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Local author signs new book on Peter the Great

Dec. 6, 2006

KALAMAZOO--Local author Terry Motycka will be on hand to sign copies of her first book, "The Life and Legacy of Peter the Great: Famous Trotting Sire From Kalamazoo," from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, in the Oaklands at Western Michigan University.

The free, public event will highlight Peter the Great, the best known tenant of the Oaklands horse farm on what today makes up much of the University's West Campus.

Born and raised in 1895 on the Oaklands estate, Peter changed harness racing across the country, setting records that still stand today and siring numerous notable offspring. He is honored in three halls of fame and immortalized in two monuments, one at the Oaklands.

Motycka's 140-page book was self-published by Roxy Publishing earlier this year. It is an easy-to-read, full account of the life of Peter The Great. The work contains many fascinating facts about world famous race horse that have never before been gathered together in one place. It also features more than 43 vintage photographs, some of which will be on display at the signing.

The book signing is being co-sponsored by Auxiliary Enterprises at WMU. Auxiliary Enterprises manages the Oaklands homestead, a 23-room Italianate villa built 1869, as a University guest house that is available for rental by faculty and staff for weddings and other special events.

"The Life and Legacy of Peter the Great" sells for $17.95 and may be purchased online or at the WMU Bookstore. Copies also may be checked out from WMU's Waldo Library and the Portage District Library.

Media contact: Jeanne Baron, (269) 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu

WMU News
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