The Altus Centennial Memorial Committee has a few remaining copies of the Book of Remembrance, a coffee-table size keepsake containing more than 100 family stories with photographs of Southwest Oklahoma pioneers.

Each donor to the construction of the Centennial Memorial Center in the Altus City Cemetery received an opportunity to include a family history in the 248-page hardcover book, published by Historical Publishing Network of San Antonio, Texas. According to the Rev. James Mahan, chairman of the Centennial Memorial Committee, “My copy is on the coffee table and we’re really proud of it. I think it is very well done.”

The committee is still accepting donations, and each contribution entitles the donor to a family history written by the committee for publication in the Altus Times. Funds are still needed for a number of items under consideration for the interior of the Memorial Center: a granite Pioneer Table for a focal point in the west end of the Memorial Center; a plaque listing the names of contributors to the construction of the Centennial Memorial for placement inside the east entryway; stained-glass inserts for the center’s tempered-glass windows; and a security system. The committee is discussing the addition of a second flagpole for the exterior. A recent donation covers the cost of a sound system. Landscaping, perimeter trees and driveways are installed.

The Centennial Memorial Committee--after successfully completing the charge by the Altus City Council to build a memorial to the area’s pioneers for the 2007 Oklahoma Centennial--recently turned the 1,800-square-foot stone building and grounds over to the city. The committee met for more than five years to accomplish the project and continues in an advisory capacity to the city council for matters concerning the memorial.

The book sells for $75, plus $5 postage if mailed. Contact Altus City Hall at 481-2202 or write to Altus City Hall, 220 E. Commerce, Altus, Okla., to purchase a book.