All Non-Digital Titles

Looking through the eyes of the camera, we can glance back to a long-gone, quieter, and gentler rural past in the towns of Rehoboth, Swansea, and Dighton.

This significant new pictorial history features many previously unpublished photographs that capture the small-town agricultural intimacy of the area before its transition during the middle and latter parts of the twentieth century to a less agricultural, semi-suburban setting. The period between 1850 and 1950 represents a century of significant change for these towns, and the photographs presented here seek to capture some of the area's lost flavor and texture. This volume features wonderfully nostalgic and rare views that have, for the most part, gone unseen by the general public.

Flat Pack, catalogue and pre-manufactured homes have a secret history in the Bay Area. Many homes were pre-cut and delivered to the job site to be assembled in a matter of days. From small 2 bedroom beach bungalows to spacious 2000+ square foot shingle houses that line the streets of Alameda, many homes were ordered from a catalog and assembled on urban lots where people still live contented lives. There were also local architects and developers that created pre-fabricated homes locally to be delivered and built in developments. This book explores this history, through local leaders, archives, historians as well real estate brokers, investors, agents and homeowners. Oakland, Alameda, Berkeley and the surrounding areas were architecturally developed and influenced by the modern concept of efficient assembly line building. The book also explores how that building was affected by redlining and race relations at that time.

Revere Beachinvites the reader to take an unsurpassed pictorial journey detailing nine pivotal decades of a premier metropolitan seaside destination.

Revere Beach Reservation, created by the Metropolitan Park Commission in 1895, encompasses a three-mile stretch of a sandy crescent shore only five miles from downtown Boston. While later years witnessed the damage wrought by several devastating storms, including the infamous Blizzard of 1978, much of the 20th century saw a successful amusement industry flourish here, and the book showcases Wonderland Amusement Park, with its famous amusements and attractions that thrilled and entertained generations of visitors. Through archival and private collections, Revere Beachenables the inquisitive to discover the true Revere Beach, which captured the attention of two U.S. presidents and the heart of swimming champion Annette Kellerman, who chose the beach as the perfect venue to introduce the scandalous one-piece bathing suit to North America.

Seal Harbor and Acadia National Park are areas rich with history and natural beauty.

Several hundred photographs, taken by Seal Harbor's original residents, inspired this pictorial history of the well-known resort and surrounding Acadia National Park. A perusal through Revisiting Seal Harbor and Acadia National Park will reveal to the reader the natural beauty of the area, through views that attracted early rusticators and created such dedication from the island’s summer and winter residents that Acadia National Park was born. The pages within trace the community’s history, from its humble beginnings as a small fishing hamlet through its metamorphosis into a Victorian-era summer resort, and on through the park’s development, an economic boon for the island’s residents. From images of a time filled with sweeping Victorian dresses, grand yachts, and wildwood hikes, to accounts of the area’s prosperity in the 1910s and 1920s when the area had become synonymous with the Rockefeller and Ford names, Revisiting Seal Harbor and Acadia National Park invites the reader to take a lingering look into the lives of early islanders and summer visitors.

Rhode Island Amusement Parks brings back the memories of a time less complicated than the present, when a sense of family held communities together.

Rhode Islanders were once able to enjoy amusement parks without traveling far; the state was home to several ocean front parks as early as the mid-18th century, with some of them surviving into the late 19th century. Photographers Rob Lewis and Ryan Young have embarked on a journey to discover the amusement parks of the past in this delightful and unprecedented collection of images. View the parks that provided a recreational outlet for so many Rhode Island families and the visitors who frequented them. Scenes from several neighboring Massachusetts amusement parks are also pictured. The images in this collection are from two large private archives as well as treasured family collections. Special highlights include photographs of hand-operated rides of the 1800s and views of President Taft's plane, which landed at Sandy Beach in 1911. Also featured is Vanity Fair, an amusement park that lasted only five years during the first decade of this century. Residents of these communities will enjoy seeing Rhode Island as it once was and will witness the changes it has endured over the years.

See how Rhode Island's hard-shell clam industry came about and remains as popular as ever to this day.

Steamships once plied the waters of Narragansett Bay, carrying thousands of guests to feasts of clams prepared in every way imaginable at scenic spots like Rocky Point and Crescent Park. After hurricanes and pollution destroyed Rhode Island's soft-shell clam and oyster beds, the quahog became the state's favorite bivalve, and Rhode Islanders took to their automobiles and drove to the beach for clam cakes and chowder at the shacks and chowder houses that carried on the old traditions. Quahogging remains a major business in Rhode Island, where men and women continue to make a living from the sea.  The long lines at take-out windows attest that the future of Rhode Island's clam shacks is secure as they successfully balance changing tastes with time-honored recipes.

Prepare yourself to journey through the local tales of fright throughout Rhode Island.

Rhode Island's ghostly heritage is as deep and profound as the history of the state itself. From the ghastly moaning bones of Mount Tom to the stately haunt of Judge Potter in a local library, Rhode Island's apparitions have been causing fear for centuries. Follow M.E. Reilly-McGreen as she reveals the ghoulish stories of the state's most haunted places. The author delves deep to unearth tales of fright little known to most as well as those that have helped define the state's supernatural history. From ghosts to monsters, this book is your guide to all things spooky in Rhode Island. So prepare to journey through the Rhode Island you didn't know existed, or does it?

In 200 rare historical photos, Rhode Island's Mill Villages fascinating  history comes to life.

Some 200 rare and historic photographs are coupled with detailed and informative captions that immerse the reader in the daily lives and environments of these communities. In the years surrounding the Civil War, European immigrants and textile workers came to Rhode Island to work in the state's mills. Soon, villages and neighborhoods formed around these mills, creating unique and closely knit communities in which the wealthy families who owned and operated the mills lived side by side with those who labored for them. The photographs presented here offer a glimpse at the development of these familial communities that are such an integral part in the history of both Rhode Island and the United States.

Relying heavily on resources from Worcester-based research archives and libraries, Schindler and Slatkin have curated a rich collection of historical images that vividly illustrate Robert Goddard’s visionary life and his enduring connection to Massachusetts.

Robert Goddard, PhD, is widely considered the father of the space age. Born in 1882 in Worcester, Massachusetts, he spent much of his early life in the Boston suburb of Roxbury before returning to Worcester as a teenager. A pivotal moment came during his youth when, while climbing a cherry tree near his home, he envisioned the possibility of space travel—a vision that would shape the course of his life. Driven by this dream, Goddard dedicated himself to making spaceflight a reality. In 1926, he launched the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket in Auburn, Massachusetts, a groundbreaking achievement that laid the foundation for modern rocketry and space exploration. Among his many innovations, Goddard demonstrated that rockets could produce thrust in a vacuum, pioneered the use of scientific instruments aboard rockets, developed the concept of rocket-based weaponry (such as the bazooka), and introduced early methods for rocket stabilization.

Kevin Schindler, historian at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, has authored eight books on science and history. Charles Slatkin, founder and executive director of The Wonder Mission’s Goddard Project initiative, is leading efforts to promote Goddard’s legacy and establish a National Space

Trail. Astronaut Jim Lovell flew to the moon on Apollo missions 8 and 13.

Relying heavily on resources from Worcester-based research archives and libraries, Schindler and Slatkin have curated a rich collection of historical images that vividly illustrate Robert Goddard’s visionary life and his enduring connection to Massachusetts.

Robert Goddard, PhD, is widely considered the father of the space age. Born in 1882 in Worcester, Massachusetts, he spent much of his early life in the Boston suburb of Roxbury before returning to Worcester as a teenager. A pivotal moment came during his youth when, while climbing a cherry tree near his home, he envisioned the possibility of space travel—a vision that would shape the course of his life. Driven by this dream, Goddard dedicated himself to making spaceflight a reality. In 1926, he launched the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket in Auburn, Massachusetts, a groundbreaking achievement that laid the foundation for modern rocketry and space exploration. Among his many innovations, Goddard demonstrated that rockets could produce thrust in a vacuum, pioneered the use of scientific instruments aboard rockets, developed the concept of rocket-based weaponry (such as the bazooka), and introduced early methods for rocket stabilization.

Kevin Schindler, historian at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, has authored eight books on science and history. Charles Slatkin, founder and executive director of The Wonder Mission’s Goddard Project initiative, is leading efforts to promote Goddard’s legacy and establish a National Space

Trail. Astronaut Jim Lovell flew to the moon on Apollo missions 8 and 13.

Connecticut radio stations and their charismatic disc jockeys played an integral role in the history of rock ‘n’ roll. They served as a vital connection between the music and their audience, providing listeners the one vehicle they most needed—a format for them to listen to their favorite songs. Learn about such memorable moments as the fierce rivalry between WDRC and WPOP, the zany antics of Joey Reynolds, and the on-air “death” of Lee “Baby” Simms. WPLR emerged as a “town hall meeting held in a frat house,” and colorful skits filled the airwaves. With in-depth interviews and timeless photos, author Tony Renzoni captures the spirit of the vibrant music scene and traces the important and influential role of past and present on-air personalities. 

Rockland's roots run deeply into American history. Originally a village of Abington, Rockland broke away in 1874 to form its own economically strong and enterprising shoe-manufacturing community. This book transports the reader back in time to meet six-year-old George Rockland Hunt, the "first citizen of Rockland"; Hulda Barker Loud, the irrepressible editor of the Rockland Independent; and Judge George Kelley leading his parade through the center of town. Rockland captures the lives of the merchants of Union Street, the heyday of the local shoe industry, and the stories of Rockland's past as told through the eyes of the camera.

Rocky Hill is a commercial center, and along with attractions like Dinosaur State Park and the nation's oldest ferry line, make it a popular New England tourist destination.

Any great civilization would say the secret to success is easy access to a river, and the town of Rocky Hill is no exception. East of the Connecticut River, the waterway made Rocky Hill an active maritime center during the age of sail. As steam replaced sail, Rocky Hill’s role as a river port diminished. Farms grew, and the town became a thriving agricultural center. In recent years, Rocky Hill has become a residential community. Modern highways and a central location have contributed to the town’s growth and made it a commercial center, along with attractions like Dinosaur State Park and the nation's oldest ferry line making it a popular New England tourist destination as well.

In 1871, Betsey Williams, a descendant of Roger Williams, founder of Providence, Rhode Island, willed her family’s 102-acre farm to the city. One year later, the park added a small collection of animals, creating Roger Williams Park Zoo, the third-oldest zoo in the country.

As the animal collection developed, so too did the landscape of Roger Williams Park, with the entire collection eventually becoming consolidated into a localized area within the park, forming what is today known as Roger Williams Park Zoo. Owned by the City of Providence and operated by the Rhode Island Zoological Society, the zoo celebrated its 150th birthday in 2022. In that time, the zoo has welcomed multiple generations of local families and has attracted visitors from around the world, joining in the zoo’s mission to protect wildlife and wild places. Through its diverse animal collection, groundbreaking educational programs, and spectacular nighttime events, Roger Williams Park Zoo continues to push toward the future while reflecting fondly on its past.

Leigh Picard is the manager of interpretation and graphics at Roger Williams Park Zoo and has been in the guest service field for over 30 years. Susan Ring is an award-winning author with over 100 books under her belt and is the former manager of interpretation at Roger Williams Park Zoo.

From the driver's seat, author and guide Edward Morris provides a diverse collection of biographical sketches that reveal the outrageous and opulent lives of some of America's leading entrepreneurs.

Newport, Rhode Island, was the summer playground of the Gilded Age for the Astors, Belmonts and Vanderbilts. They built lavish villas designed by the best Beaux Arts-style architects of the time, including Richard Morris Hunt, Charles McKim and Robert Swain Peabody. America's elite delighted in referring to these grand retreats as summer cottages, where they would play tennis and polo and sail their yachts along the shores of the Ocean State. The coachman had an important role as the discreet outdoor butler for Gilded Age gentlemen--not only was he in charge of the horses, but he also acted as a travel advisor and connoisseur of entertainment venues.

Route 128 and the Birth of the Age of High Tech tells the intertwining stories of the construction of the nation's first circumferential beltway and the burgeoning high-tech industries of Massachusetts, which helped spawn the modern age of personal computers, the Internet, and biotechnology.

Highway historian and retired highway engineer Larry Larned, author of Traveling the Merritt Parkway, has appeared in television and radio interviews speaking about Route 15 and the nation's early roads. Route 15: The Road to Hartford presents images from his forty years of collecting and documenting Connecticut roadside culture, architecture, and engineering. His detailed account of the road to Hartford includes personal recollections of traveling Route 15 as a youngster and studying the details along the way-the tollbooths, the bow-tied gas station attendants, the families on picnics at rest stops.

Rowley has much to offer: scenes of the village, and the historic town common, or the "Training Place," where Benedict Arnold's expedition to Quebec encamped in 1775, the picturesque Glen Mills area with its 1642 stone arch bridge, and the site of the first fulling mill in the colonies (1642-1643), which manufactured the first cloth made in the Western world. The book displays images of country stores, wagon peddlers, and early gristmills and sawmills. It also shows shoe manufacturing, boatbuilding (at its peak in 1900), farming, and salt marsh haying. It truly brings to life another era in American history.

After the college became the University of Rhode Island in 1951, the traditions of basketball excitement and excellence continued. Conference championships, postseason bids, and All-Americans have enriched the history of Rhode Island Rams basketball, as has the introduction of full varsity status for women's basketball. Along with highlighting the teams, players, and coaches, Runnin' Rams: University of Rhode Island Basketball also portrays the exciting environment in which the games have been played.

Journey to picturesque York County's past in this photographic history.

Rural York County, with its charming historic towns and villages, has long been one of the most delightful areas of Maine. While tourists from the nineteenth century onward sought out the high life that made Maine's coastal areas so famous, the residents of the more peaceful, pristine countryside kept the serenity of their backyard a secret. The fascinating selection of images that make up this visual history have been carefully selected as a journey into the past, a journey from Kittery up the coast to Saco; through the Berwicks and Lebanon; to Alfred and Springvale, and Sanford close by; around Acton, Shapleigh, Newfield, and Waterboro; then on to Parsonsfield, Porter, Kezar Falls, and Cornish.

Rye, New Hampshire is a small coastal town whose identity is closely tied to the land and sea. Originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, it developed from a 1600s colonial fishing outpost into a modest, tight-knit community shaped by maritime trades and farming in the 18th and 19th centuries. With improved transportation and the rise of seaside tourism in the late 1800s, Rye began attracting visitors drawn to its beaches and ocean views, gradually shifting its character. In the 20th century, residential growth increased as people sought quieter coastal living. Prominent families included Parsons, Caswell, Philbrick, and Foss. Photography has played a vital role in preserving Rye’s history by capturing everyday life— fishermen at work, family gatherings, schoolchildren, and farmers in the fields. Coastal scenes, lifesaving stations, and Rye Harbor activity emphasize the town’s enduring relationship with the sea, while images of Jenness Beach, Wallis Sands, and summer “cottages” reflect the rise of tourism.

Lew Karabatsos, chair of the Rye, NH Historical Society’s Collections Committee, has selected images from 1880 to 1985 that document a century of people and places, preserving Rye’s character and offering a strong sense of place for residents and visitors alike.

Rye, New Hampshire is a small coastal town whose identity is closely tied to the land and sea. Originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, it developed from a 1600s colonial fishing outpost into a modest, tight-knit community shaped by maritime trades and farming in the 18th and 19th centuries. With improved transportation and the rise of seaside tourism in the late 1800s, Rye began attracting visitors drawn to its beaches and ocean views, gradually shifting its character. In the 20th century, residential growth increased as people sought quieter coastal living. Prominent families included Parsons, Caswell, Philbrick, and Foss. Photography has played a vital role in preserving Rye’s history by capturing everyday life— fishermen at work, family gatherings, schoolchildren, and farmers in the fields. Coastal scenes, lifesaving stations, and Rye Harbor activity emphasize the town’s enduring relationship with the sea, while images of Jenness Beach, Wallis Sands, and summer “cottages” reflect the rise of tourism.

Lew Karabatsos, chair of the Rye, NH Historical Society’s Collections Committee, has selected images from 1880 to 1985 that document a century of people and places, preserving Rye’s character and offering a strong sense of place for residents and visitors alike.

From Saco Bay to York Hill, the photographic history of Saco is detailed from 1850 to 1950.

Since the development of photography in the mid-nineteenth century, the camera has been used as a tool of both discovery and preservation. Photographs bring alive our picture of the past and can open a floodgate of memories and nostalgia or inspire curiosity and a sense of history. Jeffrey Scully has delved into numerous private collections, family albums, and the archives of the McArthur Library to create a fascinating visual history of Saco, Maine. From the shores of Saco Bay to the banks of Goosefare Brook; from high upon York Hill to the downtown bustle of Pepperell Square and Main Street, the people, places, and events of the century of change between 1850 and 1950 are chronicled for posterity.

The name Salem originates from the Hebrew word shalom, meaning peace. Salem life was traditionally rooted in agriculture, yet residents also respected Yankee ingenuity. This was reflected in the characters who lived in the town or migrated to its lush countryside. Prior to the Civil War, Salem had seven sawmills, two gristmills, six schools, four churches, a piano factory, an ink factory, and a cotton mill. Rosewood and mahogany pianos were made entirely by hand by the Whittlesey brothers, and Music Vale Seminary was the first music school in the country to confer teaching degrees. Salem also boasts writers, artists, an eccentric inventor who lit up part of Salem with his own rural electrification, a U.S. senator, an explorer who discovered Machu Picchu, and an honored Holocaust war hero. Though quiet and unobtrusive, Salem is blossoming with new citizenry, and it is still uncovering history with recent archaeological excavations. Mystery and untold history come together in Salem.

When the French and Indian War ended in 1763, Salem longed for a time of tranquility.

However, that conflict left England deeply in debt and determined to reduce its obligations by taxing America. Salem’s citizens initially opposed parliamentary taxes because they believed that the English were profiting from them. As Britain levied new taxes and pressed local officials to collect them, divisions erupted in town. In 1774, Salem became the capital of Massachusetts. By then, its citizens were being taxed from abroad, governed by an English general and tried before judges and juries appointed by royal officials. Join historian Richard J. Morris as he explores how the struggle for independence changed the town of Salem.

Salem, Massachusetts, is one of the most historic settlements in the United States. This new and exciting visual history reveals Salem's comprehensive heritage from the 1860s to the 1950s.

Most commonly associated with the seventeenth-century witchcraft hysteria of Salem Village - an area that now falls within the bounds of neighboring Danvers - the city of Salem actually boasts a rich and textured history with a variety of economic, religious, and cultural highlights. Salem's early strengths as a colonial community were drawn from the waters around it: fishing was a staple industry in the beginning, and shipbuilding and ocean tradebolstered the settlement economically for many years. In the nineteenth century, after war with Britain caused Salem's maritime tradeto decline, the city developed into a modern commercial center. Prominent settlers fostered the development of luxurious architecture and interior design, along with the founding of the city's well-known resort and amusement center, the Willows.