Wayne Loehring

Every small town holds
a thousand stories

Welcome to my hometown of Summerfield, Illinois. This website, like my book, is a place where memories meet history and where the people who built this community are remembered for who they were and what they left behind.

About the Book

A story of home, heritage, and heart

When I started writing Summerfield: A Collective History and Fond Memories, my goal was simple. I wanted to tell the story of the town that raised me. Summerfield is more than a dot on a map. It is a place built on hard work, faith, and connection. The kind of place where neighbors help one another, and everyone remembers where they came from.

This book isn’t just a collection of dates or historical records. It’s the story of real people farmers,
teachers, shop owners, and families who made this town what it is. Through old photographs,
local stories, and community history, I’ve tried to capture the spirit that keeps Summerfield
alive in the hearts of those who’ve called it home.

About Author

My name is Wayne E. Loehring, and I grew up right here in Summerfield. I’ve spent much of my life as a teacher, a storyteller, and someone who never stopped wondering about the people and events that shaped our town.

Writing this book was both a personal journey and a promise kept. I wanted future generations to know where they come from, and I wanted to make sure the stories of those who came before us were not forgotten.

Why this story matters

Every town has a story, but not every story gets told. Over the years, I’ve met people who still carry memories of Summerfield’s early days, its schools, its churches, and its families. Too many of those voices were fading, and I felt a responsibility to gather them before they were lost.

This book is for anyone who has ever loved a small town — for those who’ve driven down its quiet streets, waved to familiar faces, or found comfort in knowing everyone by name. It’s a reminder that history doesn’t just live in textbooks. It lives in the people who lived it.

Testimonials

I grab small-town books like some people hunt old records. Most are just meh and boring. However, this one is a real page-turner. Worth reading, moving, authentic, beautiful.

Lila M.

Clients

I loved the book from the first word to the last. Reflective and heart-felt. I passed it on to a couple of friends and they loved it, also. I’ll read more of his books.

Javier Ortiz

Clients

I was flipping through Wayne’s book and got all emotional. I was back in to my childhood days. He nailed those the little things, those nostalgic elements that only us locals would know, the sounds and feelings of growing up here. It’s literally Summerfield breathing on the page.

Martha K.

Clients

Wayne’s book isn’t history book packed with figures and facts, it’s lively as people, places, and nature. The way he writes about farmers and shop owners, tells how he can portray real life. Highly recommended.

Kayla

Clients

Testimonials

I received my copy today. Wow! Thank you so much for keeping the history of our town alive. You have awakened so many memories of my life in Summerfield! I highly recommend your book to everyone that has any connection with Summerfield and the surrounding area! Thank you again.

Steve Kunz

Clients

Great compilation of local history! Grateful author!

Hawaiianbaer

Clients

Great reading. A lot of memories. Things I did not know.

Leroy K

Clients

Wayne Loehring has beautifully preserved the soul of a small Midwestern town. Every page feels like a warm conversation with someone who truly lived the stories he tells. I could practically see the dusty roads, old railways, and church picnics. A wonderful tribute to Americana.

Linda Matthews

Clients

This isn’t just a history book — it’s a time machine. The level of detail and storytelling made me feel like I was walking those streets in the 1800s. You can tell how much love the author has for his hometown. A must-read for anyone who values local history.

David Reynolds

Clients

I was moved by the sincerity behind this book. It’s rare to find historical writing that’s both so informative and personal. Wayne’s memories connect generations — it made me think of my own grandparents’ stories.

Karen O’Donnell

Clients

I’ve read a lot of local history collections, but none capture community spirit like this. Loehring gives life to names and events that shaped our region. This book deserves a place in every Illinois library.

Tom Jenkins

Clients

What I love most is how personal this book feels. You can sense Wayne’s pride in every chapter. The blend of facts, anecdotes, and small-town charm makes it something truly special.

Megan Harper

Clients

Stay Connected

I’d love to hear from you. If you grew up in Summerfield or have family ties to the area, your memories are part of the story too. Every photograph, letter, or personal story helps keep our history alive.

Share your Summerfield story

You can reach out through the contact page to share your memories, ask questions, or just say hello. Together, we can make sure that the story of Summerfield continues to be told for generations to come.

Every small town holds
a thousand stories

About the Book

A story of home, heritage, and heart

About Author

Why this story matters