News from March 29, 2007 issue

Local News
The Crittenden Press (3 pages) PDF
(Selected pages 1A, 5A, 8A)
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Underdown honored at book signing
As an historian, Brenda Underdown certainly knows the origin of the word laureate. Now, it’s part of her name.
Underdown, a local author, historian and genealogist, was officially proclaimed historian laureate of Marion and Crittenden County Saturday. The special recognition was bestowed by Crittenden County Judge-Executive Fred Brown and Marion Mayor Mickey Alexander during a book signing event and reception for Underdown at the Crittenden County Public Library.
The term laureate has often been used to to acknowledge special recognition in a particular field. Dr. Thomas D. Clark was Kentucky’s historian laureate and Robert Frost was U.S poet laureate during his lifetime. It is derived from the root word laurel, as to place a laurel or wreath onto the head of someone for special recognition.
Underdown’s ordination will be officially ratified during the next meetings of city and county governments.
“Brenda is a treasure and has done so much to promote and preserve our historic heritage,” said Judge Brown. “It is an honor to be part of recognizing her.”
Underdown’s book Forgotten Passages sold out Saturday during the book signing although it has been in print for a few months.
Underdown has already ordered copies of her books three times. The hardbound edition is the first in a planned series based on her articles that are published weekly in The Crittenden Press. The current book includes articles from 2003 to 2005.
About 70 people attended the reception and book signing Saturday.
Underdown is also instrumental in many other community organizations. She serves on the library board, historical society board and genealogical society board. She has spearheaded an effort to restore the old Marion City Cemetery on Gum Street.

Proclamation & Resolution
Whereas Brenda Underdown is an author, historian and genealogist in Marion, Crittenden County, Kentucky, and;
Whereas Brenda Underdown has done much to preserve the history of said community through her books, newspaper articles and research, and;
Whereas Brenda Underdown’s tireless efforts to save and secure historic treasurers through her work with the local museum is and will continue being a consequential task, and;
Whereas Brenda Underdown has spearheaded an effort to reclaim and restore the historic Marion City Cemetery, and;
Whereas Brenda Underdown has given of her time, energy and resources to save for posterity many items, stories and photographs of great historic significance;
Be it resolved and noted to all men here today that the powers that be in Crittenden County, Kentucky have established and ordained Brenda Underdown as Historian Laureate of Marion and Crittenden County, Kentucky