At a book launch event on December 11, Weyburn's own Jim Nedelcov unveiled his second self-published piece of literature. Titled, "Weyburn Memories: Recollections & Reflections of an Old-timer" it's a collection and a historical look back at Weyburn and some of the stories that shaped it. 

Nedelcov first published a book in 2000 called, "Weyburn Quiz: What Do You Know About Weyburn?" and has been slowly chipping away at his latest project for a number of years. 

"As any book, there's lots of time that goes into it. I've been working on it for about 15 years off and on," Nedelcov said. "There was a period of time that I didn't work, but you had to be fired up to do work on a book."

The former teacher used a lot of his own knowledge, but also used some stories he heard from other amateur historians in Weyburn. Records and tales date back to the early 1900s and feature pages of interesting details about weather, sports, business and life in Weyburn over the years. 

Nedelcov believes it's important to understand the roots and history of your city. He wants people to learn about where they're from.

"You have to know. I believe knowledge should begin at home and then you can expand. But if you don't know anything about where you are, how can you expand your visions?"

Although his book is self-published, Nedelov admitted he "had lots of help". His brother, Ed, edited the book for him and was also in attendance at the book launch. The local author assured everything in his book is 100% true. No stories are fabricated or exaggerated.

"Everything is true, there's nothing fake about this. There is no fake news in this book," Nedelcov said with a laugh.

Writing a small history novel on Weyburn's past is no easy feat. It was a big undertaking that Nedelcov envisioned a few years back. Much like the Opportunity City, the book had humble beginnings.

"It all started with Art Wallace and I — a friend of mine from the museum. We used to put on 'Weyburn Evenings'. I'd start off with a story and then just like people telling jokes, he'd think of something and say his bit. It went back-and-forth and on like that," Nedelcov explained. "The book, of course, is along that same format. It's a unique type of book people will find."

Copies of the new book are being sold for $15. It would make a great Christmas present for any history buffs on your list. Nedelcov said he takes orders over the phone and will deliver free anywhere in Weyburn. 

As far as for the author, he doesn't have one favourite story that stands out. 

"Not one particular story, but there are many stories that I think people will enjoy. I enjoy them very much so."

 

A great turnout of roughly 50 people came to Nedelcov's book launch. (photo by Austin Arvay)