Name: Carnival Noir
Brand: Rene Pierre
SKU: 9781455622610
Price: 28.95 USD
Availability: InStock

Carnival Noir

9781455622610

$28.95

In the first book of its kind focusing on the expansive African American Mardi Gras experience in New Orleans, float designer and native New Orleanian Rene Pierre documents and explores the richness of his community's contributions. With two generations of family photographs and a firsthand knowledge of the African American krewes, Pierre brings to light this oft-neglected aspect of the Carnival tradition. The artistry and history of the floats and costumes of these krewes stand as testament to an undercelebrated group of New Orleanians who have consistently enriched their city and its traditions. As a participant and member of the community, Pierre charts the growth and influence of the oldest black Carnival clubs in New Orleans including the Original Illinois Club, the Exclusive Twenties, the Black Pirates, and the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club. Through one-on-one interviews with krewe elders, Carnival royalty, and artisans, along with family narratives from Pierre's childhood, Carnival Noir tells a very personal story of the black Carnival experience.

Detroit's Holy Family Church

9780738552170

$24.99

The traditions of the Sicilians and Italians have been present in Detroit and Holy Family Church since the early 1900s. The church being the very root of their soul, they have maintained their ancestors' culture and the rituals they brought with them over 100 years ago. Some of these customs date back hundreds of years in their homelands of Cinisi, Terrasini, Trapani, and many other cities. Bonnie Leone was born, raised, and still resides in Detroit. Originally appointed by Gov. John Engler to the position of Wayne County jury commissioner, Leone is a member of several genealogical societies, tracing some of her ancestors as far back as the 1500s. Her strong sense of history, art, and tradition brought her to this church, so that she may help to preserve and protect the traditions of the last 100 years of the Sicilians in Detroit.

Myths, Tall Tales and Half Truths of Cape Cod

9781467154444

$23.99

Cape Cod, one of the nation's oldest regions, can claim many firsts, but not as many as some want you to believe.

Boastfulness, tall tales and plain stretching the truth about history is widely practiced in this tourist mecca. Even esteemed institutions such as churches and historical societies are nimble in the art of gilding the lily. Discover where The Wizard of Oz film really premiered, whether Mercy Otis Warren had a hand in writing the Bill of Rights and who invented the hole in the doughnut. Along the way, you'll find out where the country's oldest Congregational meetinghouse is located, and whether "Mad Jack" was a thieving scoundrel.

Local author and historian James Ellis separates fact from fiction.

Myths, Tall Tales and Half Truths of Cape Cod

New Mexico Fiestas

9781467154000

$23.99

Revel in the festive history of the Land of Enchantment.

The beautiful red and blue skies of New Mexico have been the perfect backdrop for centuries of celebration, from the venerable Fiestas de Santa Fe to the world famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Ageless folk music and dance intermingle with innovations in rock and salsa. Ray John de Aragón issues an invitation to the profound traditions and captivating performances that accompany New Mexico’s Fiestas.

Scots of Chicago's North Shore

9781467104302

$24.99

Scots helped found Lake Forest, and hundreds of native-born Scots settled there. The Scottish influence is evident in town names along Chicago's North Shore like Glencoe, Bannockburn, Milburn, and Dundee. The Keith family theater chain became RKO Studios with Scots-born J.J. Murdock as president. James Simpson was CEO of Marshall Field and Company and oversaw the building of the Merchandise Mart. After Simpson, a series of Scots ran Fields: John McKinlay, James McKinsey, and Hughston McBain. Scots partnered to form Carson Pirie & Scott. They also founded Douglas and Stuart Oats, which became Quaker Oats. Hugh Robertson was president of the Zenith Corporation, and the Armour family operated one of the largest meatpacking companies in the world. Only slightly smaller was Wilson Meats, which later spun off Wilson Sporting Goods. This book tells the story of these Scots and many others.

The Last Sunday Drive

9781467143103

$24.99

The Sunday drive. Mom, dad and the kids would head out to see the countryside. An ice cream treat usually waited at day's end. Back in the Burma-Shave days, mom-and-pop drive-ins and gas station biscuits fed folks. Cheap gas filled cars, and people made Sunday drives through a land where See Rock City barns, sawdust piles and trains and junkyards gave them plenty to see. Men in seersucker suits ran old stores with oscillating fans, and if the kids ate too much penny candy, grandma had a home remedy for them. It was a time for dinner on church grounds, yard art and old-fashioned petunias. Join author Tom Poland as he revisits disappearing traditions.

Valentine’s Day Traditions in Boston

9781635001075

$23.99

Valentine's Day Traditions in Boston is a fun and interesting way to recall the holiday from the exchange of Valentine cards in day school to the cards, candy, and flowers we sent or received as adults to and from our valentine. From Ancient Rome with the pagan festival of Lupercalia to the worldwide celebration of the holiday, we revel in its history and evolution through the centuries as a day of love. Today, Esther Allen Howland is honored with the nickname "Mother of the American Valentine," with many citing her small card factory as the start of a multi-million-dollar industry. Beginning in 2001, the Greeting Card Association has annually given the "Esther Howland Award for a Greeting Card Visionary," and they estimate that 200 million valentines are sent each year in the United States.
Anthony Sammarco discusses the history of St. Valentine's Day from Lupercalia, an ancient Roman festival celebrated on February 15 to ensure fertility for the people, fields, and flocks to the annual exchange of cards, candy, and flowers. Beginning with Esther Howland who produced delicate and fanciful Valentine's Day cards in the nineteenth century through to major card companies such as Hallmark, Norcross, Gibson, and Rust Craft, Americans exchange millions of cards annually. The book also discusses the more outré Sailor's Valentines, Vinegar Valentines, and Krampus Valentines.