Marcy

9780738555249

$24.99

Marcy is not a town but rather a township made up of several hamlets, Stittville being the largest. These hamlets originated with groups of various religions and nationalities, such as Welch, Methodist, and Baptist. The one thing they all had in common was their desire to survive and prosper. The answer was in farming and all the hard work that had to be done every day. In the late 1850s, everything changed when the railroad came to town. Travel outside the farm fences became easy and enjoyable. Residents could catch the train and, in only 20 minutes, be in Utica, a whole different world, with stores and merchandise unlike anything on the farm. Today the farming has all but gone, and Marcy is largely a bedroom community with a mixture of small shops, electricity and water distribution systems, and higher education institutions.

Jewish Albuquerque

9780738579771

$24.99

Albuquerque, founded by Spanish colonists in 1706, seems an unusual place for Jewish immigrants to settle. Yet long before New Mexico statehood in 1912, Jewish settlers had made their homes in the high desert town, located on the banks of the Rio Grande River. Initially, business opportunities lured German Jews to the Santa Fe Trail; during the expansive railroad days of the 1880s, Jewish citizens were poised to take on leadership roles in business, government, and community life. Henry Jaffa, a Jewish merchant and acquaintance of Wyatt Earp, served as Albuquerque's first mayor. From launching businesses along Central Avenue, to establishing the Indian Trading Room at the famed Alvarado Hotel and founding trading posts, Route 66 tourist establishments, and the Sandia Tram, Jewish businesspeople partnered with their neighbors to boost Albuquerque's already plentiful assets. Along the way, community members built Jewish organizations--a B'nai B'rith chapter, Congregation Albert, and Congregation B'nai Israel--that made their mark upon the larger Albuquerque community.

Around Brockport

9780738557342

$24.99

Throughout the 20th century, Brockport residents and visitors shared their experiences, sending postcards of the town to friends and family. These postcards present the important places and events that made visitors come back year after year and made residents proud to call the town home. This book complements the author's pictorial history Around Brockport in Arcadia Publishing's Images of America series. Along with Brockport, the towns of Sweden, Clarkson, and Hamlin are included in this extraordinary collection of postcards. The vintage postcards in this volume span a century of the area's history, presenting a portrait of the streets, buildings, events, and disasters that impacted the time and preserving the memories of the past for future generations.

Skiing in Southern California

9780738555683

$24.99

Known for its sunshine and sandy beaches filled with bathing beauties and musclemen, Southern California is a Mediterranean-climate haven for winter-weary Americans from Michigan to Maine. But for those with a hankering for winter sports, one could scarcely ignore the snowcapped peaks of Mount Baldy and San Gorgonio shimmering in the bright California sunshine. By the 1930s, skiing was all the rage, with the towns of Big Pines, Lake Arrowhead, and Big Bear Lake evolving into popular snow-sport locales. Southern California was also home to many who made their mark in the world of American skiing: Walter Mosauer, the father of skiing in Southern California; Tyler Van Degrift, owner of Los Angeles's first ski shop; Clarita Heath Bright, talented member of the first U.S. Women's Olympic ski team; Dorothy McClung Wullich, first woman member of the National Ski Patrol; and Sepp Benedikter and Tommi Tyndall, both leading the way with ski schools and instruction. These and many others are documented here in this collection of rare and vintage images of Southern California skiing.

Volusia County's West Side

9781596295629

$21.99

This collection of popular "Sense of Place" columns by Daytona Beach News-Journal award-winning writer Ronald Williamson chronicles the sleepy streams, poignant passages and timeless traditions of the hilly western side of Volusia County--a place quite different from the hustle and bustle of the Daytona Beach area. Majestic St. Johns River steamboats replace speeding racecars, and subdued séances at an old spiritualist camp replace brash biker bashes and spring break revelry. From slavery and segregation to Madame Clarissa Zaraza and mayhaw jelly from swampy creeks, these stories are a moving account from a master storyteller.

Catholics along the Rio Grande

9780738579757

$24.99

In 1540, Francisco Coronado led a band of soldiers, treasure-seekers, and Franciscan priests and friars into New Mexico, changing the lives of the Native Americans forever. In 1680, less than 100 years after the first Spanish colony imposed disease, serfdom, and zealous religious oversight on the indigenous peoples, the Pueblos rose up, forcing the Spaniards out. The uprising, known as the Pueblo Revolt, lasted for 12 years, but Catholic influence was reinvigorated following the 1692 Diego De Vargas reconquest. Over the next century, the Franciscans were gradually relegated to outlying pueblos while diocesan priests from Mexico and later from France and the United States dominated the Church's expansion in the Rio Grande Valley. Today Catholicism remains strong and vibrant in New Mexico, learning the lessons and building on the foundations from the past 500 years.

Rock Hall

9780738553108

$24.99

Rock Hall, Maryland, is a small, tranquil community nestled in Kent County on the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Settled by fishermen and recently released indentured servants lured by subsistence fishing and farming, the town soon earned a reputation for enormous hauls of rockfish; thus, Rock Haul (later Rock Hall) was named. Eventually shipbuilding and other water-oriented enterprises developed, and the town evolved. More than 300 years later, farmers and watermen still provide the basis of the community's economy, and the residents are evermore dedicated to historic preservation. In Images of America: Rock Hall, vintage photographs depict Rock Hall harbor, Tolchester Beach, Eastern Neck Island, and the Chesapeake Bay.

The Lido Club Hotel

9781467104449

$24.99

The Lido Club Hotel officially opened in June 1928 as a swanky oceanfront resort adjacent to the world-class Lido Golf Course. Built by Sen. William H. Reynolds, who previously bought and developed nearby Long Beach, the Lido Club Hotel featured a striking architectural design with twin cupolas and became a playground for socialites, industrialists, and politicians. In 1942, the US Navy requisitioned the hotel as a naval training and separation center. After the war, the Lido Club Hotel was leased to the newly formed United Nations and housed over 500 of its personnel. The hotel returned to civilian hands in 1947 and was once again a fashionable seaside resort with a wealthy clientele. Over the next 30 years, many well-known entertainers such as Sammy Davis Jr. and Barbra Streisand performed in Lido's Starlight Room. In 1980, the Lido Club Hotel was sold to developers and converted into a luxury oceanfront condominium, Lido Beach Towers, that remains a local landmark with a fascinating past.

Maryland Women in the Civil War

9781609499198

$21.99

On July 9, 1864, young Mamie Tyler crouched in a cellar as Union sharpshooters above traded volleys with Confederate forces. After six excruciating hours, she emerged to nurse the wounded from the Battle of Monocacy. This was life in a border state and the terrifying reality for the women of Maryland. Western Maryland experienced some of the worst carnage of the war, and women turned their homes into hospitals for the wounded of Antietam, South Mountain and Gettysburg. In Baltimore, secessionists such as Hetty Carry fled arrest by Union troops. The Eastern Shore's Anna Ella Carroll plotted military strategy for the Union, and Harriet Tubman led hundreds of slaves to freedom on the Underground Railroad. Author Claudia Floyd draws on letters and memoirs to chronicle their stories and present a fascinating and nuanced portrait of Maryland women in the Civil War.

Gwinnett County, Georgia

9780738514055

$24.99

The African-American community of Gwinnett County boasts a rich heritage brought to life in scenes captured by early photography. These residents faced challenges and hardships both during and after slavery and entered into the turbulent 20th century poised for social change; theirs is an engaging story told by the proud faces in this volume. Men and women who built homes and businesses, who defended their country in times of war, and who educated their young make up the diverse and determined African-American citizenry of this greater Atlanta community.

Rockdale

9780738585062

$24.99

Rockdale was first established as a railroad town in Milam County in 1874. Milam County was carved from the extensive Robertson's Colony in 1852, and it flourished with immigrants eager to move on after the Civil War severed the nation. For many, Rockdale was an easy choice for a new home because it was the end of the line. The fertile land, pleasant climate, and ample water attracted settlers, many of whom were of German, Czech, and Wendish descent. The presence of large deposits of lignite brought mining onto the scene in the early 1900s. From 1954 until 2009, the Aluminum Company of America operated a large plant that was six miles from Rockdale, which further changed the economy. The settlers were by no means the first humans to inhabit this land.

LOL Jokes Portland

9781467198431

$9.99 $5.00 Save 50%

Bursting with laugh-out-loud jokes and fun facts, LOL Jokes: Portland combines the best of humor and history for young readers!

Inspired by all the wonderful sights, sounds, and . . . smells of the City of Roses, this local joke book delivers kid-friendly punchlines that will have readers laughing ’til they cry! Alongside hilarious jokes and puns are fascinating facts, goofy tidbits of local history, and engaging graphics that will keep readers chuckling and sharing with friends. LOL Jokes: Portland is sure to deliver hours of knee-slapping entertainment.

What building in Portland has the most STORIES?
Powell’s Books!

Fun Factoid: In 1842, the founders of Portland disagreed on what the city should be called. One proposed “Boston, Oregon,” the other came up with “Portland, Oregon.” Amazing, but true: the name was decided by the toss of a coin! And I guess you know which one won!

Dunleith

9780738542058

$24.99

Dunleith, a community just two miles south of Wilmington, arose in the early 1950s and was the first African American housing development marketed in Delaware. African Americans, many of whom were World War II veterans, teachers, and blue-collar workers, purchased their first homes in Dunleith. During this period of civil rights programs, finding equal education and housing opportunities was a challenge, particularly for African Americans. The school and churches of the Dunleith Estates community encouraged a generation of families to persevere through this difficult period. The rich history of the community is documented through vintage photographs in Images of America: Dunleith.

Cover image for Dunleith, isbn: 9780738542058

Martha's Vineyard in World War II

9781626193727

$21.99

The small, tightknit island community of Martha's Vineyard was irrevocably transformed by World War II. From rationing and blackouts to a military presence in Chilmark, the war was brought home to the residents of the island. In the air, pilots flew training missions from the Martha's Vineyard Naval Auxiliary Air Facility. At sea, ferryboats served as hospital ships in the D-Day invasion, while enemy submarines lurked offshore. Mock invasions were undertaken by military forces from across Vineyard Sound, and remote sites were used for training missions and bombing practice. Residents participated in the war effort by buying war bonds, supporting USO activities and conducting air raid drills. Remnants and reminiscences of this illustrious past can still be found today. Join authors Thomas Dresser, Herb Foster and Jay Schofield as they revive the story of this resilient island during World War II.

Western Washington Reflections:

9781609498528

$21.99

Beyond Mount Rainier and the Space Needle is the Western Washington the locals know. The majestic Cascades, the vital farming suburbs and the communities of transplants from around the country are all part of the evolving life of Washington. From the bustling streets of the downtown of today to the slower pace of the Northwest Washington Fair, this collection offers a nostalgic journey through the cityscapes and suburbs. Sixteen well-established and emerging creative nonfiction writers share their stories of spelunking in the Ape Caves in Mount Saint Helens, walking the trails of Bellingham and surviving the Depression in Tacoma. This collection of vignettes follows the I-5 corridor to reveal the unforgettable histories, colorful traditions and pioneering spirit of Western Washington.

Marion in the Golden Age

9781596296343

$21.99

In The Late Nineteenth Century, America's new railroads flooded Marion with extravagant cargo: the rich and famous. For the likes of Mark Twain, Henry James and President Grover Cleveland, whose home here was known as the "summer White House," Marion became a treasured sanctuary from city life. Teeming with prosperity and the blossoming arts, this hamlet offered a setting so breathtaking that it inspired some of the world's foremost creative minds. Encouraged by The Century Magazine editor Richard Watson Gilder, prominent artists, architects, writers and celebrities flocked to Marion. Also frequented by Academy Award-winning actress Ethel Barrymore, it was here that Charles Dana Gibson sketched his iconic "Gibson Girl." Whether following First Lady Frances Cleveland's trendsetting fashion or the well-publicized wedding of Cecil Clark and Richard Harding Davis, the eyes of America were firmly planted on Marion's sparkling shores and glittering guests.

W.L. Dow:

9781626191525

$21.99

Wallace L. Dow's enduring legacy is visible throughout Sioux Falls and across South Dakota. His distinctive structures, whether civic buildings or private residences, are beholden to no single architectural style. A New Hampshire native, Dow was brought to the Dakota Territory in the 1880s by Governor Nehemiah Ordway. Dow quickly established himself as the preeminent architect of the Dakota prairie, designing iconic structures like Sioux Falls Courthouse and the penitentiary, as well as many beautiful private residences. Using local Sioux quartzite, Dow's buildings gave the emerging Dakota Territory an identity. Yet the architect himself remains something of a mystery. Join author and Dow documentarian Jennifer Dumke as she uncovers Dow's story, recounting the life and work of a true Sioux Falls original who left his mark statewide.

Steilacoom

9780738558202

$24.99

Named for the Scht'ileq'wem native people, the idyllic town of Steilacoom is located on the southeastern shores of Washington's Puget Sound. The year 1841 marked the first official American exploration of Puget Sound by Lt. Charles Wilkes and the U.S. Navy. Although the area had a U.S. Army post at Fort Steilacoom, with the Hudson's Bay Company at Fort Nisqually and pioneers scattered between, it wasn't until January 1851 that Capt. Lafayette Balch founded Port Steilacoom. Just south of the new port, John B. Chapman established Steilacoom City in June of that same year. The settlements merged to form the Town of Steilacoom in 1854; it became the first incorporated town in the Washington Territory. Steilacoom's story is one of transformation from bustling city to scenic small town. With a commanding view of the Narrows Bridge, the Olympic Mountains, Key Peninsula, and South Sound islands, Steilacoom is now proudly known as the "Town of Firsts."

Around Curwensville

9780738555065

$24.99

Curwensville, one of the oldest towns in Clearfield County, began as a lumber town. Some of the area's finest families made their fortunes by harvesting the tall pine trees that were used as ship masts. The Irvin and Patton families were instrumental in the development of the town, as they brought the railroad to the area and contributed to the schools, banks, and a water system. In the 20th century, industries such as brick making, stone quarries, and tanneries became vital to the community. Bringing to life an era when every settlement was a stop on the railroad route, Around Curwensville is an exciting collection of historic photographs from Curwensville and surrounding towns, including Clearfield, Grampian, and DuBois.

Forestville

9780738558059

$24.99

Visitors to Forestville are taken aback by its picturesque valleys laden with roaming vineyards. However, Forestville is more than a gateway to the Russian River; it is a diverse array of businesses, wineries, farming, and recreation. Forestville grew from the Spanish land grant traded by Capt. Juan Bautista Rogers Cooper from his brother-in-law Gen. Mariano Vallejo in 1834 into the town known by passing travelers as "Swindle Rig." In 1867, the town was named Forestville after Andrew Jackson Forrister, a saloon owner. It was set apart from other settlements by having the first powered sawmill in California and the Faudré Chair factory, the largest manufacturing plant in Sonoma County of that era. Collectors still seek out the factory's rawhide-bottom chairs. As a popular stop on the railway line, many vacationers from San Francisco passed through on their journeys to the Russian River. In 1963, the town continued to be different, setting aside land for a community youth park, so it is no wonder the town's slogan is "Forestville the Great Life."

Warm Wishes from Sunny St. Pete:

9781626192744

$21.99

St. Petersburg was the first American city to hire a public relations director and the first to initiate a successful advertising program. More than almost any other Florida city, St. Petersburg relied on a constant message in postcards, newspaper editorials, print ads and broadcast commercials to market itself as the nation's playground. By the early 1900s, this sleepy fishing village had become the tourist destination of choice for thousands of winter-weary northerners. Early enthusiasts claimed the sun-filled peninsula was the southern garden of perpetual well-being." Their methods ranged from serious academic papers to outrageous bathing suit inspections and "world record" schemes. Join" "historian Nevin D. Sitler as he presents an entertaining look at the men who crafted the promotion of paradise.."

Historic Tales of the Hiawatha Valley

9781467143097

$21.99 $11.00 Save 50%

Adored for its tremendous beauty, the Hiawatha Valley also harbors a rich and varied history. Native Americans settled on the sandy shores of the Mississippi River and gave rise to the legend of Wee-no-nah. Later settlers arrived by steamboat and horse cart to tame the rugged hills and valleys and raise the finest of America's crops, industries and children. The "gandy dancer" of early railroading drove his spikes, and pickle makers fed the troops in early war efforts. All the while, the Mighty Mississippi beckoned to hardy explorers, Mark Twain among them. Join local author Kent Otto Stever as he blends historic events, places and people with personal reflections on everyday life in the valley.

The Marion Popcorn Festival: A Fun-Filled History

9781626196612

$21.99

In 1981, a small group of local business leaders put Marion, Ohio, on the path to hosting the largest popcorn festival on the planet. Founded in part to honor the achievements of Marion-based Wyandot, Incorporated, once the world's largest popcorn exporter, the Marion Popcorn Festival celebrates the city's dynamic industrial past. Free and open to the public for more than three decades, the festival attracts hundreds of thousands of fans for three days of popcorn, pageantry and fun. Drawing on the memories of founders and longtime volunteers, author Michelle Rotuno-Johnson brings us the festival from seed to snack in this all-encompassing work.

The Marion Popcorn Festival: A Fun-Filled History

Arlington County Chronicles

9781626195059

$23.99

Modern-day Arlington County is a center for government institutions and a critical part of the Washington, D.C. community. But the identity of the area goes far beyond the influence of the nation's capital. During the War of 1812, the original copy of the Declaration of Independence was hidden from the British in a local area gristmill. Arlington was the only county in Virginia to vote against secession, despite being home to Robert E. Lee. In the 1950s, a young Jim Morrison was raised partly in Arlington. The county even boasts an infamous $1 million bus stop. In this collection of his most funny and fascinating columns, local author, historian, journalist and "Our Man in Arlington" Charlie Clark regales with stories of politics, personalities and everything in between.

Paxton

9780738557373

$24.99

Paxton, Massachusetts, originally part of the towns of Leicester and Rutland, began in 1765 as a small agricultural community and has since undergone numerous changes in its nearly 250 years. Although a small town, roughly only 15 square miles in size, Paxton boasts a diverse and rich history.

Madison's Heritage Rediscovered:

9781609496272

$21.99

For over forty years, Dr. Fred A. Engle Jr. and Dr. Robert N. Grise have devoted themselves to researching and preserving Madison County's history and cultural legacy through their weekly newspaper column, "Madison's Heritage," in the Richmond Register. Now, Kathryn Engle has sifted through the breadth of their impressive body of work, compiling a fascinating collection of historical tales from this remarkable Kentucky county. Beginning with stories of the hardscrabble pioneers who first settled the area and continuing with tales of Madison County's local legends, important places and pivotal events, these diverse stories embody the essence of this historically rich area. Few know the heritage of this region as well as Engle and Grise. Journey back with them through the annals of Madison County's history.

Durham's Lincoln Hospital

9780738513669

$24.99

Lincoln Hospital opened in Durham in 1901 to serve the community's African Americans as a center for patient care and medical education. With the onset of the Civil Rights Movement, however, Lincoln's competition increased, and it closed in 1976. Still, the hospital is remembered today through the Lincoln Community Health Center and in the hearts and minds of those who contributed to its history.

San Gorgonio Search and Rescue Team

9780738555768

$24.99

In February 1958, a tragic climbing accident occurred on Big Falls, in Forest Falls, California, resulting in the death of a 13-year-old boy. Rescue attempts were futile because there were no experienced personnel or climbing equipment available. As a result of this unfortunate tragedy, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department
spearheaded a recruitment of volunteers, forming the county's first mountain search and rescue team. Since that time, the San Gorgonio Search and Rescue Team has performed thousands of searches, rescues,
and body recoveries. The organization is the oldest of its kind in San Bernardino County and is proud to have second-generation team members. This book tells the story of these dedicated volunteers through photographs taken by team members and through the stories retold by those who were there.

Plainfield

9780738551616

$24.99

Plainfield is the oldest community in Will County. The area was originally home to the Potawatomi Indians who lived along the DuPage River when the French fur trapper Vetel Vermette came to settle in the region. Jesse Walker, a Methodist minister, along with his son-in-law James Walker, came to the area and built a log cabin on the east side of the DuPage River in 1828. James built a permanent sawmill on the river by 1830 in a grove of trees known as Walker's Grove, south of present-day Plainfield. The village of Plainfield was platted in 1834 by Chester Ingersoll. This book, through vintage postcard images, offers a unique view of Plainfield's rich history, including scenes of its early business district, village streets, and the fabulous Electric Park, as well as early schools and churches.

Redondo Beach Police Department

9780738581644

$24.99

The Redondo Beach Police Department dates to May 9, 1892, when Marshall S. Rogers was appointed as the city's first marshal. One of the first city ordinances prohibited the discharge of firearms within city limits and provided the option for hiring of a deputy "if needed." He was needed, of course, as the city would grow into a major West Coast resort by the 1920s. The department adapted through the changes brought on by the Depression, World War II, and the postwar boom, serving and protecting citizens and fighting crime both unique to beach-city life as well as changing times while enforcing all laws for residents and tourists alike across the dawns of two centuries. In the 21st century, more than 250 sworn officers, support personnel, and volunteers serve one of Southern California's most respected and innovative departments.

Knoxville in the Vietnam Era

9780738553412

$24.99

The Vietnam War era (1961-1975), one of our country's most turbulent periods, was also a time of change and social evolution. Seeded in the aftermath of World War II, the nation enjoyed a remarkable economic boom. Knoxville and East Tennessee stood witness to the transformation of American society and the problems that came with the new success. From the first recognized combat casualty of the Vietnam War to the evacuation of Saigon, Knoxvillians were there, and their stories of sacrifice and service earned little mention or were forgotten in historical texts. At home, urban decay gained a grip on Knoxville's once vibrant downtown, and protests were not an uncommon sight on the evening news, but there was progress too. This volume documents the start of a new beginning for Knoxville as the city tried to hold onto its traditional Appalachian values and move into a new era.

Plattekill

9780738557144

$24.99

Situated between the Shawangunk Mountains and the Hudson River, the town of Plattekill has long served as an important crossroads for neighboring communities. Since its settlement, the town's roads, railway, and aqueduct have provided vital links to surrounding counties, allowed access to the Hudson River, and transported resources to and from New York City. The unique character of the town's three main hamlets is evident in the images compiled here, while the smaller hamlets and neighborhoods documented within reflect the ever-changing nature of the town. More than two centuries of history are recalled through vivid photographs, many published for the first time, that evoke the spirit of Plattekill's people and places, the era of resorts, the villas and boardinghouses, the times of war and of expansion, and various milestones in the town's history.

Beloit's Club Pop House

9780738552095

$24.99

For baby boomers who grew up in and around Beloit, memories of that era would not be complete without the Pop House. To high school students, this teen nightclub was a weekend music mecca. Friday and Saturday nights were reserved for dancing and listening to live music provided by countless bands and solo acts. Owner George Stankewitz, born and raised in Beloit, became friend, father figure, and even boss to hundreds of area teenagers. From swing to pop to rock, notable acts to take the stage at the Pop House between 1946 and 1973 include such jukebox staples as Bobby Vinton, Johnny Tillotson, and Del Shannon, along with a tidal wave of Beatles-inspired local favorites. Summer softball leagues and championship basketball teams are recalled as well as the annual Turkey Bowl that continues to this day. And who can forget the annual chili festival with the crowning of a chili queen or a menu famous for its specialty sandwiches like the Snead and the Smiley?

Edison Firefighting

9780738554914

$24.99

During the early part of the 20th century, five separate volunteer fire companies independently organized to protect separate sections of Raritan Township, currently known as Edison. The township was divided by fire districts, each containing elected fire commissioners with political and economic power. In 1926, the first career firefighter was hired, and since then, over 250 career firefighters have taken the oath. Edison Firefighting features images, memorabilia, and photographs from the early days of bucket brigades and horse-drawn carriages to current personnel and apparatus. Significant fires, explosions, and rescues that Edison firefighters confronted throughout the years are revealed within this fascinating book.

Mapleton

9781467132695

$24.99

Located south of Provo and artistic Springville, Mapleton was named in 1901 for its abundance of colorful maple trees. For centuries, American Indian tribes had regarded the bench overlooking Hobble Creek and the valley below as sacred ground and gathered there annually. Catholic explorers hiking down Spanish Fork Canyon, nestled beneath a majestic mountain, first mapped the area in 1776. These Spaniards named the peak Sierra Bonita, though nearly everyone today calls it Maple Mountain. By 1850, Mormon pioneers had settled in Springville, using the rich earth between the creek and the river as farmland. Little by little, they built homes and stayed. The continued perseverance of this community to maintain its country charm is evident throughout the city. Conservation of the foothills and open spaces is an ongoing concern to residents.