Larry App stands with a copy of his first DVD documenting Elkhart’s stories and tours of long ago. The backdrop photo is Elkhart’s main street where the interurban ran. (Photo and editing by Laurie Eads)

-Larry App pursues preserving oral histories of families & communities

Larry App, of rural southwest Bristol, is a business consultant (primarily accounting and computer programming) with an additional avocation that he pursues with a passion. He has always been interested in “stories,” especially those that are true and personal. He thinks that such stories have been “way underrated” as historical records and learning tools.

His interest in preserving oral histories on DVD began in 2000, when Larry produced a video of his “70 something” mother and several of her high school lady friends recounting interesting anecdotes of their lives and times. In doing so, he realized that every family has unique backgrounds and experiences that should be preserved for posterity.

Larry is available to prepare a visual and oral history for any interested family. Pricing varies, and the final cost will depend on the length and complexity of the project. A typical finished product would include a combination of old photographs, narration, and personal interviews with family members or friends. Call Larry at 848-9284, or visit his website at www.LarryApp.com. There you will find lots of additional information, ideas, and video samples of his work.

Larry has recently produced and released a DVD which is Part 1 of a series on the history of Elkhart and Elkhart County. It is an oral and pictorial history narrated by long-time Elkhart resident, Paul Thomas. The stories cover material that would not be found in typical history books, and are informative and entertaining.

The DVD is approximately 83 minutes long and contains three main sections along with some “Extras”: “A Brief History” is an interview with Paul about the history of Elkhart; “Elkhart Then & Now” presents an old picture (usually early 1900′s) followed by a present-day picture taken from the same vantage point. (Watch as the old picture fades into the new one.); “Time Was Museum” is a tour of Paul’s museum on Main Street. (You will see many of the resources available to you when you stop in for a visit.); “Extra” features include three short music videos. The DVD sells for $29.99 and is available for purchase from www.LarryApp.com or from several businesses in Elkhart and Bristol, which are listed on the website.

As part of his “Elkhart and Elkhart County History” series, Larry will be producing DVDs about other area cities and towns, as well as thematic histories based on cemeteries, historic buildings and sites, people, etc. The history of Bristol will certainly be included on a future DVD in the series.

Larry’s ancestors moved to Bristol from Pennsylvania in the 1800’s. A distant relative, Herman App, operated the App Drygoods Store in Bristol, in a building which still stands on Vistula Street. You are encouraged to contact Larry regarding stories, photographs, or other items which could be included in a DVD on Bristol history. He can be reached at 848-9284.