Event Recap and Exclusive Interview with local author Joanie Ward Smith
"Whatever Happened to Uncle Henry?"
Joanie Ward Smith said she wanted to give Henry his rightful place in the family and discover the truth around the speculation in her new book, “Whatever Happened to Uncle Henry: The Strange Truth Uncovered.” Smith recently held her book launch and signing event at Sloane Square Gallery on 14th Street West, Huntington WV. Many friends and fans came to the event to purchase a book and have a meet and greet with Smith herself. Sloane Square Gallery hosted a lovely event with the addition of goodies and snacks.Smith's Passion to Uncover the Truth and Tell a Story
In an exclusive interview, Smith expressed that her passion to tell a story and share her gathered information is what inspired her to become an author. Her interest in genealogy and history, and drive to uncover the truth, led her to her newest book, “Whatever Happened to Uncle Henry.”
“A family member had written a history of the family based on oral stories,” Smith said. “This was before the internet and he couldn't verify any of the stories. I was curious and wanted to know more and wanted to find the truth. I used Ancestry.com., Newspapers.com and some helpful people in government offices in Montana, North Dakota and Texas. The newspaper articles were very helpful.”Who is Uncle Henry?
Smith said Henry Polan is a part of a large, well-known family in Huntington, Charleston, and Lewisburg. “Henry is a timeless story of getting knocked down, reinventing yourself when necessary, and never giving up,” she said. She also said Henry always seemed to have a plan. She added, “His homesteaded in North Dakota reinvented himself as a gambler and cattleman, and there is a secret about his clothing that I won’t reveal.”
More About Smith
Joanie Ward Smith is a native of the Huntington community. She is a Huntington High School graduate, who attended Duquesne University and later graduated from Marshall University. She also attended the University of Nevada, Reno as a post-graduate student. Smith was in retail management for many years, owned two books stores, an employment agency, and most recently, Bella’s Consignment here in Huntington. She has previously taught Retail and Fashion Merchandising and marketing and business classes. She continues to teach meditation classes. She also has been the retail consultant for both small and large businesses in Huntington and in Reno.
Where to Buy "Whatever Happened to Uncle Henry?: The Strange Truth Uncovered"
Read the rest of the exclusive interview below to learn more about Smith. You can purchase “Whatever Happened to Uncle Henry,” on Amazon, Goodreads, or by coming down to Sloane Square Gallery located at 611 14th Street West, Huntington, WV (while supplies last)!Interview Continued
Q: When was your first book published?
A: October 2021. I've written 6 books. Henry was my 6th.
Q: What are your favorite books to read? Genres? Top favorite book if you have one?
A: I enjoy history books, nonfiction and books on spirituality. So many books have touched my heart and soul. Hard to pick just one. Life and Teachings of the Masters of the Far East, This Thing Called You, books by Joseph Murphy, The Path of Least Resistance, and so many books about Queen Elizabeth I, the Romanov family and a real eye opener was History of Jews in Russia and Poland.
Q: What would you say your genre of writing is?
A: Since I've changed the names of family members to protect the guilty, the slightly naughty, and the innocent, the genre is fiction, but they are based on the truth with lots of embellishments.
Q: What is something you love about Huntington?
A: I lived in a semi-arid area for 23 years and really missed the green trees, grass, flowers, etc. I enjoy my garden. I think Huntington is a beautiful city. I love the size and it's easy to navigate.
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