Altoona

9781467122863

$24.99

For over a century, Altoona, Pennsylvania, was a bustling industrial hotbed. The town thrived as a gem of the Pennsylvania Railroad, which constructed some 6,000 steam locomotives. However, like so many communities in the wake of World War II, Altoona struggled amidst deindustrialization and cultural shifts. The 1968 end of the Pennsylvania Railroad, a decreasing population, and a dying downtown slowly made the city a shadow of its former self. However, recent developments reveal potential--as is seen in the corporate presence of Norfolk Southern and Sheetz. Additionally, the growth of Penn State Altoona, regional health care systems, and the Altoona Curve baseball club continue to make the city and its environs a unique place within the heart of the Allegheny Mountains.

Around Binghamton

9781467124454

$24.99

The Greater Binghamton area's undulating history mirrors that of its terrain. The area has evolved from a transportation center to a hub of manufacturing and technology and, with the expansion of Binghamton University and SUNY Broome Community College, a growing center of erudition. First, canal boats and trains dominated the landscape, then, cigars were produced in abundance, followed by shoes, simulators, and computers. Now, with Binghamton University expanding into downtown, student housing, breweries, and eateries fill Binghamton's streets. The area has earned the monikers "Parlor City," "Carousel Capital of the World," "Sports Mecca," and the "City of Festivals." Binghamton's cultural legacy is rich; besides being the home of professional baseball, bicycling, golf, hockey, running, and tennis, Binghamton's annual celebrations have included Mural Fest, July Fest, Spiedie Fest, and Luma Fest.

Fell's Point

9781467123983

$24.99

Fell's Point history can be told as a "tale of two cities:" abolitionists and violent secessionists; fire-bombing murderers and community organizers; million-dollar condos and low-income projects; and world champion boxers and a myriad of panhandlers. This dichotomy has created a neighborhood unlike any other in Baltimore. One of the oldest neighborhoods in America, Fell's Point has witnessed much in its 300-plus years. Originally Baltimore's deepwater seaport, Fell's Point's privateers were crucial to winning of the War of 1812. After shipbuilding moved out and waves of immigrants moved through the community, it gradually fell into decline in the first half of the 20th century. In the 1960s, dedicated preservationists began a decade-plus-long battle to defeat city plans to demolish it for a highway. Today, Fell's Point is a thriving, artistic, and eccentric community that welcomes one and all to experience its history, its culture, and its people.

Fire Island

9781467121712

$24.99

The birth of Fire Island's modern era may well be the day it was declared a national seashore--September 11, 1964. From this day on, the barrier island would remain forever persevered under custody of the National Park Service. Today, automobiles are the exception, not the rule, thanks to men and women who fought to prevent a paved highway from being constructed on the barrier island over 50 years ago. The island's culture has always embraced its own distinct path. Fire Island's maritime roots are still evident and alternate lifestyles flourish, while the simple and mundane pleasures of a beautiful day at the beach remain intact. Fire Island continues to spark the imagination of tourists, vacationers, and residents alike who revel in the beauty of this unique place. Today, Fire Island is so many things to so many people.

Glen Cove

9781467122412

$24.99

Glen Cove, the only city located on Long Island's Gold Coast, has long been reinventing itself. After World War II, the farms and estates in the area gave way to suburban development. Modern advancements like the zoom lens, the dimmer switch, and X-ray technologies were all developed within the city limits, while factories on the creek supplied the world with carbon paper, typewriter ribbons, and graphic arts film and cameras. Albert Einstein, Nikita Khrushchev, and the Kennedy families stayed in the community, and stars of stage and screen performed about town. In 1968, Glen Cove celebrated its tricentennial. It was followed by urban renewal and the rebuilding of the old downtown. In the final years of the 20th century, the industrial era ended, and under the auspices of Mayor Thomas Suozzi, environmental cleanup and waterfront revitalization began.

Hasbrouck Heights

9781467134880

$24.99

Hasbrouck Heights was incorporated over 100 years ago as a farming community. However, the building of the railroad brought an influx of people, and this agricultural town located a few miles outside of Manhattan morphed into a commuter's dream. The farms died out, and the postwar housing boom made Hasbrouck Heights into the borough it is today. During the last 50 years, the town has relatively stayed the same. Businesses may change, but the time-tested traditions that make up Hasbrouck Heights have stayed true. One can watch children paint the store windows for Halloween in autumn or attend the Easter egg hunt in spring. New traditions, like the inception of Town Day and the street fair, have sprung up as well and will continue for years. These are just some of the things that make people settle here. Viewing these archival photographs will take readers on a walk down memory lane.

Lost Steel Plants of the Monongahela River Valley

9781467134668

$24.99

Journey through the complicated economic and environmental history of the steel industry in The Mon.Perfect for fans of the history of American industrialization.

Pittsburgh's Monongahela Riveris named after the Lenape Indianword Menaonkihela, meaning where banks cave and erode. The name is fitting: for over a century, these riverbanks were lined with steel plants and railroads that have now caved and erodedaway.

By the 1880s, Carnegie Steelwas the world's largest manufacturer of iron, steel rails, and coke. However, in the 1970s, cheap foreign steel flooded the market. Following the 1981-1982 recession, the plants laid off 153,000 workers. The year 1985 saw the beginning of demolition; by 1990, seven of nine major steel plants had shut down.Duquesne, Homestead, Jones & Laughlin, and Eliza Furnaceare gone; only the Edgar Thomsonplant remains as a producer of steel.

The industry could be said to have built and nearly destroyed the region both economically and environmentally. While these steel plants are lost today, the legacy of their workers is not forgotten.

Lost Steel Plants of the Monongahela River Valley

Scranton

9781467134125

$24.99

After incorporation in 1866, Scranton demonstrated an indomitable spirit that made it the Electric City and the Anthracite Capital of the World. Nestled in the scenic Lackawanna River Valley, Scranton carried that spirit through the changing economic landscape of the mid-20th century as its coal, railroad, and textile industries declined. In a cityscape that recalls its past, Scranton continues to find creative uses for its iconic structures. The community of Scranton embraces growth and change while celebrating its rich heritage with traditions like trips to the Saturday farmers' market at the historic Iron Furnaces, rides along the old Laurel Line trolley tracks to a RailRiders baseball game, celebrations of rich ethnic heritage at festivals throughout the year, and many more.

Southwest DC

9781467124218

$24.99

Southwest DC is a unique quadrant in the nation's capital. After a massive 1950s and 1960s urban renewal project demolished much of the area's buildings, Southwest DC began anew with a clean slate. Capitalizing on the waterfront location and utilizing modern architecture, large high-rise buildings were constructed to house thousands of new residents, who would later fight to preserve the architecture in this new planned community located close to the US Capitol. This tight-knit community would once again witness a large-scale construction boom after the turn of the 21st century, as upscale hotels, most noticeably the Mandarin-Oriental, and high-end condominiums were built, complemented by new restaurants, shops, and services. The waterfront area--home to a community of live-aboard houseboats and sailboats--would also later completely transform, anchored by The Wharf project. Biking and walking trails also introduced Washingtonians to this hidden jewel in the capital. Southwest DC remains a community-minded neighborhood with a thriving arts scene, important religious institutions, and nonprofit organizations, as well as government offices.

Tenafly

9781467124003

$24.99

Tenafly has evolved from an Old Dutch farming community with unique estates owned by businessmen, mainly railroad executives, into a thriving New York suburb. The borough has long been known for its excellent school system. After the Second World War, development grew through technology that allowed for building on Tenafly's hills, which enabled an affordable means of growth toward the Palisades. The area also increased in its desirability as a place for parents to raise children. As time passed, more opportunities became available for people of all ages to take part in recreation and school activities, enjoying the open spaces, parks, and town-wide events. Tenafly's popular yet changing downtown, with its local shops and eateries, is where generations of school kids and adults have gathered to meet. The number of houses of worship has increased as diversity has been embraced by the community. Tenafly has developed as a town but boomed as a community with diverse interests and tastes.

West Brighton

9781467121941

$24.99

West Brighton has come a long way from its 19th-century name of "Factoryville" and has evolved into a wonderful residential community on the north shore of Staten Island. Today, West Brighton remains a place of family-owned and -operated businesses and churches that have surpassed the century mark. It retains the spirit of what Staten Island once was, while continuing to grow alongside the rapidly changing times. The most enduring characteristic about West Brighton is its people, the generations that have chosen to live and raise their families here. They have celebrated milestones and achievements, such as being elected borough president of Staten Island, which was accomplished by native West Brighton residents Anthony R. Gaeta and Ralph J. Lamberti.

West Chester

9781467123822

$24.99

West Chester is a thriving modern American town that honors its historic past and has become a sought-after location to live. First known as Turks Head, the town was a frequent stop for travelers before the American Revolution. Later, Abraham Lincoln's first campaign biography was printed in the town. West Chester is the seat of government for Chester County, one of the most affluent and best governed counties in the nation. West Chester and the county have been named repeatedly by a myriad of national publications as one of the top places to live, work, and raise a family in the United States. The community offers many exciting events during the year, including a professional bicycle race, parades, and art and restaurant festivals. West Chester's famous residents include composer Samuel Barber and artist Horace Pippin.

Williamsport

9781467123600

$24.99

Once known as "the Lumber Capital of the World," Williamsport, Pennsylvania, is more than its lumber heritage. It is an artistic and cultural hub enjoying a revitalization, much of which is due to the discovery of Marcellus Shale and the gas industry. As the birthplace of Little League Baseball, Williamsport boasts an award-winning school district and public library, two nationally ranked colleges, and several landmarks listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Businesses like the Grit newspaper and Shop-Vac have been at the forefront of major industries, including aircraft engines, railroad transport, and manufacturing. A new generation of business owners is changing the downtown landscape through public art, community events, and cultural activities. No matter what challenges residents face, they are dedicated to preserving and advancing the city they call home.

York

9781467134057

$24.99

York experienced great changes following World War II. People began moving from the city to the suburbs, and many department stores, like Bear's, Wiest's, Jack's, and Gregory's, closed. Long-standing companies such as AMF and York Air Conditioning were sold or moved, while banks, industries, and businesses merged. The York County Shopping Center opened on the East End, attracting customers who had formerly shopped downtown. WSBA TV went on the air in 1952, starting a new era in communication and a business empire that still has a strong presence today. The band Live grew from a group of local high school students to well-known musicians that graced the cover of Rolling Stone. Jeff Koons became one of the most celebrated artists in the world, Kim Bracey became the first African American mayor, and York businessman Tom Wolf became governor. York continues to celebrate its rich heritage as the "Factory Capital of the World."