HISTORY was both made and celebrated at the Freestone Memorial Hall at the weekend as locals and visitors alike gathered to launch the historical book, 'Freestone: A mostly true history'.

Collated by local families the historical collection of anecdotes and happenings in the valley were shaped with care by author Krista Bjorn over the past 12 months.

"As someone who is new to the area myself I felt a connection with the first settlers who moved here from overseas," she told the crowd.

"They made a home in an area that must have been so new and unfamiliar to them - I find that incredibly brave."

Ms Bjorn was particularly transfixed with the stories of Granny Smail, the local midwife who travelled by horseback to deliver the babies across the district.

"She was also said to be a wonderful baker," the author said in an interview with ABC radio.

"Her cakes were always the first to go at any event at the Freestone Hall."

For the members of the Freestone Hall Committee the launch was not just an excuse to compare recipes and catch up, it also marked the end of a huge community effort.

"This has been many years in the making - we can close the chapter on the book and move onto other projects for the area," committee president John Payne said.

"I'd like to thank all the contributors; it was great to see everyone enjoy themselves.

"Events like these show it's still so important to maintain and grow rural communities."

With over 150 people attending the event the novel sold out within the first few hours.

Additional copies will be available to order until March 13 from Art on King, 41 King Street, Warwick or by contacting Sue Keong.

Prepayment of $20 required with order.