Austin's Flower Hill Legacy
A Remarkable Family & a Sixth Street Wildscape
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
For nearly a century and a half, the Smoot family "cooperated with nature" to create the vibrant Texas wildscape of the Flower Hill Estate on West Sixth Street. But the generosity of spirit that cultivated that sanctuary extends beyond the iron fence surrounding the property. Institutions like the Central Presbyterian Church, the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, the Austin American-Statesman, the Texas state capitol, The University of Texas and Travis and Austin High Schools all owe an incalculable debt to Flower Hill residents. Author Rosa Latimer traces the positive legacy of Flower Hill and the influential Austin family who lived there.
The Denver Dry Goods
Where Colorado Shopped with Confidence
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Over the course of eleven decades, The Denver Dry Goods and its predecessor, McNamara Dry Goods, proudly served Coloradoans, who knew they could "shop with confidence" for the best quality at the fairest prices. Much more than the goods it sold, the store was a major institution that touched the lives of nearly every Denverite. Comforting culinary traditions like Chicken à la King in the vast fifth-floor tearoom and breakfast with Santa delighted locals. Festive chandeliers adorned the four-hundred-foot-long main aisle during the holidays, and longtime salesclerks knew customers by name. Devoted patrons dearly missed all that charm after the doors closed in 1987. Mark Barnhouse explores the fascinating history and cherished memories of Denver's most beloved department store.
Excelsior Amusement Park
Playland of the Twin Cities
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Minneapolis roared into the 1920s as a major metropolis, but it lacked the kind of outdoor amusement facilities common elsewhere across the country. In 1925, Fred W. Pearce introduced the Twin Cities to his "Picnic Wonderland." Crowds eagerly poured onto the shores of Lake Minnetonka by the trolley load. Luckily, Excelsior Park survived the Great Depression and World War II on the strength of its celebrity acts. Changes in the forms of transportation, combined with innovations in the outdoor entertainment industry such as Disneyland and an aging infrastructure, eventually forced the park to close its gates.
Miles Minor Kellogg and the Encinitas Boathouses
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Built in 1929, the Boathouses of Encinitas have captured the attention of locals and tourists alike for decades. Their architect, Miles Minor Kellogg, shared the creative flair and religious fervor of his distant cousin Dr. John Harvey Kellogg and had a passion for invention, music and poetry. A talented carpenter, Miles built his first house at seventeen and worked his way cross-country until settling with his family in the growing town of Encinitas. His construction company, Kellogg and Son, helped transform the landscape, and the unique bungalows were the culmination of his dream to build a boat. Join author Rachel Brupbacher as she traces the steps of her ancestor and one of San Diego County's most innovative architects.
Massachusetts Correctional Institution-Bridgewater
A Troubled Past
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Once known as MCI-Bridgewater and earlier as the Massachusetts State Farm, the Bridgewater Correctional Complex opened in 1854. It was one of several progressive charitable institutions the state created as a model for communities around the world. However, deteriorating conditions for its residents shadowed Bridgewater's evolution from an almshouse to a prison and hospital for the criminally insane. A century later, it was among the nation's most notorious asylums. Historian Michael J. Maddigan offers a riveting examination of this infamous history, including the inspiration for state-sponsored welfare, moral and legal challenges and the experiences of the people who lived and worked there.
San Diego's Sunset Cliffs Park
A History
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Sunset Cliffs Park meanders along a mile and a half of San Diego's coastline, beckoning tourists and locals alike. These stunning cliffs inspired Albert Spalding, sportsman and visionary, to create a park in 1915 for all to enjoy. In the century since, many have left their mark, including the powerful Pacific Ocean. John Mills, an enterprising land baron, restored the original park, only to have it fall into neglect during the Depression and World War II. It became a popular spot for pioneering surfers and divers in the postwar boom, and the park's colorful landscape attracted artists and children. Join author Kathy Blavatt as she relates the many transformations of this beloved park and looks to its future.
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Visit a Louisiana landmark that tells a big piece of the American story.
Fort Jesup was founded two centuries ago, a bulwark on the youthful nation's western frontier. During its long run as a military post, it was visited by over one thousand soldiers and officers, many of whom would make a lasting impact on American history. The long list of luminaries includes Presidents Zachary Taylor and Ulysses S. Grant, over forty officers who would become Civil War generals, and two Surgeons General, one of whom would treat Abraham Lincoln after he was shot. Thousands of settlers also passed through on their way to Texas, using the fort as a waypoint on their journey. As citadel and stopping post, Fort Jesup played a critical role during the nation's formative years. Author Scott DeBose shares the sprawling story of this Louisiana icon.
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
During his career as an actor, William Gillette portrayed world-renowned character Sherlock Holmes in more than 1,300 performances.
His career as a playwright and actor afforded him the opportunity to purchase a 184-acre estate, where he also built a twenty-four-room medieval-style castle. Overlooking the Connecticut River, Gillette's castle was complete with spy mirrors, sliding furniture, hidden rooms and a three-mile quarter-scale railroad. Since becoming a state park in 1943, it has evolved into one of Connecticut's most popular tourist attractions. Writer and award-winning journalist Erik Ofgang examines the history of an iconic structure and Gillette's life and role in the evolution of Sherlock Holmes.
Miles Minor Kellogg and the Encinitas Boathouses
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Built in 1929, the Boathouses of Encinitas have captured the attention of locals and tourists alike for decades. Their architect, Miles Minor Kellogg, shared the creative flair and religious fervor of his distant cousin Dr. John Harvey Kellogg and had a passion for invention, music and poetry. A talented carpenter, Miles built his first house at seventeen and worked his way cross-country until settling with his family in the growing town of Encinitas. His construction company, Kellogg and Son, helped transform the landscape, and the unique bungalows were the culmination of his dream to build a boat. Join author Rachel Brupbacher as she traces the steps of her ancestor and one of San Diego County's most innovative architects.
Shockoe Hill Cemetery
A Richmond Landmark History
by Alyson L. Taylor-White
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Established in 1822, Shockoe Hill Cemetery is the final resting place for many famous and infamous icons of Richmond. Most visited is the tomb of Chief Justice John Marshall, the longest-serving chief justice of the United States, who elevated the Supreme Court to equal standing with the executive and legislative branches of the federal government. Union spy Elizabeth Van Lew operated an extensive espionage ring during the Civil War, and though reviled in life by many who resented her activism, she rests prominently near her elite neighbors. The burial places of friends and foster family offer a glimpse into Edgar Allan Poe's personal story. Author Alyson Lindsey Taylor-White charts the history of the celebrated cemetery and brings to life the stories of those buried there.
Perry-mansfield Performing Arts School & Camp
A History Of Art In Nature
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
In 1914, Charlotte Perry and Portia Mansfield envisioned a secluded institution nestled in the mountains, where art and nature could intersect. By the 1920s, their remote Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School & Camp in Steamboat Springs was serving as a hub for top dancers such as José Limon and Harriette Ann Gray to hone their craft. In addition to training thousands of pointed toes and arched feet, the school showcased equestrian jumping and performed plays by masters, including Shakespeare, García Lorca and Tennessee Williams. The theater program eventually attracted budding actors like Julie Harris, Dustin Hoffman and Jessica Biel. Author Dagny McKinley presents the story of America's longest continuously running performing arts camp.
Huntsville Textile Mills & Villages
Linthead Legacy
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
In the early 1900s, Huntsville, Alabama, had more spindles than any other city in the South. Cotton fields and mills made the city a major competitor in the textile industry. Entire mill villages sprang up around the factories to house workers and their families. Many of these village buildings are now iconic community landmarks, such as the revitalized Lowe Mill arts facility and the Merrimack Mill Village Historic District. The "lintheads," a demeaning moniker villagers wore as a badge of honor, were hard workers. Their lives were fraught with hardships, from slavery and child labor to factory fires and shutdowns. They endured job-related injuries and illnesses, strikes and the Great Depression. Author Terri L. French details the lives, history and legacy of the workers.
The Jacob Ford Jr. Mansion: The Storied History of a New Jersey Home
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
In 1772, the Ford family began building what would easily become the largest home in Morristown and years later
became the site of the first National Historic Park in the United States. Completed just before colonial unrest reached a boiling
point, the home quickly secured a reputation as a place of prominence for supporters of colonial interests. Today, the mansion is best known as George Washington's headquarters,
when it became a strategic site for Washington during a winter encampment and gained importance for its role in the American Revolution. Jude Pfister tells the story of this beloved home that has endured the tests of time and whose own history is inextricably woven into that of the country's.
Auerbach's
The Store that Performs What It Promises
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
After an arduous journey to Utah's Mormon frontier, three Jewish immigrant brothers built a flagship institution that lasted more than a century in downtown Salt Lake City. The F. Auerbach & Bros. story is one of personal challenges, Prussian folktales, perilous sea voyages, Wild West tenacity and those elegant and sophisticated fashions found on the second floor. Built along railroad tracks and dressing boomtown "Ladies of Aristocracy" in finery, Auerbach's tent stores evolved into one of the finest retailers in state history, providing something for everyone under one roof. Award-winning author and former Salt Lake Tribune columnist Eileen Hallet Stone brings to life the magical moments of the shopping dynasty that lasted until 1979.
One-Room Schoolhouses of New Hampshire
Primers, Penmanship & Potbelly Stoves
by Dr. Bruce D. Heald, Ph. D.
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
The quaint one-room schoolhouses dotting New Hampshire formed the backbone of the early Granite State education system. Education-minded communities began building these bare-bones schools in the late seventeenth century. In a modest log or clapboard structure, a single teacher faced the challenge of instructing students of all grades through farming seasons and the daily rigors of rural life. Often, these determined educators were limited to instructing students from whichever books pupils brought from home. Despite this, education was highly valued, and students trekked through the weather of all seasons and endured corporal discipline to become literate and learned. Author Bruce Heald explores the evolution of New Hampshire's one-room schoolhouses and shares the firsthand accounts and memories of former pupils.
Old Ninety Six
A History and Guide
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Few locations in South Carolina have figured as prominently in the early history of the state as the old town of Ninety Six. As a witness to two Revolutionary War battles, two Cherokee War battles, a trading post, three forts and two towns, the site is perhaps one of the richest archaeological sites in the South. In recognition of its rich history the Ninety Six National Historic Site became part of the National Park Service in 1976. The unusual name that was given to the site is believed to have taken root in the early 1700s. English traders estimated the distance to the Cherokee village of Keowee in the upper South Carolina foothills to be ninety-six miles. By the 1770s, Fort Ninety Six and the adjoining village - located at the crossroads of twelve roads - reached its peak as an important backcountry outpost, boasting a growing population, a newly constructed courthouse and jail. However, the onset of the American Revolutionary War would end this progress and the first land battle south of New England was fought at Ninety Six in 1775. The fort and town would change hands many times between those fighting for independence and those still loyal to England, leaving the town in shambles by the close of the war. Old Ninety Six: A History and Guide, by Robert Dunkerly and Eric Williams, is a well-researched and highly accessible work, which underscores the important contribution of Ninety Six to the early history of South Carolina and guides the reader through the well-preserved fort that stills stands at the site today.
Christmas at Miller & Rhoads
Memoirs of a Snow Queen
by Donna Strother Deekens
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
The Christmas season is a time for traditions, and in Richmond, one particular custom reigned supreme: a family outing to Miller & Rhoads department store. There, thousands of smiling faces would be waiting to enter the kingdom of Santaland- an enchanted world marked by glittering snow and intricate train displays. From visits to area hospitals to a young man who demanded only a box of raisins, former Snow Queen Donna Strother Deekens shares her touching and humorous holiday memories from her twenty years in the gown. Kids from one to ninety-two will enjoy reminiscing with characters like the elves, Bruce the Spruce and, of course, Miller & Rhoads's legendary 'real Santa.' Discover behind-the-scenes drama and learn firsthand what it was like to partake in this unforgettable event.
Racine's Horlick Athletic Field
Drums Along the Foundries
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Launched in 1919 by William Horlick, the inventor of malted milk, Horlick Athletic Field has hosted two NFL teams, the Racine Belles professional women's baseball team (immortalized in "A League of Their Own)" and thousands of semiprofessional- and industrial-league games. But it is the drum and bugle corps shows that have made the stadium one of the most iconic landmarks in its corner of the state. From an archive of fond recollection and painstaking record, Alan Karls has pieced together a history of Horlick Athletic Field that justifies the reverence that drum and bugle corps have felt for the place for almost a century.
Wyoming's Friendly Skies
Training America's First Stewardesses
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Boeing Air Transport, a precursor of United Air Lines, began carrying passengers in 1927 on small, uncomfortable airplanes with few amenities. Steve Stimpson, manager of Boeing's San Francisco office, considered hiring stewards to alleviate passengers' concerns. Ellen Church convinced him that employing women, especially nurses, as stewardesses would be a visionary solution. Eight brave young women entered Boeing's brief training program in Cheyenne in May 1930, making them the first airline stewardesses in the world. In 1947, United Air Lines established its Stewardess Training Center in Cheyenne, operating for nearly two decades. Authors Starley Talbott and Michael Kassel celebrate the world's first stewardesses, as well as the thousands who followed in their footsteps.
Virginia State Penitentiary
A Notorious History
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Thomas Jefferson developed the idea for the Virginia State Penitentiary and set the standard for the future of the American prison system. Designed by U.S. Capitol and White House architect Benjamin Latrobe, the "Pen" opened its doors in 1800. Vice President Aaron Burr was incarcerated there in 1807 as he awaited trial for treason. The prison endured severe overcrowding, three fires, an earthquake and numerous riots. More than 240 prisoners were executed there by electric chair. At one time, the ACLU called it the "most shameful prison in America." The institution was plagued by racial injustice, eugenics experiments and the presence of children imprisoned among adults. Join author Dale Brumfield as he charts the 190-year history of the iconic prison.
Shreveport's Historic Oakland Cemetery
Spirits of Pioneers and Heroes
by Gary D. Joiner, Ph. D.
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Nearly as old as the city itself, Oakland Cemetery is one of Shreveport's most significant historical landmarks. Notable residents were laid to rest here as early as 1842. In a mass grave lies nearly eight hundred victims of a virulent yellow fever epidemic that struck the city in 1873. Others interred include Annie McCune, the famous Shreveport madam who operated a brothel in the city's red-light district, as well as hundreds of Civil War soldiers, city founders and the first African American physician, Dr. Dickerson Alphonse Smith. Some souls are said to haunt the grounds still. Join authors Gary D. Joiner and Cheryl White and discover some of Shreveport's oldest stories.
Soul of a Port
The History And Evolution Of The Port Of Milwaukee
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Ever since her boat drifted up against the mammoth docks in Milwaukee's harbor, Leah Dobkin has been enthralled by the evolution of the port and the city so firmly moored to it. From an era when it was a "Milwaukee Miracle" to make landfall without losing luggage to a promising future powered by alternative energy, Soul of a Port is steered by that same sense of wonder. And since the port's story is not just one of nuts, bolts and cranes, Dobkin's narrative is also well crewed by the characters who have given the place such a fascinating legacy. Settle in for an entertaining passage that includes a longshoreman's poetry, the Milwaukee Clipper's recipe for prime rib, a tugboat ghost story and much, much more.
Gainesville Punk
A History of Bands & Music
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Known for The Fest, Less Than Jake, and Hot Water Music, Gainesville became a creative hub in the 1980s and '90s for many of punk rock's greats. Whether playing at the Hardback or wild house parties, earnest acts like Against Me!, Spoke and Roach Motel all emerged and thrived in the small northern Florida city. Radon burst onto the scene with chaotic energy while Mutley Chix helped inspire local torchbearers No Idea Records. Through this succinct history, author Matt Walker traces each successive generation's contributions and amplifies the fidelity of the Gainesville scene.
The Saco Drive-In
Cinema Under the Maine Sky
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Families, teenagers, friends and sweethearts piled in their cars and filled the lot of Maine's first drive-in on opening night in 1939. A newsreel and cartoon rolled before the feature presentation, "Forbidden Music," cast the first outdoor movie spell over the town of Saco. Families came for the fresh-air movie experience, while visitors in the 1950s and '60s enjoyed the dimly lit privacy. The community rallied to save the Saco Drive-In in 2013, voting to fund the transition to digital projection. Now, families and couples of the future can continue to enjoy cinema under the Maine sky. Join local author Camille Smalley as she recounts the history, films and memories of the Saco Drive-In.
Columbus Neighborhoods
A Guide to the Landmarks of Franklinton, German Village, King-Lincoln, Olde Town East, Short North a
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Discover the stories behind Columbus neighborhoods and their landmarks. The community centers that locals call home aren't just points of interest but places that have shaped history beyond their communities and even Ohio. This encyclopedia of Columbus neighborhoods gives voice to the rich heritage residing in the bell towers, parks and streetscapes of Franklinton, German Village, King-Lincoln, Olde Town East, Short North and the University District. Along with WOSU's award-winning Columbus Neighborhoods series, Tom Betti, Doreen Uhas Sauer and Ed Lentz curate the stories tracing the lines from your neighborhood to the Manhattan Project, the Underground Railroad, Abraham Lincoln and the Tuskegee Airmen.
Mercy College
Yesterday & Today
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in Tarrytown for members of their order before opening to women in 1961, Mercy College has always striven to positively impact the lives of its students and the members of its community. In 1969, the college became coeducational and nonsectarian. The main campus in Dobbs Ferry expanded throughout the New York metropolitan area, operating several branch campuses in New York City and Westchester County. The mission--to make available the transformational power of a postsecondary education to motivated students--has remained strong through all the growth and change over the college's rich history. Join Mercy College professors Eric Martone and Michael Perrota as they explore Mercy College's past and present and even look to its bright future.
Country Stores of Vermont
A History and Guide
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Visiting a country store in Vermont is a unique adventure, since each carries its own particular stock of special wares and memorable characters. What all customers should know (and if you forget, any owner will quickly remind you) is that if they don't have it, you don't need it. In Country Stores of Vermont: A History and Guide, author Dennis Bathory-Kitsz takes readers across the state to places that are the very heart of communities big and small, where locals have been keeping their house keys behind the counter and solving the world's problems on the front stoop for over two hundred years.
Woburn High School
History, Pride, Tradition
by Susan Ann Bruno Thifault
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Woburn High School has instilled the importance of education in generations of students for over 160 years. The school opened its doors in 1852 with thirty-four students in a leased room at the Knight Building on Main Street. Increasing enrollment and curriculum requirements necessitated the building of a larger school on Main Street in 1854 and again in 1906 at the Dow Farm property on Montvale Avenue. Woburn's reputation as a leading leather manufacturer during the Civil War inspired the Tanner nickname, bull mascot and school motto: 'Tanner Pride.' With the leadership of thirteen principals throughout its history, over thirty-two thousand students have graduated from this school. Today, more than half the faculty are returning alumni, and generations of Woburn families continue to send their children to this school. Join author Susan Thifault as she explores a history of pride and tradition at Woburn High School.
New Bedford Mansions
Historic Tales of County Street
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
The early nineteenth century in New Bedford was a time of unimaginable wealth, intellectual ferment and artistic treasures. Prosperous whaling magnates like members of the Rotch, Morgan and Howland families commissioned the nation's finest architects to design and construct their majestic mansions. The city's architectural and cultural expansion brought great writers and artists like Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson into the homes of County Street's elite. Yet behind the elegant façade of grand parties and notable house guests were the secrets and scandals of New Bedford's upper crust. Join author Peggi Medeiros as she chronicles the history of each mansion and the stories once hidden behind closed doors.
Fort Martin Scott
Guardian Of The Treaty
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Fort Martin Scott still stands guard in the heart of Texas 150 years after its construction, which was prompted by a peace treaty between Germans and the Penateka Comanches. The first frontier fort in Texas, the original complex of twenty-one buildings allowed soldiers to patrol the Upper Immigrant Trail through Comanche and Apache territory. The old fort was a hub for military patrols during the Texas Indian Wars. Famous army units, including the First and Eighth Infantries, as well as the Second Dragoons and Fourth Cavalry, were all stationed at this post at one time or another. Fort Martin Scott was the locality of much partisan conflict during the Civil War. Author and historian Joseph Luther tells the full story of this historic Texas icon.
John A. Brown's, Kerr's & Halliburton's
Where Oklahoma City Loved To Shop
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Department stores John A. Brown's, Kerr's and Halliburton's ruled supreme in Oklahoma City. From "lucky penny" giveaways to defying blue laws, the three big department stores did whatever it took to entertain and entice. The stunning display windows of Kerr's downtown once lured shoppers inside, but the closing of Halliburton's in 1961 signaled the final days of downtown shopping. Adoption fairs and civil rights sit-ins at Brown's wove the store into the social fabric of the city. Authors Ajax Delvecki and Larry Johnson chronicle the stories, history and memories of the best of Oklahoma City shopping.
Colorado's Historic Churches
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Colorado's houses of worship reflect the same trademark resourcefulness and fortitude that the pioneers and history makers demonstrated throughout the state's history. Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, established in 1854, remains the state's oldest church. Formed by a group of African American settlers, including former slaves, Zion Baptist became Colorado's first black congregation on November 15, 1865. On May 23, 1868, famed frontiersman Christopher "Kit" Carson died in the historic chapel at Fort Lyon. And thanks to con artist Jefferson Randolph "Soapy" Smith, who raised $600, Creede erected its first church in 1892. From notable parishioners to murders in two separate Denver churches, historian Linda Wommack surveys the heritage and wealth of holy houses in the Mile High State.
Capitol Park
Historic Heart Of Detroit
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Capitol Park is the only city park in America where a state's first governor is buried. It's the birthplace of democracy in Michigan. Underground Railroad site. Streetcar and transit hub. Urban canyon. A block north of Detroit's iconic Coney Island restaurants. A symbol of the city's late twentieth-century decay, now a key part of its revitalization in a new millennium. Jack Dempsey, award-winning author of "Michigan and the Civil War" and president of the Michigan Historical Commission, uncovers tales of a uniquely inspirational public space that epitomizes the ups and downs of Detroit's three centuries.
Pacific Coast Highway in Los Angeles County
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
The variably named and numbered Pacific Coast Highway spans 1,700 miles from Canada to Mexico. Seventy-five of those create a dramatic drive through Los Angeles County, showcasing the iconic cities of Malibu, Santa Monica, South Bay, San Pedro and Long Beach. Past scenic seascapes and famous beaches, "PCH" has become over the decades a symbol for Southern California coastal life, encompassing pleasure piers and amusements parks, surfing, yachting and other water sports. No longer just a road, PCH is a ribbon of destinations and the byway through the California dream. Ride with author Carina Monica Montoya via vintage images from the California Department of Transportation and new photos by John Moss through this remarkable road's history and the picturesque coastal communities it serves.
South Temple Street Landmarks
Salt Lake City's First Historic District
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
From the earliest days of settlement, South Temple was Salt Lake's most prestigious street. In 1857, William Staines built the Devereaux House, Salt Lake's first of many mansions. The once-bustling Union Pacific Depot eventually found itself increasingly isolated. Downtown's "gleaming copper landmark" overcame numerous hurdles before its construction was finally finished, and the Steiner American Building helped usher in acceptance of Modernist architecture. Evolving to reflect its continued prominence, in 1975, the thoroughfare's core became the city's first local historic district, and in 1982, it made the National Register of Historic Places. Author and historian Bim Oliver celebrates the changing landmarks along these famous eighteen blocks.
Portland's Historic Eastern Cemetery
A Field Of Ancient Graves
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
A window into the past of Historic Eastern Cemetery, illuminating centuries of Portland's history through the stories of those laid to rest.
Eastern Cemetery holds more than 350 years of Portland's rich history. From bank robbers and murdering mutineers to Quakers and war heroes, the lives of those interred offer a window into the past. Within the sacred burial ground rest settlers who struggled with the natives over resources, citizens who had to choose their allegiance to the king or independence and abolitionists fighting for the end of slavery. Author and cemetery guide Ron Romano tells the fascinating tale of this historic landscape, illuminating centuries of Portland's history through the stories of those laid to rest.
Sacred Havens of Brooklyn
Spiritual Places And Peaceful Grounds
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
During the nineteenth century, Brooklyn earned the nickname "Borough of Churches" as thousands settled here and brought their beliefs with them. Spirituality has always been a major part of life for Brooklynites. Peter Stuyvesant established the Flatbush Dutch Church in 1654, and freed slaves worshipped in their sanctuaries since 1766. Fatih Mosque calls Moslems to prayer five times a day, Dorje Ling Buddhist temple fills visitors with peace, and more than 150 temples minister to many branches of Judaism. Spirituality is also visible in historic sites and monuments, from Fort Greene Park's Revolutionary War memorial to a Japanese shrine in Botanic Gardens. Discover some of the more than two thousand havens that have overflowed with people who were determined to prevail in faith and hope in New York's most populous borough.
Rhinebeck's Historic Beekman Arms
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Nestled in the picturesque Hudson Valley town of Rhinebeck, the Beekman Arms began humbly as a stagecoach and mail stop on the Old Albany Post Road at the end of the eighteenth century. Of more than forty stage stops that operated along that path, it is the only one still in existence. Through the tenure of many landlords and several notable renovations, it has evolved into the stately inn it is today. Proclaimed the "oldest hotel in America" since the early 1900s, it stands proudly as a symbol of the area's Dutch and English heritage and a reminder of the history that made this area famous. Join authors Matthew and Brian Plumb to explore the storied past of this historic Rhinebeck institution.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge: Spanning Tampa Bay
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Of the more than 5,200 bridges in the state of Florida, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, spanning scenic Tampa Bay, is by far the most famous. But the award-winning bridge that residents and tourists cross on a daily basis isn't the first to hold the Skyway name. Numerous versions of the current bridge have stretched across lower Tampa Bay, and each has its own remarkable history. Nevin and Ric Sitler detail the suspension cables, concrete, nuts and bolts and political battles that combined to produce the fantastic history of the Skyway bridges and other historic Tampa Bay crossings. Join this father-and-son team on their journey across the historic bay.
Medfield's Dwight-derby House
A Story Of Love & Persistence
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Constructed in 1651, the Dwight-Derby House stands as the centerpiece of the Medfield town common and at the heart of the town�s history. Contained within the walls of this 350-year-old time capsule are the stories of two prominent families: the Dwights and the Derbys�united in their deep connection to the home. To this day, the house remains a testament to the dedication and fortitude of the community, which banded together and succeeded in preserving this historic landmark. Join Electa Tritsch on her journey of sifting through records, artifacts and dusty cardboard boxes as she enlivens the story of the Dwight-Derby House�a home that has brought out
the best of this thriving community.
Legends & Lore of the Texas Capitol
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
From its beginning as one of the most ambitious construction projects west of the Mississippi, the imposing red granite Lone Star statehouse loomed large in Texas lore. The iconic landmark rests on a foundation of election rigging, an unsolved murder, land swaps and pre-dedication blackmail. It bore witness to the first meeting between LBJ and Lady Bird, as well as a bizarre resolution honoring the Boston Strangler. Mike Cox digs up a quarry's worth of the capitol's untold history, cataloguing everything from its ghost stories to its public art and collectible tourist kitsch.
Crowley's
Detroit's Friendly Store
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Operating in the shadow of the enormous J.L. Hudson Co., Crowley's earned Detroit's trade with fine merchandise and good service, all in an atmosphere that made it the Motor City's "friendly" department store. Generations of customers still hold Crowley's close in their memories, fondly recalling the store's ancient wooden escalators, fashionable merchandise and special events like "Breakfast with Santa." Wander back in time with historian Bruce Allen Kopytek through the venerable old store and its suburban branches to discover all the things that made Crowley's such a special retail destination.
Au Sable Point Lighthouse
Beacon On Lake Superior's Shipwreck Coast
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Skeleton ship frames surround Au Sable Point, marking a mile-long sandstone reef that reached out into Lake Superior waiting to grab any and all ships that passed by. In an effort to end this tragic loss of lives, the Au Sable Point Lighthouse was constructed to warn mariners of its hidden reef. At the heart of the famed "Shipwreck Coast," Au Sable Point was a beacon of hope and safety. Mikel B. Classen charts the history of the lighthouse and the dangerous reef that waits six feet under the lake's surface and serves as the final resting place for so many sailors.
Morris County's Acorn Hall
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Acorn Hall has always been a home. In 1852, Dr. John Schermerhorn conceived the sprawling estate and mansion, and he spent four years decorating it in a lavish Rococo style. Banker Augustus Crane later bought the estate and mansion, had it redesigned and rechristened it Acorn Hall, and it remained in his family through two world wars and numerous financial crises. Mary Crane Hone donated the landmark to the Morris County Historical Society in 1971. After its devoted members lovingly restored the hall, it became a focal point for the community and a beautiful setting for the society's collections. Today, it is imbued with a sense of purpose, tradition and reverence for the past. Local historian Jude Pfister tells the remarkable story of Morris County, New Jersey's Acorn Hall.
Lighthouses of Greater Los Angeles
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
Despite news of shipwrecks along California's dangerous coastline, a burgeoning maritime trade came to what would become the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The shipping complex became the nation's busiest, in part because of the bright navigation lights that enabled reliable access for early vessels. In 1874, sister lighthouses Point Fermin and Point Hueneme were lit on the same day, followed by the Los Angeles Harbor Lighthouse in 1913. Nicknamed the "Hollywood Lighthouse" for its frequent use in movies, in 1926, Point Vicente was established to light the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Today, they are joined by the Anacapa Island Light Station, Long Beach Light and the private aid to navigation, Lions Lighthouse for Sight. Together with the U.S. Coast Guard, these historic beacons continue to illuminate and protect the coast of Greater Los Angeles. Join author Rose Castro-Bran as she explores their storied history.
The Fantastic Castle of Vineland: George Daynor and the Palace Depression
by Patricia A. Martinelli
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
At the height of the Great Depression, an eccentric man named George Daynor arrived in Vineland. He was rumored to have amassed a fortune during the gold rush only to lose it in the crash of 1929. Daynor invested in a piece of barren land that nobody else wanted and--believing that he was guided by angels--built a "palace" from car parts, trash, bits of stone and anything else he could find. The Palace Depression, as it came to be known, was one man's testament to surviving the hard times, and hundreds of thousands flocked to its gates over the next two decades. A misguided publicity stunt landed Daynor in jail, and after his incarceration and death, the palace deteriorated and was torn down in the 1960s. Yet the memory lingered for some local residents who started a movement to rebuild. Discover Vineland's mysterious story of Daynor and his palace.
The Historic Waterfront of Washington, D.C.
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
The waters of the Potomac and the Anacostia Rivers surround and define the nation's capital. For centuries, these rivers have been manipulated environments--transformed by native populations, settlers, politicians and real estate developers. With docks and wharves extending from the Anacostia River to Georgetown, the architect of the young capital, Pierre L'Enfant, planned to develop the waterfront into a prosperous inland seaport. Decades later, the Civil War took a devastating toll on the District's maritime economy with civilian port facilities pressed into military service and the failure of many riverfront plantations. Author John R. Wennersten explores this early history of Washington, D.C.'s waterfront even as he tackles its twentieth-century redevelopment and the challenges the rivers face today.
Union Station in Denver
Part of the Landmarks (Arcadia Publishing) series
On June 1, 1881, Denver's Union Station opened as the largest structure west of the Mississippi. The station welcomed people from all walks of life, from pioneers and miners to U.S. presidents and Buffalo Bill Cody--and even royalty from abroad. It served as the center point for transporting cargo to Denver before the rise in popularity of air travel. Due to revitalization efforts, Union Station is the centerpiece of the nation's largest transportation hub and the pride of the city. Author Rhonda Beck explores the history and stories behind one of the Mile High City's most iconic historic landmarks.