American Chronicles
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Grand Times in Grand Rapids
Pieces of Furniture City History
by Gordon G. Beld
Part of the American Chronicles series
Join longtime journalist Gordon Beld on a historical tour of the Furniture City. Gleaned from the best of Beld's work for Grand Rapids Magazine, this collection weaves together intriguing vignettes highlighting the unique character of the Grand Rapids people and their community. Get a glimpse into the lives of famous leaders Gerald Ford and Arthur Vandenberg and marvel at Harry "Human Fly" Gardiner, who scaled the buildings of downtown Grand Rapids. Take a nostalgic trip down to Reed's Lake, where the streetcars will drop you off at Ramona Gardens to dance the night away. Find the grand in Grand Rapids just don't get lost in Saddlebag Swamp on the way.
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Big Bend Tales
by Mike Cox
Part of the American Chronicles series
Travel deeper into the Texas outback with writer-historian Mike Cox as he recounts the lesser-known stories from Alpine, Fort Davis and Marfa. Revisit the grandeur of Alpine's Holland Hotel, peer through the telescope at the McDonald Observatory and dip your toes in the water hole at Ernst Tinaja, if you dare. Travel back to a time when the Comanche Trail stretched one thousand miles from Kansas to Mexico, making the Big Bend difficult to defend and impossible to resist trying. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo, the anniversary of Benito Juarez's decisive defeat of the French at Pueblo in 1867. If nothing else, come for the lore and history that is as extensive in the Big Bend region as the mountain passes and desert stretches themselves.
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Remembering Pittsburgh
An "Eyewitness" History of the Steel City
by Len Barcousky
Part of the American Chronicles series
The doomed Whiskey Rebellion, the Great Fire that destroyed a third of the city in 1845 and Lincoln's speech urging residents to shun talk of secession - all have made the pages of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and its predecessors. Since 1786, the paper has covered local events, and reporter Len Barcousky is a part of this long tradition. This collection of his "Eyewitness" columns draws on next-day stories to tell the history of the city, from President Coolidge's almost-silent visit in 1927 to a report on the first woman hanged in Allegheny County. Join Barcousky as he vividly recounts the compelling history of the Steel City.
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Historic Tales of the Llano Estacado
by Various Authors
Part of the American Chronicles series
The distinctive high mesa straddling West Texas and Eastern New Mexico creates a vista that is equal parts sprawling lore and big blue sky. From Lubbock, the area's informal capital, to the farthest reaches of the staked plains known as the Llano Estacado, the land and its inhabitants trace a tradition of tenacity through numberless cycles of dust storms and drought. In 1887, a bison hunter observed antelope, sand crane and coyote alike crowding together to drink from the same wet-weather lake. A similarly odd assortment of characters shared and shaped the region's heritage, although neighborliness has occasionally been strained by incidents like the 1903 Fence Cutting War. David Murrah and Paul Carlson have collected some three dozen vignettes that stretch across the uncharted terrain of the tableland's past.
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The Making of St. Petersberg
by Will Michaels
Part of the American Chronicles series
A wide-ranging history of this city on Florida's Gulf Coast, one of America's oldest, with numerous photos and maps included.
“The Making of St. Petersburg” captures the character of this bay city through its past, from the Spanish clash with indigenous peoples to the creation of the downtown waterfront parks and grand hotels. Take a journey with local historian, preservationist, and former museum executive Will Michaels as he chronicles St. Petersburg's storied history, including the world's first airline, the birth of Pinellas County, and the good old American pastime, Major League Baseball. From hurricanes to home run king Babe Ruth, the people and events covered in this work paint a rich portrait of a coastal Florida city and capture St. Petersburg's unique sense of place.
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Civil War Maryland
Stories from the Old Line State
by Richard P. Cox
Part of the American Chronicles series
Compelling stories from a state on the border of the Mason-Dixon line that illustrate its unique role in the American Civil War.
By the time the American Civil War began, the agrarian, slave-owning South and the rapidly industrializing North had become almost two separate nations. As a border state with ties to both sides, Maryland and its people played a unique role in the war.
This series of essays on Maryland's involvement in the conflict and its aftermath highlights some of the personalities and events that make Maryland's Civil War stories unusual and compelling. Author Richard P. Cox draws on original sources and contributions from historians to relate the many ironies, curiosities, and legends that abound.
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Portland's Past
Stories From The City By The Sea
by Luann Yetter
Part of the American Chronicles series
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow immortalized Portland, Maine, as the �beautiful town that is seated by the sea.� In this volume, Maine author Luann Yetter presents the stories from its past that not only showcase this exquisiteness but also illuminate its diverse and exciting history. The founding members of the Forest City braved the harsh winters, but not without scandals and struggles. One man raised a navy to fight the Barbary pirates threatening ships that sailed from Casco Bay, and privateers brought rum onboard and ashore. And while one Portlander traded slaves, many others worked the Underground Railroad as staunch antislavery crusaders. Discover Portland from its beginning as uncharted territory through to its development into the quintessential New England city it is today.
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Philadelphia Reflections
Stories from the Delaware to the Schuylkill
by Colleen Lutz Clemens
Part of the American Chronicles series
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.
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Remembering Norristown
Stories from the Banks of the Schuylkill River
by Stan Huskey
Part of the American Chronicles series
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.
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Stories from Montana's Enduring Frontier
Exploring an Untamed Legacy
by John Clayton
Part of the American Chronicles series
At the turn of the twentieth century, Montana started emerging from its rugged past. Permanent towns and cities, powered by mining, tourism, and trade, replaced ramshackle outposts. Yet Montana's frontier endured, both in remote pockets and in the wider cultural imagination. The frontier thus played a continuing role in Montanans' lives, often in fascinating ways. Author John Clayton has written extensively on these shifts in Montana history, chronicling the breadth of the frontier's legacy with this diverse collection of stories. Explore the remnants of Montana's frontier through stories of the Little Bighorn Battlefield, the Beartooth Highway, and the lost mining camp of Swift Current--and through legendary characters such as Charlie Russell, Haydie Yates, and "Liver-eating" Johnston.
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Historic Tales From the Texas Republic
A Glimpse of Texas Past
by Jeffery Robenalt
Part of the American Chronicles series
Though the Republic of Texas existed as a sovereign nation for just nine years, the legacy lives on in the names that distinguish the landscape of the Lone Star State. Austin, Houston, Travis, Lamar, Seguin, Burnet, Bowie, Zavala, Crockett--these historical giants, often at odds, fought through their differences to achieve freedom from Mexico and Santa Anna, establishing a republic fit to be the twenty-eighth state to join the Union. In nineteen historical tales, Jeffery Robenalt chronicles the fight to define and defend the Republic of Texas, from revolutionary beginnings to annexation.
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Tustin
As It Once Was
by Juanita Lovret
Part of the American Chronicles series
In an era when the heart of Tustin was the intersection of Main and D, folks flocked to town to get supplies and swap stories. Some of these stories featured Tustin notables like C.E. Utt, who tried his hand at every local crop; Sam Tustin, whose Buick touring car became the town fire truck; Big John Stanton, who formed the one-man police department; and Dr. William B. Wall, who found inspiration for his orange crate label in a rooster painting from Grover Cleveland. Drawing from her Tustin News column "Remember When," third-generation Tustin resident Juanita Lovret recalls the small-town ranching roots of Tustin as It Once Was.
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Stories from Highlands, New Jersey
A Sea of Memories
by John P. King
Part of the American Chronicles series
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.
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Stories from Perth Amboy
by Katherine Massopust
Part of the American Chronicles series
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.
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Remembering Fishkill
by Willa Skinner
Part of the American Chronicles series
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.
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Adirondack Roots
Stories of Hiking, History and Women
by Sandra Weber
Part of the American Chronicles series
The Adirondack Mountains captivate inhabitants, fostering deep roots and rich memories. In this diverse collection, local author Sandra Weber celebrates this enduring bond with the region and explores its roots and routes--such as women's feats, the naming of mountain peaks and the fight to save forests and tiny alpine plants. From Heart Lake and Caribou Pass to Mount Marcy and Lake Tear, ride an Olympic bobsled run, unearth the destruction of a devastating fire and discover the healing powers of the mountains. Retrace the paths of Theodore Roosevelt, Martha Reben, Edwin Ketchledge, Grace Hudowalski and many others who have lived in and loved the Adirondacks. Unearth hikers' tales, nature's secrets and local legends in this collection of Weber's finest reflections on Adirondack historical adventures.
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Bethania
The Village by the Black Walnut Botton
by Beverly Hamel
Part of the American Chronicles series
Founded in 1759, Bethania was the first planned Moravian settlement in North Carolina, situated favorably on the Great Wagon Road of the colonial era. Bethania's narrative weaves together 250 years of history and memory, with voices from the town's white and black heritage speaking through autobiographical accounts, diaries, letters, oral histories, photographs, and archival research. Join local resident Beverly Hamel as she tells the story of proud pilgrim people who journeyed into an unknown wilderness and built a community that would remain intact through the volatile periods of the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War, slavery and the years leading to the Civil War, the Reconstruction era, and into the twentieth century. The story of Bethania is a celebration of an enduring spirit that will never die.
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Knoxville
This Obscure Prismatic City
by Jack Neely
Part of the American Chronicles series
Discover the vibrant history of Knoxville, Tennessee, in this series of articles from Jack Neely's acclaimed "Secret History" column in Knoxville's Metro Pulse. Neely delves into the shadows of centuries past and weaves a path of local history with unmistakable wit and precision. Learn about the people who made Knoxville the "obscure prismatic city" through their genius, bravery or even impiety--natives like Adolph Ochs, whose fear of the old Presbyterian cemetery kick-started his ascent to the editor's desk at the New York Times; Clarence Brown, the University of Tennessee graduate turned Hollywood icon; and Knoxville's own Mark Twain. Learn about race riots, labor riots and good old-fashioned drunken riots, and discover why Knoxville is Tennessee's forgotten music city.
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Remembering The Kennebunks
by Kathleen Ostrander
Part of the American Chronicles series
The Kennebunks--the phrase evokes peace, ocean breezes and small-town pride. In this captivating collection of vignettes, Kennebunk town historian Kathleen Ostrander reveals another side of the area's allure: its rich and varied past. From an account of the amateur astronomer whose name now graces the Bates College Observatory to the origins of Kennebunk's encyclopedic Walker Diaries, Ostrander offers a tour of the area's historical highlights. She notes the mysterious creature once said to live in the Kennebunk River, treasures hidden in fireplaces and under floorboards and the scandalous murder trial of 1866, during which the wife of deceased doctor, drunk, and temperance supporter Charles Swett was imprisoned on the testimony of her own daughter. Through quirky tales and serious sketches, Ostrander offers an affectionate portrait of the Kennebunks sure to charm and inform.
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Stories from the White Mountains
Celebrating the Region's Historic Past
by Mike Dickerman
Part of the American Chronicles series
Throughout its rich and varied history, New Hampshire's White Mountains region has played host to explorers and adventurers, lumberjacks and locomotives, as well as grand hotels and their well-heeled guests. In this new anthology of historical writing, local author Mike Dickerman captures the spirit, tenacity and resourcefulness of those who have lived, worked and played in these Great White Hills. His stories also bring to life dramatic events that scarred the landscape long ago, such as tragic plane crashes and the devastating Hurricane of 1938. The book spans the ages, from the logging railroads of yesteryear to the forest fire lookout towers of the mid-twentieth century, and covers the expanse of these environs, from the snow-laden heights of Mount Washington to the stately grounds of the Mountain View House in Whitefield.
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Remembering Manchester
Towering Titans and Unsung Heroes
by John Clayton
Part of the American Chronicles series
The general's courage and calm under pressure would be echoed by many other sons and daughters of Manchester in the succeeding centuries, as the hamlet settled around Amoskeag Falls grew into New Hampshire's largest city. John Clayton describes thirty-two of the Queen City's most remarkable residents, from Iwo Jima flag raiser Rene Gagnon and fast-food innovator Richard McDonald to lesser-known but equally compelling figures, including beloved lunch cart driver Arthur Red Ullrich and the late firefighter Dave Anderson. Collecting columns first published in the New Hampshire Union Leader, Clayton reveals the essence of Manchester's enduring strength and appeal: its people.
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Memphis Chronicles
Bits of History from the Best Times
by John E. Harkins
Part of the American Chronicles series
Take a break from the bustle of Poplar and Beale and enjoy this easy ride down memory lane, recalling days when downtown gridlock was caused by streetcars and wagons and the Mid-South was ruled by the likes of the Chickasaws, Confederates, King Cotton and Crump. Few know Shelby County and its history like lifelong Memphian John E. Harkins, who expertly chronicles the city's unparalleled heritage and the individuals and groups who have kept its past alive through the decades. Discover the origins of the yellow fever epidemic, Memphis in May, Elmwood Cemetery, the heroes of Shelby County history and so much more in Memphis Chronicles.
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White Mountains Hiking History
Trailblazers of the Granite State
by Mike Dickerman
Part of the American Chronicles series
Since the time of pioneer settlers Abel and Ethan Allen Crawford, explorers and adventurers have been lured by the stunning peaks and lush valleys of New Hampshire's White Mountains. In the nearly two centuries since the Crawfords constructed their first crude footpath onto the heights of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range, the White Mountain trail system has evolved into an intricate network featuring more than 1,400 miles of marked paths. Retrace the steps of early mountain guides such as Charles Lowe and Allen "Old Man" Thompson and learn how these early path-makers made New England's most popular and extensive mountain trail system possible. Longtime northern New Hampshire hiking columnist and guidebook author Mike Dickerman traces the fascinating story of this evolution with this new collection of profiles and reflections on the early trails and trailblazers of the region.
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Volusia County's West Side
Steamboats and Sandhills
by Ronald W. Williamson
Part of the American Chronicles series
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.
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West Texas Tales
by Mike Cox
Part of the American Chronicles series
Historian Mike Cox has been writing about Texas history for four decades, sharing tales that have been overlooked or forgotten through the years. Travel to El Paso during the "Big Blow" of 1895, brave the frontier with Elizabeth Russell Baker, and stare down the infamous killer known as Old Three Toe. From frontier stories and ghost towns to famous folks and accounts of everyday life, this collection of West Texas Tales has it all.
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Life Along the Apalachicola River
by Jim McClellan
Part of the American Chronicles series
In the Apalachicola River Valley, outdoor adventure is a way of life. It's a culture of fishing, hunting and everything in between, but this culture is fading as overdevelopment upstream dries up the region's natural resources. These narratives are part of an effort to capture the memories and keep those traditions alive. The quirky stories include calling a gator to a creek bank, exploring the origin of "Polehenge" and understanding just what makes Catawba worms so special. Learn the basics of frog gigging and ponder how many fish make a "mess." Author and Florida native Jim McClellan revives local stories from the banks of the Big River and preserves the allure of this fading swamp paradise.
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Remembering Conshohocken and West Conshohocken
by Jack Coll
Part of the American Chronicles series
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.
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Historic Tales Of Colonial Rhode Island
Aquidneck Island and the Founding of the Ocean State
by Richard V. Simpson
Part of the American Chronicles series
Roger Williams purchased the fertile Aquidneck Island from the Narragansett tribe in 1637. It was here that Anne Hutchinson, along with William Coddington and other colonists who had been banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony, found shelter from persecution. The intrepid dissenters of Rhode Island Colony saw their community flourish with the founding of Portsmouth and Newport townships. The Battle of Rhode Island was the only clash between American colonials and the British on Rhode Island soil during the Revolutionary War. From the mercantile success of the Atlantic triangle trade routes to the establishment of the United States Navy, noted historian Richard V. Simpson brings these and other stories from the Ocean State to life. Join Simpson as he explores the landmarks and architecture of the period to discover the remnants of Rhode Island's colonial past.
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Remembering Georgetown
A History of the Lost Port City
by David Mould
Part of the American Chronicles series
Before John and Jackie lent a touch of Camelot to the famous red-bricked rows and even before the founding of the nation's capital, Georgetown was an influential port city. Men such as the charismatic Scot Ninian Beall came to the Potomac shores to capitalize on the riches of the New World. Beaver pelts, great hogsheads of tobacco, and slaves all crossed the wharves of George Town. Through a series of vignettes, Missy Loewe and David Mould chronicle the fascinating history of the nation's oldest neighborhood. Discover the lost port city from the days of the Revolution and the terror of the War of 1812 to the founding of Georgetown University and the town's incorporation in the District of Columbia.
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Shreveport Chronicles
Profiles From Louisiana's Port City
by Eric J. Brock
Part of the American Chronicles series
"Here are heroes and scoundrels, businessmen and religious leaders, artists and soldiers, pioneers and planters…as well as a number of stories that are ironic, bizarre or simply curious." In this newest collection of his popular columns, Eric J. Brock portrays Shreveport's historical pageant through the lives of a cross section of truly fascinating characters. From the enigmatic mayor Robert Nathaniel Wood to forgotten beauty queen Janet Currie, Brock sketches the men and women--both ordinary and extraordinary--who shaped the course of Shreveport history. These biographical vignettes, originally printed in the Shreveport Times and the Forum News Magazine, are a must-read for any native or resident of northwest Louisiana.
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Remembering Lee County
Where Winter Spends the Summer
by Prudy Taylor Board
Part of the American Chronicles series
In this charming retrospective, Lee County native Prudy Taylor Board writes with love, respect, and wry humor as she reveals the true history of Lee County, its communities and some of its most intriguing and prominent pioneers. For example: In 1884, Fort Myers comprised 139 acres at the original site of the town that was platted into a working community. But the burgeoning town that had grown to include about 50 families did not have a newspaper. So when the opportunity to "kidnap" an editor and his press presented itself, Henry L. Roan, captain of the schooner Lily White, wasted no time. Although a paradise for tourists today, Sanibel was originally noted for its prolific agriculture. By 1896, farmers were shipping a thousand crates of tomatoes a week during their growing season. A few years later, crops included eggplant, beets, squash, green peppers, cucumbers and beans. Unfortunately, the torrential tides of salt water accompanying a disastrous hurricane in 1921 destroyed the groves and arid farms that marked the finish to Sanibel's agricultural prominence. With these delightful historical vignettes, Board presents an interesting and fascinating history of the three cities that presently make up Lee County, Florida. Locals, visitors and newcomers alike are sure to enjoy Board's witty and causal style, and will view the area with a renewed appreciation for its rich past.
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Woburn
Hidden Tales of a Tannery Town
by Marie Coady
Part of the American Chronicles series
Although it is only thirteen square miles in size, Woburn boasts a vast history, replete with curious episodes and colourful characters. The town was home to three women accused of witchcraft in the infamous Salem witch trials, and it was the choice camping ground of gypsy queen Marcia Mock in 1917. Discover the nefarious "yeggmen" who prowled the streets at the beginning of the twentieth century and the seven women known as the "Robins," whose friendship inspired a chain letter that has survived for more than fifty years. Woburn: Hidden Tales of a Tannery Town explores the mysteries of Woburn's landscape, including the deadly Horn Pond, whose waters swallowed more than fifty victims and were long believed to contain vengeful demons. Columnist Marie Coady reveals Woburn's best-kept secrets with the vibrancy and wit of a true town sleuth.
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Remembering Norwood
Win Everett's Tales of Tyot
by Heather S. Cole
Part of the American Chronicles series
For the first time ever, journalist Win Everett's frank and enduring works are collected in a book about the history and character of Norwood, Massachusetts. Long ago, when Norwood was only virgin forests and streams, the Neponset Indian tribe christened the region "Tyot" - a place of waters. The name lingered on the tongues of residents long after their home was renamed and the advent of railroads opened up the region once enclosed by rivers and lakes. As rugged farmhouses dotted the plains and Puritan spires rose above the trees, the sleepy Tyot blossomed into the bustling community of Norwood. Decades later, journalist Win Everett preserved Norwood's colorful history in his column "Tales of Tyot." With stories of haunted taverns and superstitious soldiers, influenza and the industrial age, Everett profiles the fascinating people who left their marks on the pages of Norwood history. Available for the first time in a single volume, these articles bring three centuries of history to life through the artful voice of Norwood's beloved storyteller.
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Remembering Old Jamestown
A Look Back at the Other South
by Mary A. Browning
Part of the American Chronicles series
Founded by Quakers in the late eighteenth century, Jamestown, North Carolina, has a rich heritage that distinguishes it from many neighboring Southern communities. From General Cornwallis in the waning years of the American Revolution to the flight of Jefferson Davis from the Confederate capital at Richmond with Union forces at his heels, history has not passed Jamestown by. The town has seen gold mines and gunsmiths, a forgotten school and a cotton mill from 1865 that's still spinning. Join local historian Mary A. Browning as she relates these short tales from the town's colorful past, drawn from her column in the Greensboro News & Record.
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North Carolina Historic Tales Of Cashiers
by Jane Gibson Nardy
Part of the American Chronicles series
In this charming account, North Carolina historian Jane Gibson Nardy recounts a treasure-trove of true stories from her beloved Blue Ridge community. In addition to several generations of family memorabilia from her personal library, Nardy has also culled the area's public records--deeds, wills, marriage registers and even tombstones--all of which help to create a vivid picture of mountain life in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Some of the tales will amuse and some will sadden, but all will educate you about the wonderful heritage of Cashiers.
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Texas Panhandle Tales
by Mike Cox
Part of the American Chronicles series
The Texas Panhandle is like a whole 'nother country. The area stretching from just south of Lubbock all the way north to Oklahoma is filled with ranch land, oil fields, windy plains, and some of the Lone Star State's most unique history. Meet the duck that started a gun battle in Oldham County and find out how Kate Polly's pancake flipping saved her life. Or witness Gene Autry's days as a performer in Childress and a different sort of "gold rush" in Palo Duro Canyon as historian Mike Cox shares his favorite pieces of the Panhandle's past.
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Bolton
Historic Tales
by Hans DePold
Part of the American Chronicles series
Scrape the city off your shoes as you enter the town of Bolton, where both historic and natural heritage are remarkably preserved. In this panoramic view of Bolton's past, DePold retraces the footprints of Mohegan natives, pays homage to the natural, glacier-carved cathedrals of Bolton Notch and calls up the ghosts of the town's bluecoat boys, lost in the Battle of Antietam. Follow the long strides of Reverend George Colton across the fields of Bolton Heritage Farm and catch the ringing echoes of famous sermons by Jonathan Edwards, Bolton's first pastor. From rugged bullpunchers and lumberjacks to the sweethearts' custom of "bundling," from Revolutionary taverns to George Washington's eggnog recipe, these historical sketches will leave you with a lingering nostalgia for the old days of rural New England.
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Remembering Zionsville
by Joan Praed Lyons
Part of the American Chronicles series
Although William Zion never lived in Zionsville, it was his business acuity that led to the railway station being built on Elijah and Polly Cross's plot of land--the beginnings of a burgeoning town. This strategic location brought development and prosperity to Zionsville as people traveling through Indiana stopped to discover the distinctive flair of this small but industrious community. Local historian Joan Praed Lyons depicts the spirit of a town in which a rousing game of donkey softball raised money for a new park and neighbors formed bucket brigades when fires broke out. In this delightful collection of vignettes, Lyons brings new life to Zionsville's history through her engaging and meticulously researched prose.
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Remembering New York's North Country
Tales of Times Gone By
by Dave Shampine
Part of the American Chronicles series
With vast wilderness, rugged terrain and extreme temperatures, New York's North Country is not for the faint of heart. In Remembering New York's North Country, local columnist Dave Shampine celebrates the enduring strength, heroism and intrepidness of the souls who have called this territory home. With over thirty years of writing for the Watertown Daily Times, Shampine expertly weaves historical facts and tales of the human condition. This collection of his best columns- including the story of a Titanic survivor, a dentist who gave his life rescuing others from a fiery inferno and the mysterious case of a John Doe found hanging in a tree- is sure to rivet visitors and longtime residents alike.
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True Tales of Aurora Illinois
Mysterious Murders, Presidential Visits and Blues Legends in the City of Lights
by Matt Hanley
Part of the American Chronicles series
Check in on visits from Orville Wright, Casey Stengel, John Dillinger and JFK. Learn about the Aurora man who hired Abe Lincoln to defend his business and the police chief who solved the nation's most gruesome crime. Discover what happened to the man who recorded a landmark blues song in Aurora's tallest tower and how a boy born in the city's poorest neighborhood went on to play for the Chicago Bears in Matt Hanley's fascinating collection of stories from the City of Lights.
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Historic Tales of La Jolla
by Patricia Daly-Lipe
Part of the American Chronicles series
The first settlers to arrive here in 1869 purchased 160 acres for two dollars and change. La Jolla attracted artists, architects, writers and scientists over the years, contributing to today's prized reputation as a valuable world-class destination. Their stories shaped the fascinating history of this seaside village. Pirates and smugglers hid out in Sunny Jim's Cave. Ellen Browning Scripps, the Godmother of La Jolla, founded institutions and recreation areas for not only La Jollans but also the rest of the world, including the famous Children's Pool and Scripps Institute of Oceanography. Theodor Geisel derived inspiration for his art from La Jolla's landscapes and people. Native La Jollan Patricia Daly-Lipe recalls the stories of these and many other people and places that have molded the village of La Jolla into a natural and cultural wonder.
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Meredith Chronicles
Passing Time on Lake Winnipesaukee
by Daniel Heyduk
Part of the American Chronicles series
Ancient beginnings only hinted at the great things to come in the story of Meredith. The earliest residents hunted mammoth and caribou and created the first birch-bark canoe to traverse Lake Winnipesaukee and the network of waterways. Centuries later, Meredith's Dudley Leavitt wrote Leavitt's Farmers Almanack for more than fifty years. The local woods were the solitary home of Joseph Plumer, who was perhaps New Hampshire's most financially successful hermit. Motorcycles, cars and horses once raced on the winter ice of Lake Winnipesaukee. Together, these stories weave the distinctive fabric of Meredith history. Dan Heyduk's town history goes beyond documents and dates, illustrating the unique character of a multifaceted community.
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Remembering Lancaster County
Stories from Pennsylvania Dutch Country
by Jack Brubaker
Part of the American Chronicles series
Fiery Patriots, resourceful inventors and brilliant artists have all hailed from Lancaster County. The lives and deeds of such famous and ordinary folk of Pennsylvania Dutch country are chronicled by Jack Brubaker in this collection of fascinating vignettes drawn from his Lancaster New Era column, "The Scribbler." From tales of President James Buchanan's youthful antics to the attempted delivery of the nation's first airmail by hot-air balloon, Brubaker creates a compelling and entertaining narrative of the history of Lancaster City and County. Memories of the original Brunswick Hotel's shoofly pie and the Horse Thief Association of Intercourse will transport readers to a Lancaster from days gone by.
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Long Branch in the Golden Age
Tales of Fascinating and Famous People
by Sharon Hazard
Part of the American Chronicles series
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.
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Stories from the Mohawk Valley
The Painted Rocks, the Good Benedict Arnold & More
by Bob Cudmore
Part of the American Chronicles series
Nestled in Upstate New York along the banks of the Mohawk River are the many communities of the Mohawk Valley. These villages, towns and cities have unique histories but are inextricably tied together by the waterways that run through them. The mills, railroads and the Erie Canal sustained early growth; the Painted Rocks beautified the landscape; and tales from the local Mohawk Nation still enrich the folklore. Many remarkable individuals have called the Mohawk Valley home, including psychedelic philosopher Benjamin Paul Blood, Queen Libby, the Daiquiris and actor Kirk Douglas. For over a decade, local native Bob Cudmore has documented the interesting, important and unusual stories from the region's past, and he has compiled the best of them here.
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Tales of the Russian River
Stumptown Stories
by John C. Schubert
Part of the American Chronicles series
The Russian River has drawn tourists to its colossal redwoods, picturesque seashore and idyllic resorts for more than a century. This collection of John C. Schubert's "Stumptown Stories" columns relates the history of this California river valley through in-depth research and firsthand stories. Ride the first train to chug across the Hacienda Bridge and wave farewell to the town's last train in 1935. Swing around in the many dance halls to the big bands of the 1930s, '40s and '50s. Let the entertaining stories behind once stately, now hidden, landmarks carry you into Stumptown's past. Reconnect over coffee at Pat's Cafe and discover the rich history that formed the Russian River's communities.
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Remembering Flint, Michigan
Stories from the Vehicle City
by Gary Flinn
Part of the American Chronicles series
The infamous Vaudeville ghost that still puts on a show at the Strand, the mischievous, piano-playing poltergeists of the Arts Castle and the bearded ghoul that speeds at a hellish pace down North Franklin Street in a horse-drawn carriage--these are the otherworldly denizens of Delaware, Ohio. Local ghost expert John B. Ciochetty's collection of haunted lore will have skeptics and believers alike looking over their shoulders as they walk down the darkened city streets. Behind the folklore and legends, readers will find the strange but hard facts of history that have given rise to tales of the city's restless spirits. Join Ciochetty as he explores the other side of Delaware to discover its spine-tingling, haunted history.
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Speaking of Atlantic City
Recollections & Memories
by Janet Robinson Bodoff
Part of the American Chronicles series
For over one hundred years people have been coming to Atlantic City to swim in the ocean, walk on the boardwalk, and get away from their day-to-day lives...
Return to the halcyon days of the sand and sun as local writers and long-time locals present stories from Atlantic City's heartwarming past.