Salina author's new book a testament to untold stories in community

Mike Durall has something in common with those who are naturally curious. He likes to write about places and things he knows nothing about.

He admits this in an introduction to his new book about Salina in which he peers into what keeps the growing town's gears turning.

Each page inks a story he used to know nothing about, but after connecting with the people whose lives shape those narratives, he was able to learn quite well what makes Salina special.

"It's just been a real pleasure to meet these people," Durall said. "They're so dedicated to what they do and are just these ... salt of the earth Kansas people who just win you over."

Durall wanted to know 'How Salina Works'

If there was one thing that most motivated him to write his most recent book, he said, it would be a heart for telling stories that would otherwise go untold.

"It's a labor of love," Durall said of his work.

Durall moved to Salina about three years ago to be closer to his grandchildren who live here. He lived in Mexico for a while and before becoming a freelance writer, he had a lengthy career as a consultant to nonprofit organizations.

Durall holds a master's degree from Harvard University and has written 10 books before 'How Salina Works.'

Of course, this wasn't the first time Durall had a hand in a book about life in central Kansas. He was the editor for a book that came out last fall titled "Many and Varied Paths, Real Life Stories from the Kansas Plains."

Both books were backed by Salina Arts and Humanities, the first one being a collaborative project between Durall and city employees. Its theme was similar, but its composition formed a unique account of the raw, unedited lives of the people around us.

More: Saline County citizens share stories of triumph, heartbreak in new book

With that experience under his belt, Durall said he hoped to tell more of Salina's story — a behind-the-scenes look at the city with narratives of everyday lives. To accomplish that, he would need to earn the confidence of those he would interview.

"They trusted me," Durall said. "This book was like a key to the city and one thing that I didn't realize in a small town ... was how accessible people are here in Salina. And this book was a real door opener."

In the process of writing this book, Durall became well acquainted with the city's biggest leaders and officials. He's on a first name basis with Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan and Salina Fire Chief Tony Sneider. And Salina Mayor Michael Hoppock wrote a forward that precedes the book.

But just as rewarding for Durall are his newfound bonds with the names of folks who don't get enough community spotlight. Names like Francis Flax, Vicky Guillot, Allen Smith, Tom Holmquist and more, who made the book possible.

Stories you will find in the book

Throughout the book, readers will find themselves in the shoes of people with difficult and interesting jobs that keep Salina going.

From stories about the Salina Sirens Women's Roller Derby team, a narrative on managing the Rolling Hills Zoo, the Black church experience in Salina, a day in the life of a hospital emergency room, farming families, first-responders and auto service workers, 'How Salina Works' is a melting pot of stories from the community.

On the cover of the book is a photo Durall found searching the Salina Public Library Archives. He picked it because the wagon had the word "Salina" posted on it. A book designer in McPherson did a color correction to give the photo a slight sepia tint.

He's not quite sure who's leaning on the horse-drawn cart in the photo, or the history of "Salina Steam Laundry," posted on its side. But it's something he'll do more research on.

Because the lives of those in his book will one day, too, become old photographs, worthy of preservation.

Here's where you can get a copy

Copies of 'How Salina Works' are being sold at the Red Fern Booksellers, the Smoky Hill Museum gift shop and Ad Astra Books and Coffee House. Copies are $15 each.

Kendrick Calfee has been a reporter with the Salina Journal since 2022. You can reach him at kcalfee@gannett.com or on X @calfee_kc.

This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: New book 'How Salina Works' a behind-the-scenes look at everyday lives