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West to a Land of Plenty: The Diary of Teresa Angelino Viscardi (Dear America)
by Jim MurphyThe first humorous book in the Dear America series, "West to a Land of Plenty" follows an Italian girl's immigrant family as they move from New York City to a utopian community in the frontier West.
West Virginia National Guard: 1898-1919 (Images of America)
by Brian Stuart KestersonThe formation of what would eventually become the West Virginia National Guard has its roots intertwined in the "Old" Virginia Militia system of the early and mid-1700s. This militia system spanned the Indian hostilities of the French and Indian War, American Revolutionary War, 1780s and 1790s Indian Wars, and Civil War. Images of America: West Virginia National Guard covers the time span between 1898 and 1919. This period of guard history was chaotic, to say the least, and was typified by turbulent social, economic, and political unrest.
West Whiteland Township
by Janice Wible EarleyLocated in Chester County, Pennsylvania, West Whiteland Township was established in 1765 when Whiteland Township divided into "East" and "West." Readers can glimpse into the past at establishments such as The Guernsey Cow restaurant, Strawbridge & Clothier, and the Valley Creek Coffee House. A chapter on Richard Downing provides firsthand accounts by quoting personal letters of his life in West Whiteland in the 1850s. There are beautiful photographs from the time when riders chased foxes as members of the Whiteland Hunt. The township began to change after the invention of the automobile; for over 100 years, the area had primarily been a farming community, until businesses began to spring up along Lincoln Highway and Pottstown Pike. With rapid development in the late 1970s and 1980s, many historic buildings were saved through the preservation efforts of the West Whiteland Historical Commission.
West Yellowstone
by Paul SheaFounded in 1908 to provide services for visitors arriving at the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park, the town of West Yellowstone, Montana, serves tens of thousands of international travelers each year. From 1908 to 1960, visitors arrived on Union Pacific Railroad parlor cars and boarded awaiting stagecoaches or, in later years, touring buses to embark on their journey to Wonderland. The railroad no longer serves this popular gateway city, but West Yellowstone boasts the largest and most historically intact railroad complex built specifically to serve national park tourists. This historic railroad district, as well as the town, imparts to many visitors a sense of the adventure experienced during the golden age of railroad travel and public transportation.
Westerly (Images of America)
by Kathleen M. Fink Courtland LoomisThese images take us on a journey into the past. We see pictures of local buildings and businesses, many of which no longer exist but are still warmly remembered by native citizens, and we also see the many stages of development, including street widening and drainage, which have revolutionized life for local people over the decades. Other photographs show how much transport in particular has changed, as we see the great sailing vessels of the early nineteenth century and early modes of transport such as horses and carriages and open trolleys. From livery stables in the 1800s we are transported to the era of the automobile with pictures of Hoxsie Plymouth Dodge in the early 1900s and early autos from the 1920s and 1930s. There are images of the famous local Smith quarries, showinggranite employees at work and the oxen-drawn carts used at that time. Taken over many decades, the photographs collected here bring home just how much the town has changed over the years. We experience bad times as well as good as we witness the many fires which have so drastically changed the landscape of Westerly and also the harsh years of the 1930s when the area was devastated by the Great Depression. Most important of all, we encounter the local people of Westerly, at work and at play over the decades, including school groups, sports teams, fraternities, and individual portraits of the men, women, and children who have created Westerly's history. Combining fascinating old photographs and concise, yet informative, text, this compelling visual history will delight young and old, resident and visitor alike.
Western & Atlantic Railroad (Images of Rail)
by Todd DeFeoThe State of Georgia chartered the Western & Atlantic Railroad in 1836. The railroad aided in the development and growth of many communities between Atlanta and Chattanooga, Tennessee. In constructing the railroad, workers created a winding route that cut its way across the North Georgia landscape. During the Civil War, both armies used this vital artery, and it was the setting for one of the war's most iconic events, the Great Locomotive Chase. The state still owns the Western & Atlantic and has leased it since 1870. The line remains an essential part of North Georgia and is a backbone of the region's industry. As Atlanta ponders its transportation future, it is important to remember that without the Western & Atlantic, Atlanta would not be the city it is today.
Western Europe - Culture Smart!
by Roger JonesThe historic countries of Western Europe - Austria, Belgium, Britain, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland - are the jewels in the crown of European civilization. Their importance and attraction for the rest of the world are so great that the region is the prime travel destination for businesspeople, tourists, and students. Western Europe is a relatively compact geographical area, containing an enormous diversity of landscapes, peoples, and cultures. The historically competitive Western Europeans are unlike each other in many ways, yet share an underlying system of values, and the restless Western European spirit of enquiry, enterprise, and adventure has had a decisive impact on world history. In the past, their empires spread their languages, religions, arts, and ideologies around the globe, and today the world beats a pathway to their doors. For foreign visitors, first encounters in Western Europe can be overwhelming. The richness and complexity of the different national cultures are difficult to take in, and people's behavior and reactions can be surprisingly unpredictable.For example, attitudes to time vary. In Germany it's rude to be late; in France it's rude to be on time. In business there is a range of negotiating styles. And because there is more to communication than speech, it is easy to misread the signals in other people's societies. Even smiling can sometimes be wrong - in France it's distinctly uncool to smile at strangers. Western Europe is ideal for student travelers, businesspeople, or academics who will be visiting several countries on their trip and who don't wish to be burdened with eleven books on different destinations. In this it is unique. No other book captures the essence of eleven national cultures in a single volume. Drawing on the wealth of information in the individual Culture Smart! country guides, it focuses on those situations in each country where visitors are likely to come into contact with local people. Beyond listing the dos and don'ts, it explains the cultural context of different or unexpected behavior. It tells you about beliefs and attitudes, and alerts you to local manners and sensitive issues. Full of fascinating insights and practical advice, it will help you navigate your way through uncharted seas, avoid gaffes and misunderstandings, and establish a rapport with people wherever you are.
Western New York Amusement Parks (Images of America)
by Rose Ann HirschFor more than 100 years, western New Yorkers have enjoyed the region's exciting amusement parks. During the days of trolleys and steamships, area businessmen created Celoron Park, Crystal Beach Park, and other fine local summer resorts. Decades later, lifelong memories were formed for neighborhood baby boomers who visited Glen Park and Fantasy Island, as well as one of New York State's finest theme parks, Darien Lake. Western New York has always been a proving ground for some of the nation's most famous roller coasters. The terrifying Cyclone, the fast and furious Silver Comet, and the extreme Ride of Steel have attracted the very bravest of visitors. In the new millennium, the summer tradition of visiting local amusement parks continues with a blend of family-orientated parks and theme parks that appeal to all ages.
Western Pennsylvania's Lost Amusement Parks (Images of America)
by Rachel E. SmithAt one time, Western Pennsylvania was home to dozens of small amusement parks, many of them trolley parks. These parks, originally designed to bolster streetcar business, were a way for workers to seek respite from the crowded, dirty cities. While some of these parks never developed into much more than a dance hall and a merry-go-round, others became full-scale amusement parks with rides, entertainment, and other amusements. After years of battling floods, changing economies, the decline of streetcars, and competition from other amusement parks, many of these amusement parks ended up closing their gates for good, the thrills they once provided now relegated to memories. With many of these parks all but lost to time, it is time to take a look back and remember some of the most prominent lost amusement parks of Western Pennsylvania.
Western Voices: 125 Years of Colorado Writing
by Steve Grinstead Ben Fogelberg Tom NoelEver since the region's first inhabitants chiseled petroglyphs and scratched pictographs on canyon walls, westerners have celebrated and recovered their history. Foremost among Colorado institutions to collect, preserve, exhibit, and publish has been the 125-year-old Colorado Historical Society. The Colorado Historical Society is home to a mother lode of the West's literary legends. This commemorative collection of the best of the best in Colorado writing includes noted essayists and writers such as Louis L'Amour, Wallace Stegner, Patricia Nelson Limerick, Thomas J. Noel, and many, many more.
Westerville (Images of America)
by Beth Berning WeinhardtWesterville, Ohio, once known as the "Dry Capital of the World," has carved a niche for itself in history that few small towns can boast. Its industrious citizens founded Otterbein College, shaped an active business and social community, and attracted the nation's attention by taking a strong stand on the sale of alcohol. Wooed by the promise of land in a "dry" community, the Anti-Saloon League located their printing headquarters in the village in 1909. The photographs in this book capture Westerville as it grew and changed from the 19th century to 1961, when it officially became a city.
Westfield (Images of America)
by Jayne Book SalomonWestfield is a thriving suburban community, rich in history, culture, and civic pride. Located just 22 miles outside of New York City, it is affectionately know as "Colonial Westfield." In 1720, the "West Fields" of Elizabeth Town were settled by English immigrants. During the Revolutionary War, several altercations with the Red Coats took place here. Not only did George Washington stop in Westfield during the Revolutionary War, but it is believed he slept at the home of one of the town's forefathers. After the advent of the railroad in mid-1800s, the small but productive farming village gradually developed into the attractive upscale community it is today. Known for its high standards in education, emphasis on the arts, and religious and civic institutions, Westfield is one of the few suburban towns in New Jersey that continues to maintain an active downtown shopping area, complete with a major department store. With approximately 50 restaurants, it draws visitors from all over the state.
Westlake
by Bunny GillespieThe Westlake section of Daly City is the quintessential postwar suburban-modernist development, and it was the singular vision of Henry Doelger that made it so. Westlake was to the San Francisco Bay Area what Levittown was to New York after World War II, providing affordable housing for thousands of service veterans and war-industry personnel who remained in California after their tours of duty. The area abuts San Francisco's Sunset District, where Doelger built thousands of homes in the shifting sands before battling the dunes in northern San Mateo County in 1948. Doelger was lauded as the Bay Area's bestknown builder of homes, apartments, and shopping centers. Daly City increased in size almost by half when Westlake was annexed in 1948.
Westlake (Images of America)
by Westlake Porter Public Library Deborah S. RossmanThe city of Westlake was originally settled as part of Dover Township. In the period between 1811 and 1840, the pioneers cleared the forest to make way for agriculture. The land shaped the boundaries of the township, a 15.9-square-mile area rich in farms, dairies, orchards, and vineyards. The town's businesses grew and prospered, and Dover became the second-largest shipping point for grapes in the United States. Over time the farms have disappeared from the landscape, but the city's proud heritage continues today. Westlake is an opportunity to experience not only the past events in the city of Westlake but also the lives of the people who call Westlake home.
Westland (Images of America)
by Daryl Alan Bailey Sherrye Louise BaileyIn May of 1825, Reverend Marcus Swift traveled along the middle branch of the Rouge River until he found a place he thought was close to heaven. Soon streets, homes, and businesses were established as more pioneers arrived in Nankin Township. In 1963, the J.L. Hudson Company chose Nankin Township as the site of a new shopping mall called Westland. When the mall became a target for annexation, residents joined forces to create their own city. Thus, the city of Westland was born. Through rare photographs drawn from various sources, this book takes readers on a journey through nearly 200 years of local history, from the death of Chief Tonquish to the present day.
Westminster
by Westminster Historical SocietyIt almost was not Westminster. The small town in central Massachusetts was born to another name, that of Narragansett 2, and it was not for another twenty years that the area became known as Westminster. One early settler, Abner Holden, described it as "a howling wilderness." Today's Westminster is a charming Colonial town, with the impressive peak of Mount Wachusett overlooking its rolling hills and its pristine lakes and ponds.In Westminster, the story unfolds from the first settlers gathering on Academy Hill to weather the bleak early years to the joyous return of the soldiers from the bloody battles of World War II. It portrays the early inventive entrepreneurs, along with the sturdy men and women who made the town's blueberries famous and its chickens delicious. Savor the memories of the Westminster Cracker Factory and the golden corn fritters of the well-known Old Mill Restaurant, recall the bustling chair factory of Artemus Merriam, and remember the wartime heroes and eager faces of Westminster's children. Capture in Westminster the spirit of the town's residents joining together in celebration and tragedy, from the first festive centennial parade to the pain of devastating fires.
Weston
by Lee MarshEstablished in 1713 as a Puritan town, Weston, Massachusetts, has been a center of farming, industry, estates, and now, suburban life. Weston traces the changes in the city from the colonial period into the 20th century, with emphasis on the developments of the Progressive era (1900-1920), a time in which the area's most admirable features were established. At the turn of the century,Weston was a community enjoying peace and prosperity while addressing the changes brought about by the transportation and industrial revolutions. Roads and railroads connected Weston to the greater Boston area, and the Hews Pottery, Hobbs Tannery, and Hastings Organ Factory gave the town some experience with the effects of the industrial revolution. Industry virtually disappeared from the town by 1935, but during the "estate era," which lasted from the 1880s to the 1950s, estates and land were sold to build housing for the new suburbanites. Photographs from the Weston Historical Society as well as private sources illustrate the changes in town life and landscapes; memoirs from residents and the "Weston Column" of the Waltham Free Press tell the story of a community that has maintained its independent and unique character for more than 200 years.
Westport (Images of America)
by Westport Historical SocietyThe town of Westport has long been tied to the sea. Its abundant rivers provided waterpower for cotton and iron manufacturing, and its protected harbor served as a base for the whaling and fishing industry. Since it was first settled in the 1670s, generations of farmers have worked Westport's soil, and agriculture remains an important part of this coastal community. Water continues to define this community, there is still an active commercial fishing fleet, waterfront cottages fill with summer residents, and day-trippers flock to the long sandy crescent of Horseneck Beach. Westport's beauty is not simply in its past but exists today in the well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century homes, the pristine landscape, and the rich community life of its villages.
Westwater Lost and Found: Expanded Edition
by Mike MilliganWestwater Lost and Found: Expanded Edition is the continuing story of Westwater—a relatively short, deep canyon near the Utah-Colorado state line that has become one of the most popular river-running destinations in the Southwest—and its lasting significance to the study of the Upper Colorado River. Thousands of recreational river runners have pushed this backwater place into the foreground of modern popular culture in the West. Westwater represents one common sequence in western history: the late opening of unexplored territories, the sporadic and ultimately often unsuccessful attempts to develop them, their renewed obscurity when development doesn’t succeed, their attraction to a marginal society of dreamers and schemers, and the modern rediscovery of them due to new cultural motives, especially outdoor recreation, which has brought many people into thousands of remote corners of the West. This expanded edition brings to light historical events and explores how Westwater’s location greatly contributed to early Grand (Upper) Colorado River boaters’ knowledge and how the lush Westwater Valley and Cisco became critical stops for water, wood, and grass along the North Branch of the Old Spanish Trail. Other new additions include explorer Ellsworth Kolb’s unpublished manuscript describing his 1916–1917 boating experiences on the Grand and Gunnison Rivers; two stories relating to Outlaw Cave, one of which expands upon the mystery of the outlaw brothers; a letter from James E. Miller to Frederick S. Dellenbaugh in 1906 revealing new information about his boating excursion with Oro DeGarmo Babcock on the Grand River in 1897; and a portion of botanist Frederick Kreutzfeld’s little-known journal of 1853 that describes Captain John W. Gunnison’s railroad survey. Loaded with extensive information and river-running history, Milligan’s guide is sure to enhance readers’ knowledge of the Upper Colorado River and Grand Canyon regions. Boaters, river guides, scholars of the American West, and historians of the Colorado, Green, and Gunnison Rivers or the Old Spanish Trail will gain much from this new edition.
The Wet and the Dry
by Lawrence OsborneA "stylish and engaging...fearlessly honest account" (Financial Times) of man's love of drink, and an insightful meditation on the meaning of alcohol consumption across cultures worldwide Drinking alcohol: a beloved tradition, a dangerous addiction, even "a sickness of the soul" (as once described by a group of young Muslim men in Bali). In his wide-ranging travels, Lawrence Osborne--a veritable connoisseur himself--has witnessed opposing views of alcohol across cultures worldwide, compelling him to wonder: is drinking alcohol a sign of civilization and sanity, or the very reverse? Where do societies and their treatment of alcohol fall on the spectrum between indulgence and restraint? These questions launch the author on an audacious journey, from the Middle East, where drinking is prohibited, to the West, where it is an important--yet perhaps very often a ruinous--part of everyday life. Beginning in the bar of a luxury hotel in Milan, Osborne then ventures to the Hezbollah-threatened vineyards of Lebanon; a landmark pub in London; the dangerous drinking dens on the Malaysian border; the only brewery in the alcohol-hostile country of Pakistan; and Oman, where he faces the absurd challenge of finding a bottle of champagne on New Year's Eve. Amid his travels, Osborne unravels the stories of alcoholism in his own family, and reflects on ramifications of alcohol consumption in his own life. An immersing, controversial, and often irreverent travel narrative, The Wet and the Dry offers provocative, sometimes unsettling insights into the deeply embedded conflicts between East and West, and the surprising influence of drinking on the contemporary world today.
We've Always Had Paris...and Provence
by Patricia Wells Walter WellsPatricia Wells, long recognized as the leading American authority on French food, and her husband, Walter, live the life in France that many of us have often fantasized about. After more than a quarter century, they are as close to being accepted as "French" as any non-natives can be. In this delightful memoir they share in two voices their experiences-the good, the bad, and the funny-offering a charming and evocative account of their beloved home and some of the wonderful people they have met along the way. Full of the flavor and color of the couple's adopted country, this tandem memoir reflects on the life that France has made possible for them and explores how living abroad has shaped their relationship. Written in lyrical, sensuous prose and filled with anecdotes, insights, and endearing snapshots of Walter and Patricia over the years, We've Always Had Paris . . . and Provence beautifully conveys the nuances of the French and their culture as only a practiced observer can. Literally a moveable feast to be savored and shared, including more than thirty recipes that will delight readers and cooks alike, the couple's valentine to France and to each other is delicious in every way.
Wewahitchka
by Beverly Mount-DoudsWhen pioneers first came to the territory now known as Wewahitchka, they were welcomed by Native Americans, but the natives' resistance grew when their land and hunting grounds were threatened. As a result of this turmoil, many lives were lost. Gen. Andrew Jackson made three trips to the Florida Territory. One such visit brought him to the Wewa-Iola area, where he took advantage of the interpretation skills of the pioneering George Richards and his family. Thomas Richards later served as an Indian Agent, and along with his brother Andrew and several others, they built a fort on the banks of the Dead Lakes. In 1872, Dr. John Keyes moved to the Wewa area and planted pecan, pear, and orange trees. Dr. Keyes referred to the two lakes as "Alice" and "Julia" after his two daughters. Around 1875, residents decided to call the town Wewahitchka, meaning "water eyes," in honor of the lakes in the center of the settlement.
The Wexford: Elusive Shipwreck of the Great Storm, 1913
by Paul CarrollWinner for the 2010 SOS Marine Heritage Award The steamer Wexford, with her flared bow, tall masts, and her open, canvas-sided hurricane deck, charmed spectators as she carried cargo across the Great Lakes. The romance and adventure of her British and French history in the South American trade followed her. Under newly appointed 24-year-old captain Bruce Cameron, her fateful final voyage was punctuated with opportunities to be saved from destruction , but his persistence in trying to make port at Goderich led to tragedy - a victim of the storm of 1913. Over a period of 87 years, she eluded many efforts to locate her remains, but was finally discovered in 2000 by a sailor using a fish-finding device. Since then, she has been visited by thousands, but sadly plundered. Our story traces her history from her British origins in 1883, through the transition to become a "Laker," the eventful storm, the search, and her ultimate discovery in southern Lake Huron, and the controversy over how she should be protected.
Weymouth (Then and Now)
by Debbie Sargent Sullivan Erica Jill DumontBeginning as an agricultural community, Weymouth evolved into a bustling shipping port and a manufacturing town with numerous shoe factories and an iron works. Later, it became a seaside vacation community, a postwar suburb, and finally a modern town with public transportation, a respected hospital, and a great school system.
The Whaddayah Mean Leave Home and Travel for the Rest of My Life Book
by Gene Townsend Deanne Townsend"Gene and Deanne Townsend are full-time RV'ers who, at ages (Ahem!) "too young to retire" were advised by other full-timers: "If you're gonna' do it, go for it while you're young! Thus, they "sold it all" and hit the road, knowing that it would mean having to work for at least 20 more years. But loving the concept of making the entire United States their home so much, they accepted the challenge wholeheartedly! Now, years later, they are eager to share with you the pros and cons of this lifestyle of freedom!"-About the Authors