Akron

9781467115285

$24.99

Once known as the "Rubber Capital of the World," Akron now hails as the "City of Invention." As the fifth-largest city in Ohio, it has grown from an industrial center to a hub of culture and science. During this change, Akron's downtown went from a vibrant retail district to being somewhat empty; however, the city was reborn with a baseball stadium for the Akron RubberDucks (the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians), new restaurants, concert venues, and in its role as a host for national events such as the 2014 Gay Games. As recently as 20 years ago, rubber workers made up a large part of Akron's population, but the number of people employed in the rubber industry dropped by half between 2000 and 2007. In 2001, Akron was named among the country's 10 high-tech havens by Newsweek, and it is now considered the center of "Polymer Valley."

Battle Creek

9781467111577

$24.99

In the 1960s, Battle Creek was a successful industrial town known around the world as the "Cereal City" due to the area's largest employers, the ready-to-eat breakfast food companies of Ralston Foods, the Kellogg Company, and the Post division of General Foods. As these long-established businesses began to downsize, automate, and relocate, the community met the new economic and social challenges by developing a downtown pedestrian mall, converting a former military base into a vibrant industrial park, and merging two municipalities into the third-largest city (by area) in Michigan. These changes, along with many others, have continued to guide this Midwestern community into the 21st century.

Berea

9781467113847

$24.99

Among southwest Cleveland suburbs, Berea, a community of 19,000, is unique. Berea was once called "The Sandstone Capital of the World," but the area's quarrying industry ceased in the mid-20th century. Immigrant quarrymen and their descendants remained, adding an eclectic and resilient mix to the academic atmosphere. Where blasting once shook the quarries, a pleasant area of lakes, trails, and picnic spots now delights residents and visitors alike. The historic home of the town's first doctor enjoys new life as a bed-and-breakfast, contemporary architecture integrates a historic church as part of the university, a wind turbine generates power for the fairgrounds, and community gardens offer produce to local food pantries.

Cedar Falls

9781467114073

$24.99

In 1952, Cedar Falls, Iowa, celebrated the centennial of its founding with parades, contests, food, and fun. The city had grown from a village with a stump-filled Main Street into a shining example of post-World War II America. The city's diversified economy provided opportunity to thousands through large employers such as the Viking Pump Company, Clay Equipment, and Iowa State Teachers College. Thanks to the foresight of earlier residents, the city had its own hospital and utility company, which allowed for a comforting self-sufficiency. Known over the years as "the Garden City of Iowa," "the City Beautiful," and "the Smiling City," by the middle of the 20th century Cedar Falls had fulfilled the promise foreseen by its earliest founders and looked forward to its next 100 years.

Cedar Rapids

9781467111805

$24.99

Incorporated as a town in 1849 and then reincorporated as a city in 1856, Cedar Rapids has never stopped progressing. It earned its place as the second-largest city in Iowa through continuous attention to innovative growth and development of where people work and live. Images of Modern America: Cedar Rapids highlights modern-day Cedar Rapids, focusing on changes and events from around 1960 to the earliest years of the 21st century. This "City of Five Seasons," now building anew with respect for its history, continues to move forward with increasing business, cultural, and recreational opportunities for the entire community.

Hamtramck

9781467113519

$24.99

Fueled by a massive immigrant influx in the early 20th century, Hamtramck went from being a small farming village to a major industrial town in the space of 10 years. This phenomenal growth attracted national attention and set the city on a sometimes precarious path toward the future. Despite often teetering on financial ruin, the city has always managed to right itself. Once predominantly Polish, Hamtramck has recently turned in a new direction to become one of the most diverse cities in the nation. This human tapestry--intertwining memorable people, places, and events of the past and present--is woven with the many colors that are so richly evident on these pages.

Holland

9781467114004

$24.99

Holland, Michigan, has a provincial feel while being cosmopolitan, offering the best of both worlds to residents and visitors alike. In 1847, emigrants from the Netherlands founded Holland. For 85 years, the city has remembered its heritage with Tulip Time, a festival that attracts 250,000 visitors each May to view six million tulips. Clinging to tradition, the residents of Holland dress in Dutch costumes to scrub streets and dance in wooden shoes as they are joined by parading bands in the shadow of a 200-year-old windmill. Over the last 50 years, Holland's cultural diversity has evolved along with an outstanding business community in which numerous industries and unique retail outlets flourish. The city is home to Hope College, has won America in Bloom floral honors, contains an award-winning hospital, and features sugar sand beaches.

Hudson

9781467114172

$24.99

Founded in 1799 as part of the Connecticut Western Reserve, Hudson maintains its charm by simultaneously highlighting its historic attributes and thriving as a contemporary community. For its first 150 years, Hudson was a quiet village, but the population grew when the Ohio Turnpike opened in the 1950s; suddenly, Hudson was on the map, and the preservation of local traditions became even more important to residents. Images of Modern America: Hudson showcases these preservation efforts, including those of the downtown district--much of which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Through vintage color photographs, this collection celebrates Hudson's legacy as it progresses toward the future.

Lafayette

9781467114608

$24.99

Founded as a "River Town" in 1825, Lafayette grew quickly and became a city in 1853. It was named after the famous French general Marquis de Lafayette, who helped America win its independence from England. In its more than 150 years in existence, Lafayette has come a long way. After the city celebrated its centennial, its growth remained stagnant from the 1960s through the 1990s. However, the addition of a Subaru plant and Wabash National changed this and started a movement that has turned the city into a major industrial and population center in the Hoosier state. Its continued economic growth is almost assured with the expansion of several plants and the addition of other companies.

Naperville

9781467123778

$24.99

Naperville is a quintessential American city, where many cultures blend together in harmony. Founded in 1831 by Capt. Joseph Naper and incorporated in 1857, the city has progressed from rural farmland to a robust commercial economy. In 1860, kerosene lamps and one wooden bridge were surrounded by the sounds of prairie fowl and croaking frogs. In 1960, the population exploded. Now, 21 languages are spoken in the community, and the meandering downtown Naperville Riverwalk offers bucolic serenity to those strolling along the Century Walk artwork. Naperville has two partner Sister Cities that strengthen culture and business: Nitra, Slovakia (as of 1993), and Pátzcuaro, Mexico (as of 2010). The city comes alive thanks to its people and families, organizations, leaders, and events. It is filled with a rich culture that values the history of yesterday while looking forward to tomorrow's joys. Naperville is simply outstanding in every manner and mode of living.

Norfolk

9781467113984

$24.99

In July 1866, three wagon trains of German immigrants from Wisconsin arrived at their new home on the North Fork of the Elkhorn River in northeastern Nebraska. The settlers intended to call the town Northfork, but in 1868, when the abbreviated "Norfork" was submitted to federal postal authorities, the government assumed the name was misspelled and changed it to Norfolk. Since the town's founding, the story of the community has been one of continuous growth that has led to a bountiful, thriving town. Norfolk's hardworking people are generous, welcoming, and open to new ideas. Though it has changed with time, the unconquerable spirit of the city remains young and active. Images of Modern America: Norfolk is a photographic journey into the 21st century.

Old Cowtown Museum

9781467117432

$24.99

Old Cowtown Museum originally started as a shrine to the pioneers and founders of Wichita. It later reinvented itself according to Hollywood's version of the Old West. After the peak of Western films, the museum once again updated its theme to reflect Wichita's agricultural history. In recent years, Old Cowtown Museum has become a nationally recognized and accredited living history museum. A product of 1950s Old West nostalgia, it has become one of the most beloved of all of Wichita's museums and institutions. Inside this book is the story of how Old Cowtown Museum became the regional and cultural attraction it is today, along with images of the museum throughout its 66-year history, including people, events, and stories, many of which have never been published before.

Southern St. Joseph County

9781467113809

$24.99

The changing world of the 1960s forced adaptation upon southern St. Joseph County, which was still trying to retain a rural identity in the towns of North Liberty, Walkerton, and Lakeville. By the decade's end, Studebaker had closed, and multigenerational family farms had been sold to accommodate the creation of Potato Creek State Park. The early 1980s brought further challenges for community leaders tasked with consolidating area schools to form the John Glenn School Corporation. Through all of this, the community retained its steadfast commitment to fellowship and local charm. Festivals, parades, church gatherings, and school activities reinforce what it means to be a Hoosier in southern St. Joseph County.

The Iowa Caucus

9781467115834

$24.99

For more than 40 years, Iowa has held the first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses. A vibrant political culture has emerged as a result of this role, and Iowa voters have a unique opportunity to get to know the nation's presidential candidates as they travel the state, attend small-group meetings, and hone their messages. Candidates come to Iowa--where "retail politics" is the name of the game--early and often. But the campaign trail in Iowa isn't just about candidates. It's about average Americans in small-town diners, church basements, and high school gyms. In an age of public cynicism about politics, the Iowa caucuses continue to demonstrate the importance of real people talking about issues with would-be presidents.