16, 2024. Barnes and Noble
TBD Lithic Bookstore, not yet scheduled
TBD Out West Bookstore, not yet scheduled
Nov. 21, 2024. Mesa County Public Library
Nov. 30, 2024. Craft Fair & Book Festival
Dec. 12, 2024. Palisade Historical Society
PRESENTATIONS
Sept. 12th KAFM Interview with Dave Fishell
12:00 pm. KAFM, Grand Junction.
Sept. 16th Whoopin’ it up in Junction!
1 pm. Montrose Senior Center, Montrose Pavilion.
Grand Junction was a popular destination in the early 1900s for exciting entertainment that drew thousands of attendees (most coming by trains) from around the area. Circus, Vaudeville, wrestling, races, aerial extravaganzas, and more. Powerpoint presentation with excerpts from his new book, Promise, by author and historian, Joe Zeni. Published by San Juan Publishing.
Oct. 7th. WWI Ambulance Service in the Balkans.
1 pm. Montrose Senior Center, Montrose Pavilion.
American volunteers risked their lives to save soldiers and help civilians in the Great War. Their courage and accomplishments under terrifying circumstances still draws praise even today. Powerpoint presentation with excerpts from his new book, Promise, by author and historian, Joe Zeni. Published by San Juan Publishing.
Nov. 14th. Agriculture in the Grand Valley and Western Colorado. 1890-1920.
Montrose County Historical Society. Presentation, Book signing
7 pm. Event Center, Montrose Fairgrounds.
Powerpoint presentation with historical photographs and stories from his new book, Promise, by author and historian, Joe Zeni. Published by San Juan Publishing.
Nov. 21st. Mesa County Historical Society Presentation.
Promise: Harold Aupperle and the Grand Valley, Colorado, at the Turn of the 20th Century and World War I.
12 pm. Mesa County Central Library. 443 N.. 6th St., Grand Junction, Colo.
Dec. 12th. Palisade Historical Society.
6 pm. Ordinary Fellow Winery, 202 Peach St., Palisade, Colo.
REVIEWS
Riveting, At the turn of the last century, the United States was experiencing an Industrial Revolution. The American West (and the Grand Valley) was expanding from from frontier towns dependant on agriculture and mining to growing cities whose economies relied on more efficient and stable manufacturing processes. But in Eastern Europe, centuries of fighting for territory and resources had culminated in World War I, causing massive destruction. The Balkans were struggling to survive, then rebuild, while back in the Grand Valley of SW Colorado, economies flourished.
~Paul C. Russell, Historian
Accurate. Promise is Accurate. It is the past as it is best told, through the eyes of those who lived it. You will be taken on a journey to the end, with humor and tears; and find yourself inspired with a greater appreciation for those who came before us.
— Gayle Madden, archivist for The Government High Line Canal, Newspaper Article Archive, 1904-1910.
Vivid. Promise Harold Vincent Aupperle is the man of unfilled “Promise” in the title. Young Aupperle embodies the earnest ambitions of his time attending Stanford University, driving an ambulance in World War I, and serving in the American Red Cross post-wartime. Through his letters home and his friends’ and family members’ remembrances, Aupperle’s experiences emerged vividly in this well-researched telling.
— Laurena Davis, PhD. Assistant Professor of Mass Communication, Colorado Mesa University.
Engaging. Harold Aupperle was a promising young man who made a long-lasting impact on his community, whether in Grand Junction, Stanford, or Serbia.
— Bob Silbernagel, author, Daily Sentinel history columnist
A promise fulfilled. Leaders at home and abroad promised to establish a memorial to Harold but it was a long time coming. Joe’s book completes that promise.
— Garry Brewer, local historian
Insightful. Promise details an incredible and thorough accounting into the life and times of Harold Aupperle and where he lived!
— Priscilla Walker, Palisade Historical Society
Fascinating. Good job, good design, good use of photos. Very well done with excellent research. I even learned some new local history.
— Dave Fishell, historian, author, KAFM radio host