Name: Bel Air Chronicles
Brand: Carol Deibel
SKU: 9781609496524
Price: 21.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Bel Air Chronicles

9781609496524

$21.99

When Bel Air was chosen as the seat of Harford County in 1782, it was a small commercial hub surrounded by green pastures and farms. With industrialization and the advent of the Ma & Pa Railroad and nearby Aberdeen Proving Ground, the quiet town was transformed into a bustling urban center. Through a series of fascinating vignettes and using firsthand accounts, local author Carol Deibel renders a portrait of a proud community that rallied around its own when hard hit by the Great Depression and one that gave tirelessly on the homefront and abroad during the wars of the twentieth century. From Friday night dances at the armory to the pounding of the turf at the Bel Air Racetrack, join Deibel as she recalls readers to hazy, cicada-filled summers and the glow of the hometown lights.

Chronicles of Historic Brooklyn

9781609499594

$23.99

Diversity and distinctiveness are part of the historic fabric of Brooklyn--they are part of its people, landmarks, favorite events and more. Borough Historian John Manbeck has collected the stories that reveal the history and spirit of this ever-growing metropolis. Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden beautify the borough, which is returning to its roots with a vibrant "urban farming" movement. From stories of murderous pirates who once besieged Sheepshead Bay to tales of the still-beloved Brooklyn Dodgers who played at Ebbets Field, Manbeck traces the long and colorful history. Explore the forgotten neighborhoods, vanishing waterfront and other attractions that show how and why Brooklyn has endured.

Frederick County Chronicles:

9781609497750

$21.99

The rails and covered bridges of Frederick County are framed by the waters of the Potomac River to the south and the Mason-Dixon line to the north. The county rests at a crossroads of Maryland cultures and history, and journalist Marie Anne Erickson sought out the oldest members of this diverse community to record their colorful stories. Twenty years after the articles appeared as the Crossroads" series for Frederick Magazine, Ingrid Price has compiled her mother's fascinating essays for the first time. Stories of Civil War battles and Prohibition-era raids share the pages with memories of sledding by moonlight and the hunt for the mythical Snallygaster in Erickson's spirited history. From Brunswick to Mount Airy and from Emmitsburg to Point of Rocks, discover an affectionate and occasionally offbeat portrait of Frederick County."

Historic Tales of Watchung

9781467146777

$21.99

The borough of Watchung's forests, farmlands, lakes and mountain vistas have been traversed by man for thousands of years. The Leni-Lenapes settled along the banks of the Stony Brook and Watchung Lake, naming the area Wacht Unks, or "High Hills." Attracted by its abundant natural resources, European settlers began to farm the area in the seventeenth century. The citizens took up arms during the Revolutionary War, serving as minutemen in the Somerset County Militia, protecting the strategic Stony Brook Pass. The town survived an existential crisis in 1924 as the state attempted and failed to convert the region into a massive water reservoir. Local author and historian Robert A. Mayers presents fascinating tales from throughout Watchung's history.

Ligonier Valley Vignettes:

9781609495824

$21.99

Secluded between Laurel Mountain and Chestnut Ridge, the Ligonier Valley has been the mountain playground of western Pennsylvania since the nineteenth century. Yet this picturesque retreat was at the tumultuous center of history--during the French and Indian War, Fort Ligonier was key to the British strategy, and in the late nineteenth century, the Ligonier Valley Rail Road helped transform the industry of the region. Author Jennifer Sopko traces the story of the valley and its residents through a series of fascinating vignettes. From the earliest histories to nostalgic reminiscences of the Ligonier Opera House, socials at the Valley Dairy ice cream parlor and bygone days at Idlewild Park, Sopko captures the history and spirit of the Ligonier Valley and its communities.

Long Branch in the Golden Age:

9781596292161

$21.99

Elite Americans came to Long Branch to stroll along the shore, dance in the hotel ballrooms, gamble a fortune at the casinos, build magnificent mansions and socialize with the day's most powerful players in entertainment, industry and politics.

In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, summers at the shore meant Long Branch, New Jersey, for seven presidents and innumerable other American celebrities. From rags-to-riches industrialists to Broadway babies, and from heirs and heiresses to world-famous poets and artists, this seaside town was the ticket to summertime rest and relaxation. Sharon Hazard's enjoyable history details the comings and goings of those who visited and those who lived in Long Branch, New Jersey, serving up the glamour of the leisurely life alongside the daily struggles of those who made such carefree pleasure possible.

Mid-Maryland:

9781596290716

$21.99

The region of Mid-Maryland has been a historical crossroads, vital in the development of Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region.

This collection of compelling and insightful essays offers fresh perspectives on an area incomparably rich in history; taking the reader on a tour of some of the most critical themes--such as the events and effects of the Civil War, African American history and historic preservation efforts--in the region's past.

Editors Powell and Thompson have compiled contributions from professional and amateur historians, creating an invaluable and accessible collection sure to appeal to all with an interest in sharing and preserving Mid-Maryland's past.

Northwest Washington, D.C.:

9781609493639

$21.99

The red brick of old Georgetown, the streetcar lines of Tenleytown and the eclecticand stately homes of Cleveland Park--the neighborhoods west of Rock Creek Park were the setting for the remarkable history of the capital. Amidst the gardens of their Friendship Estate, the McLean family held lavish parties until they were laid low by the rumored curse of the Hope Diamond, and it was the fashionable residences of Woodley Park that attracted the senators and cabinet members of the 1920s and 1930s. From the history of Georgetown College and American University to stories of runaway slaves seeking protection at Fort Reno, historian Mark Ozer charts the evolution of the storied neighborhoods of Northwest Washington, D.C.

Philadelphia Reflections:

9781609493189

$21.99

Beyond the iconic landmarks of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell is the Philadelphia the locals know. The gritty waterfront district, the vital farming suburbs and the immigrant communities of Germantown and Kensington are all part of the hometown face of Philly.
From the bustling streets of the downtown of today and yesteryear to the bingo halls of Allentown and the Middletown Grange Fair, this collection takes the reader on a nostalgic journey through the cityscapes and suburbs. Sixteen of Pennsylvania's finest creative nonfiction writers share their stories of taking SEPTA buses, riding the Wanamaker's monorail and kayaking the Schuylkill. This collection of vignettes masterfully reveals the unforgettable histories and colorful traditions that make up the City of Neighborhoods.

Remembering Albany:

9781596297708

$21.99

The history of Albany, New York, spans more than four hundred years and has left an indelible mark on the story of America. However, the city's legacy is also peppered with charming tales about nostalgic diner devotion, a "giant" hoax, and the origins of the Yankee Doodle ditty. In this collection, local author and columnist Don Rittner delights with the best stories from his column "Heritage on the Hudson." From the city's earliest days as Mohican and Iroquois territory to the region's heyday as an important crossroads for trading and river transportation to a French toast debacle, Rittner offers a delightful perspective of the history and culture of this capital city.

Remembering Cheltenham Township

9781596297494

$21.99

From its founding in 1687 by Quaker settlers searching for religious freedom, Cheltenham Township has been a hub for social history and change. On the edge of Philadelphia, the township was a rallying point for fiery abolitionists such as Lucretia Mott, the sight of the first African American Civil War camp and a retreat for Gilded Age tycoons. Local historian Donald Scott Sr. has compiled a series of vignettes to chronicle the history of a small but influential township from its earliest days and into the twentieth century. With tales of a locally born ice cream empire, the early life of Baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson and an exploration of striking neighborhood architecture, Scott pays homage to this remarkable community.

Remembering Conshohocken and West Conshohocken

9781596294127

$21.99

The banks of the Schuylkill once echoed with the hum of the steel mills, and immigrants came across the sea to transform Conshohocken and West Conshohocken into thriving industrial towns. When the storm clouds gathered in Europe, the neighboring communities proudly sent more sons and daughters per capita to serve in World War I than any other town in America. Author Jack Coll chronicles the history of these Pennsylvania mill towns with a series of compelling vignettes. From stories of Ned Hector, an African American soldier who fought valiantly during the Revolutionary War, to the heroics of the Conshohocken fire companies, Coll pays tribute to his home and evokes times gone by.

Remembering Conshohocken and West Conshohocken

Remembering Crawford County:

9781596295704

$21.99

When George Washington ventured into northwestern Pennsylvania in 1753 to confront the French, he discovered an untouched land of extensive, rich meadows--Pennsylvania's last frontier. Thirty-five years later, the first group of settlers moved into the territory, where they encountered western tribes of Native Americans and vicious battles over land claims. As the wake of the Industrial Revolution swept away any vestiges of the frontier, Crawford County became an island of capitalism at the edge of the wilderness. In Remembering Crawford County, historian Robert D. Ilisevich has collected the best of his historical essays to look at the happenings that helped advance a community and how they influenced national events.

Remembering Fishkill

9781596295810

$21.99

From criminal bandits along the Hudson River to the signing of New York's first constitution, Remembering Fishkill offers a comprehensive look into a community sprung from hope, innovation and revolution. In this collection of historical vignettes, beloved local historian Willa Skinner provides accounts of Fishkill from its earliest Dutch settling to today. Incorporating memories of harvesting ice on the Hudson River during pre-refrigeration days and replacing a lawn mower with Nanny the goat to keep the grass cut in a meadow now filled with condominiums, Skinner offers a charming personal account of life in Fishkill as only she can.

Remembering Jefferson County:

9781596296862

$21.99

Inventors, hermits, and frontiersmen have all roamed the fields and forests of Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, to leave their marks on what was once dense wilderness. Local journalist Randon W. Bartley introduces his readers to the likes of Judge Heath, who helped fugitive slaves escape from jail; Earl Sandt, Brookville's daring aviator; and local Civil War heroine Kate Scott, whom readers will come to see in a new light. The fascinating history of Jefferson County is told through tales of mine disasters, prognosticating rodents, prohibition battles, early forms of baseball, and a man who thought he could cheat the devil. With humor and wit, Bartley brings together a collection of vignettes that tracks the evolution of Jefferson County from a frontier outpost to a bustling modern community.

Remembering Lewisboro, New York

9781596295179

$21.99

The ambitious traveler or today's soccer mom will travel past rolling hills, rock outcroppings, lakes and fields, babbling streams and through housing developments--in 277 years of existence not much has changed.
Graced by fields, pastures and open land, Lewisboro was once considered as a possible location for the headquarters of the United Nations. Within commuting distance of Manhattan but with a landscape and culture more akin to its New England neighbors, it's no wonder. From debates over smallpox inoculations to a survey of the area's remarkably fine dining options, official town historian Maureen Koehl has culled the best of her popular "Window Into History" column to create a charming and wide-ranging history of Lewisboro and its six hamlets that is sure to enchant visitors and longtime residents alike.

Remembering Norristown

9781596297234

$21.99

Olympians, soldiers and abolitionists have all hailed from the bustling shores of Norristown, Pennsylvania. Beginning as a modest seventeenth-century settlement along the hidden river, it became an industrial boomtown and attracted waves of immigrants to its forges, railways and mills. Local journalist Stan Huskey brings together lively vignettes and fascinating firsthand accounts to introduce such characters as Union general Winfield S. Hancock, hero of Gettysburg, and baseball greats Tommy Lasorda and Mike Piazza. From tales of calamitous train wrecks to the bygone era of streetcars, Huskey brings readers back to the glow of the hometown lights.

Remembering Pottstown:

9781596298422

$21.99

Soldiers, champions and innovators have all hailed from this buzzing borough on the banks of the Schuylkill River. Founded in 1761 as Pottsgrove, the small country town was transformed into a thriving industrial center with the coming of the P&R Railroad. Local historian Michael T. Snyder brings together a collection of vignettes to chronicle this fascinating history. From tales of gallant Civil War colonel John Rutter Brooke and the dedicated Dr. Alice Sheppard to memories of summer baseball games long past and a community united in the aftermath of Hurricane Agnes, Snyder deftly captures the spirit and history of Pottstown.

Remembering Somerville, New Jersey

9781596295476

$21.99

With meticulous research and an obvious love of her subject, Jessie has written about such diverse subjects as mayors, mosquitoes, mail, marbles and Main Street.
-Somerville History Advisory Committee

In 1909, Somerville, New Jersey, celebrated its new status as a borough independent from Bridgewater with music and fireworks. Centuries before, however, Somerville was home to individuals whose foresight and dedication transformed it from a sleepy backwater to a thriving county seat, industrial center and commuter suburb. From dogwoods to doughboys, county fairs to the coming of the railroad, this collection of Jessie Havens's "Hindsight" columns is a patchwork quilt of historical vignettes that provides detailed insight into the local color that gives life to a town.

Remembering Sussex County:

9781596296619

$21.99

Rebels, soldiers and watermen have all toiled and roamed among the fields, bays and beaches of Sussex County. With grit and ingenuity they built strong communities that could face the onslaught of storms and sun seekers. From tales of the Black Camp Rebellion and the infamous Patty Cannon to stories of practical jokesters who brought a swamp monster to life, local author James Diehl brings together a fascinating
and whimsical collection of vignettes that paints a portrait of Delaware's largest county. Between its sunny coast and green fields lie the small towns that the hardworking and hospitable people of Sussex County call home.

Remembering Woodstock

9781596294820

$19.99

From the early pioneering days to the establishment of one of the premier art colonies in the nation, these are the stories of one of America's most famous small towns. Beneath the gentle slopes of Overlook Mountain lies the town of Woodstock, a thriving community of painters, musicians and craftsmen. The town's early history of wintry hardships, courageous settlers and rebellious farmers sets the stage for a saga of spirited and creative personalities. As this energetic individualism carried over into the twentieth century, the sounds of cow horns and tin pails gave way to the bacchanalian revelry of Maverick music festivals and the wailing guitar of Bob Dylan. The first hippie came to town in 1963, and within a few years this Colony of the Arts was swept up by the counterculture movement of the '60s. In this collection of essays from the Historical Society of Woodstock archives, Richard Heppner captures the unique spirit of Woodstock, where "the individual is always welcome and new and creative beginnings are always possible."

Schenectady:

9781609492298

$21.99

Schenectady began as a Dutch settlement and grew into a British and then American metropolis on the banks of the Mohawk River. Characteristically stubborn Dutchman battled over land ownership and clashed with newcomers during the early colonial days. Religious conflict erupted as Methodists struggled to overcome adversity, and Presbyterians and the Dutch Reform struggled to share a new and thriving community. At the same time, important developments took place. Construction of roads and waterways made the city the gateway to the west, and the founding of institutions such as Union College brought refinement to what had once been the rough-edged New World. Originally compiled in 1946 by city historian William B. Efner, this collection of essays by local historians captures the spirit and grit that shaped early Schenectady.

Stories from Highlands, New Jersey:

9781609497071

$21.99

The Historic Highlands are known as where the Jersey Shore begins," and in its long life, its residents and visitors have contributed to a rich, vibrant past. In this book, local historian John King compiles over 80 stories authored by more than 40 Highlands residents who have experienced life there and embrace its heritage. Some of their tales deal with aspects intrinsic to the Highlands, such as clamming and vacationing summer tourists. Some are thrilling accounts from the days of Prohibition, when rum-runners used the shores as ports for illicit booze. From everyday life, to World War II, to sailing and famous residents, discover the history of the Highlands."

Stories from Perth Amboy

9781609496968

$21.99

Since its establishment in 1683, Perth Amboy has been a progressive and welcoming community. Residents have consistently made a stand for equality--in the 1920s, riots at a local KKK meeting ousted the Klan for good, and the nation's first African American vote was cast here by Thomas Mundy Peterson. Another Perth Amboy first was Dr. Solomon Andrews's flight over the town in 1863. Since 1853, the Eagleswood School has hosted lectures from figures like Henry David Thoreau. In 1968, the Perth Amboy basketball team swept the state championship. These and Perth Amboy's other fascinating stories and characters are chronicled by local author Katherine Massopust.

Stories from Raven Rock, New Jersey

9781609498351

$21.99

Raven Rock is a small hamlet nestled between the base of a stone cliff and the Delaware River. In its earliest days, it was known as Saxtonville, and it was controlled by a single landowner. The Delaware Canal, the bed of the old Pennsylvania Railroad track and the Daniel Bray Highway all ran between Raven Rock and the river, and the town grew and prospered with these lines of transportation. In the twentieth century, it became known for its houses, Bull's Island State Park and beautiful bridges, which were used by soldiers in training for exercise during World War II. Discover how historic Raven Rock evolved from a quarry town to the artist community of today through this collection of fascinating vignettes by members of its local historical community..

Stories of West Orange

9781626195530

$21.99

West Orange is one of New Jersey's most loved communities, and the remarkable stories from its past reveal why. Civil War general McClellan lived here while he ran for president against Abraham Lincoln in 1864. Amos Alonzo Stagg, the Grand Old Man of Football," grew up in town. Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt discovered their romantic interest for each other here. West Orange also had its share of intrigue. An alleged love affair between two star-crossed residents led to murder, with as many subplots as a dime store romance novel. Discover the stories of the future mayor who escaped the Nazis, the town employee who fired the first shot of World War II, the railroad tycoon, the hometown Olympic champion, Liberace's early rise to fame and more as local history columnist Joseph Fagan tells West Orange's most fascinating tales."

Washington County Chronicles:

9781609498696

$21.99

Abolitionists, rebels and innovators have all tracked across the pages of Washington County history. Their stories and more were chronicled by beloved local historian Harriet Branton, who introduced readers of the Washington Observer-Reporter "to the history hidden in plain sight. In the earliest tales, European settlers clashed with the Shawanese and Delaware Indians, and fiery local lawyer" "David Bradford led the Whiskey Rebellion. With the coming of the Civil War, the people of southwestern Pennsylvania overwhelmingly united to the cause of the Union--the LeMoynes of Washington and the McKeevers of West Middletown shepherded slaves to freedom, and Washington and Jefferson College sent its alumni to the key battles of the war. Join Branton as she journeys from the rough-and-tumble frontier days of Washington County to the twentieth century ushered in by coal, oil and iron rail."

Yates County Chronicles:

9781626193291

$21.99

Western New York's Yates County is perhaps best known for its three Finger Lakes: Canandaigua, Keuka and Seneca. But beyond these shores, the story of Yates County is one of daring suffragettes and strong athletes, victories and defeat and all the bygone days that make up the memories of a community. The county had its own wine tycoon, as well as a renowned writer, Leon Lewis, who left Penn Yan with more than one mystery. Later, a fire destroyed much of Penn Yan in 1872's great conflagration. The women of Yates made their own mark on history and held a suffrage convention just a few years after Seneca Falls. With this collection of the best of his Yates Past "columns, local author Richard MacAlpine reveals the remarkable history and spirit of Yates County."