GREENVILLE – “Things were pretty much like they are today. Reading reports of Lincoln’s Inaugural journey in papers of that time, the stories were about taxes and political disagreements,” said author Scott Trostel during his recent presentation regarding the Lincoln Inaugural Train. 
    Trostel, from the Fletcher area, is a nationally known Lincoln authority and has been consulted by such entities as The History Channel when details on Lincoln need verified.
    The Darke County Republican Men’s Club and the Darke County Republican Women’s Club sponsored a reception for Trostel recently at the Activity Center of the First Congregational Christian Church.  Trostel spoke extensively about Lincoln’s journey from Springfield through Ohio, Pennsylvania and Maryland to his final arrival in Washington, D.C. He detailed LIncoln’s speaking arrangements, interaction with the public, lodging, dining and security arrangements.
    Trostel related some of the humorous events that occurred (someone blasting the front of the eating establishment with a ceremonial canon discharge) to several serious attempts upon the life of the President to be.
    “Our club views this as a chance to provide a public service to our community,” stated Sally Zeiter, president of the Darke County Republican Women’s Club, “we are so happy to be able to do it.”
    “This was just a great opportunity to bring a well known author to Greenville to talk about one of our more popular Presidents, Abraham Lincoln,” said Hershel Fee, president of the Darke County Republican Men’s Club.
    Trostel’s two books, “The Lincoln Inaugural Train” and “The Lincoln Funeral Train” were for sale and included signing by the author. 
    An upcoming book will soon be released covering the great flood of 1913 and how it affected the “northern” six counties (those north of Montgomery). In response to questions from the audience, Trostel spoke briefly about some of the happenings in Darke County at the time of that flood. Pre-sale of the book was available.
    Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments were provided for the event and a door prize was given away.