Pawleys author ‘thrills’ A Father’s Place staff with book dedication
Proceeds to benefit local dads, children
PAWLEYS ISLAND – October 4, 2020 -- “Treasure your memories,” is the inscription Pawleys Island native – and new author -- Johnny L. Ford signs in his book, “McKenzie Beach Memories.” How fitting, because the book captures Ford’s recollections of one particularly eventful summer as a boy staying at what was once the only beach resort where blacks were welcomed in the low country.
The captivating story is made even more so by the beautiful artwork of Natalie Daise. The words and imagery combine to whisk you right onto the scorching white sand with young Johnny and bear witness to the life-changing events of his 9th summer in the early 1950s. The book, billed as a “children’s story for adults, too” is part autobiography and part history lesson, with a little whimsy, sprinkled in for good measure.
After reading the book, the dedication to A Father’s Place is not surprising. It is, however, thrilling for CEO Wallace Evans, Jr. and the A Father’s Place staff, which includes Ford’s son and namesake.
“Writing any book is no small feat, but especially one that shares personal experiences,” Evans said. “It’s something most of us probably think about doing every now and then, but never actually do. Mr. Ford did it. And I love the way the story is told, the way he joyfully shares what life was like in an era gone by. It is both charming and educational. It’s an incredible honor for A Father’s Place to be included in Mr. Ford’s dedication, and for him and his family to donate the proceeds of every copy sold.”
Appropriate for children of all ages, the book may be purchased for $20 by emailing JohnnyFord@AFathersPlace.org. Purchase price includes the inscription, postage, and handling.
About the author:
Johnny L. Ford, a U.S. veteran, proudly remains a Pawleys Island resident today, where he and his wife, Vera, raised two sons. Mr. Ford told the story to the educator, author, TV personality, and advocate, Ron Daise.
About the illustrator:
Natalie Daise is an award-winning artist. She is also an actress, known for Gullah, Gullah Island (1994), Tales of the American South (2019), and Hilton Head Island: A Television History (1996). She has been married to Ron Daise since November 1985. They have two children and have called Pawleys Island home for decades.
About A Father’s Place:
A Father’s Place (AFP) is a locally unique, father-focused, non-profit serving men in Horry, Georgetown, Marion, and Williamsburg counties. AFP is part of a network of six fatherhood engagement initiatives across the state under the auspices of the South Carolina Center for Fathers and Families. The program serves as a national model and is renowned for its goal-oriented curriculum with quantifiable results. A Father’s Place has offices in Conway, Myrtle Beach, and Georgetown and has served local families for 20-plus years.
A Father’s Place / 1800 Racepath Ave, Conway, SC 29527 / Ph: 843.488.2923 / Fax: 843.248.2924
