Written in Singleton's engaging and narrative-driven style this book outlines the fascinating story of a town that is totally unique in US history. This book gives in great detail, the birth of a complete, self sufficient town in southwest Louisiana and its people; born of necessity and grown on love. This is a glimpse in time when a world war was raging and people from all parts of the country came together and made a town unique in US history. Maplewood was built to house employees of the Cities Service Oil Company refinery in southwest Louisiana. Built as a national defense plant, it produced high octane gasoline for the World War II effort. The book, although historical in nature, is presented in a very friendly, easy reading way. So sit back and enjoy reading about the many facets of the birth and life of Maplewood, a town like no other. This book would not have been possible without Mary Ann Mitchell Redd and her treasure trove of historic photographs and many clippings saved in a scrap book made by her mother. Book editor, John Singleton was raised in Maplewood and attended Maplewood school through ninth grade. He is a graduate of Sulphur High School (class of 1961) and received a BS in Engineering from McNeese State University (Lake Charles, LA) in 1972. During a career that spanned many years, he worked as a consulting engineer. John has been blessed with a wife of 54 years, two very talented offspring (one an RN, the other a DVM), and four grandchildren.