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It Didn't Play in Peoria explores the interesting history of this small Middle American town which is often looked over.

""Will it play in Peoria?"" was an old Vaudeville phrase meaning, ""Will it appeal to the average person?"" But it had greatness in its grasp, and more than once. The Illinois city has gained fame through the years, but more often as the butt of jokes or as an example of the typical Middle American town than through any recognition of its many accomplishments. Peoria boasts a string of close brushes with prosperity, any one of which could have made it a Chicago or a St. Louis. Charles Lindbergh, for example, first approached Peoria for backing for his historic flight, but the town's moneymen refused him and his Spirit of Peoria, perhaps losing a chance at the airline industry as well.

There’s more to learn than just M-i-s-s-i-s-s-i-p-p-i!

Acclaimed children’s-book author Johnette Downing pays homage to the cultural legacy of Mississippi in this charming book that incorporates many of its native flora and fauna. Her delightful text, adapted from a traditional song, presents a lyrical and visual tribute to the many iconic images and symbols to be found in the state. From dolphins splashing in the surf along the coast to adorable ducklings in the wetlands, this commemorative picture book serves to introduce children to the many unique facts about Mississippi. An author’s note gives interesting details about each creature and notes about their habitats and behavior.

Spectacular scenes of crowds and kings!

Sparkling beads, shimmering doubloons, the flash of flambeaux--Mardi Gras in the Crescent City is vibrantly visual: a scintillating riot of color and light. These vivid photographs of reigning royalty and rambunctious revelers walking and riding among their subjects and peers crisply capture the effervescent élan of this spirited season. Come see elaborate costumes and fantastical floats inspired by traditions old and new, sacred and profane. Masked and merry bacchants strut the streets in show-stopping finery. Step into the mystical realm of Carnival with this photographic fête. Accompanied by morsels of history and memories, New Orleans Mardi Gras Moments invokes the essence of Carnival season year-round.

A local's guide to Missouri's entertainment boomtown. Carol A. Shaffer received an MIPA Merit Award in the 2000 Midwest Book Awards.

Discover the rich history of housing cooperatives in Washington, D.C., part of the urban landscape for a hundred years.

Co-ops first arose in the city in the 1920s. Building slowed during the Great Depression, but their numbers expanded after World War II. Conversions also expanded during the postwar years and several local architects became well known for their co-op designs. The model thrived and has become a vital part of the city's fabric.

Local historian Steve McKevitt tells the stories of each existing District co-op, using both historic and modern images to detail their development and architecture.

Watch out crows, this scarecrow won't give up without a fight!

Every year, pesky crows throw a party in a scarecrow’s patch, gobbling up all the pumpkins in sight and leaving a horrid mess. Not this year! Jeb is determined to protect his pumpkins no matter the cost. Those crows are in for an unpleasant surprise!

Author and illustrator Jana Dillon conceived this as her first book. Originally published in 1992, the rollicking dialogue, glowing scenes of evening mischief, and a scarecrow family of unusual charm have all stood the test of time in this inventive tale full of the radiance and excitement of the Halloween season.

Children will enjoy coloring the pictures while reading this retelling of the Christmas classic by Clement C. Moore, which blends Santa Claus with the traditional Pennsylvania Dutch figure of the Belsnickel, a thin, cantankerous old man who visits children before Christmas and rewards or punishes them based on their behavior.

Once part of Newark, Nutley has grown from a weekend getaway for tired New Yorkers and a permanent home for artists and writers into a charming small city.

Though only three square miles in area, Nutley boasts over 125 acres of park land, as well as the beautiful Third River which runs through the town. In Nutley, town historian and author John Demmer presents a fascinating look at the changes the town as undergone, as well as the life of its residents through the years. Demmer also illustrates Nutley's earliest commercial industry, the brownstone quarry, as well as the textile and banker's safety paper industry.

Join Author and guide Mindie Burgoyne as she takes a chilling journey through the haunted history and lore of Ocean City and Berlin.

A ghostly sea captain, an ill-fated lover and jazz musicians who go on playing long after their last songs--these are the spirits that make their presence known from Ocean City's Boardwalk to the picturesque town square of Berlin. The phantom scent of a woman's perfume floats from Trimper's carousel while the Ocean City Life-Saving Station is haunted by the ghost of a drowned sailor. In Berlin, some guests never check out of the Atlantic Hotel, and strange happenings have been reported at the Rackliffe House, where legend has it that a cruel plantation owner was murdered by his slaves.

Writer Susan B. Johnson documents the interesting histories of of the famous antebellum cottages which dot Savannah's historic district.

In a warm, accessible style, Savannah writer Susan B. Johnson gives voice to the walls of the famous antebellum cottages that dot the city's historic district and examines the lives of the families that called them home. Who built these tiny dwellings? Who lived in their twelve hundred (or fewer) square feet of space? And what sort of world did they see when they gazed out their windows? This charming, meticulously researched book answers all these questions--and more. Who can resist the story of Dr. Samuel Furman, who was married to sisters, first Lucy and then Henrietta Williams? Or the sad tale of Edward and Jane Harden, who both died of bilious fever in 1804--he on her birthday, she on his--leaving their children in the care of slaves? Or the mystery of lively and conniving Eliza Howell, whose three husbands all died under the same circumstances?

Chatham and the Passaic River have been inextricably linked for nearly 275 years, since the town's founding under the informal name of Day's Bridge.

The name of Day's Bridge honored John Day, builder of the first span across the river, which forms the eastern edge of the town but the true nature of the town's residents is reflected in the area's permanent name, selected by villagers in 1773. Chatham is named for Great Britain's William Pitt, the Earl of Chatham, who was a champion of American liberties during that revolutionary era. The Passaic, fondly referred to by locals as ""The Fishawack,"" inspired the gradual flourishing of early mills and factories. Small shops, hotels, and especially the railroad brought nineteenth-century prosperity to Chatham's Main Street, and extended the influence of residents who commute to Newark and New York City. John T. Cunningham, New Jersey's preeminent historian, chronicles this growth and the relationship between populace and river through wonderful photographs and intriguing historic details.

“For all of us who grew up loving Dungeons & Dragons and Tolkien, Monster Goose is an excellent way to introduce our little ones to the world of fantasy!”—Drew Daywalt, bestselling author of The Day the Crayons Quit

“Monstrously clever—I’d rather Mary had a hippogriff than a ‘little lamb’ any day!” —Molly Idle, award-winning illustrator of Flora and the Flamingo

“The charm and wit of the poems in this book is matched only by Abigail’s beautiful and timeless illustrations.” —Brian Kessinger, story artist for Walt Disney animation studios

“Young readers will ‘goblin up’ these wickedly humorous re-told favorites.”           —Edith Hope Fine, author of Sleepytime Me

Go ape for Christmas!

All is calm as the animals dream and the keeper decorates the zoo exhibits on Christmas Eve . . . but not for long! More rapid than cheetahs, a team of flying zebras hauling a sleigh lands on top of the souvenir shop, revealing Santa's newest helper: Oranga-Claus! The hairy old ape knows just what all the lions, penguins, llamas, kangaroos, hippopotamuses, and other zoo animals want in their stockings for Christmas—and what the keeper wants, too! This hilariously fractured retelling of Clement C. Moore's classic poem features delightful illustrations filled with monkeyshines on every page. This year you'll be saying, “Merry Christmas to all, and ooka moo moo la goo!”

Stretching from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, the Natchez Trace is one of the oldest, most historically significant routes in American history.

Beginning as hunting ground for natives, the Trace became the favored path back home for early settlers who floated down the Mississippi River to sell goods in Natchez. Yet the Trace was riddled with bandits, marauders and other perils, and today troubled and tortured voices from the past still echo along the road. Travel to Grinders Stand where famed explorer Meriwether Lewis met his untimely demise, and onto Kings Tavern, built in the late 1700s, and haunted by the ghost of the innkeeper's mistress. Author and ghost expert Bud Steed recounts these tales, and more, all lurking in the shadows of the Haunted Natchez Trace.

When Nicholas journeys to the Land Beyond Yon, he discovers a group of elves who can�t get along and soon helps them find a way to work together to fulfill the wishes of children all over the world.

One fine day, a small little mouse decides that he doesn't want cheese, or even lemonade. He wants a parade! Carrying a flag, the mouse starts down the street. He’s joined by cats, squirrels, foxes—and even a goat with a tuba! The sound of the animals playing their tambourines, clarinets, and brass follows them as they twirl and romp until every critter, big and small, jams with the beat. Author and illustrator Alexis Braud’s funny, spunky animals boogie right off the page. With enchanting illustrations and catchy rhymes, this exuberant and vibrant tale will have you and your friends marching to the beat of your own drummer in no time.

Arrr ye knotty or nice?

Cap'n McNasty and his crew of roguish rapscallions are back and badder than ever! When the Cap'n kidnapped a little elf from Santa, he didn't count on the elf inciting a mutiny and high-seas hijinks by telling tales of the wonders of the North Pole. Cast adrift and faced with stormy seas, ravenous sharks, and a striking lass who just might capture his black heart, Cap'n McNasty faces the voyage of his life. His double-dealing crew has ideas of their own and sets their sights from swabbing decks to decking halls—and changing the North Pole forever. From bow to stern, this impishly illustrated yarn of Jolly Rogers and a jolly old elf will give yer funnybone no quarter!

Formerly known as Black River, the village of Chester lies in the hills of Morris County, New Jersey.

Located on the site of former Native American trails, Chester was incorporated as a township in 1799. Join local historian and photographer Joan S. Case for this unique and informative look at the history of Chester--with images donated by the local historical society as well as many Chester families, this pictorial history covers the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s. During this period, Chester was home to one of the busiest mining districts in New Jersey, and was also an important agricultural area; local distilleries turned thousands of bushels of Chester apples into the famous "Jersey Lightning. '? Five sites in Chester, including Zephaniah Drake's Brick Hotel, have been accepted into both the State and National Registers of Historic Places.