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Hidden History of Fort Myers
by Cynthia A. Williams Denége PattersonAlthough best known as the winter home of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, Fort Myers has one of the most engaging and extraordinary histories of any city in Florida. The spawn of a hurricane, Fort Myers began as a U.S. Army post during Florida�s Seminole Wars. During the Civil War, it became a battleground between Confederates and Yankees for cattle and, after the war, a gun-slinging cowboy town. New York cartoonist Walt McDougall blew into the area on a fishing trip, and his glowing description lured down other wealthy Yankee sportsmen who helped turn this isolated frontier town into a modern tourist destination. Historian and author Cynthia Williams explores the hidden stories behind the growth of this beautiful city.
Hidden History of Greenville County (Hidden History)
by Alexia Jones HelsleyHistorically, Greenville County owes much to its natural advantages of scenery, location and abundant water, but it has also benefited from its colorful characters, such as Richard Pearis, Vardry McBee, Richard Furman and the Earle family. Hidden History of Greenville County details the personalities, places and events that have given Greenville its progressive, diverse environment. Join archivist and history professor Alexia Helsley as she explores some of these individuals and their contributions, as well as little-known events in the area and the ever-fascinating "Dark Corner." From mansions to murders, learn things about Greenville County history that you've never encountered before.
Hidden History of Lake Champlain (Hidden History)
by Jason Barney Christine EldredLake Champlain is one of America's most historic waterways, but much of its history has remained hidden. With the arrival of Europeans, the lake became a vital route between the English in New England and the French in Quebec. Its isolated beauty contrasted sharply with the bloody military campaigns that unfolded there. While enormous forts were erected, colonial villages blossomed, and 18th century naturalist Peter Kalm spread the word of its bucolic charm. William Miller attracted large audiences as he preached that the world would end in the 1840s. Valcour Island developed its own commune, and when Prohibition took effect, the towns near the Canadian border became a hotbed of bootlegging. From presidential visits to shipwrecks, local authors Jason Barney and Christine Eldred chronicle some of the lake's lesser-known contributions to American history.
Hidden History of Lincoln Park (Hidden History)
by Patrick ButlerBefore Lincoln Park cemented its trendy reputation, plenty of odd and unruly history managed to settle into its foundation. A Viking ship, mob henchmen and ladies of the evening all took up residence in the same part of town where Dwight L. Moody went from selling soles to saving souls. Thanks to a Confederate ferryboat crewman, many of Lincoln's personal effects belong to the neighborhood named after him. Patrick Butler uncovers Lincoln Park's forgotten contributions to Chicago's heritage, from the "Pleasure Wheel" on Navy Pier to the city's cycling craze.
Hidden History of Martha's Vineyard (Hidden History)
by Thomas DresserBehind the mansions and presidential vacations of Martha’s Vineyard hide the lost stories and forgotten events of small-town America. What was the island’s role in the Underground Railroad? Why do chickens festoon Nancy Luce’s grave? And how did the people of the Vineyard react in 1923 when the rumrunning ship John Dwight sank with the island’s supply of liquor aboard? Delve deep below the surface of history to discover the origin and meaning of local place names and the significance of beloved landmarks. Celebrated local historian Thomas Dresser unearths the little-known stories that laid the foundations for the community of Martha’s Vineyard.
Hidden History of Memphis (Hidden History)
by G. Wayne DowdyA tour of the Tennessee city filled with famous faces, fascinating trivia, and forgotten lore—plus a former mayor&’s previously unpublished private papers. Step inside the fascinating annals of the Bluff City's history and discover the Memphis that only few know. G. Wayne Dowdy, longtime archivist for the Memphis Public Library, examines the history and culture of the Mid-South during its most important decades. Well-known faces like Clarence Saunders, Elvis Presley, and W.C. Handy are joined by some of the more obscure characters from the past, like the Memphis gangster who inspired one of William Faulkner's most famous novels; the local Boy Scout who captured German spies during World War I; the Memphis radio station that pioneered wireless broadcasting; and so many more. Also included are the previously unpublished private papers and correspondence of former mayor E.H. Crump, giving us new insight and a front-row seat to the machine that shaped Tennessee politics in the twentieth century. Includes photos
Hidden History of Milwaukee (Hidden History)
by Robert TanziloJoin a local history expert for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Milwaukee&’s incredible past. Sail out to the Breakwater Lighthouse, scramble up the wings of the Milwaukee Art Museum, and dig up the city&’s roots on the corner of Water Street and Wisconsin Avenue. Seize the chance to do a little urban spelunking and explore basilicas, burial grounds, and breweries. Ring the bell in the city hall tower, and take a turn around the secret indoor track at a Montessori school. No space is off limits in these untold stories of the Cream City's most familiar places and celebrated landmarks, from Bobby Tanzilo of the popular OnMilwaukee website. Includes photos!
Hidden History of Nantucket (Hidden History)
by Barbara Ann White Frank MorralThe celebrated history of Nantucket's great whaling days often overshadows the fascinating changes that took place in the years following. Discover the story behind the Nantucket Civil War Monument--and learn about some named on it, some left off and some who may not belong. Meet the Cold Water Army of seven hundred schoolchildren who paraded against King Alcohol in hopes that the island would become a temperance oasis. Little remains of the bathing pavilion and water slide of the long-lost town of Coatue that once had big plans for expansion. With surprising facts and captivating tales, authors Frank Morral and Barbara Ann White explore these and other lost accounts of the faraway island.
Hidden History of New Hampshire (Hidden History)
by D. Quincy WhitneyA collection of colorful stories about some of New Hampshire&’s most notable newsmakers and remarkable historic events. Includes photos. Hidden in the cracks and crevices of the Granite State are the stories of pioneers who pursued their passions, creating legacies along the way. Compiled by a Smithsonian researcher and former Boston Globe contributor, this treasury includes tales of: the mountain man who became an innkeeperthe &“Bird Man&” who took his passion to the White Housethe gentleman who ascended the highest peak in the Northeast in a steam-powered locomobilethe story of one skier&’s dramatic win at the 1939 &“American Inferno&” Mount Washington racethe Shaker Meetinghouse, built in just one day, in complete silencethe gallant efforts to save the Old Man of the Mountainand much more
Hidden History of New Haven (Hidden History)
by Kathleen Hubbard Robert HubbardThe celebrated history of New Haven often overshadows its fascinating and forgotten past. The Elm City was home to America's first woman dentist, an architect who designed the tallest twin towers in the world and a medical student who used toy parts to create an artificial heart pump. A city noted as the home of one of the top universities in the world, New Haven is also home to the third-oldest independent school in the United States, the first African American to receive a PhD degree and the founding of what would become the largest Catholic fraternal benefit society in the world. The city's share of disasters includes Connecticut's worst aviation crash, a zookeeper who was mauled to death and a fire at the Rialto Theater. Local authors Robert and Kathleen Hubbard reveal the rich and fascinating cultural legacies of one of New England's most treasured cities.
Hidden History of New Jersey (Hidden History Ser.)
by Harry Ziegler Joseph G. Bilby James M. MaddenThe obscure people and events that helped make the Garden State the place it is today—from ghosts to governors, battles to boardwalk attractions. Explore the lesser-known stories that make up New Jersey&’s compelling hidden history. Uncover the meaning of &“Jersey Blues,&” celebrate some of the state&’s bravest Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers, and investigate Jersey City&’s most infamous ghost. From the inferno that engulfed Asbury Park to the benevolent side of Frank Hague to the equestrienne who plunged forty feet into a pool of water on horseback in Atlantic City, rediscover these and many other events from New Jersey&’s storied past. Includes photos!
Hidden History of Old Charleston (Hidden History)
by Margaret Middleton Eastman Edward FitzSimons GoodFrom the Lowcountry's first recorded duel to old-fashioned summers at the "hottest spot in town", these pages will captivate you with stories of people, events and places that have all but vanished from memory. Find out the real history behind some of Charleston's beloved mansions and learn about the early plantations and their owners. Join the authors as they relate the riots and romance, the preservation and politics - and even a ghost story - from Charleston's hidden history.
Hidden History of Pittsburgh (Hidden History)
by Len BarcouskyWhen Mark Twain visited in 1884, he claimed to spy a little bit of hell in Pittsburgh's smoky appearance. Twain's observations are among the many riveting firsthand accounts and anecdotes to be found in the archives of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Great War hit home after the sinking of the Lusitania, which carried more than a dozen Pittsburgh residents. A few years later, cheering throngs of black and white residents lined downtown streets to welcome African American soldiers returning home from the conflict. The Ringling Brothers Circus held its last outdoor performance here in 1956 and left eight hundred show workers without jobs in the city. With these stories from the archives and more, veteran journalist Len Barcousky shines a light on the hidden corners of Pittsburgh's history.
Hidden History of Portland, Oregon (Hidden History)
by Jd ChandlerIn this engaging narrative, author JD Chandler crafts a people's history of Portland, Oregon, sharing the lesser-known stories of individuals who stood against the tide and fought for liberty and representation: C.E.S. Wood, who documented the conflict between Native Americans and the United States Army; Beatrice Morrow Cannady, founding member of the Portland NAACP and first African American woman to practice law in Oregon; women's rights advocate Dr. Marie Equi, who performed abortions and was an open lesbian; and student athlete Jack Yoshihara, who, in the wake of Pearl Harbor, was barred from participating in the 1942 Rose Bowl. From scandal and oppression to injustice and the brink of revolution, join Chandler as he gives voice to the Rose City's quiet radicals and outspoken activists.
Hidden History of Ridgefield, Connecticut (Hidden History)
by Jack SandersTime nearly erased many astounding tales and unexpected anecdotes from Ridgefield's history. Its colorful characters include a widow who built a landmark Manhattan hotel, her neighbor who invented one of the first "helicopters" and a CIA operative who helped one thousand Americans flee Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War. Lesser known are the stories of the Ridgefield artists who gave the world Superman and Lowly Worm and brought the Wild West to life. One local writer helped make Hawthorne famous, while another penned thousands of hymns still sung around the globe. Join retired newspaper editor Jack Sanders as he uncovers nearly forgotten people and moments of Ridgefield's past.
Hidden History of Rockland & St. George (Hidden History)
by Jane MerrillDown East Maine is well known for its breathtaking scenery and art museums. However, much of the history in the traditional mining and fishing area of Rockland and St. George remains untold. Hanson Gregory from Clam Cove invented the donut. Mary Brown Patten sailed a clipper around Cape Horn. Captain Albert Keller was shipwrecked on Easter Island and Effie Canning of Rockland composed the lullaby "Rock a Bye Baby." Captain Charles Holbrook of Tenants Harbor and his ship, the Hattie Dunn, fell victim to a German U-boat in the Atlantic. Local author Jane Merrill uncovers the forgotten stories and personalities that bring this unique area's history into focus.
Hidden History of Salem (Hidden History)
by Susanne SavilleThere&’s more to this Massachusetts seaside town than witches, including a past rich in maritime exploits, literary endeavors, and even ghost cats. Salem, nestled along the rocky coast of Massachusetts, has long been synonymous with witches, despite efforts to emphasize other aspects of the city&’s rich history. In this fascinating collection of stories, author Susanne Saville sheds light on the forgotten moments of this noteworthy New England community. Discover Salem&’s profitable &“Age of Sail,&” the important role coffeehouses played during the American Revolution, the scandalous life of Richard Crowninshield Jr. and the unforgettable writer Nathaniel Hawthorne. These revealing stories will not leave the history of Salem in the shadows for long. Includes photos!
Hidden History of Savannah (Hidden History)
by Brenna Michaels T. C. MichaelsSavannah has repeatedly stood on the edge of ruin, brought to its knees by bloody battles, mysterious pestilence, fire, unforgiving weather and the drums of war. Men and women whose names echo in history once walked its streets. Countless other faces are seemingly forgotten, names that history held in looser grip--like Mary Musgrove, the colonial translator and entrepreneur, or Dr. Samuel Nunes, shipwrecked by chance on Savannah's coastal shores just in time to curb a deadly epidemic and save Savannah's first settlers. And then there's John Geary, the larger-than-life Union general who beat Sherman's march south to the sea. Join authors Brenna and T.C. Michaels as they explore Savannah's long, wide and very often hidden history.
Hidden History of Sonoma County (Hidden History)
by Valerie A. Munthe John C. SchubertThe enterprising spirit that led to Sonoma County's storied agricultural heritage defined its earliest denizens. Sail the seas with Captain Bodega y Quadra, whose name graces the coast and beyond, and wave farewell to the last train out of the redwoods. Discover the fate of Charles Henley, spirited from the county jail in 1876 by masked vigilantes. Learn about the rise and fall of Sonoma's tobacco growers and the historic opening of the Jenner Bridge as the automobile rose in popularity. John Schubert and Valerie Munthe reveal Sonoma County's enthralling history.
Hidden History of Southeast New Mexico (Hidden History)
by Donna Blake LemayOutlaws, cattlemen and a plethora of quirky pioneers once riddled southeastern New Mexico. In November 1892, E.W. Doll and J.B. Coates ignited rumors of an eight-foot petrified man in McKittrick Cave. A massive fire and subsequent shootout led to the demise of Phenix, one of the Old West’s most scandalous towns. And in August 1932, Bonnie and Clyde kidnapped Carlsbad’s Deputy Sheriff Joe Johns. Authors Donna Blake Birchell and John LeMay explore these little-known tales and more that have beguiled this region for centuries.
Hidden History of St. Joseph County, Michigan (Hidden History)
by Kelly PucciMichigan established St. Joseph County in 1829. It was a fertile land with an abundance of fresh water supplied by the St. Joseph River. The county’s colorful past is the result of forgotten locals and visitors. Hezekiah Thomas fished for diamonds in Corey Lake. Saloon smasher Carrie Nation sold miniature hatchets at the county fairgrounds. The United States Congress recognizes the village of Colon as the Magic Capital of the World, and Lakeside Cemetery is the final resting place of more magicians than any other cemetery on the globe. Author and historian Kelly Pucci digs into the entertaining and often overlooked history of St. Joseph County.
Hidden History of St. Petersburg (Hidden History)
by Will Michaels Jon WilsonFlorida is one of the most visited places in the world, and one of its most visited cities is St. Petersburg. But there's a lot more to the "Sunshine City" than pristine beaches. During his travels to sunny St. Pete, James Brown discovered local jazz artist LeRoy Flemmings Jr. Doc Webb's World's Most Unusual Drug Store attracted customers and spectators from afar. Babe Ruth's longest home run ever was launched from the city. William Straub had a great vision for the area's treasured waterfront park system, and the historic Vinoy Hotel was instrumental in launching the downtown renaissance. City historian Will Michaels explores a wide swath of hidden history in one of Florida's largest cities.
Hidden History of Staten Island (Hidden History)
by Maureen Seaberg Theresa AnarumoTake the ferry to this New York City borough and discover its colorful secrets, in a quirky history packed with facts and photos. Staten Island has a rich and fascinating cultural legacy that few people outside New York City's greenest borough know about. Chewing gum was invented on the island with the help of Mexican general Antonio López de Santa Anna. Country music legend Roy Clark got his start as a virtuoso guitar player on the Staten Island Ferry. Anna Leonowens, who worked with the king's children in the Court of Siam and was the basis for The King and I, came back to Staten Island to write about her experiences and run a school for children. Join native Staten Islanders Theresa Anarumo and Maureen Seaberg as they document the hidden history of the borough with these stories, and many more
Hidden History of Sturgeon Bay (Hidden History)
by Heidi Hodges Kathy SteebsBeyond the stunning beauty of Wisconsin's Sturgeon Bay lies a hidden past of colorful characters, tragic shipwrecks and compelling community achievements.Arriving as an immigrant to the town, Joseph Harris Sr. became a founding father, creating the Door County Advocate newspaper and leading a campaign to construct the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal. More than one hundred local volunteers formed the ranks of Company F, nicknamed Les Terribles by the French for their bravery and sacrifice in World War I. After surviving the Civil War, former slave Peter Custis endured unimaginable tragedy while forging a life in the city.Authors Heidi Hodges and Kathy Steebs expose the forgotten history of Sturgeon Bay. It's a story of dogged perseverance.
Hidden History of Tulsa (Hidden History)
by Steve GerkinThe story of Tulsa's transformation from a nineteenth-century cow town into the "Oil Capital of the World" has been above ground for years, but a great reservoir of Tulsey Town's heritage has remained beneath the surface. These neglected tales include the dirigible flyover of 1929, the Hominy Indians' victory over the New York Giants and the legendary final performance of Spade Cooley, convicted killer and the self-proclaimed "King of Western Swing." From the horrors of the city's early race riot and the proud legacy of Greenwood (aka Little Africa or Black Wall Street) to Tulsa's iconic landmarks and unforgettable personalities, Steve Gerkin provides an evocative and enjoyable voyage through T-Town's hidden history.