Name: Remembering Maas Brothers
Brand: Michael J. Lisicky
SKU: 9781467114738
Price: 24.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Remembering Maas Brothers

9781467114738

$24.99

Maas Brothers opened in 1886, and for more than 100 years it was the commercial and social hub for generations of Tampa Bay shoppers. From its historic downtown Tampa store, to its sleek St. Petersburg location, to branches throughout central and west Florida (in cities like Lakeland, Sarasota, and Clearwater), Maas Brothers was a Florida Suncoast institution. The department store was known and respected for its casual and quality merchandise, fashion shows, popular in-store restaurants that featured its signature cinnamon twists, and countless traditions. A founding unit of the Allied Stores Corporation, Maas Brothers became one of the company's most profitable divisions. For most of its existence, the department store faced little competition throughout its trading area, but Maas Brothers fell victim to department store industry changes in the 1980s. It was combined with Miami's Jordan Marsh division in 1987 but gradually lost its identity. In 1991, the Maas Brothers name, along with many of its downtown locations, became a part of Tampa Bay history.

Stamford

9780738595757

$24.99

Stamford arose almost overnight at the turn of the 20th century as a partnership between the Texas Central Railroad and the vast Swenson Brothers ranches. Businessmen, workers, and cattlemen began erecting the new community even before the railroad arrived in February 1901. The young city quickly became a commercial center with additional railroad connections, wholesale distributors, banks, brick-paved streets, small industries, a hospital, and the renowned Stamford Inn. Over the next two decades, farmers joined ranchers in developing the West Texas plains, and new businesses arose, along with a college and a Carnegie library. In 1930, a group of citizens formed the Texas Cowboy Reunion Association and began an annual celebration of ranch life that endures to the present day. Through changing times and fortunes, Stamford has maintained its role as an agricultural regional center and has preserved the heritage of its commercial and agrarian roots.

Anniston Revisited

9781467114752

$24.99

Nestled in the Piedmont region of the Appalachian Mountains, the small farming community of Pine Ankle was established in the 1830s on the former lands of the Creek Nation. In 1872, industrialists Samuel Noble and Daniel Tyler purchased the land for their Woodstock Iron Company, and in 1883 the town was opened to the public as Annie's Town. It grew rapidly, and by the early 20th century Anniston was not only the seat of Calhoun County, but also home to numerous textile and iron industries as well as a thriving military complex. The vintage photographs in Images of America: Anniston Revisited showcase the daily lives of Annistonians and Fort McClellan soldiers during a time when Noble Street was a bustling urban center. Anniston's homes, schools, and community centers are featured, along with the expanded downtown area and Fort McClellan, to paint a vivid portrait of "The Model City."

Legendary Locals of Oak Park

9781467100861

$24.99

Founded in the 1830s by Joseph and Betty Kettlestrings, an intrepid young couple from Yorkshire, England, the small settlement of Oak Park grew slowly until the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Before the ashes had cooled, Oak Park's population boomed as displaced families relocated into the community on the west edge of Chicago. By the turn of the 20th century, this thriving village became a magnet attracting ever-larger numbers of prosperous, progressive people to settle in what many referred to as "the finest of the streetcar suburbs." In the 1960s and 1970s, Oak Park became widely recognized for encouraging racial and ethnic diversity. Though best known for such residents as architect Frank Lloyd Wright and novelist Ernest Hemingway, Oak Park also lays claim to scores of others who have shone brightly in the national spotlight, as well as current folks who are passionate, daring, and dynamic. More than 100 noteworthy Oak Parkers-- past and present--are featured in this volume, from writers and restaurateurs to mobsters and movie stars.

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

9781467128339

$24.99

Facing the radiant Monterey Bay, anchored proudly between Pacific Grove's downtown and famed Lovers Point beach, is the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. The historic museum was founded in 1883 to house specimens collected by the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle in the days when horse-drawn carriages still meandered down a dirt road known today as Lighthouse Avenue. What started as a small octagonal building in what is now known as Jewell Park soon became a more impressive edifice, thanks largely to the help of community members like Mary Norton, the museum's first curator, and Lucie Chase, who donated to the construction of a new building in 1932. Others, including noted collector and taxidermist Rollo Beck and scientist Ed Ricketts, friend of author and Pacific Grove resident John Steinbeck, donated amazing specimens that remain on display.

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

University of Arkansas

9781467114530

$24.99

The University of Arkansas has a celebrated history that includes not only winning athletic teams, but also academic successes.

While most people immediately think of the Razorbacks in association with the University of Arkansas, the state’s flagship educational institution has so much more to offer. First established in 1871 in Fayetteville, located in the scenic Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas, the first permanent building on campus, Old Main, is also the most iconic with its towers standing like beacons. In 1948, the University of Arkansas became the first Southern university to integrate when WWII veteran Silas Hunt enrolled in law school; like Hunt, the lives and accomplishments of individuals, such as Sen. J. William Fulbright and architect E. Fay Jones, remain intertwined with the university and the world. Students remain the lifeblood of the university though, participating in traditions like homecoming, Senior Walk, and Razorback athletics with fierce pride. The photographs in this collection tell the stories of the first 125 years of the University of Arkansas.

Fort Macon

9780738599373

$24.99

Silently standing guard on the eastern point of Bogue Banks overlooking the entrance to Beaufort Harbor, Fort Macon is the centerpiece of one of the most visited North Carolina State Parks. Since Fort Macon State Park was established in 1924, it has been a familiar destination for millions of visitors to the "Crystal Coast" of Carteret County, North Carolina. The old historic fort itself, standing today in venerable repose, harkens back to another time in our country's history, however. At different times throughout its long, storied past, the fort has served as a US Army garrison post, a stronghold occupied for defense in three different wars, the scene of a desperate battle, a prison, and finally the second oldest state park in North Carolina. Fort Macon showcases this unique coastal fortification through historic images, highlighting not only its military past, but its role as a popular tourism destination through the years.

Northlake

9780738590738

$24.99

Incorporated on July 19, 1949, with a population of 3,000, Northlake's name is derived from its two major thoroughfares: North Avenue and Lake Street. Prior to its founding, the area was best known for the Westward Ho Golf Club and Course, a premier golf course in the area. This land eventually became the site for Automatic Electric Company and Villa Scalabrini Home for the Aged (now called Villa Scalabrini Nursing and Rehabilitation Center), two symbols of Northlake's post-World War II boom. Many of the initial residents worked at a nearby defense plant as the nation was gripped by war. They had "shell homes" that needed work on the weekends to complete, and they did their own carpentry, plumbing, and wiring--truly representative of that hard-working generation. In many ways, Northlake's motto, "City of Friendly People," rings as true today as it did in decades past. In many other ways, Northlake's motto should be "City of Hard-Working People."

Ashby

9781467123716

$24.99

Ashby is located in the hills of central Massachusetts, along the New Hampshire border. The town was incorporated in 1767, initially growing as an agricultural community before water-powered mills emerged along its streams. In 1840, the population began 50 years of decline as people sought more profitable work in larger cities and free land in the western United States. Perhaps due to this decline, the center of town is preserved much as it was in 1840, boasting all its original buildings still in place. Ashby saw a century of renewed growth starting in 1880, when Bostonians arrived during the summer to escape the heat and unhealthy city air. A number of businesses, including inns and tearooms, catered to these wealthy visitors. With the arrival of the automobile, residents gained access to jobs in the surrounding mill towns. It was during this time that the last of Ashby's many mills closed, the first public library was built, and one-room classrooms were combined to become a central town school. Today, one can still stand on the town common in front of the 1809 meetinghouse and look over an area that has undergone little change in the past 170 years.

African Americans of Wichita

9781467114813

$24.99

The African American community of Wichita is as old as the city itself, dating back to early pioneers, cowboys, and business figures. Once relatively integrated, Wichita became more segregated as the 20th century unfolded. In response, African Americans developed a lively neighborhood downtown with its own businesses, churches, schools, and organizations. World War II brought new populations to work in the aircraft industry and set the stage for profound changes. In the 1950s, a younger generation of leaders challenged racism and discrimination, unleashing a period of change that was both hopeful and painful. In recent years, the African American community has become more complex, with generations of established families joined by recent transplants, emigrants from Africa, and children of mixed marriages. While challenges remain, African Americans are more visible than ever before in local life, evident in politics, business, sports, and education.

Legendary Locals of Aurora

9781467100571

$24.99

Aurora, just 20 miles south of Cincinnati, is located at a north-south bend in the Ohio River in Dearborn County.

The first settlers, Revolutionary War veterans Isaac Morrison, Adam Flake, and George Cheek, arrived in the 1790s looking for a new start for their families. The history of the city was shaped by the Ohio River, as well as industrial leaders like Thomas Gaff, Peter Williams, and O.P. Cobb and city leaders such as "Watchdog of the Treasury" representative William S. Holman, his partner Judge John D. Haynes, and Dr. John Sutton and his tireless work to cure cholera. Today, Aurora is known for its picturesque historic downtown and churches. Volunteers like the Turner family, the Charlotte (Peters) Hastings family, and the Aurora Lions Club work to keep the town beautiful.

DeLand

9781467111652

$24.99

Nestled between the St. Johns Riverand the Atlantic Ocean, Deland, Florida has a history all its own. Perfect for fans of Florida history.

When Henry A. DeLand sat down to plan a town in the summer of 1876, he envisioned a place that would become a religious, educational, business, and social center--the Athens of Florida.

Deland made his dream a reality by investing his livelihood in the town that would be named for him. He donated the land for the first municipal building that doubled as a church and school and funded the school that would become Stetson University. Ever since, the city of DeLand has had an interesting and rich history. Much of this unique history has been captured and preserved in postcards published throughout the past hundred-plus years.

Author L. Thomas "Tom'? Roberts is a past president and historian of the year of the West Volusia Historical Society. The majority of the imagery used for this book comes courtesy of Jim Cara, owner of the most complete collection of DeLand postcards in existence.

Hallettsville

9780738596365

$24.99

Hallettsville, known as the "City of Hospitality," has been the county seat of Lavaca County since 1852. The city is situated on the east bank of the Lavaca River. Margaret Hallet gave the land for the townsite, and her influence helped secure Hallettsville as the permanent county seat. By means of a charter, the city of Hallettsville was incorporated in 1879. Scenes from the popular musical The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, starring Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton, feature the scenic Hallettsville courthouse square. Annual city events include the Kolache Festival, Fiddler's Frolic, and the Festival of Lights. The Texas Championship Domino Hall of Fame also calls Hallettsville home.

Haymarket

9781467134033

$24.99

With Faneuil Hall opening in 1742, followed by Quincy Market in 1826, Boston's market district was born. Haymarket began as an expansion of Quincy Market in the first half of the 19th century. Over the years, Haymarket has witnessed the Central Artery rise above it in the 1950s and retreat underground almost 60 years later with the completion of the Big Dig in 2007. These obstacles have not stopped the market from serving a constant stream of students and tourists, longtime residents, and newly arrived immigrant families. For most of the 20th century, the pushcarts of Italian produce vendors lined both sides of Blackstone Street. Today's market includes halal butchers, artisanal cheese mongers, and Cambodian fruit sellers. Haymarket is open Fridays and Saturdays from dawn to dusk at the intersections of Hanover, Blackstone, and North Streets and continues to host an ever-changing and diverse population.

Searcy

9780738591018

$24.99

Searcy, designated the seat of White County in 1837, was named for Richard Searcy in the same year. Mr. Searcy was a frontier lawyer appointed by Pres. James Monroe to the Superior Court of the Arkansas Territory. Searcy's proximity to rivers and plentiful game made it a natural place to settle. The many springs in the area attracted people from 1820 until the early part of the 20th century, when industry and education took over as the major draw of the area. Today, the gas industry, manufacturing companies, a Walmart distribution center, and educational opportunities make Searcy a thriving community.

Millington

9780738591285

$24.99

In 1878, George Millington donated property for the first train depot connecting Memphis to Northern markets. By 1903, the town of Millington was incorporated. World War I pilots trained at Millington's Park Field, and nearby, Chickasaw Ordnance Works and the world's largest inland navy base greatly aided World War II efforts. Educators and activists Ida B. Wells and National Education Association president Charl Williams began their careers in area schools. Many talented individuals, including musicians Justin Timberlake, Myla Smith, Bobby Whitlock, and Rev. Al Green, as well as a number of college and professional athletes, have called Millington home. Images of America: Millington, the town's first photographic history, presents people, places, and events--great and small--that have contributed to the community's success.

Legendary Locals of Oceanside

9781467100458

$24.99

Through its history, Oceanside has been a community packed with personalities, including the first Eagle Scout, first female Jewish cantor, two Freedom Riders, noteworthy scientists, and caring citizens. It is where War of 1812 general Daniel Bedell shot his musket, Ziegfeld's Gilda Gray practiced her shimmy, basketball great Art Heyman dribbled, and NFL quarterback Jay Fiedler threw his first football. Academy Award nominee David Paymer studied acting, Disney chief executive officer Robert Iger watched the Mouseketeers, and New York Yankees president Randy Levine played Little League baseball. This is the neighborhood where Jeanne Marion Doane orated for women's suffrage, Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter navigated canals, and Goldman-Sachs chief executive officer Stephen Friedman filled his piggy bank. Its foundation is the people in its religious institutions, fire department, and school district. The area's business people are unified, hard working, and charitable.

The Humboldt Wagon Road

9780738576435

$24.99

This book offers readers an opportunity to ride the historic Humboldt Wagon Road from Chico to Susanville through images that have been collected since the 1860s. Many never-before-published photographs and oral histories tell a story of people who established what has been called this "small corner of the West." In the 1850s, John Bidwell, a California pioneer, agriculturist, businessman, and politician, envisioned a freight and passenger route that would connect San Francisco, the Sacramento River, and his newly established community of Chico. He wanted it to cross the mountains to the gold and silver mines in Idaho and Nevada. Bidwell financed, constructed, and opened the road for horses, wagons, stagecoaches, and eventually trucks and automobiles. From the Civil War era until the present, the road has carried everything from lumber to tourists.

University of Memphis

9780738591124

$24.99

Experience the long and storied past of the University of Memphis in this pictorial history told through the lens of over 200 vintage images.

The 100-year transformation of the University of Memphis from a small teacher-training school to a major metropolitan research university is chronicled in Campus History Series: University of Memphis. The West Tennessee Normal School was established in 1912 to provide high school diplomas and teacher credentials to predominately female students. In 1925, the school dropped its high school classes and became the West Tennessee State Teachers College. The institution became a full liberal arts college, Memphis State College, in 1941. Huge gains in postwar enrollment pushed the institution toward university status, which was achieved in 1957. Memphis State University experienced rapid growth, expanding from barely 6,000 students to over 22,000 as the baby boomers came of age. Then, in 1994, signaling its growing stature as a major metropolitan university, the institution was renamed the University of Memphis.

Clark Revisited

9781467134279

$24.99

Clark Revisited takes a second look at the past of a community whose humble beginnings can be traced back to the height of the Civil War. Located in Central New Jersey, the township of Clark began as a quiet agricultural community. But with the 20th century came many changes, and the development of the Garden State Parkway became a catalyst for Clark's transition into a community with housing developments, businesses, and a renewed image. These changes can be largely attributed to land developers, as well as the leadership of mayors who have served Clark over the last half of the century. New Jersey Monthly magazine has credited Clark as one of the best places to live in New Jersey. What was once rural farmland has grown into a thriving, suburban community that continues to develop both socially and economically.

Lisbon

9781467114707

$24.99

Centered in the midst of the Columbiana County hills, Lisbon was founded in 1803. High hopes for growth and prosperity were first realized through industries producing iron, coal, and pottery; however, even with modern inventions, fascinating people, and hopes for a successful canal, the dream of becoming a city never materialized. During the Civil War, Confederate general John Hunt Morgan and his raiders threatened the community with invasion, but he ultimately surrendered to Union forces. Many political careers had links to Lisbon, including those of Congressman and Copperhead Clement Vallandigham, Sen. Marcus Hanna, Pres. William McKinley, and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court John Clarke. Intriguing families such as the "Fighting McCooks" added to the community's history. Victorian homes abound, and today effort is put into the restoration of other Lisbon homes as well as businesses, creating genuine charm and interest while commercial and industrial progress stretches northward.

Sauk Prairie

9781467114677

$24.99

Ringed by bluffs, prairie, and the wide, flowing Wisconsin River, the two communities of Sauk City and Prairie du Sac have grown up since the first settler staked claim here in 1838, asserting this colorful, natural landscape as a direct extension of their joint identity. From the freewheeling Agoston Haraszthy to the German Freethinkers, farmers, inventors, and multiple long-standing family-run businesses, the people of Sauk Prairie work and play with a voracity that can outshine even the coldest of winters. In 1914, the construction of the Prairie du Sac Hydroelectric Dam added another natural jewel when it created Lake Wisconsin. Everyone from summertime jet skiers to the wintering bald eagles had yet another reason to enjoy the region known for its festival of cow chips, the Witwen Fourth of July Parade, and the woman who gave the world the recycling symbol.

Remarkable Women of Old Saybrook

9781609498665

$21.99

Situated at the mouth of the Connecticut River, Old Saybrook has been home to generations of remarkable women. The women of this quintessentially New England town have faced and overcome overwhelming adversity to leave indelible marks on their town and its history. Katharine Houghton Hepburn, mother of the legendary actress Katharine Hepburn, organized the Hartford Political Equality League to battle for women's right to vote. Anna Louise James fought to become the first black female pharmacist in Connecticut, and she took care of her community, serving them medicine as well as ice cream sodas at James Pharmacy. There is also local restaurateur Steffie Walters, who after emigrating from Austria remained at the helm of the much-loved shore eatery Dock and Dine for eleven years. Historian Tedd Levy chronicles the achievements of these extraordinary women who broke barriers, changed their communities and expanded opportunities for future generations.

Legendary Locals of Los Gatos

9781467101356

$24.99

In 1878, Charles Erskine Scott Wood, builder of the Cats Estate, wrote "Good citizens are the riches of a city." From its beginning, Los Gatos has suffered no shortage of hardworking, inventive, entrepreneurial, and gifted people. Early orchardists found the land unbelievably productive, but their crops were threatened with disease and pesky infestations of gophers. John Bean and Zephyr Macabee provided solutions. Louise Van Meter was an unconventional teacher who championed the new concept of kindergarten. Neta Snook Southern defied traditional female roles to become a pilot. She taught Amelia Earhart to fly before retiring to Los Gatos, where she raised prunes, apricots, and miniature horses. John Steinbeck wrote The Grapes of Wrath during one long, hot summer in town. Steve Wozniak settled in Los Gatos and donated computers to schools. The lives presented here have contributed to the sparkling legacy of the "Gem City of the Foothills."

Legendary Locals of Allston-Brighton

9781467100519

$24.99

Throughout the history of Allston-Brighton, individuals have dreamed, struggled, and created a remarkable piece of American culture. Legendary Locals of Allston-Brighton features people representing an amazing mix of talents and activities, sometimes with far-reaching effects. In response to a plea from George Washington to feed his army, father and son Jonathan Winship I and II created what became Allston-Brighton's thriving cattle industry that remained part of Allston-Brighton until the mid-20th century. David Stoia, the present-day owner of Boston Lock and Safe, succeeded his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather in the company, which can be traced back to Colonial times. Intriguing stories continue with Boston poet laureate Sam Cornish, owner of Sunset Grill and Tap Marc Kadish, owner of Café Brazil Valter Vitorino, state representative Kevin Honan, award-winning documentary filmmaker Liane Brandon, owner of Mr. Music Sal Barone, artist Richard Salvucci, Olympic gold medalist Harold Connolly, and baseball great Ted Williams. These images and narratives of the legendary locals of Allston-Brighton represent a vibrant community of Boston.

World War II Sacramento

9781467138086

$21.99

Spurred into action by the attack on Pearl Harbor, Sacramento dragged itself out of the morass of the Great Depression and joined the war effort. Local citizens trained for Japanese attacks through Civilian Defense, cultivated thousands of acres of victory gardens and harnessed the agricultural riches of the region. Tens of thousands engaged in war work at local bases like the new McClellan Field, while Sacramento's diverse servicemen distinguished themselves in combat overseas. They would later return and transform the city into the modern Sacramento of today. Exclusive images and stories from the Special Collections of the Sacramento Public Library bring this story to life.

Kankakee

9780738533384

$24.99

Kankakee became the county seat when Kankakee County was established in 1853. The largest city in the county, Kankakee embraced the railroad from its 19th-century beginning, becoming an important railroad hub in Illinois. The Kankakee County Historical Society has long worked to preserve the city's history and it celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2006, making it one of Illinois' oldest historical societies. The images in this book come from the society's large collection and they represent many slices of Kankakee life from 1853 to 1910.

Rye and Rye Beach

9780738536224

$24.99

Although small, the town of Rye played a significant role in New Hampshire's history and in nineteenth-century lifestyle and recreation. From its beginnings in 1623, Rye was predominantly a farming and fishing community. In the years prior to the Civil War, however, local entrepreneurs recognized the potential of their seacoast location and began catering to the needs of wealthy Victorians seeking a temporary escape from urban living. These entrepreneurs exploited the restorative powers of the ocean and established boardinghouses and grand hotels that gained national recognition. By the 1890s, the Rye Beach area had peaked as a summer resort destination and began to evolve into a summer residence colony. Houses of grand scale and variety began to appear. Later, with the introduction of the automobile and the extension of cable-car systems up the coast, Rye and Rye Beach became more accessible for day trips to the ocean.

Abington

9780738536071

$24.99

Once known to native inhabitants as Manamooskeagin, or "the land of many beavers," Abington became an important manufacturing and financial center in Plymouth County by the early twentieth century. Postcard photographers and publishers caught every stage of the community's growth and broadcast it to the world through images of workmen at shoe factories, parades celebrating the town's 1912 bicentennial, and the dedication of the Island Grove Soldiers and Sailors Monument, a nineteenth-century gathering site for abolitionists that is today one of America's newest districts in the National Register of Historic Places. Abington captures the nostalgia of this town during the postcard era.

Mills Along the Carson River

9781467133272

$24.99

Nestled along the picturesque Carson River in the state of Nevada were the quartz mills that crushed and extracted the values from the Comstock ore. These mills were built starting in 1859, when gold and silver were discovered on the Comstock, with the last mill being demolished around the 1920s. Mills were huge plants, in many cases crushing tons of ore a day, sometimes seven days a week. To support these mills, the towns of Empire and Dayton were established to house workers and provide needed supplies. Remnants of these mills have all but disappeared, and in a few more years, there will be nothing to remind people of the wealth these establishments created for individuals, the state of Nevada, and the United States.

Grand Rapids and the Civil War

9781467119191

$21.99

Grand Rapids responded to President Abraham Lincoln's call for troops with passionate swiftness. Kent County men fought stubbornly on memorable battlefields like First Bull Run, Stones River and Gettysburg, as well as obscure places like Boonville, La Vergne and Mossy Creek. An affinity for cavalry earned Grand Rapids the moniker "Michigan's Horse Soldier City," while Valley City engineers designed and constructed spectacular railroad bridges throughout the South. Back home, the soldiers' mothers, wives and sisters faced the conflict's many challenges with patriotic doggedness. Dr. Roger L. Rosentreter chronicles how Grand Rapids citizens responded to wartime trials and tribulations while helping the North save the Union and end slavery.

Homestead, Florida:

9781626191877

$21.99

Originally settled prior to the coming of the Florida East Coast Railway in 1904, Homestead became only the second incorporated municipality in Dade County in 1913. A land of rich soil steeped in agricultural heritage, the area soon grew into a marvelously diverse city of more than sixty thousand residents. The foundation laid by the railroad gave way to the aviation industry when the city became home to Homestead Air Force Base, now Homestead Air Reserve Base. The city has also dealt with adversity, rebuilding itself from the devastation of Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Homestead is now the gateway to two national parks and is home to Homestead-Miami Speedway, a unique winery and a thriving business community. Join authors Seth H. Bramson and Bob Jensen as they detail the rich history of this South Florida gem.

Elkin

9780738592107

$24.99

Visit the town of Elkin, from its settling in 1752 to the establishment of the grist mill in the mid 1800s that put the town on the map and was fundamental to its growth.

The town of Elkin was chartered in 1889 and is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Surry County. It was named for the Elkin River, locally known as the Big Elkin Creek, which was first identified on the North Carolina Colet map of 1770. Settlers were present as early as 1752, but it wasn't until Richard Gwyn built a grist mill on the creek in the 1840s that the community began growing. The arrival of the Northwest North Carolina Railroad in 1890 allowed the industries of textiles, shoes, locust pins and brackets, and furniture to flourish. Withstanding the Yadkin River floods of 1916 and 1940, Elkin continued to prosper alongside its largest industry, Chatham Manufacturing Company. Famous for Chatham blankets, Klondike Farm, and the Elkin & Alleghany Railway, Elkin is affectionately known as ""the best little town in North Carolina.""