American Chronicles
Format
Format
User Rating
User Rating
Release Date
Release Date
Date Added
Date Added
Language
Language
ebook
(0)
Nautical Newburyport
A History of Captains, Clipper Ships and the Coast Guard
by Dyke Hendrickson
Part of the American Chronicles series
Newburyport was once the most dangerous harbor on the East Coast and one of its most prosperous. Local captains and sailors led the nation to battle during the American Revolution and founded the U.S. Coast Guard. They sent vessels to Bombay, the gold rush and the farthest reaches of the world. Author Dyke Hendrickson explores the perfection of the clipper ship, the city's famous Federalist mansions and the bold adventures from the Age of Sail. Follow the men and women of Newburyport into battle, into gales and into fortune or ruin.
ebook
(0)
Estacada Sagas
by Kathryn Hurd
Part of the American Chronicles series
Like the train sitting at the bottom of its lake, the treasures of Estacada's history often elude the casual observer. From covert operations in a famous hotel to the untold trimmings of logger lore, surprising tales abound in this region. Learn of an explosion that threw men 150 feet away, a nudist club just out of town and a firing range under a high school auditorium. Kathryn Hurd dives into the trials and triumphs of Estacada's past, bringing unpublished images to light and charting the course of family stories handed down through five generations.
ebook
(1)
Historic Tales of Seneca County, New York
by Walter Gable
Part of the American Chronicles series
Located in the Finger Lakes region of New York, Seneca County has a fascinating history. Early settlers courageously fought off wild animals from wolves to panthers to tame the land and keep the new settlements safe. The rise and fall of the mill industry led to the demise of ghost towns like the Kingdom. The jailhouse murder of John Walters in 1887 fostered improved conditions in the county jail. From the first home-run hitter in major-league baseball to the insidious activity of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s and the unfortunate burning of a traveling embalmed whale, author and historian Walter Gable shares many of the defining moments of Seneca County history.
ebook
(0)
Historic Tales of Sylva and Jackson County
by Jim Buchanan
Part of the American Chronicles series
Before the coming of the four-lane, Jackson County was an insular community defined by geography--wedged in between the Great Smokies and Blue Ridge escarpment, bisected by thousands of miles of streams. The people who settled the area tended to be tough as pine knots but also tended to be salt-of-the-earth. This book offers tales of a time of transition in the area, when arguments over whether someone should opt to have an electric wire run to their home weren't far separated from quibbling over Internet service providers. Inside are tales from logging camps, fields, gardens and lonesome game trails and stories of challenges faced with the unique sense of mountain humor. Local columnist Jim Buchanan tells tales of bear hunts, cool springs and creatures great and small.
ebook
(1)
Hidden History of East Texas
by Tex Midkiff
Part of the American Chronicles series
The heritage of East Texas partakes in the same degree of unexpected turns and hidden depths as its backroads and bayous. One line of inquiry meanders into another. Start out searching for La Salle's grave and end up chasing Spanish gold in Upshur County. From Sam Houston's Bible to the Longview nightclub that hosted both Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, one tale follows another and introduces a cast of characters that includes Candace and Peter Ellis Bean, Old Rip, Jack Lummus and Vernon Wayne Howell. Part the Pine Curtain with Tex Midkiff for a history as heated as the La Grange Chicken Ranch's parlor and irresistible as a batch of Golden sweet potatoes.
ebook
(0)
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.
ebook
(0)
A History of Alma College
Where Plaid and Pride Prevail
by David C. McMacken
Part of the American Chronicles series
Come along with authors Gordon Beld and David McMacken on a trip down memory lane to Alma College, a mid-Michigan school with a fascinating past, rich heritage and impressive influence. Look on as thousands of spectators flock to the campus for the annual Highland festival. Sit in the front row while a yet unknown young performer introduces you to a new song, "Take Me Home, Country Roads." Peek into a voting booth to see the ballot listing two former Alma students who are candidates for the U.S. vice presidency-in the same election. Learn how Alma students reached out to make a difference here at home and around the world…
ebook
(0)
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.
ebook
(2)
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.
ebook
(1)
Historic Mysteries of Western Colorado
Case Files from the Western Investigations Team
by David P Bailey
Part of the American Chronicles series
From Mesoamerican mysteries to local legends, history waits to be unearthed on Colorado's western slope...
A crew of historians, archaeologists, and scientists, the Western Investigations Team uses ground-penetrating radar, electron microscopy, innovative metallurgic research, and newly discovered documents to re-examine fascinating historical questions and contribute new chapters to history.
This book offers stories of their fascinating work, accompanied by many photos. Revelations include discovering new evidence in the infamous case of Alferd Packer, aka the "Colorado Cannibal," and old Spanish colonial relics near Kannah Creek. Investigators follow the trail of lost Spanish explorers searching for the Seven Cities of Gold, and pursue archaeological signs of a prehistoric civilization north of Collbran. Expeditions search for the legend of the Utes' Cave of the Ancients and the fabled location of Aztlán, the Aztecs' original homeland. These and other tales offer an intriguing new look at the history of western Colorado.
ebook
(0)
Chronicles of Historic Brooklyn
by John B Manbeck
Part of the American Chronicles series
Brooklyn has always been a place of diversity and distinction. These qualities are everywhere across the borough, from its people to its events, landmarks, and more. In Chronicles of historic Brooklyn, Borough Historian John Manbeck has collected the stories that reveal the history and spirit of this ever-growing metropolis. From stories of murderous pirates who once besieged Sheepshead Bay to tales of the still-beloved Brooklyn Dodgers who played at Ebbets Field, Manbeck traces the long and colorful history. Explore the forgotten neighborhoods, iconic parks, vanishing waterfront and other attractions that show how and why Brooklyn has endured.
ebook
(0)
True Tales of Prescott
by Bradley G. Courtney
Part of the American Chronicles series
A saloon town like no other.
Carved out of the wilderness to become the first capital of Arizona Territory, Prescott has been a magnet for colorful characters since 1864. From Isaac Goldberg, proprietor of the first saloon, to musical icon Bruce Springsteen, Prescott has hosted its fair share of legends. Highwayman Brazen Bill Brazelton moseyed through the streets of Prescott, as did Bucky O'Neill and Barry Goldwater. Famous landmarks like the Palace Saloon not only survived prohibition but the Great Fire of 1900 that burned through Whiskey Row.
Join historians Bradley G. Courtney and Drew Desmond as they round up tales of Prescott's fascinating past.
ebook
(0)
When Hull Freezes Over
Historic Winter Tales From The Massachusetts Shore
by John J. Galluzzo
Part of the American Chronicles series
The peninsular community of Hull, Massachusetts, reaches a total of seven thin, sandy miles into Boston Harbor, forming a protective barrier against intruding navies and pounding waves. Unfortunately for those residents who choose to live here for the three miles of crescent-shaped beach and its attendant summer advantages, exposure to the sea during the winter months can be, at times, trying, to say the least. When Hull Freezes Over, by lifelong Hull resident and columnist John Galluzzo, is a collection of historic tales that look beyond the sunny days of summer and remember the other nine months of life along this scenic shore. From shipwrecks and drownings, to subzero temperatures and frigid arctic gales, locals have learned to enjoy their seasonal solitude, and especially enjoy the holiday season in ways only New England peninsula dwellers can.
ebook
(0)
Historic Tales of Utah
by Eileen Hallet Stone
Part of the American Chronicles series
From the rugged beauty and refined splendor of this vast state emerges a remarkable volume of personal recollections, narrative histories and astonishing stories. Explore the fortitude and cultural diversity behind the development of Utah through "Big Bill" Haywood, vilified by the New York Times as "the most feared figure in America." Experience compelling accounts of women bruised on the front lines of suffrage battles, enthralling stories of Chinese "paper sons and daughters" and heroic endeavors of Northern Ute firefighters. Celebrate downtown's "Wall Street of the West," the off-road cyclist known as the "Bedouin of the Desert" and Utah's love affair with sweets. Culled from her popular Salt Lake Tribune "Living History" column, award-winning author Eileen Hallet Stone uncovers captivating tales of ordinary people and their extraordinary contributions that shaped Utah history.
ebook
(0)
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.
ebook
(0)
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.
ebook
(1)
Blue Ridge Chronicles
A Decade of Dispatches from Southwest Virginia
by Rex Bowman
Part of the American Chronicles series
Many of the highlanders in Virginia's western mountains live in small communities with names such as Stonebruise, Novelty, and Wangle Junction, and here their stories are chronicled by one of their own, Floyd County native and Pulitzer-nominated journalist Rex Bowman, roving reporter for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Colorful characters abound, from folks in Independence who have a decades-old tradition of racing outhouses, to the brawlers in St. Paul who once gave the town a reputation for world-class wickedness, to the purveyors of Roanoke's Texas Tavern who have never in seventy years put ketchup on their hamburgers. Blue Ridge Chronicles is a delightful look at how the lively have lived in Southwest Virginia's backcountry.
ebook
(0)
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.
ebook
(0)
Cleveland in the Gilded Age
A Stroll Down Millionaires' Row
by Dan Ruminski
Part of the American Chronicles series
Cleveland storyteller Dan Ruminski discovered that the 6 acres under his home were originally part of a 1,400-acre grand estate known as the Circle W Farm created by Walter White, founding brother of the White Motor Company. Drawn in by the fascinating history, Ruminski's investigation soon embraced the full legacy of Cleveland's industrial history and the indomitable characters who created the city's Gilded Age. John D. Rockefeller, Samuel Mather and more giants of industry built Cleveland's Millionaires' Row. Come peek inside the once-grand mansions these millionaires called home and hear the delightful stories that bring the past to life. Join Ruminski and Alan Dutka on a return to this section of Euclid Avenue, which wasn't merely the most stunning show of wealth in Cleveland but also in the entire country.
ebook
(0)
Remembering McDonough County
by John E. Hallwas
Part of the American Chronicles series
Established in 1826, McDonough County, Illinois, has experienced fascinating changes since pioneer days, including the gradual disappearance of some small communities and rural neighborhoods. Remembering McDonough County focuses on the local tradition of notable storytellers and historians as it reflects the county's strange and colorful, poignant and meaningful earlier days - in Macomb, outlying communities, ghost towns, and wild areas. Award-winning author John Hallwas sketches memorable figures like pioneer storyteller Quintus Walker, Macomb newspaper editor W.H. Hainline, and Bushnell poet Marian Stearns Curry, and he depicts beloved, legendary, and sometimes mysterious places like Vishnu Springs, Gin Ridge, Ragtown, and Scott's neighborhood. Along the way, he portrays the racehorse and Civil War hero Chickamauga, the frightening Gooseneck Ghost, and the long-forgotten Crooked Creek Terror.
ebook
(0)
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.
ebook
(0)
Silver Lake Bohemia
A History
by Michael Locke
Part of the American Chronicles series
Since the early 1900s, Silver Lake has been a magnet for iconoclastic writers, architects and political activists. Famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who designed the Hollyhock House for socialist and oil heiress Aline Barnsdall, drew a wave of visionary modernists to the area. Local civil rights advocate Loren Miller spearheaded the fight against housing discrimination. Silver Lake's Black Cat bar and Harry Hay's Mattachine Society were central to the early gay rights movement. Literary artists Anäis Nin and James Leo Herlihy made the neighborhood their home, as did other notables like first lady of baseball Effa Manley and "Hobo Millionaire" James Eads How. Michael Locke and Vincent Brook chronicle these and other people and places that helped make Silver Lake the bohemian epicenter of Los Angeles.
ebook
(0)
Long Beach Chronicles
From Pioneers to the 1933 Earthquake
by Tim Grobaty
Part of the American Chronicles series
Incorporated in 1888, Long Beach was the nation's fastest-growing city for much of the early twentieth century. Tim Grobaty, columnist for two decades for the Long Beach Press-Telegram, looks back at the major events and compelling personalities that shaped the city's formative years. Early settlers such as William Willmore, Charles Rivers Drake and the Bixby family are brought into sharp focus as Grobaty recounts the city's defining moments. From the naming of city streets to early local newspaper wars, and culminating with the devastating earthquake of 1933, Long Beach Chronicles presents a fascinating collection of tales from the city's provocative past.
ebook
(0)
Texas Remembering Slaton
Centennial Stories, 1911-2011
by James Villanueva
Part of the American Chronicles series
Retrace Slaton's history with local author James Villanueva as he profiles one hundred years of the town's stories and its people. From its founding in 1911, through the Roaring Twenties, the turbulent 1960s and into today, Remembering Slaton, Texas, is a look at the rich history of this charming Texas town. Sometimes haunting and sometimes inspiring--but always entertaining--these are the tales and legends that made Slaton what it is today.
ebook
(1)
Exeter
Historically Speaking
by Barbara Rimkunas
Part of the American Chronicles series
In April 1775, a small band of men set out from Hartford and traveled swiftly north toward the shore of Lake Champlain, recruiting men to their expedition along the way. Within only a few days, this loyal group of volunteers arrived in Vermont and, joining forces with Ethan Allen and his legendary Green Mountain Boys, launched a daring attack to capture more than one hundred cannons stored at Fort Ticonderoga. In this comprehensive look at "America's First Victory," Richard Smith traces the Patriots' route from Connecticut, through the towns of western Massachusetts and the Berkshire hills and north to Bennington, Vermont, and Lake Champlain. He chronicles the rival expedition led by Benedict Arnold, his confrontation with Allen and the surprise attack that changed the course of the American Revolution.
ebook
(1)
Ridgefield Chronicles
by Jack Sanders
Part of the American Chronicles series
Purchased from the Ramapoo Indians in 1708, Ridgefield welcomed immigrants to its bustling community from the start. The peaceful Connecticut town later served as a retreat for wealthy New Yorkers. With its long history and cast of local characters, Ridgefield has many fascinating stories to tell. In the early 1900s, Typhoid Mary was known to cook for a Ridgefield family. On Olmstead Lane, the landmark that most locals think is a broken fountain is actually a watering trough. For more than forty years, newspaper editor Jack Sanders has covered the captivating history of Ridgefield. In a uniquely selected collection of articles, the town's history comes to life with tales of Pulitzer Prize winners like Eugene O'Neill and disasters such as the 1905 train wreck. These and other glimpses of the past celebrate Ridgefield's rich history.
ebook
(0)
A History of the Rowayton Waterfront
Roton Point, Bell Island and the Norwalk Shoreline
by Karen Jewell
Part of the American Chronicles series
Welcome to Rowayton, a vibrant community nestled on the shores of Long Island Sound and encompassed by the city of Norwalk, Connecticut. Great steamships once delivered thousands of visitors daily to Roton Point to enjoy one of the premier amusement parks on the eastern seaboard. Roton Point was also home to the nation's oldest continuously operated multi-hull racing club and was the birthplace of the winged sail design for C-class catamarans. In this collection of vignettes, rumrunners, a missing two-hundred-foot steamship, a national scandal and the notorious "Long Island Express" hurricane of 1938 that almost destroyed Roton Point all introduce readers to a grand time in New England history.
ebook
(0)
Eden Prairie
A Brief History
by Marie Wittenberg
Part of the American Chronicles series
From scouting reports of Native American tribes to Money Magazine's declaration that it was the best place to live in America, Eden Prairie has a history that commands attention. Few can rival Marie Wittenberg's dedication to telling this story or match her intimate knowledge of her hometown's changing landscape, from early sheep barns to modern megachurches. In this brief history, she describes how Eden Prairie got its name, visits with pioneer families and points out the local places and critical moments that shaped this beloved community's identity.
ebook
(0)
San Ramon Chronicles: Stories of Bygone Days
by Beverly Lane
Part of the American Chronicles series
Though a relatively young city, San Ramon has history stretching back to California's founding. Ohlone Indians first inhabited the area before rancheros grazed the land more than a century ago. Drawn by the Gold Rush, pioneers and prospectors settled the place promoters labeled a "Garden of Eden." Diversified farming of the valley, full of orchards and plentiful fields, sustained the rural population. Sitting in the shadow of historic Mount Diablo, San Ramon is a growing city recognized for its extraordinary parks, schools and active citizenry. Local author Beverly Lane brings to life San Ramon's vibrant past.
ebook
(0)
Montpelier Chronicles: Historic Stories of the Capital City
by Paul Heller
Part of the American Chronicles series
Four years after the American Revolution, Colonel Jacob Davis paid tribute to France by naming his settlement Montpelier in 1787. Disasters, industries and larger-than-life personalities helped shape the city's identity. And it didn't take long for Montpelier to make a name for itself-its location created a prime manufacturing hub, and the Vermont Central Railroad made travel convenient. The city also became the scene of the fire of 1875 and the Gould-Caswell murder. Join local historian Paul Heller as he compiles significant moments of Montpelier's past.
ebook
(0)
Memories from New Hampshire's Lakes and Mountains
Fence Building and Apple Cider
by Dr. Bruce D. Heald, Ph. D.
Part of the American Chronicles series
Since colonial times, when Yankee pioneers first planted villages and homesteads in New Hampshire s rugged hill country, the Granite State s rural settlers have cultivated a vibrant pastoral society. Bruce D. Heald offers a richly nostalgic recollection of the traditions, pastimes and storied names and locales that have helped New Hampshire s backwoodsmen carve out a unique identity. With stops to consider such classic northern New England activities as ice fishing, maple sugaring and blueberry picking, Memories from New Hampshire's Lakes and Mountains: Fence Building and Apple Cider takes the reader on a special journey through folk life during New Hampshire's olden days.
ebook
(0)
Northwest Washington, D.C.
Tales from West of the Park
by Mark N. Ozer
Part of the American Chronicles series
The red brick of old Georgetown, the streetcar lines of Tenleytown and the eclectic and stately homes of Cleveland Park--the neighborhoods west of Rock Creek Park were the setting for the remarkable history of the capital. Amidst the gardens of their Friendship Estate, the McLean family held lavish parties until they were laid low by the rumored curse of the Hope Diamond, and it was the fashionable residences of Woodley Park that attracted the senators and cabinet members of the 1920s and 1930s. From the history of Georgetown College and American University to stories of runaway slaves seeking protection at Fort Reno, historian Mark Ozer charts the evolution of the storied neighborhoods of Northwest Washington, D.C.
ebook
(0)
Pioneers of Eagle Rock
by Eric H. Warren
Part of the American Chronicles series
After the Rancho San Rafael was divided, Benjamin Dreyfus was awarded the hilly area north of downtown Los Angeles known as Eagle Rock Valley. By 1911, this farming community had rapidly grown into a city. The Los Angeles Railway made downtown LA a trolley ride away, and continued growth led to Eagle Rock's consolidation with the city in 1923. Today, Eagle Rock is one of LA's most distinctive neighborhoods, and a pride instilled by early settlers remains here. These inspirational settlers include soldier and ranchero Jose Maria Verdugo, diarist and historian Elena Frackelton Murdock, farmer and amateur hydrologist Mayor Cromwell Galpin and publicist Ann Hare Harrison. Join editors Eric H. Warren and Frank F. Parrello as they profile the bedrock personalities who built Eagle Rock.
ebook
(0)
Remembering Kent Island
Stories from the Chesapeake
by Brent Lewis
Part of the American Chronicles series
Settled by William Claiborne and fought for by the Calverts, Kent Island is a land of charming beauty and unfailing hospitality. Local author Brent Lewis regales his readers with tales of industrious watermen, floating theatres, legendary pirates, bootleggers and ghostly haunts. Meet Islanders such as the feisty Margaret Brent, who petitioned for voting rights in 1648, and tenacious Senator James Kirwan, who saved the island from becoming a weapons testing ground. With a warm style, Lewis pays homage to a way of life that is fast slipping beneath the waters of the Chesapeake Bay.
ebook
(0)
Kansas City Chronicles
An Up-to-Date History
by David W. Jackson
Part of the American Chronicles series
From guerilla warfare and martial law to the elegant dresses of the Harzfeld Parisian Cloak Company, discover how everything became up-to-date in Kansas City (including the phrase "up-to-date"? itself, which predates the song in Oklahoma!). Watch as the Jackson County Poor Farm became the state-of-the-art Truman Medical Center and learn why Old Westport is the real McCoy. Meet the resident mouse of the Laugh-O-Gram studio on Thirteenth and Forest, which took food from Walt Disney's hand as Mortimer before taking shape on Disney's drawing board as Mickey. In this collection of his best historical columns, David Jackson delivers a vivid portrait of the people, places and events that continue to shape this fascinating town.
ebook
(0)
When Hull Freezes Over
Historic Winter Tales from the Massachusetts Shore
by John J. Galluzzo
Part of the American Chronicles series
The peninsular community of Hull, Massachusetts, reaches a total of seven thin, sandy miles into Boston Harbor, forming a protective barrier against intruding navies and pounding waves. Unfortunately for those residents who choose to live here for the three miles of crescent-shaped beach and its attendant summer advantages, exposure to the sea during the winter months can be, at times, trying, to say the least. When Hull Freezes Over, by lifelong Hull resident and columnist John Galluzzo, is a collection of historic tales that look beyond the sunny days of summer and remember the other nine months of life along this scenic shore. From shipwrecks and drownings, to subzero temperatures and frigid arctic gales, locals have learned to enjoy their seasonal solitude, and especially enjoy the holiday season in ways only New England peninsula dwellers can.
ebook
(2)
Tales from the Ypsilanti Archives
Tripe-Mongers, Parker's Hair Balsam, The Underwear Club & More
by Laura Bien
Part of the American Chronicles series
Author Laura Bien offers up a diverse sampling of offbeat and lighthearted stories that will transplant readers to the bygone days of Ypsilanti, from the fight Ypsilanti waged against standardized time to the gloom apparent in an Ypsilantian's Depression-era grocery receipt, and from Jackson's glowing pork chop to the time Ypsilantians staunchly defended themselves against accusations of "sloppy speech." Enjoy these quirky tales and learn what life used to be like in this fascinating city.
ebook
(0)
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.
ebook
(0)
The Early Days Of Aviation In Grand Rapids
by Gordon G. Beld
Part of the American Chronicles series
Perch next to the first man to fly over Grand Rapids and share the spine-tingling thrills of wing-walker Ormer Locklear. Learn how barnstormer "Fish" Hassell led locals to the sky from the shores of Reeds Lake and paved the way for a new air route to Europe. Be there as helicopters and gliders roll off Grand Rapids assembly lines during World War II. Cheer Charles Lindbergh as he steps out of the Spirit of St. Louis at the old Kent County Airport. Ride from Grand Rapids to Detroit on the country's first passenger airline. With journalist Gordon Beld as your pilot, you're in for a spectacular aerial view of Grand Rapids aviation.
ebook
(0)
Remembering Westbrook
The People of the Paper City
by Andrea M. P. Vasquez
Part of the American Chronicles series
In this collection of her "History Matters" columns from the American Journal, Andrea Vasquez takes readers back to the early days of Puritans and pioneers, when stately forests, wildlife and the land around Westbrook. Discover the secret burial place of Colonel Thomas Westbrook, the legacies of Westbrook benefactors Joseph Walker and Samuel Dennis Warren and the all-but-forgotten works of master sculptor Benjamin Paul Akers, whose life was tragically cut short at the height of his career. Vasquez preserves the memories and stories of these sons and daughters of Westbrook, from Cornelia Warren, a forward-thinking philanthropist and women's advocate, to Fabius Maximus Ray, one of Westbrook's first local historians.
ebook
(0)
Looking Back at South Shore History
From Plymouth Rock to Quincy Granite
by John J. Galluzzo
Part of the American Chronicles series
From Plymouth Rock to Quincy granite, the South Shore of Boston has been a place of revolution, relaxation and revelation. Artists have gained inspiration from the meeting of sea and shore, enemy navies have targeted its strategic ports and, in better days, merrymakers have sought its warming sun, cooling breezes, amusement parks and historic and natural landmarks. The Toll House Cookie, the song "When the Red, Red Robin (Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along)" and the U.S. Navy's rallying cry "Don't give up the ship " all were South Shore born. John Galluzzo, author of "The North River: Scenic Waterway of the South Shore" and "When Hull Freezes Over," gathers the best of his "Look Back" column in this compilation of historic vignettes from "South Shore Living" magazine.
ebook
(0)
Duarte Chronicles
by Claudia Heller
Part of the American Chronicles series
Andres Duarte was a Mexican army veteran who was awarded a 6,595-acre grant south of the San Gabriel Mountains in 1841. Parceled out to settlers and farmers, the Rancho Azusa de Duarte began thriving when rail lines were built to access the citrus crops. Duarte was home to the City of Hope, a tuberculosis clinic that became a world-class cancer research and treatment center. The old U.S. Route 66 brought thousands of new Californians through the residential melting pot from points east. Residents have included such notables as big-band leader Glenn Miller and playwright Sam Shepard. Join coauthors Claudia and Alan Heller as they recall the people, institutions, events and natural elements that have made Duarte a unique Los Angeles County city.
ebook
(0)
Frederick County Chronicles
The Crossroads of Maryland
by Marie Anne Erickson
Part of the American Chronicles series
The rails and covered bridges of Frederick County are framed by the waters of the Potomac River to the south and the Mason-Dixon line to the north. The county rests at a crossroads of Maryland cultures and history, and journalist Marie Anne Erickson sought out the oldest members of this diverse community to record their colorful stories. Twenty years after the articles appeared as the "Crossroads" series for Frederick Magazine, Ingrid Price has compiled her mother's fascinating essays for the first time. Stories of Civil War battles and Prohibition-era raids share the pages with memories of sledding by moonlight and the hunt for the mythical Snallygaster in Erickson's spirited history. From Brunswick to Mount Airy and from Emmitsburg to Point of Rocks, discover an affectionate and occasionally offbeat portrait of Frederick County.
ebook
(0)
Remembering Lubec
Stories from the Easternmost Point
by Ronald Pesha
Part of the American Chronicles series
For over two centuries, many a helmsman felt a surge of deliverance upon first spotting the Quoddy Lighthouse, guardian of the easternmost point of the United States. During the foggy summer months, residents of Lubec take comfort in the symphony of tolling bells and crashing surf along the rocky Maine coast, where Native Americans once hunted seals and generations of fishermen tugged their boats ashore. In this collection of articles, historian Ronald Pesha revives the events and people of Lubec's past, uncovering stories such as the eighteenth-century naval hero and founder of the U.S. Coast Guard, Hopley Yeaton, and the nineteenth-century Lubec signature quilt. From the Quoddy Belle's California gold mine expedition to the colorful history of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Cat Food house, these tales from Lubec history will delight all readers.
ebook
(0)
Remembering Fairfield, Connecticut
Famous People & Historic Places
by Rita Papazian
Part of the American Chronicles series
Sprinkled with flowering dogwoods and elegant estates, Fairfield has long symbolized Connecticut's elite Gold Coast. But there is far more to this leafy suburban enclave than stately homes and inviting forests. Founded in 1639 by Roger Ludlow, Fairfield's New England roots run deep. British soldiers torched the village in 1779, and for a time, the community teetered on the brink of extinction. But the settlers rebuilt with a vengeance, helping to establish a new foundation for what has become a truly dynamic town. From its founding to the present day, Fairfield has enjoyed a rich and diverse history. Let author Rita Papazian guide you through it all in Remembering Fairfield.
ebook
(0)
Remembering Germantown
Sixty Years of the Germantown Crier
by Irvin Miller
Part of the American Chronicles series
With grit and gumption, the residents of Germantown propelled their community from a sleepy backwater to a thriving urban neighborhood. Through charming first-person accounts and fascinating narratives culled from sixty years of the Germantown Crier, readers may catch a glimpse of the feisty Germantowners who proudly honor their past without ceasing to move forward. Meet cantankerous Ann Shermer, a nineteenth-century Bethlehem Pike tollkeeper who enforced the fare with the help of her trusty flintlock pistol, and the town's enforcer of morality, "civilizer" Samuel Harvey. Whether a tale from the storied King of Prussia Inn, which housed greats like George Washington and Gilbert Stuart, or a memory of a childhood encounter with Louisa May Alcott, each vignette in this collection crafts a poignant portrait.
ebook
(0)
True Stories of Riverside and the Inland Empire
by Hal Durian
Part of the American Chronicles series
The scattered desert and mountain communities of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties grew exponentially through late twentieth-century urban flight. The "Inland Empire" became home to four million people. Their forebears' remarkable stories of survival, heroism and everyday charm and waywardness are captured here by historian Hal Durian. Unique episodes in the lives of Riverside founder John North, citrus pioneer Eliza Tibbets, hotelier Frank Miller, historian Mrs. Janet Gould and army general "Hap" Arnold are recounted, along with prison escapes, "desert rats," murder trials and church and military base lore. The famous Mission Inn's legacy is here, along with journeys to Rialto, Colton, Blythe, Twentynine Palms and other unique Inland Empire locales.
ebook
(0)
Hill Country Chronicles
by Clay Coppedge
Part of the American Chronicles series
Texas Hill Country is a rugged and hilly area of central Texas known for its food, architecture and unique melting pot of Spanish and European settlers. The area's rich history is filled with quirky and fascinating tales about this landscape and the animals and people who have called it home. Clay Coppedge has been gathering Texas stories for over thirty years. This collection of his favorite columns includes his best Texas-sized stories on Hill Country history. From the legend of Llano's Enchanted Rock and the true story of Jim Bowie's famous knife to one rancher's attempt at bringing reindeer to the hottest area of the country and an oilman's search for Bigfoot, Hill Country Chronicles has them all and more.