Steve Lent’s New Book Launch - July 18th, 6 p.m.

Prineville: Past & Present, the latest book by local historian emeritus Steve Lent, offers a fascinating visual journey through the history of Prineville, Oregon. This new photo history book, published by Acadia, showcases a collection of historic and contemporary photographs that reveal the evolution of the town's landmarks.

The inspiration for the book came when Acadia approached Lent with the idea of creating a photo history. Lent, who has long served the Bowman Museum, was immediately intrigued by the concept. His interest was further piqued by frequent requests from museum visitors who often inquired about the historical appearances of various local landmarks.

Though this isn’t Lent’s first foray into creating a Prineville-specific picture book, he approached this project with a fresh perspective. Determined to uncover and share previously unpublished photographs, Lent meticulously selected images that capture the essence of Prineville’s rich history. Among the featured landmarks is the Crook County Courthouse, with a historic photo revealing an east-facing staircase that has since been removed. Another intriguing set of photos shows the transformation of a hill that once stood west of North Main Street, which was leveled to make way for a mill site now occupied by Endura Products.

The creation of Prineville: Past & Present was a comprehensive endeavor. Over the course of a year, Lent dedicated himself to compiling historic photographs, conducting research, capturing present-day images, and writing detailed explanations for each photo pair. His dedication and passion for the project are evident in every page.

“It was a labor of love,” Lent reflects on the process.

The result of this labor will soon be available to the public. Prineville: Past & Present is set to hit the shelves at the Bowman Museum, where history enthusiasts can delve into the town's visual past and present. To celebrate the release of the book, Lent will host a book signing event at the museum on July 18 at 6 p.m. This event promises to be a special occasion for the community to connect with Lent and learn more about Prineville’s storied history.

Steve Lent’s Prineville: Past & Present not only preserves the historical essence of the town but also provides a valuable resource for anyone interested in the evolution of its landmarks. This book is a testament to Lent’s dedication to historical preservation and his love for Prineville, making it a must-read for residents and history buffs alike.