Up Close and Personal is a collection of articles that depicts the history of La Porte County, Indiana. The focus of the book is on the people that have made contributions to the county’s history. A section of the book is devoted to “The Amazing Women of La Porte County.” These women obtained prominence in their chosen fields, often being the first of their gender to receive honor. The Michigan City Evening Dispatch published 116 short character studies during the l920’s of men who help shape the city’s past and set the course for future development. They also printed along with line drawing portraits “Intimate sketches (fifteen) of Businessmen of Michigan City.” These have been included. A wide variety of other topics are included. Among them are articles that trace the origin, growth and demise of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan and the part that county aviation pioneers played and the impact that early aviation had on the county’s development. African America community at the heighth of the KKK’s power were able to convince the white community in La Porte and Michigan Cit;y to participate in fund drives for the construction of A. M. E. Churches in their cities.