Images of Modern America
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John F. Kennedy
from Florida to the Moon
by Raymond P. Sinibaldi
Part of the Images of Modern America series
It was September 12, 1962, when Pres. John F. Kennedy delivered a speech at Rice University before nearly 50,000 people. By that time, America had launched but four men into space--the suborbital flights of Alan Shepard and Gus Grissom and the nearly identical three-orbit journeys of John Glenn and Scott Carpenter. Buoyed by the success of those missions and cognizant of the danger that lay ahead, the president rearticulated his vision and reissued his challenge to reach the moon before 1970. "We choose to go to the moon, in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard. Because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills." The assassination of President Kennedy, in the words of flight director Gene Kranz, turned his vision into a "quest to do it and do it in the time frame he allotted." On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped off the ladder of the lunar module known as Eagle, taking "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."
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Naperville
by Jo Fredell Higgins
Part of the Images of Modern America series
Naperville is a quintessential American city, where many cultures blend together in harmony. Founded in 1831 by Capt. Joseph Naper and incorporated in 1857, the city has progressed from rural farmland to a robust commercial economy. In 1860, kerosene lamps and one wooden bridge were surrounded by the sounds of prairie fowl and croaking frogs. In 1960, the population exploded. Now, 21 languages are spoken in the community, and the meandering downtown Naperville Riverwalk offers bucolic serenity to those strolling along the Century Walk artwork. Naperville has two partner Sister Cities that strengthen culture and business: Nitra, Slovakia (as of 1993), and Pátzcuaro, Mexico (as of 2010). The city comes alive thanks to its people and families, organizations, leaders, and events. It is filled with a rich culture that values the history of yesterday while looking forward to tomorrow's joys. Naperville is simply outstanding in every manner and mode of living.
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Libertyland
by John R. Stevenson V
Part of the Images of Modern America series
Nestled in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, the Libertyland theme park debuted on America's bicentennial: July 4, 1976. The quaint park celebrated America's history, heritage, and culture. Not only was it home to Elvis Presley's favorite roller coaster, Libertyland also offered guests rides on the historic Grand Carousel, exciting shows, gift shops selling handcrafted souvenirs, delicious food, and much more. The park's themed areas - Colonial Land, Frontier Land, and Turn-of-the-Century Land - paid tribute to some of the country's most historically significant eras. From its opening in 1976 until its closure in late 2005, Libertyland was a first roller coaster ride, a first date, a family reunion, a summer job, or simply a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the real world.
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Rock City
by Tim Hollis
Part of the Images of Modern America series
Since May 21, 1932, tourists have been making the trip to the top of Lookout Mountain to stroll through what pioneers as far back as the 1820's called "the rock city." This collection of huge boulders in a wild array of shapes and sizes was developed as an attraction by Garnet Carter, the inventor of modern miniature golf, and his wife, Frieda, a devotee of European fairy tales. Rock City Gardens quickly became one of the most famous tourist attractions in the Southeast, especially after Carter started a program of painting advertisements on barn roofs. During the post–World War II baby-boom era, Rock City became even more of a destination with the additions of Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village.
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Magic Mountain
by Robert McLaughlin
Part of the Images of Modern America series
Nestled in the foothills of Golden, Colorado, construction started on Magic Mountain just two years after Disneyland's opening season. Through never-before-seen photographs, Magic Mountain tells the exciting story of the first attempt in America to spread the Disneyland model. The dream of a theme park in Colorado was conceived by Walter F. Cobb and designed by Marco Engineering of Los Angeles. The park saw tens of thousands of visitors, even during the construction period. They witnessed live gunfights and playhouse melodramas and took a ride on the Magic Mountain Railroad. Unfortunately, the park closed at the end of its premier season in 1960, but it would eventually evolve into Heritage Square. For over 40 years, this venue brought fun and entertainment to the young and young at heart, following Cobb's vision of a clean, entertaining, and educational park for the whole family.
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Davis
Transformation
by John Lofland
Part of the Images of Modern America series
Davis has undergone a major transformation from the mid-20th century to today, growing from a small college town of about 3,000 residents and 1,500 students to a world-class university city of 80,000 area residents and 35,000 students. Major features of this revolution include the creation of a vibrant downtown, environmentally sensitive politics, diverse and innovative neighborhoods, and a citywide system of bike lanes. A thriving University of California at Davis campus was the economic dynamo that attracted talented students and faculty. Their environmentalist values spurred innovations in solar energy, waste recycling, bicycle infrastructure, subsidized public transit, energy-saving construction, and farm-to-fork localization of food supplies, among other new civic directions that remain an essential part of the city's culture today.
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Kevin Guest House
by Gerald L. Halligan
Part of the Images of Modern America series
While unknown to many living in western New York, the Kevin Guest House has served thousands of critically ill individuals and their families for over 40 years. Quietly nestled within the expanding Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus of Buffalo, New York, the demand for the facility continues to increase. The opening chapter is a testimony to the Speyser-Beer family, who originally owned the property. The second and third chapters memorialize the founders of the Kevin Guest House, the Garvey family of Sharon, Pennsylvania. The remaining chapters provide a virtual tour of the grounds and building expansions of 2016.
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Coatesville
by Karol Collins
Part of the Images of Modern America series
In the mid-1900s, Coatesville was a manufacturing gemstone amid the rolling farmland of Chester County. It was home to Lukens Steel, maker of the steel "trees" that became the first nine stories of New York City's World Trade Center. Retailers such as JC Penney, JJ Newberry, and Woolworth's were large employers serving Coatesville citizens and visitors from neighboring counties. By the mid-1970s, Coatesville's commerce was deeply affected by the influx of shopping malls and big-box stores. Thanks to locally minded developers and community advocates, Coatesville's revival is very real and centers on the arts, boutique retailers, faith-based progress, and handshakes. Coatesville marks its centennial in 2015.
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Lawrence Park and Wesleyville
by Marjorie D. McLean
Part of the Images of Modern America series
Lawrence Park Township and Wesleyville Borough are suburbs of Erie, Pennsylvania, and both communities are proud of their comfortable residences, many churches, parks, and business districts. Wesleyville grew along Buffalo Road, while Lawrence Park was developed by the General Electric Company a century later. Four Mile Creek, with its picturesque wanderings, is shared by both communities, and local legend suggests that it might have played a part in the Underground Railroad and the activities of rumrunners. In the early 1960s, the rival schools of the two communities merged to form the Iroquois School District. Amazingly, in 1965-1966, the first year of the merged district, the football team won the Erie County league championship. Many more accolades have come to Iroquois students for athletics, music, art, and intellectual achievements, and it is certain that they will continue, so "Roll on Big I."
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Sedalia
by Rebecca Carr Imhauser
Part of the Images of Modern America series
Sedalia has garnered a number of names since its founding in 1860, including Queen of the Prairie and the State Fair City. The trend toward positive designations vanished in the 1930s along with Sedalia's economic base. Life magazine declared Sedalia the city second hardest hit by the Depression in the United States. The postwar prosperity of the 1950s brought new life to Sedalia. Manufacturing and industry sprang up, setting the stage for future industrial development. At the same time, businesses and services began moving outside the downtown core. Shopping malls and motels converted Broadway Boulevard, once a residential street for Sedalia's elite, into a major highway. The silence of the railroad shops and the sounds of the Ozark Music Festival and Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival were other hallmarks of the era. Through more than 160 pictures, many previously unpublished, this book celebrates Sedalia's most memorable landmarks and pivotal events from 1950 to present.
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Around Binghamton
by Jim Maggiore
Part of the Images of Modern America series
The Greater Binghamton area's undulating history mirrors that of its terrain. The area has evolved from a transportation center to a hub of manufacturing and technology and, with the expansion of Binghamton University and SUNY Broome Community College, a growing center of erudition. First, canal boats and trains dominated the landscape, then, cigars were produced in abundance, followed by shoes, simulators, and computers. Now, with Binghamton University expanding into downtown, student housing, breweries, and eateries fill Binghamton's streets. The area has earned the monikers "Parlor City," "Carousel Capital of the World," "Sports Mecca," and the "City of Festivals." Binghamton's cultural legacy is rich; besides being the home of professional baseball, bicycling, golf, hockey, running, and tennis, Binghamton's annual celebrations have included Mural Fest, July Fest, Spiedie Fest, and Luma Fest.
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Bricktown
by Steve Lackmeyer
Part of the Images of Modern America series
Bricktown, once an area reserved for federal troops, was given to Oklahoma City for development in 1898. Brick warehouses originally were built along rail lines to house wholesale operations, but a half century later, the district was abandoned as industry moved farther away from the urban core. The forgotten warehouse district was rediscovered by Neal Horton, who started the movement of transforming the area in 1979. Jim Brewer carried out Horton's vision, enabling Bricktown to become a regional destination where historic preservation and modern entertainment would merge. Excursion boats traverse a modern man-made recreational canal built in 1999 that flows between century-old brick warehouses. Bricktown's restaurants, shops, and attractions have hosted some of the biggest names in politics and entertainment. The transformation continues with the opening of The Criterion concert hall in 2016 and the construction of more retail space and restaurants, 400 apartments, and several hotels.
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Joint Base Langley-Eustis
by Mark A. Chambers
Part of the Images of Modern America series
Joint Base Langley-Eustis (JBLE) has served for over 100 years as a cornerstone of American military aviation. The base has served as a flight test center for US Navy seaplanes and observation/spotter aircraft, as well as the ill-fated Roma airship. Additionally, JBLE was one of the first US Air Force (USAF) bases to operate the advanced Lockheed F-22 Raptor. In 1921, Langley Field served as the launching point for Gen. William "Billy" Mitchell's US Army Air Service efforts in historic battleship bombing flight experiments. Prior to World War II, Langley Field became the first US Army Air Corps base to operate the Boeing YB-17, prototype of the famous B-17 Flying Fortress. During the latter half of the 20th century, Langley Air Force Base served as the headquarters for the Tactical Air Command (TAC) and the Air Combat Command (ACC). JBLE still serves as ACC headquarters.
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Lake Compounce
by Lynda J. Russell
Part of the Images of Modern America series
On October 6, 1846, Gad Norton invited the public to witness a scientific experiment to be conducted at his family-owned lake. The experiment failed, but the crowds of people inspired him to open a recreation area. In 1851, the firm of Pierce and Norton began land improvements. Not only were new attractions added, but corporate outings and outdoor concerts with big bands were also held, providing for a full day of fun and memories. As the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the United States, Lake Compounce now offers 44 rides, including Thunder Rapids, Wildcat and Boulder Dash Roller Coasters, Crocodile Cove, Splash Harbor Water Park, and Bear Creek Campground. During the off-season, the infamous Crocodile Club is held every September, a haunted graveyard runs throughout October, and in December, the park showcases its holiday lights.
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Brockton
by James E. Benson
Part of the Images of Modern America series
First gaining notoriety as the "shoe city," Brockton grew and flourished toward the end of the 19th century. As the halcyon days of the shoe industry waned, however, Brockton experienced many changes. After World War II, major residential development took place in the form of affordable single-family homes, and four new junior high schools and (eventually) a new high school were built. Housing for senior citizens and low-income residents was constructed, and new commercial buildings replaced those from a bygone era. Today, the city is still transforming as former shoe factories and commercial blocks are preserved and rehabilitated into new usage--whether residential, commercial, or industrial. Once a one-industry town, Brockton today is diverse in its industry and its people as it continues to be the "City of Champions."
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The Iowa Caucus
by Rachel Paine Caufield
Part of the Images of Modern America series
For more than 40 years, Iowa has held the first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses. A vibrant political culture has emerged as a result of this role, and Iowa voters have a unique opportunity to get to know the nation's presidential candidates as they travel the state, attend small-group meetings, and hone their messages. Candidates come to Iowa--where "retail politics" is the name of the game--early and often. But the campaign trail in Iowa isn't just about candidates. It's about average Americans in small-town diners, church basements, and high school gyms. In an age of public cynicism about politics, the Iowa caucuses continue to demonstrate the importance of real people talking about issues with would-be presidents.
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Pleasure Island
1959-1969
by Robert McLaughlin
Part of the Images of Modern America series
Pleasure Island opened on June 22, 1959, in Wakefield, Massachusetts. Designed by Marco Engineering of Los Angeles, it was the second of three innovative theme parks built across America to mimic Disneyland. Pleasure Island was conceived by William Hawkes, president of Child Life magazine, and with support from Boston's Cabot, Cabot & Forbes and local and national investors, the vision of the park was brought to life. Just by passing through a turnstile, children and the young at heart could leave the present and enter into a world of the past. Clipper Cove was a replica of an old New England fishing village, and Goldpan Gulch re-created the Old West. With state-of-the-art attractions and national and local live entertainment, Pleasure Island became one of the top-grossing parks in the nation. Known as the "Disneyland of the East," the park was enjoyed for 11 seasons, until its closing in 1969.
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Adventureland
by Christopher Mercaldo
Part of the Images of Modern America series
Since 1962, Adventureland has been entertaining and thrilling the Long Island community. The park was constructed in a rural area of Suffolk County around the time of a suburban boom eastward on Long Island, which brought enormous population growth in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Since its opening, the park has seen significant change, with numerous rides and attractions being moved or retired to make way for newer attractions. Published here are images of the park throughout its entire history, many of which have never been seen by the public before. Adventureland shares early lost attractions and retired fan favorites in full living color, allowing both the young and the young at heart to remember the park in all of its stages, from opening to today.
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Kenosha
by Jennifer Billock
Part of the Images of Modern America series
Kenosha is a suburb of both Chicago and Milwaukee, and it draws visitors from both metro areas and from all over the United States. A historic downtown, frequent community events, and a fierce dedication to the arts have catapulted the city into tourism stardom. Although big businesses have steadily come and gone, the residential population remains strong. From family-owned stores that have been downtown for nearly 100 years, to a vintage streetcar system still in use, to a new minor-league baseball team, residents put their entire hearts into maintaining the city's culture and pride.
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Ypsilanti
by Thomas James Mann
Part of the Images of Modern America series
Ypsilanti, Michigan, home to Eastern Michigan University, is a small city where a great deal happens. This is a community with a strong sense of history and historic preservation. Homes and buildings about to fall in on themselves in the 1960s were preserved and restored and have found new uses today. It is a place of festivals, parades, concerts, and performances. There have been problems and turmoil, such as the time when the president of Eastern Michigan University needed a new house, but in each instance the people of Ypsilanti have come through stronger than before. Here, local historian James Mann shares why the people of Ypsilanti take pride in their city.
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Altoona
by Jared Frederick
Part of the Images of Modern America series
For over a century, Altoona, Pennsylvania, was a bustling industrial hotbed. The town thrived as a gem of the Pennsylvania Railroad, which constructed some 6,000 steam locomotives. However, like so many communities in the wake of World War II, Altoona struggled amidst deindustrialization and cultural shifts. The 1968 end of the Pennsylvania Railroad, a decreasing population, and a dying downtown slowly made the city a shadow of its former self. However, recent developments reveal potential-as is seen in the corporate presence of Norfolk Southern and Sheetz. Additionally, the growth of Penn State Altoona, regional health care systems, and the Altoona Curve baseball club continue to make the city and its environs a unique place within the heart of the Allegheny Mountains.
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Ted Williams and Friends
1960-2002
by Dick Trust
Part of the Images of Modern America series
Ted Williams capped a storybook baseball career with a storybook ending, hitting a home run in his last at bat in the major leagues. That blast, on a dreary September 28, 1960, at Boston's Fenway Park, ushered in a post-playing career during which the Red Sox legend would become a first-ballot Hall of Famer just six years later. During his retirement, he maintained his longtime active assistance of the Jimmy Fund in its fight against cancer, encouraged youngsters at his Ted Williams Baseball Camp, and coached current and future big leaguers in Red Sox spring training. In 1969, he was named American League Manager of the Year; in 1991, he received a Presidential Medal of Freedom from George H.W. Bush; and in 1995, a Boston tunnel was dedicated in his honor. In one of his last appearances, Ted joined fellow nominees for baseball's All-Century Team at the 1999 All-Star Game at Fenway Park-creating an iconic, lasting image of the man known as "The Kid," the "Splendid Splinter," and "Teddy Ballgame."
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Grove City
by Laura Lanese
Part of the Images of Modern America series
Carved out of Ohio's wilderness in 1852, the village of Grove City welcomed industrious laborers, farmers, and German immigrants. The arrival of the railroad and the interurban brought commuters willing to travel from Grove City into Columbus. The 1960s saw the construction of Interstates 71 and 270, which spurred the community's growth. Though its population has surpassed 37,000 residents, Grove City has retained its small-town appeal while offering residents and visitors a revitalized town center, a major arts festival, and the "world's largest" alumni softball tournament.
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Hamtramck
by Greg Kowalski
Part of the Images of Modern America series
Fueled by a massive immigrant influx in the early 20th century, Hamtramck went from being a small farming village to a major industrial town in the space of 10 years. This phenomenal growth attracted national attention and set the city on a sometimes precarious path toward the future. Despite often teetering on financial ruin, the city has always managed to right itself. Once predominantly Polish, Hamtramck has recently turned in a new direction to become one of the most diverse cities in the nation. This human tapestry-intertwining memorable people, places, and events of the past and present-is woven with the many colors that are so richly evident on these pages.
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Carrboro
by Dave Otto
Part of the Images of Modern America series
Mills dominated life in Carrboro during the first half of the 20th century. Closure of the last mill in the early 1960s spawned a cultural renaissance, stimulated by the arrival in 1978 of French artist Jacques Menarche, whose Art School became today's Arts Center. The opening of the Farmers Market and the Weaver Street Market has contributed enormously to the vitality of Carrboro. The community has changed from a blue-collar town to one of artists and professionals. To acknowledge this change, the town is working to establish an Arts and Creativity District, extending west from the Chapel Hill boundary. A new Arts Center is planned for the performance, education, and coordination of activities in the area. This book documents Carrboro's exciting journey from the past into the future.
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Eastpointe
by Suzanne Declaire Pixley
Part of the Images of Modern America series
Located in southeast Michigan, Eastpointe is typical of many suburban cities of middle America. During its development phase, Eastpointe's businesses and residents became involved in work or services related to the automotive industry. Structural changes occurred at a rapid rate as population density and diversity, technology, and economic changes impacted the community in rapid succession. When the automotive industry slowed, the income to Eastpointe residents, schools, and the city also slowed, yet the resiliency of the community allowed the city to survive.
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Lake Pontchartrain
by Catherine Campanella
Part of the Images of Modern America series
New Orleans's location would likely have been different had Native Americans not shown French explorers a route between Lake Pontchartrain and the Gulf of Mexico. Early in the history of Greater New Orleans, Lake Pontchartrain became a hub for transportation, commerce, and industry. Its role expanded, and by the 1960s two amusement parks (Lincoln and Pontchartrain Beach), restaurants, several harbors, a municipal airport, the world's longest bridge, five lighthouses, a state park, and hundreds of fishing camps lined its shores. Citizens of Little Woods, Venetian Isles, Lakeshore Boulevard, and Mandeville had the sublime pleasure of living directly on the lake. Residents of Kenner, Metairie, and most of New Orleans were just a stone's throw away from its shores. Hurricane Katrina may have changed memories of Lake Pontchartrain, but much remains to enjoy.
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Williamsport
by Dana Borick Brigandi
Part of the Images of Modern America series
Once known as "the Lumber Capital of the World," Williamsport, Pennsylvania, is more than its lumber heritage. It is an artistic and cultural hub enjoying a revitalization, much of which is due to the discovery of Marcellus Shale and the gas industry. As the birthplace of Little League Baseball, Williamsport boasts an award-winning school district and public library, two nationally ranked colleges, and several landmarks listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Businesses like the Grit newspaper and Shop-Vac have been at the forefront of major industries, including aircraft engines, railroad transport, and manufacturing. A new generation of business owners is changing the downtown landscape through public art, community events, and cultural activities. No matter what challenges residents face, they are dedicated to preserving and advancing the city they call home.
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NORAD and Cheyenne Mountain AFS
by J. Brian 'Bear' Lihani
Part of the Images of Modern America series
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) was established as a result of an agreement between Canada and the United States to defend against increasing Soviet military capabilities. In the early years of World War II, the leaders of the United States and Canada agreed to military cooperation, thus beginning strong defense relations still evident today. Military and civilian personnel from both countries work together for the defense of North America. Established as a formal military command in 1958, NORAD has been headquartered in Colorado Springs since its inception. In the late 1950s, a decision was made to move the Continental Air Defense Command combat operations center to an underground facility to provide a secure and hardened location for air defense operations. After several locations were evaluated, Cheyenne Mountain, south of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was chosen for the new command center. In operation since 1966, Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station continues to be America's fortress.
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Burien
by Virginia H. Wright
Part of the Images of Modern America series
Given the beauty of the landscape and its ideal location just south of Seattle, it's easy to understand why Gottlieb Burian set down his 19th-century roots in the land that eventually became the city of Burien. Incorporated in 1993, this gem of a small city sits perched on the edge of Puget Sound, just 15 minutes from SeaTac Airport. With a wealth of arts and cultural groups, an ethnically diverse community of shops and restaurants, a robust medical and wellness community, and city-sponsored public festivals and events throughout the year, Burien offers a wide range of experiences and opportunities for visitors and residents.
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Monessen
by Matthew Shorraw
Part of the Images of Modern America series
Nestled along a horseshoe curve of the Monongahela River in the Mid-Monongahela Valley of southwestern Pennsylvania, Monessen was settled in the mid-1800s, though it was not formally established and named until 1898, then chartered as a city in 1923. Throughout the 20th century, Monessen was known mainly for its industry, especially steel and wire. The city served as a site for Pittsburgh Steel until the decline of the steel industry. That has not stopped the caring and determined residents of Monessen from trying to recapture the vibrant culture of the city. This book reflects on the history of the city through the second half of the 20th century, showcasing how current residents have led Monessen into the 21st century.
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USCGC Mackinaw WLBB-30
by Mike Fornes
Part of the Images of Modern America series
June 10, 2006, marked the beginning of a new era. In a one-of-a-kind ceremony, the original U.S. Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw was decommissioned, followed by the commissioning of the new Great Lakes icebreaker that carries the same name. The old cutter's legacy would be carried through to the new ship's multi-mission capabilities of ice breaking, buoy tending, search and rescue, oil-spill response, and maritime homeland security. The new Mackinaw's sophisticated propulsion package, computer-based navigation and steering, and state-of-the-art dynamic positioning system bring new technology to its mission as "Guardian of the Great Lakes."
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Tuscaloosa
by Amalia K. Amaki
Part of the Images of Modern America series
In the 1960s, Tuscaloosa drew national attention when the University of Alabama was fully integrated. The decade also marked the arrival of Paul "Bear" Bryant as head coach of Alabama's football team and the majority of Frank Anthony Rose's tenure as president--a period characterized by race mediation and increases in enrollment, assets, and academic standards. For the next 50 years, sports, education, cultural and recreational opportunities, and business developments contributed to the city and the lifestyles of its residents. Tuscaloosa has associations with people such as F. David Mathews (who concurrently served as president of Alabama and as a secretary under Pres. Gerald Ford), writer Richard Yates (Revolutionary Road), actress Sela Ward, and quarterback Joe Namath.
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The World of Little League®
by Janice L. Ogurcak
Part of the Images of Modern America series
From its humble beginnings as a three-team sport in 1939 until today, Little League continues to build character and promote courage and loyalty. The World of Little League® Museum also has emerged as a world-class showcase for the largest youth sports organization on the planet. Among the items on display in this amazing museum are a Little League keystone patch taken to outer space, an astronaut's suit, a piece of the Berlin Wall, updated safety equipment, and other artifacts that help to tell the history of the sport. Little League graduates include doctors, actors, musicians, firefighters, Olympians, educators, writers, sports stars, and a president of the United States. Their stories and others can be found in this book and at the museum, which is adjacent to Howard J. Lamade Stadium, where the Little League Baseball World Series has been played every August since 1959.
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Clarksville
by Angela Rodesky
Part of the Images of Modern America series
Clarksville may have been put on the map as a major tobacco port at the confluence of the Cumberland and Red Rivers, but ever since the founding of Fort Campbell-home of the 101st Airborne Division-in 1942, Clarksville has expanded rapidly and is currently the fifth-largest city in the state of Tennessee. Reinvention of its historic mainstays, such as Austin Peay State University and the Roxy Theatre, has brought new cultural activity to the area. The Monkees' 1966 hit single "Last Train to Clarksville" was inspired by the local Louisville & Nashville Railroad depot. The Leaf-Chronicle, Tennessee's oldest newspaper, has continued to publish in Clarksville, capturing its endless growth and redevelopment. Today, the tight-knit community continues to uphold its brand as "Tennessee's Top Spot."
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Riverchase
by Heather Jones Skaggs
Part of the Images of Modern America series
If residents of the original c. 1900s mining town of Acton, Alabama, looked into the future, would they have imagined that the area would develop into the multimillion-dollar planned community it is today? In the late 1960s, John M. Harbert III (1921-1995), founder of Harbert Corporation, saw tremendous potential for land in Acton owned by the Chace brothers. In 1974, the Harbert Corporation partnered with Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States to form Harbert-Equitable Joint Venture, Riverchase. This plan was not a concrete jungle of homes and businesses. The venture called for a careful blending of new development with its surrounding natural landscape. This plan spoke to man's need to be part of nature, albeit in a new and responsible way. Today, Riverchase is a picturesque community steeped in land preservation, business development, and community pride. The story of Riverchase is conveyed through the memories of its residents in Images of Modern America: Riverchase.
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Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®
by Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Heritage Committee
Part of the Images of Modern America series
From its humble beginning in 1972 when 13 hot-air balloons ascended from an Albuquerque shopping center parking lot to a stunning annual gathering of 500-plus aeronauts, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta lives on as the most-photographed air show on the planet. As you page through this book, imagine yourself going along for the ride and soaring to new heights. Or if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, imagine yourself strolling among hundreds of swaying giants, seemingly lost in a dizzying kaleidoscope of color. Join in the camaraderie that draws pilots and fans to Albuquerque from all over the world. You will find yourself mesmerized by the Balloon Fiesta's signature events and its spirited competition among hot-air balloon pilots. As an added attraction, step back in time to when hydrogen-gas balloons once graced Albuquerque skies and enjoy the fascinating world of silent flight, the America's Challenge Gas Balloon Race.
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The Blue Angels
by Maureen Smith Keillor, AMEC (AW/SW)
Part of the Images of Modern America series
Every year, more than 11 million people attend air shows that feature the Blue Angels, who call Pensacola, Florida, their home. The Navy's Flight Demonstration Team, with its six gleaming blue-and-gold F/A-18 Hornets, never fails to thrill the crowds. Flying from heights of over 15,000 feet and dropping as low as 50 feet, the shows are nonstop, high-energy, heart-stopping excitement. The Blue Angels were established in 1946 by Adm. Chester W. Nimitz to "showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach." The Blue Angels pilots and flight crew visit 50,000 people a year in schools, hospitals, and other community events, in addition to performing for those who attend their air shows.
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Fort Lewis
Cold War to the War on Terror
by Alan H. Archambault
Part of the Images of Modern America series
Camp Lewis was established in 1917 as a training camp for the US Army in World War I. Made a permanent post in 1927, Fort Lewis became an important base for training and sending soldiers to combat in World War II and the Korean War. In 1956, the 4th Infantry Division arrived at Fort Lewis while America was deeply committed to protecting democracy around the world during the Cold War. From that time forward, Fort Lewis has been in the forefront of military reservations in the United States. The post played a crucial role in the Vietnam War, Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and the War on Terror. Soldiers based at Fort Lewis have deployed to conflicts throughout the world in defense of freedom. Today, Fort Lewis remains on the cutting edge of America's sword.
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Mountain Climbing in Washington State
by Donald R. Tjossem
Part of the Images of Modern America series
This book contains images of many of the mountains and views that are available to be climbed in Washington State. Washington's mountains have been used for many years as a training ground for major international mountain climbing expeditions. The very first Americans to climb Mount Everest trained on the mountains of Washington State. Many of these scenes have never been seen by the casual hiker or climber, merely because they cover such a large geographic area of the state and are otherwise very remote.
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Six Flags Great America
by Steven W. Wilson
Part of the Images of Modern America series
Marriott's Great America first opened in Gurnee, Illinois, on May 29, 1976. Located midway between Chicago and Milwaukee, it was the second of two Marriott Corporation theme parks. Great America was created to be a place where families could have fun together while gaining an appreciation for United States history. The parks five authentically themed areas based on America's past included the best in family and thrill rides, restaurants, specialty shops, artisans, and games. First-rate live entertainment included Broadway-style musicals, bands, parades, a circus, and the Warner Bros. characters featuring BUGS BUNNY. In 1984, the park became Six Flags Great America when it joined the Six Flags family of theme parks. Since then, the park has continued to innovate and expand. Today, including its 20-acre Hurricane Harbor water park, Six Flags Great America is one of the country's finest theme parks. Since 1976, the park has entertained more than 100 million guests.
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Amesbury
by Margie Walker
Part of the Images of Modern America series
In 1968, Amesbury celebrated its 300th anniversary. Residents compiled a cookbook, commemorative coins were sold, dances and plays were held, and townspeople dressed in period costume as part of the many events for the town's tercentenary. Since then, Amesbury has grown considerably, with many new businesses (furniture makers, fine food products, Norman's Restaurant, and clothing shops) emerging. Old mills have been reinvented into spaces for artists, photographers, and other creative outlets. The downtown area has been redeveloped and is a welcoming site as one enters Amesbury. One only needs to sit in Market Square, stroll along the Riverwalk, watch the falls of the Powow River in the Millyard, or listen to a concert in the amphitheater to experience Amesbury's charm. Despite a 1996 vote changing the town into a city, this great community retains the same small-town feel it has held for so many years.
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Freedomland
1960-1964
by Robert McLaughlin
Part of the Images of Modern America series
Freedomland opened on June 19, 1960, in the Baychester section of the Bronx, New York. Designed by Marco Engineering of Los Angeles for International Recreation Corporation, it was the third and largest innovative theme park built across America to mimic Disneyland. Constructed in the shape of the United States and presenting 200 years of American history, Freedomland was intended to be both exciting and educational. Historically themed attractions and costumed cast members were located throughout the seven sections. In addition, Freedomland offered national and local stars, big bands, and daily entertainment events. Professional character actors also worked throughout the park. Through photographs, Freedomland: 1960–1964 takes a tour of all seven sections of Freedomland and more. Although it was open for just five seasons, the park's guests and cast members were fortunate to have their very own "Disneyland of the East."
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Standing Rock
Lakota, Dakota, Nakota Nation
by Donovin Arleigh Sprague
Part of the Images of Modern America series
The Standing Rock Reservation is home to 8,250 Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota people of the Oceti Sakowin Nation. It is located in south-central North Dakota and in north-central South Dakota. The reservation is the sixth largest in the United States, with a land area of 3,571 square miles. It comprises all of Sioux County, North Dakota, Corson County, South Dakota, and small tracts of northern Dewey and Ziebach Counties in South Dakota. The tribe has a very rich culture and history, both of which are showcased in this series of photographs of the Standing Rock Reservation and its people.
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John F. Kennedy in New England
by Raymond P. Sinibaldi
Part of the Images of Modern America series
On May 29, 1917, John F. Kennedy was born in the Kennedy home in Brookline, Massachusetts. As a toddler, he wandered the sands of Nantasket Beach in Hull. When he was a little boy, he swam in the Atlantic waters of Sandy Beach in Cohasset, and as a teenager, he learned to sail on Nantucket Sound off the Cape Cod hamlet of Hyannis Port. He was married on the lawn of the Auchincloss Estate in Newport on the shores of Rhode Island Sound, and as president, he sailed the waters off John's Island in Maine, while the Navy's Blue Angels flew over in a salute to their commander in chief. John Kennedy was marked and then defined by his time sailing the seas off New England's shores, and as his brother Ted once said, it was Hyannis Port where he enjoyed his "happiest times."
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Kings Park Psychiatric Center
by L. F. Blanchard
Part of the Images of Modern America series
Kings Park Psychiatric Center, or "the Psych Center" as it is known locally, was unique for its time, as its focus was on patient care and making the hospital as "homelike" as possible. The facility was made up of a series of smaller buildings to give the feeling of community to the patients and staff alike, and both men and women were treated fairly and humanely. Long Island was home to many immigrants, some of whom had difficulty adjusting to life in the United States. This unique population led to interesting personal stories of those who worked at this facility, those who were institutionalized, and their families. The authors took the time to listen to their stories and endeavored to understand their pasts and recognize how these events continue to influence the mental-health industry today. Pictured throughout are the physical relics of the now-abandoned Psych Center, where these stories unfurled.
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California's Great America
by Steven W. Wilson
Part of the Images of Modern America series
In May 1972, actor Fess Parker of Davy Crockett fame announced plans for a huge theme park complex in Santa Clara, California. Eventually, the Marriott Corporation joined the effort. Parker later departed, while Marriott continued with what was the corporation's largest project to date. Marriott's Great America opened its gates on March 20, 1976. It featured a variety of family and thrill rides on a grand scale plus live entertainment, including multiple stage shows and even a full circus. From Marriott to the park's current owner, Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, Great America has entertained and continues to entertain millions of guests in what is now the heart of Silicon Valley.
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Northland Mall
by Gerald E. Naftaly
Part of the Images of Modern America series
When the Northland Mall opened in Michigan on March 22, 1954, it was the world's largest shopping center. Its innovative design was the vision of architect Victor Gruen and the Webbers, nephews of Joseph Lowthian Hudson and executives of the J.L. Hudson Company. Northland featured Hudson's flagship suburban store surrounded by other businesses selling a variety of merchandise and services. More than just a shopping destination, Northland Mall was a total experience of activity and relaxation, with colorful courtyards displaying sculptures such as the famous The Boy and Bear.