The Mercer Logs: Pioneer Times on Mustang Island

1st edition of The Mercer Logs: Pioneer Times on Mustang Island

 The Robert Mercer family kept a diary while living on Mustang Island from 1866 through 1877.  Called the Mercer Logs, this remarkable collection consisting of thousands of daily entries is the only known record of life and times on 19th century Mustang Island.

Having worked closely with the logs, local historian Guthrie Ford wanted others interested in Mustang Island history to have an opportunity to read them. The problem was that publication of the thousands of entries was not realistic, so Ford selected a sample of about 240 logs. He chose the logs based on their historical merit, the history they told, or their human interest value.  Many of the entries speak of the day to day life on Mustang Island.

After approval by the PAPHA Board, The Mercer Logs: Pioneer Times on Mustang Island was published. In addition to the logs, the book contains historical contexts written by Ford along with 28 photographs, maps, and images pertinent to the period when the Mercer Logs were written.

The edition is limited to 251 with one particularly special copy. This book, Number 1, is leather bound with gold embossing, signed by the author, and accompanied by a handsome wood presentation case.  This book will be the pièce de résistance of the annual Port Aransas Museum Auction & Dinner to be held on March 3rd.  Be sure to attend this grand affair and have the chance to own a unique and wonderful work on the history of Mustang Island.