Binghamton, once known as Chenango Point, has since been affectionately called by several names: the Parlor City, one of the Square Deal Towns, Bingo-all appellations for a jewel of the southern tier of New York State. It is a city that grew at the juncture of the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers, a land of sweeping hillsides embracing a valley containing a rich mosaic of cultures. As the seat of Broome County, the city has been the center of economic and cultural development, fulfilling a destiny dreamed of by early settlers. This is the story of Binghamton, presented as a symphony of memories preserved in images captured by hundreds of unknown photographers. Binghamton uncovers the roots of a distinctive community, one that may be unfamiliar to many. It showcases photographs and stories from everyday life in other eras. At the heart of this volume are the faces of early residents, rare views of small enterprises, and vintage scenes of familiar landmarks. The accompanying text is often expressed in words from the past gleaned from letters, diaries, and newspapers-stories of real people from the beginning days of Binghamton through the 1950s.
Ed Aswad and Suzanne M. Meredith are lifelong residents of the area. They have received recognition both in their respective fields of business and as historians and authors. Believing that history helps us understand who we are and guides us toward the future, the authors are passionate about preserving the heritage of their hometown. In Binghamton they express that passion and achieve their goal of sharing this vital story with present and future generations.