If you're
interested in reading about old ghost towns, million-dollar mining
camps, or learning more about historical sites in Northeastern
Washington, you need look no further than 751 member Jerry Smith.
While Jerry has logged in nearly 34 years working for The Boeing
Company, he also has put in countless hours over those years pursuing
his hobby - exploring ghost towns and discovering relics in Northeastern
Washington. 
Jerry has become a resident expert on the
subject exploring the remains of the pioneer days and conducting
extensive research into various historical sites. This passion
for the prospector days has really panned out for this Boeing
employee. Jerry published a book last April entitled "Boom
Towns & Relic Hunters of Northeastern Washington." Critics
have hailed it as the most informative book on the topic. Judging
by how quickly it has been selling, readers agree with the assessment.
The book is available at most libraries and sells at many bookstores,
including Barnes and Noble, Borders, and even Amazon.com. Yet Jerry does more than just share his expertise in this book. During the summer months, he spends many weekends serving as an experienced adventure guide - taking tourists and vacationers back to the Old West in his "Premier Guided Ghost Town Tours." On these riveting day trips, guests experience first-hand the ghost towns and historical sites in beautiful Okanogan Country, including Night Hawk, Ruby City, Molson and Four Metals Mine. Tours cover historic buildings, ghost towns, mining camps, gold and silver mines, and much more.
His interest in the Old West started when he was a child. Jerry recalled, "When I was young, my dad took me hunting and fishing in Northeastern Washington. On those trips, we would explore ghost towns from the pioneer days. The interest carried over as an adult and has been something I have avidly pursued. My wife, Laurie, and son, Cody, share my enthusiasm and are equally involved in the tours and research."
As a long-time member of the Okanogan County Historical Society, Jerry has documented the history of Northeastern Washington State for various magazines and newsletters, as well as assisting with TV documentaries and radio talk shows. With such a vast wealth of knowledge, he decided to put it together into one comprehensive book everyone could enjoy. For nearly two years, Jerry worked on the manuscript. Once the writing was complete, he experienced the tedious process of getting it published and distributed.
The time was well-spent and resulted in a
top- notch product. In his book, Jerry takes you back in time
to the boom town days of yesteryear and brings to life the ageless
Old West mining-era days of boom towns, miners, prospectors, and
pioneers. Yet the book goes far beyond providing simply a historical
account and includes rare historic maps, 98 outstanding photos
and exact locations of long-lost famous ghost towns and mines
in Northeastern Washington State. Jerry also included a chapter
on metal detecting and relic hunting, which offers advice on how
to search out and locate those long-lost valuable treasurers from
the past with just a little knowledge about research and how to
use a metal detector.Much of the information from his book is shared on his website www.ghosttownsusa.com. Since posting the site, he receives over 4,000 hits per month, as well as enticing many to take his guided tours.
His book and tours were recently featured on the television show "Northwest Backroads Great Escapes" and most certainly will keep the spirit of the Old West alive and well for many years to come.