Name: White Cloud
Brand: Pam Miller
SKU: 9781467109741
Price: 23.99 USD
Availability: InStock

White Cloud

9781467109741

$23.99

Lester Morgan built the first sawmill on the White River in 1868. By 1873, he established the first post office at Morgan Station’s railroad depot. Morgan had a four-story building—known as the Morgan Inn—erected on North Street, which was the center of town. Sextus Wilcox and Lester Morgan platted the village of Morgan in July 1874. Wilcox bought out Morgan, and the village’s name was changed to White Cloud, which sits in the center of Newaygo County. In 1910, the county seat was moved from Newaygo to White Cloud. With the loss of the railroad depot around 1963, the city structure severely diminished. However, White Cloud is famous for one of the only remaining wooden railroad trestles that is still in use today.

Cover image for White Cloud, isbn: 9781467109741

Michigan State Fair

9780738577890

$24.99

First held in 1849 in Detroit, the location of the Michigan State Fair rotated in the early years between Detroit, Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, Adrian, Jackson, Grand Rapids, East Saginaw, Lansing, and Pontiac before settling permanently in Detroit. When Detroit department store magnate Joseph L. Hudson sold 135 acres of Woodward Avenue farmland to the Michigan State Agricultural Society in 1905 for $1, the permanent home of the Michigan State Fair was established. On February 12, 2009, Michigan governor Jennifer Granholm signed an executive order effectively ending a 160-year tradition--the Michigan State Fair.

Cover image for Michigan State Fair, isbn: 9780738577890

Livonia

9780738534251

$24.99

At the turn of the 20th century, the township of Livonia was largely a rural community populated with farms, dirt roads, and several cheese factories.

A few decades later, as the auto industry boomed in Detroit, white-collar workers sought places to raise their families outside the city, and Livonia changed seemingly overnight. What was once considered a backwater berg was suddenly seen with different eyes through the lens of the quintessential American suburban city, one in which urban and rural lifestyles converged and formed a new kind of community. This book celebrates Livonia's development from the 19th to 21st century, as it evolved from wilderness into a city that is routinely rated as one of the best places to raise a family in the United States.

Cover image for Livonia, isbn: 9780738534251

Detroit's Mount Elliott Cemetery

9780738540931

$24.99

Mount Elliott Cemetery is Detroit's oldest extant cemetery, started by the Catholic community in 1841. The consecrated ground is named for architect Robert T. Elliott, who was instrumental in purchasing the land and was the first interment. The roads in the cemetery honor religious leaders: (Pope) Pius Avenue, Bishop LeFevere Avenue and Place, and Bishop Borgess Avenue. The remaining roads carry biblical themes: Calvary Avenue, Holy Cross Place, Trinity Avenue, and Resurrection Avenue. Remains from Detroit's St. Anne's cemetery were brought to Mount Elliott, where French, German, and Irish surnames abound. The tombstones at Mount Elliott reflect family names well known in the tricounty area: Beaubien, Campau, Caniff, Chene, Cicotte, Moran, and Moross. These religious, business, and political leaders have left their names on buildings, roads, and landmarks. They are commemorated here with handcrafted marble, granite, and zinc memorials. Mausoleums honor families, including Palms, Scanlon, and Welch. Military burials include those who served in Napoleon's army, the War of 1812, the Civil War, World Wars I and II, and Vietnam. The special areas for the Detroit firemen and many Catholic religious orders pay homage to the groups of men and women who worked so selflessly to protect and serve the city. The Mount Elliott Cemetery Association provides perpetual care for Mount Elliott Cemetery and four sister cemeteries: Mount Olivet, Resurrection, All Saints, and Guardian Angel.

Cover image for Detroit's Mount Elliott Cemetery, isbn: 9780738540931

St. Joseph and Benton Harbor

9780738531908

$24.99

Through more than 200 photographs, this book documents St. Joseph's and Benton Harbor's development from the time when pioneers first struggled to create a community in the wilderness.

Two distinct communities which share equally vibrant histories, the twin cities of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor possess a rich heritage rooted in agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and tourism. This volume pays tribute to the men and women who labored to establish farms and industries, and celebrates the delightful beaches and amusement parks-such as the House of David and Silver Beach-that have brought joy to generations of residents and visitors alike.

Cover image for St. Joseph and Benton Harbor, isbn: 9780738531908

The Lapeer Area

9780738541235

$24.99

Legends about the Ottawa, Chippewa, and Nepessing Indians have left an indubitable mark upon the Lapeer area. Streets, rivers, and towns sing out the melody of their ageless legacy, just as those first settlers of Lapeer left their footprints upon the towns and cities for generations to follow. Like a comfortable rocker, the lyrics of hospitality linger, whispering of a way of life not easily left within the pages of a history book. Frugal, yet compassionate, these early pioneers shared their meager provisions and scant shelters with the tribes and wayward travelers alike. Lumberjacks sawed and farmers harvested their crops, threshed their grain, raised their barns, and worshipped together. Feuds never lasted and families never parted. The people of the Lapeer area worked, voted, and played together, creating a place of beauty for the generations they would never know. The gentle rolling hillsides still ring with their music, whether it is the moccasin footsteps of the first hunter, the boot-clad lumberjack or farmer, or the European tradition of riding to the hounds-for here the panoramic view of the Lapeer area comes alive with heritage, horses, and hills.

Cover image for The Lapeer Area, isbn: 9780738541235

Plainfield Township

9780738552316

$24.99

Lovely plains and beautiful fields greeted settlers eager to put down roots in the area north of the growing city of Grand Rapids. The northernmost point of the Grand River and its environs, including the Rogue River joining the Grand nearby, offered folks everything they needed: river and road travel, good farmland, plenty of forestland, and enough space to grow and prosper. Soon the area was known as Plainfield Township, with the bustling Plainfield Village at its center. Small communities grew up around the township, including Belmont and Comstock Park that exist today but also Konkle Town and Childsdale, which do not. Plainfield Village is gone as well, but the spirit of those early pioneers lives on. Today Plainfield Township is a combination of city and country, businesses and farms, and longtime residents and those just discovering the beauty of this area that still boasts plains and fields.

Cover image for Plainfield Township, isbn: 9780738552316

Troy

9780738533155

$24.99

Long before it was the site of shopping centers, corporate headquarters, and universities, Troy was a humble pioneer settlement comprised of farms and small knots of buildings at simple crossroads known as Troy Corners, Big Beaver, and Halsey Corners. School bells, church socials, and harvesting seasons punctuated the simple country lives of early Troy residents. The establishment of the Detroit United Railway in 1898 brought new opportunities to Troy settlers, rattling up Livernois daily and transporting passengers, milk, and freight between Flint and Detroit. By the end of World War II, Troy was rapidly changing. Subdivisions replaced farms, the township was incorporated as the City of Troy, and gracious homes and new businesses quickly replaced the clusters of clapboard structures. This book utilizes the remarkable resources of the Troy Historical Society and the Troy Museum & Historic Village to document and celebrate Troy's development over the course of two centuries.

Troy A City from the Corners book cover with a sepia group photo of children in period clothing wearing tall hats

Detroit's Holy Cross Cemetery

9780738577036

$24.99

In the early hours before dawn on October 6, 1907, a raging fire illuminated the sky as the historic chapel that stood on the cemetery grounds for over half a century reduced to a pile of cinders and ash. Lit by sparks from a nearby barn ablaze from an act of arson, the fire destroyed priceless paintings, relics, statues, and artifacts that held sacrament to the area's earliest settlers. So ended the era of the cemetery's obscure past and launched a new era for the little mission?turned?graveyard nestled southwest of Detroit. Detroit's Holy Cross Cemetery is a collage of persons whose immigrant dreams landed them in an area budding with industry. The cemetery's evolution reflects the waves of immigration, from the early French to the Irish, Germans, Hungarians, Poles, and Hispanics. From its 1838 2-acre roots to its current 65-acre span, Holy Cross Cemetery filled the need for a Catholic cemetery on Detroit's west side.

Cover image for Detroit's Holy Cross Cemetery, isbn: 9780738577036

Plymouth Rotary Club Chicken Barbeque

9781467161022

$24.99

The Rotary Club of Plymouth, Michigan, founded on March 7, 1924, developed a long-standing tradition of fundraising through its popular annual chicken barbeque. / This event began in 1956 to raise funds to purchase playground equipment. Beneficiaries of monies raised are as far reaching as student scholarships and exchange programs, community park improvements, targeted special projects, and international humanitarian aid.

Author Elizabeth Kelley Kerstens is executive director of the Plymouth Historical Museum, a retired US Marine major, and author of four other Arcadia publications. Author Ellen Elliott, a local historian, is executive director of Friends of the Penn, manager of the Penn Theatre in Plymouth, and author of one other Arcadia publication.

Cover image for Plymouth Rotary Club Chicken Barbeque, isbn: 9781467161022

Romeo

9780738532981

$24.99

Romeo was originally known as Indian Village, dating back to a time when it served as a winter campground for a band of Chippewa Indians. Asahel Bailey was one of the first settlers, arriving in Romeo in 1822, and soon, others followed. The Village of Romeo was platted and named in 1830 and incorporated in 1838. Over the course of the next several decades, more families arrived, homes and businesses were established, and the village began to take shape. This book tells the story of Romeo's evolution from a humble pioneer settlement to a modern community which now welcomes 250,000 visitors to its spectacular Peach Festival each year.

Cover of Images of America Romeo featuring a brick storefront building and a crowd gathered on the sidewalk.

The Caro Area

9780738583624

$24.99

In the beginning, the Caro area was part of the vast forests that covered Michigan. It was home to the Chippewa Indians, among others; but by the 1840s, the timberland with cork pine had attracted lumbermen. They were soon followed by pioneers ready to farm the now open fields. By 1855, the settlement of what would become the village of Caro had begun. The great forest fires of 1871 and 1881 made land clearing and farming even easier, and agriculture became the financial engine that drove the growth and prosperity of the area. By the beginning of the 20th century, Caro was the vibrant and busy seat of Tuscola County. The Caro Area shows this evolution through photographs of all aspects of rural and village life from settlement through World War II.

Cover image for The Caro Area, isbn: 9780738583624

Arab Americans in Metro Detroit

9780738519234

$24.99

Arab Americans have been an integral part of Detroit's history since the 1880s. Early Arab immigrants worked as peddlers, grocers, and unskilled laborers, first settling downtown and later on the east side of Detroit. Their numbers increased after the First World War. They were attracted to the area by the booming automobile industry, and Ford's $5 for an 8-hour work day. This visual journey explores the history of four generations of Arab Americans in metro Detroit. It takes us to the days that preceded the automobile to modern 21st-century Arab America. Through more than 180 images, this book portrays the challenges and triumphs of Arabs as they preserve their families, and build churches, mosques, restaurants, businesses, and institutions, thus contributing to Detroit's efforts in regaining its position as a world class city.

Book cover Arab Americans in Metro Detroit A Pictorial History showing a sepia crowd photograph

Northville

9780738577968

$24.99

Most of the first pioneers came from New York by steamship across Lake Erie, disembarking in Detroit in the 1820s. From Detroit, it would take three days of treacherous travel through dense forests, thick brush, and swampy countryside to reach their destination--a hilly region in the northwest corner of Plymouth Township that would come to be called Northville. In the nearly 200 years since the first pioneers cleared the land and established their homesteads, Northville has distinguished itself as one of southeast Michigan's most desirable communities. Its rich historical heritage and small-town charm are evident in the stately Victorian architecture of the city's vibrant downtown and tree-lined neighborhoods. Surrounded by the rolling hills of adjoining Northville Township, the community has been shaped by generations of stakeholders committed to creating and maintaining Northville's picturesque and prosperous identity. Throughout its storied history, Northville has been home to the world's largest manufacturer of school furniture, the site of aviation pioneer Eddie Stinson's aircraft company, and the location for one of automotive legend Henry Ford's first village industries, the Northville Valve Plant.

Cover image for Northville, isbn: 9780738577968

Labor in Detroit

9780738518961

$24.99

On July 24, 1701, Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac and his band of about 50 soldiers and fur trappers landed on the banks of the Detroit River and built Fort Pontchartrain. The village of Detroit became the fur trading capital of North America, tempting thousands of immigrants from around the globe. Showcased in nearly 200 photographs is the continued legacy of working class struggle in the Midwest's "Union Town."

Detroit has always been a haven for the working class. Headquartering the most powerful industrial union in American history, the UAW, the city's labor movements have had the power to influence national urban and social policy. Captured here are Detroit's nationally recognized labor campaigns, from the first sit-downs of 1937, to the powerful unions inspired by the radical philosophies of Jimmy Hoffa and Walter Reuther. Through the contribution of arms and tanks to World War II, to the devastating decline of the unions in the 1970s and '80s, the photographs here capture the multitude of races and faces that made Detroit one of America's greatest industrial cities, and the world's undisputed Motor City.

Historic Detroit labor march with workers in coats and hats carrying signs and banners

Chaldean Iraqi American Association of Michigan

9781467127622

$24.99

The Chaldean Iraqi American Association of Michigan, more commonly known as CIAAM, was not simply an association of just a group of early immigrants who escaped prosecution or were merely looking for better life for their family and loved ones. They were indeed good-hearted individuals who strived to build a solid foundation for a well-rounded community in this new land for the immigrants, the United States of America. The CIAAM exemplifies the success of immigrants that have migrated to Detroit from Iraq, providing a place for social gatherings, community discussions, family celebrations, and education to those yearning to learn more about the Chaldeans of Mesopotamia, their successful migration to America, and the contributions they are making in Michigan. Today, CIAAM has more than 900 active families as members, strengthening the recreational, social, and business bonds among the large family of Michigan Chaldeans.

Cover image for Chaldean Iraqi American Association of Michigan, isbn: 9781467127622

Grand Rapids

9780738552002

$24.99

William Haldane opened a cabinet shop in 1836, 14 years before Grand Rapids incorporated. Other furniture companies followed: Berkey and Gay, Widdicomb, Sligh, Hekman, and Phoenix were among those taking advantage of the Grand River for transportation and power, the area's abundant hardwood supply, and a growing immigrant labor pool. The furniture soon attracted national attention. In 1876, the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition proved conclusively that a river town in Michigan had indeed earned the title "Furniture City." Presidents Herbert Hoover, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, and Dwight D. Eisenhower all worked at Grand Rapids-made desks. Fifteen manufacturers joined forces to build 1,000 Handley Page bombers during
World War I. The Japanese Instrument of Surrender was signed on September 2, 1945, at a table made in Grand Rapids. Despite fires, floods, strikes, depressions, and wars, Grand Rapids led the industry until the 1950s and 1960s, when the factories began moving to North Carolina. Today the area, along with nearby Holland and Zeeland, dominates the office furniture industry.

Cover image for Grand Rapids, isbn: 9780738552002

Rockford

9780738560731

$24.99

One of the first settlers to build a mill on the Rogue River was Smith Lapham. The village that developed by the millpond was called Laphamville. After the Civil War, the town's name was changed to Rockford. The picturesque Rogue River and the city are symbiotic entities. The river was first dammed to provide power for lumber mills and gristmills. Later it supplied electricity for families, commerce, and manufacturing. For many years, Rockford has been known as the home of shoe manufacturer Wolverine World Wide. The sad-eyed canine logo for Hush Puppies footwear is instantly recognizable throughout the world. Many residents continue to be employed there.

Cover image for Rockford, isbn: 9780738560731

Harbor Country

9780738523033

$24.99

Through nearly 200 vintage photographs, this book documents the history of Harbor Country and its many roles throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

The eight villages of Southwest Michigan's Harbor Country-Michiana, Grand Beach, New Buffalo, Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert, Sawyer, and Three Oaks-have evolved from a group of humble frontier communities into a vacation mecca. Just 90 minutes from Chicago, Harbor Country's unspoiled beaches, marinas, antique shops, and shady country lanes have offered a weekend refuge to weary urbanites for years. The New York Times once called Harbor Country ""the Hamptons of the Midwest,"" perhaps because the area draws Chicago's illuminati to its shores. Yet most of the region's first settlers were lumbermen, farmers, fishermen, and railroad workers, and Harbor Country's rustic, small-town ambience remains as their legacy.Once an aspiring Great Lakes port, then briefly a railroad center, as well as a lumbering community that supplied the timber to build Chicago, Harbor Country is revealed as an area with rich history and everlasting appeal.

Vintage sepia harbor scene with several small boats on calm water and a wooden pier, overlaid by a Harbor Country title plaque

Sterling Township

9780738539751

$24.99

Sterling Township, located about 18 miles northeast of Detroit, was first settled after the Erie Canal was opened. The rich soil, relatively flat land, and the vital Clinton River attracted pioneer and immigrant families who arrived to establish farmsteads. The first influx of immigrants came mainly from the British Isles, and by the 1870s, German
families had flocked to the area, raising dairy cattle and
establishing farms. Belgians, arriving in the early 1900s,
developed truck farming—growing fruits and vegetables
to sell every week at the farmers' market in Detroit. Farm
culture prevailed until the 1950s, when large industrial
plants began moving in, bringing with them workers and
a need for housing and city services. Sterling Township
became the city of Sterling Heights in 1968, and this
collection of photographs will showcase the families and
the way of life in the early days of this community, a
historic community that is now the fourth largest city in Michigan.

Cover image for Sterling Township, isbn: 9780738539751

The Grand Haven Area: 1860-1960

9780738519944

$24.99

Grand Haven is nestled in wooded dunes and surrounded by the waters of Lake Michigan, Spring Lake, and the Grand River. Under the leadership of Rev. William Montague Ferry, the first settlers arrived from Mackinac Island November 2, 1834. In recognition of the port's large, accommodating and safe harbor, Rix Robinson, fur trader and land holder, platted and named the town April 15, 1835. The approximately 200 photographs in this book are from the archives of the Tri-Cities Historical Museum. They provide an invaluable visual glimpse of the places, people, and events that shaped the Grand Haven area, which also includes Ferrysburg and Spring Lake, in the critical century between 1860 and 1960. In Grand Haven's early years the lumber industry took advantage of the towering white pines that grew for miles around, providing lumber for Chicago, Milwaukee, and other port cities. During this period the mineral water spas in Spring Lake, Fruitport, and Grand Haven spawned the area tourist industry that is still alive today. By 1890 the large tracts of forest were gone and the area sawmills closed. The slack was taken up by the Grand Trunk carferries, which began cross-lake service in 1903, making Grand Haven one of the busiest ports on Lake Michigan for the next 30 years.

Book cover for The Grand Haven Area 1860-1960 featuring a vintage street scene with horse drawn carriages

The Jewish Community of Metro Detroit 1945-2005

9780738540535

$24.99

After the end of World War II, Americans across the United States began a mass migration from the urban centers to suburbia. Entire neighborhoods transplanted themselves. The Jewish Community of Metro Detroit: 1945 –2005 provides a pictorial history of the Detroit Jewish community's transition from the city to the suburbs outside of Detroit. For the Jewish communities, life in the Detroit suburbs has been focused on family within a pluralism that embraces the spectrum of experience from the most religiously devout to the ethnically secular. Holidays, bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, and funerals have marked the passage of time. Issues of social justice, homeland, and religion have divided and brought people together. The architecture of the structures the Detroit Jewish community has erected, such as Temple Beth El designed by architect Minoru Yamasaki, testifies to the community's presence.

Cover image for The Jewish Community of Metro Detroit 1945-2005, isbn: 9780738540535

Bay View

9781467111669

$24.99

Bay View is a jewel box of a Northern Michigan Chautauqua community along the shores of Little Traverse Bay, southwest of the Mackinac Bridge. Founded in 1875 and now a National Historic Landmark, its 31 public buildings and 450 cottages are among the most pristine examples of 1900-era High Victorian architecture in the United States. Historical photographs capture the fascinating journey via rail and Great Lakes steamer to the early campground's beech-forested hillside. Rare images trace its path from a wilderness Methodist campground to a vibrant embodiment of Chautauqua's four pillars: the arts, education, recreation, and religion. Building on the Camp Meeting and Chautauqua traditions, the founders forged a unique lifestyle that ends every November only to resume with renewed energy every April. The turrets, towers, and gingerbread of this timeless Brigadoon excite the imagination today just as they did more than 135 years ago.

Cover image for Bay View, isbn: 9781467111669

The City of Wayne

9780738531779

$24.99

When settler George M. Johnson arrived in the area now known as Wayne, Michigan, in 1824, he may have only imagined that the site of his log cabin would later become home to a bustling, thriving, progressive city. Incorporated as the Village of Wayne in 1869 and the City of Wayne in 1960, its growth was heavily influenced by the development of railroads and the Chicago Turnpike, and it has evolved into a prosperous and multi-ethnic community. Through a collection of rare photographs drawn from the Wayne Historical Museum, author Valerie Latzman takes readers on a visual tour of Wayne's history, exploring the community's agricultural, industrial, commercial, and social origins. Discover the influential places, people, and events that have contributed to Wayne's unique heritage.

Book cover showing a sepia street parade led by a drummer in front of a marching band.

Detroit's Hospitals, Healers, and Helpers

9780738532233

$24.99

The modern hospital evolved from both military garrisons and poorhouses. It wasn't until the mid-19th century that facilities with a wider purpose were founded in Detroit to combat diseases like cholera, tuberculosis, and mental illness. Religious institutions and benevolent societies established homes and treatment centers for the ill and abandoned, while public institutions were created for the very first time. This fascinating pictorial history of health care in the Detroit area features over 200 photographs and postcards of early hospitals, sanitariums, and orphanages, and the kindhearted people who staffed them. From St. Mary's, founded in 1845 and later known as Detroit Memorial Hospital, to Henry Ford Hospital, founded in 1915, this book documents the variety of institutions that sought to relieve or cure medical conditions. Most of these historic facilities no longer exist, and are known only by the photographs that preserve them. The images provide a rare glimpse of what health care was like at the turn of the century.

Cover image for Detroit's Hospitals, Healers, and Helpers, isbn: 9780738532233

Lake County

9780738560175

$24.99

Native Americans roamed the beautiful lands of northern Michigan for many years, leaving a legacy of mature forests, clear waters, and plentiful game. By 1871, waves of immigrants were arriving from Europe, as well as Union soldiers after the Civil War. These pioneers brought with them the tools, know-how, and determination to transform the wild land into an economy based on the timber, railroads, and farming. Schools, churches, businesses, and tourism blossomed. The county's 156 lakes and 46 trout streams offered pristine settings for swimming, boating, hunting, and fishing. Resorts, sporting clubs, and cottage colonies sprang up to meet the needs of seasonal visitors. Early fishing guide and hotelier Andrew J. Bradford, financiers Curtis W. MacPhail and Robert J. Smith, philanthropist Martin Johnson, and others nurtured the growth of the communities. The Civilian Conservation Corps replanted the forests and built roads, the African American resort of Idlewild showcased black entertainers, and Raymond W. Overholzer built Shrine of the Pines, all promoting the county's development.

Cover image for Lake County, isbn: 9780738560175

Lost Coldwater

9781467112727

$24.99

In 1831, Rev. Allen Tibbits and Joseph Hanchett arrived in the area that would become Coldwater. Together, they platted out a village and named it Lyons after their hometown in New York. Potawatomi Indians called the area chuck-sey-ya-bish, which translated to cold water, and within two years the settlers followed the Indians' example in naming the village. Many pioneers traveled on the Historic Sauk Trail (now US Route 12), which connects Detroit to Chicago, putting Coldwater on the map. The introduction of the Erie Canal in 1825—and railroad transit in 1850—revolutionized travel and spawned rapid growth. By 1861, Coldwater was recognized as a city. As a result of this growth, cottages at Coldwater Lake started showing up in the late 1870s as summer getaways, enticing tourists to the area. In addition, cultural outlets like the Tibbits Opera House, built in 1882 and boasting Second Empire architecture, graced the downtown area.

Cover image for Lost Coldwater, isbn: 9781467112727

Branch County

9780738539645

$24.99

Branch County, home to the historic communities of Bronson, Union City, Quincy, Coldwater, and Sherwood, was named for John Branch, President Jackson's Secretary of the Navy. The original county seat was Masonville, in 1830, followed by the Village of Branch in 1831, and finally, Coldwater, in 1842. By 1836 there were 30 inns between Sturgis and Quincy along the Sauk Trail. Railroads first traveled through Branch County in 1850, and the presence of trains facilitated further growth and settlement. Individuals in Branch County accumulated wealth by selling horses, participating in the burgeoning cigar industry, and producing agricultural goods. The county is divided into 16 townships, and this book details the history of each city, village, and small settlement. Author Randall Hazelbaker shares images and memorabilia from his vast personal collection to document and celebrate the development of Branch County.

Cover image for Branch County, isbn: 9780738539645

Clawson

9780738533063

$24.99

Located in southeast Oakland County, the area now known as Clawson was first settled in the 1820s. Farming was the primary industry during the first 100 years, but in the 1920s, Clawson began to develop into a "bedroom" community within the 2.2 miles that now comprise the city limits. Through a large collection of photographs from the Clawson Historical Museum, Images of America: Clawson documents the people, places, and events that have contributed to Clawson's rich heritage. Join author Deloris Kumler on a visual journey through Clawson's history, from its settlement and incorporation through the origins of its schools, streets, and buildings.

Cover image for Clawson, isbn: 9780738533063

Resorts of Berrien County

9780738534077

$24.99

For over 125 years, Berrien County has beckoned visitors with its magnificent beaches, attractions, and events. During the early 20th century, some visitors to southwestern Michigan were upper-class industrialists, while others were working-class families belonging to close-knit ethnic communities. As the area developed into a resort haven, elaborate mansions shared the beach with the cottages of Irish, Czech, Swedish, Jewish, Greek, Lithuanian, Polish, Italian, and African-American communities. This book chronicles the early history of Berrien County's resort culture—from the twinkling amusement parks of Silver Beach and the House of David and the marathon dances at Shadowland Pavilion to the mineral baths at the Whitcomb Hotel and the fruit orchards found throughout the Heart of the Fruit Belt.

Cover image for Resorts of Berrien County, isbn: 9780738534077

Blissfield

9781467111676

$24.99

In 1824, Hervey Bliss, who according to Duane DeLoach's Blissfield's First 150 Years stood about five feet, three inches tall, with a somewhat florid complexion and . . . blue eyes, left Monroe County, blazed a trail 20 miles through the woods, built a log cabin, and founded the village of Blissfield on the west bank of the River Raisin. In 1826, George Giles, a neighbor of Bliss in Monroe County, moved onto land on the east side of the river in a place he called Lyons. Before the river was bridged, Blissfield consisted of two separate communities, each with its own schools and downtown areas; the village retains some of that split personality. Triple bridges, once nationally famous, remain the proud symbol of Blissfield, joining what the River Raisin keeps separate and what, as floodwaters insist, the river can still force apart.

Cover image for Blissfield, isbn: 9781467111676

Harrison Township

9780738519258

$24.99

The Gateway to Water Fun-Harrison Township's motto says it all. From the Native Americans, missionaries, and farmers who tamed the wilderness to the boaters who flock to the Township's launches, marinas, and ever-increasing subdivisions, the adventurous have found a home in the area now commonly referred to as Boat Town U.S.A. Illustrated in over 200 vintage photographs, Harrison Township, Michigan captures the events and everyday activities that have come to define this eastern Michigan township. Featured in this wonderful collection are current and past attractions, such as Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Metropolitan Beach Metropark, and the many marinas and waterfront restaurants. This pictorial history explores the trials, successes, and dreams of the Township's founders, revealing a history that lives on in the mind's eye and in images passed on through generations.

Cover for Harrison Township Michigan featuring a vintage photo of a group around an early automobile in front of a large porch.

Eastern Lapeer County

9781467111393

$24.99

The Northwest Territory opened Michigan's wilderness and what later became Lapeer County and its first settlement, Almont. Through a dense forest, thick with undergrowth and quagmire, these determined settlers fought the primitive frontier and their own fears. Today, the sounds of church bells ring out across the hills, whispering of the soldiers, pioneers, and Native Americans of yore, of their heartache, hardships, and joy. Like an old-fashioned quilt, their threads of courage, fortitude, and unwavering Christian beliefs wove a colorful picture through the years. Settlers and Native Americans found a commonality trading their wares, working and recreating together. Whether it is the minister doing his master's work, the bounty hunters seeking out runaway slaves and abolitionists of the Underground Railroad, or the wealthy tycoons making their fortunes during the railroad era, their stories are within the pages of this book. Here, strangers are greeted country style, as the panoramic view of Eastern Lapeer County comes alive with history, heritage, and hospitality.

Cover image for Eastern Lapeer County, isbn: 9781467111393

Jackson County

9781467110440

$24.99

In rare and historic images, the stories and memories of Jackson from Pioneer days, booms and busts, come to life.

Michigan was not yet a state in July 1829 when Horace Blackman of Berkshire, New York, arrived in Ann Arbor to visit his friend Jonathan F. Stratton, who advised Blackman to make a location claim in a new county that had just been surveyed west of Washtenaw County. Blackman began traveling with Capt. Alexander Laverty, a woodsman and land surveyor, and Pee-wy-tum, a Native American guide. Along the way, they came to the mouth of the St. Joseph Indian Trail, which crossed the Grand River. The earliest pioneers of Jackson stayed there for the first night at what are now Jackson and Trail Streets. The town was first called Jacksonopolis. Later, it was renamed Jacksonburgh. Finally, in 1838, the town's name was changed to simply Jackson.

Cover image for Jackson County, isbn: 9781467110440

Saginaw County, Michigan

9780738531618

$24.99

As part of the Northwest Territory, the Saginaw wilderness was not organized into a county until January 28, 1835. When Canadian, Scottish, German, and Irish pioneers began to settle along the region's many rivers, small communities developed-Burt, Birch Run, Bridgeport, Frankenmuth, Freeland, Hemlock, Merrill, St. Charles, Chesaning, Oakley, and Zilwaukee-in addition to larger towns such as Carrollton, Saginaw City, and East Saginaw. Using stories and photographs collected from life-long residents and historical societies throughout Saginaw County, this book documents the colorful lumbering, agricultural, and industrial past of these communities from the mid-1800s through the early 1900s.

Cover image for Saginaw County, Michigan, isbn: 9780738531618

Chesterfield Township

9780738578033

$24.99

The first French explorers and missionaries came to the area that would later be known as Chsterfield Township around 1611, naming the dominant waterway Luc Sainte Claire. The first purchase of government land was made by Fabian Robertjean on August 20, 1820, in Section 11, near New Baltimore's Washington Street. In 1842, via Public Act 57, the Michigan State Legislature officially created the charter township of Chesterfield. Chesterfield is nestled between two old Michigan cities, New Baltimore and Mt. Clemens. The history of the township is closely aligned with these two cities, especially New Baltimore, with whom it has shared a post office from the time the New Baltimore Post Office was established in 1851 as Ashleyville (named for founder Alfred Ashley) and given its current name in 1855. New Baltimore was a part of Chesterfield until 1931, when it "seceded" from the township.

Cover image for Chesterfield Township, isbn: 9780738578033

Otsego and Plainwell

9780738541167

$24.99

In 1831, Samuel Foster and his family built a log house near the rapids of the Kalamazoo River at what is now downtown Otsego. Soon others interested in utilizing the power afforded by the river set up sawmills and grain mills for newly arriving settlers, and the beginnings of a town quickly took shape. In the 1900s, Otsego became synonymous with the paper industry, and for a while, seven paper mills were in operation at the same time. Plainwell, originally called Plainfield and the Junction, situated itself at the crossroads of the old plank roads that led to Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Allegan. Here too, the paper industry played an important part in the growth of Plainwell. Since the downtown area is completely surrounded by the Kalamazoo River and a millrace, it is now referred to as the Island City. Plainwell's historic heritage is evident today through its quaint downtown architecture and beautifully restored neighborhood homes. Otsego and Plainwell have grown up close to each other and share their stories, families, and traditions.

Cover image for Otsego and Plainwell, isbn: 9780738541167

Mount Pleasant:

9780738531762

$24.99

Nestled on the scenic Chippewa River, the city of Mount Pleasant, Michigan, is home to a unique community with a vibrant heritage. An area first inhabited by the Saginaw Chippewa tribe, it has evolved from a humble settlement into a center of commerce, relying upon agriculture, lumbering, oil and gas, banking, and higher education throughout its first century. Although the source of its prosperity has changed over the years, Mount Pleasant's pioneering spirit has remained constant. This book utilizes a collection of archival photographs drawn from the Clarke Historical Library to document Mount Pleasant's progress and expansion from 1854 through 1954.

Sepia cover image showing workers on a wooden scaffold during Mount Pleasant construction 1854-1954.

Canton Township

9780738540986

$24.99

Canton Township: The Corn Capital of Michigan.

Canton Township, which took its name from the city in China to distinguish itself from other early American communities, has a rich agricultural heritage, evident from its nickname. The pioneers who traveled to Canton in the first half of the 19th century were a hearty breed of farmers and settlers who cleared land, built roads, and forged a life for their families in the wilderness of the Northwest Territories. No single town center emerged, but two villages—Sheldon Corners and Cherry Hill—sprang up to provide centers of community activity in their churches, post offices, and general stores. Eventually the appearance of the automobile and the expressway dramatically altered the landscape of Canton Township, leading to the commercial development and housing boom of today.

Cover image for Canton Township, isbn: 9780738540986

Jewish Ann Arbor

9780738540214

$24.99

The earliest Jewish settlers arrived in Michigan during the mid-18th century. Primarily traders associated with the burgeoning fur industry, few of these entrepreneurs remained permanently. During the early 1840s, the five Weil
brothers, farmers and tanners from Germany, became the first prominent Jewish settlers in Washtenaw County. By the end of that decade, a Jewish cemetery was established on what is now the site of the Horace Rackham Building on the University of Michigan campus. Though the Weil family
eventually moved west, the cemetery remained as a marker for what was then a miniscule Jewish presence. In the early 20th century, Osias Zwerdling and the Lansky family arrived. In addition to reestablishing a Jewish presence in Ann Arbor, they helped form what became Beth Israel Congregation. Growth of the Ann Arbor Jewish community coincided with the evolution of the university, as well as the city. By the end of the 20th century, a vibrant community representing all facets of Judaism had been established.

Cover image for Jewish Ann Arbor, isbn: 9780738540214

Chaldeans in Detroit

9781467112550

$24.99

In greater Detroit, Chaldeans from present-day Iraq have established a strong presence and a thriving community.

Chaldeans (pronounced Kal-de'an) are a distinct ethnic group from present-day Iraq with roots stretching back to Abraham, the biblical patriarch of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam who was from the Ur of the Chaldees. Chaldeans are Catholic, with their own patriarch, and they speak a dialect of Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ. Chaldeans began immigrating to the United States at the beginning of the 20th century, when Iraq was known as Mesopotamia (the Greek word meaning land between two rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates). Lured by Henry Ford's promise of $5 per day, many Chaldeans went to work in Detroit's automotive factories. They soon followed their entrepreneurial instincts to open their own businesses, typically grocery markets and corner stores. Religious persecution has caused tens of thousands of Chaldeans to relocate to Michigan. Today, the Greater Detroit area has the largest concentration of Chaldeans outside of Iraq: 150,000 people.

Cover image for Chaldeans in Detroit, isbn: 9781467112550

Old Newsboys' Goodfellow Fund of Detroit

9781467112581

$24.99

It started with a cartoon—Forgotten, by Tom May—in which a poor child, too young and innocent to understand why she had not received a Christmas present from Santa, weeps over an empty stocking. It ran on Christmas Day in 1908 in the Detroit Journal, where it caught the attention of key Detroit businessmen. Deeply moved, they entered into a solemn pact to do all within their power to prevent any Detroit child from being forgotten. In 1914, under the leadership of James J. Brady, himself a former newsboy, the Old Newsboys' Goodfellow Fund of Detroit was formed. This year, the fund celebrates 100 years of making sure there is no kiddie without a Christmas. One such fortunate kiddie was retired Detroit News columnist Pete Waldmeir, a longtime Goodfellow who generously agreed to write the introduction to this book, Old Newsboys' Goodfellow Fund of Detroit: 100 Years.

Cover image for Old Newsboys' Goodfellow Fund of Detroit, isbn: 9781467112581

Chaldean Catholic Church

9781467160193

$24.99

The Chaldean Church is among the ancient Eastern Churches serving the Chaldean people around the world.

Present-day Chaldeans are the descendants of the ancient people of Mesopotamia (Iraq)—the cradle of civilizations, the bedrock of the Old Testament prophets, and the land of the first Christians outside the ancient Roman Empire. Chaldeans are Catholic in faith, using the ancient Aramaic liturgical rite with the language that Jesus spoke during his earthly ministry. The Chaldean Church has a glorious history with countless martyrs and great missionary enterprises. By the start of the 20th century, Chaldeans increasingly began to flee Iraq in search of freedom and stability. Today, although several generations have been born and raised in the United States, Canada, Western Europe, and Australia, Iraq remains an important religious and cultural region. This book portrays important events during Chaldean history, with a focus on the migrant groups in the United States and Canada.

Cover image for Chaldean Catholic Church, isbn: 9781467160193

Alpine Township

9780738551043

$24.99

Alpine Township's roots are in harvesting. Native Americans harvested cranberries near a lake by the same name, Cranberry Lake. After logging out the forested area of the township, starting 160 years ago, farmers found peach trees, then apples, and a variety of fruit grew well on the rolling hills of this area referred to as the Ridge. The name Alpine came from the combination of two words, all pine, in reference to the trees that grew in abundance in the township. Today Alpine Avenue has become a major commercial district on the northwest side of Grand Rapids, in western Michigan.

Cover image for Alpine Township, isbn: 9780738551043

Newaygo County

9780738541150

$24.99

Pioneers in Newaygo County were motivated by the call of adventure and a chance to make a fortune in the vast wilderness. The first settlers came to lumber the virgin white pine that grew in the Newaygo forests. The Muskegon River flowed through the region and, along with the White River and many creeks and lakes, offered a major waterway to float logs to Lake Michigan. As early as 1837, Newaygo loggers were floating logs to market, becoming large contributors to the lumbering industry. Lumber from Newaygo County was used to rebuild Chicago after the Great Fire of 1871. In 1851, legislature gave Newaygo independence to form a county and Newaygo County entered a growth spurt that continues to this day. With the coming of the railroad in 1872 and a rapid increase in population, small settlements started popping up. As areas became logged out, many of these settlements died and have been long forgotten; many others remained and thrive today. Newaygo County: 1850-1920 preserves the history of these settlements and the people who built them.

Cover image for Newaygo County, isbn: 9780738541150

Vassar

9780738578248

$24.99

When a person looks around the city of Vassar, it is hard to imagine that this was once a vast cork pine forest in the Saginaw Valley. Townsend North, along with his brothers-in-law James and Newton Edmunds, came to settle the land in 1849. Vassar quickly went from a small lumber camp to a fast-growing village and would be known for setting many records for Tuscola County, including being the first county seat. Vassar also had the first newspaper, the first house of worship, the first schools, and so much more. In later years, it would also become the only city in the county. Vassar became a lot like Mayberry, in the fact that everyone knows everyone and there is a small town atmosphere that draws people to town. This became well known in 1949, when Vassar celebrated its 100th birthday. To this day, Vassar is still known for its small-town charm.

Cover image for Vassar, isbn: 9780738578248

The Brighton Area

9780738593678

$24.99

In 1867, with a clear vision, steady growth, and prosperity, the village of Brighton was forged in the freshly cut tracks of wagon wheels. Eager settlers poured in from the East, and the Brighton area exploded with fertile farms and bustling businesses, quickly necessitating a train station, electricity, paved roads, and freeways. Rich in its farming roots and unique in its journey, Brighton has emerged as one of the most desirable Michigan communities to live in today. Follow the visual transformation from its humble yet arduous beginnings to the thriving modern business town it has become. This treasured collection of photographs provides a fascinating historical record of the people, farms, and businesses that drove the unstoppable development of Brighton through the 19th and 20th centuries. The architecture, landscape, and cherished character of Brighton tell the stories that embody the foundation of the community today.

Cover image for The Brighton Area, isbn: 9780738593678

Meridian Township

9781467114394

$24.99

Meridian Township began as a collection of small pioneer communities. Pine Lake was the largest body of water in Ingham County, and Native tribes camped along its shores and cut a trail along the west side of the lake. White pioneers appeared in 1836 and began to turn the thick forests into viable farmland. In the late 19th century, James Haslett helped establish a community focused on the practices of spiritualism. The new Haslett Park community hosted a summer camp for believers, and the little Pine Lake community was renamed Haslett and the lake to Lake Lansing. The village of Okemos began as a settlement along the Red Cedar River, the major waterway south of Lake Lansing. The area was the seasonal campsite for Chief Okemos and his Chippewa and Ottawa followers. The community was originally named Sanford after the first white settler, renamed Hamilton after Andrew Hamilton, and finally to Okemos in honor of the old chief who died in the 1850s.

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Jewish Detroit

9780738519968

$24.99

In 1762, Chapman Abraham became the first Jew to set foot in Detroit, and the Jewish community has played a significant role in Detroit's history ever since. Sarah and Isaac Cozens formed the Beth El Society in 1850, when the census showed 51 Jewish adults living in Detroit. The cholera epidemic of 1854 claimed the life of the rabbi of Detroit's only Jewish congregation. But the community continued to grow, and to serve. Two-hundred and ten Jewish soldiers from Michigan served in the Civil War-more than one per family.

Jewish Detroit chronicles in photographs the history of this remarkable community in Detroit, from its growth within the city to its migration to the suburbs, from its battles against anti-Semitism at the hands of Henry Ford and others to celebrating its own heroes like Hank Greenberg, the all-star first baseman of the Detroit Tigers.

Vintage street scene with columned building and a black red framed label reading Jewish Detroit

The Romeo Peach Festival

9780738540597

$24.99

In 1813, Michael Bowerman built a cabin two miles south of what later became Romeo. Bowerman carried a small number of peach pits from his father's farm in New York, introducing the popular fruit to Macomb County and establishing the roots of today's Westview Orchards. In 1931, hoping for an economic boost, area orchard managers convinced village president Edward Jacob to create a festival. Jacob embraced the idea and traveled to northern Michigan to study the Michigan Cherry Festival in Traverse City. Upon his return, the first annual peach festival was held with much success with the cooperation of local merchants. Held on Labor Day weekend in Romeo, and called the Romeo Peach Festival by the locals, the Michigan Peach Festival has been sponsored by the Lions Club since 1951 and is the second-oldest festival in the state. In honor of the 75th anniversary, a collection of over 200 photographs has been assembled, including images of Peach Queens, the Floral Parade, and the surrounding orchards.

Cover image for The Romeo Peach Festival, isbn: 9780738540597

Algoma Township

9781467114165

$24.99

Algoma Township was established by the Michigan Legislature on March 15, 1849, and named in honor of the steamer Algoma, which ran a route on the nearby Grand River in 1848. The township's earliest settlers included the Lapham, Davis, Helsel, Morningstar, and Porter families, among others. Early residents logged and farmed the area's land; today, these traditions continue. The Powell and Bowler farms are just two local examples of Centennial Farms (farms that have been owned and operated by the same family for more than 100 years). Other groups—including the Algoma Grange No. 751, United Brethren Church, and small rural schools—helped to establish a community in Algoma even without it having an independent town center. As a result, Algoma grew beyond its humble beginnings and Native American name that translates to fields of wild roses. The treasured stories and images presented in this collection aim to highlight Algoma Township's development and the hardworking people who call the township home.

Cover image for Algoma Township, isbn: 9781467114165

Eastpointe

9780738531755

$24.99

Known today as "A Family Town," the city of Eastpointe, Michigan possesses a vibrant history and a unique heritage. This book showcases over 220 historic images, including rare plat maps, to document Eastpointe's growth and development throughout the past two centuries. Eastpointe, Michigan serves as a visual tour of the area's rural roots and urban progress, from the 1830s, when immigrants began to settle in the region, through the present day, when it thrives as a multi-ethnic suburb of Detroit. In these pages, discover Eastpointe's founding families, its notable historic homes and businesses, and its evolution from an agricultural hamlet into a celebrated suburban community.

Eastpointe cover from Images of America with a sepia photograph of a historic street scene and storefronts.

Detroit's Mount Olivet Cemetery

9780738540924

$24.99

Mount Olivet was the second Catholic cemetery developed by the Mount Elliott Cemetery Association. Now surrounded by city, Mount Olivet was nestled in the countryside when it opened in 1888. Directions in 1900 instructed visitors to reach the cemetery via train or electric streetcar. Round-trip was 35¢ on the Grand Trunk Railroad. The varied backgrounds of those buried in the consecrated ground at Mount Olivet reflect the surge in immigration to the city that spanned the early 20th century. Belgian, German, Italian, and Polish cultural, business, and political leaders are buried here. Each group clustered near its own Catholic parish and had its own funeral directors, photographers, and florists: Our Lady of Sorrows (Belgian), St. Joseph (German), San Francesco (Italian), and St. Albertus (Polish). Funeral directors included Charles Verheyden (Belgian), Frank J. Calcaterra (Italian), and Joseph Kulwicki (Polish), who officiated at the first burial at the cemetery. Military burials range from Civil War soldiers to those who fought in Vietnam. The cemetery is graced with beautiful marble and granite statuary and unique mausoleums designed by noted architects and featuring stained-glass windows. The Mount Elliott Cemetery Association provides perpetual care for Mount Olivet Cemetery and four sister cemeteries: Mount Elliott, Resurrection, All Saints, and Guardian Angel.

Cover image for Detroit's Mount Olivet Cemetery, isbn: 9780738540924

Manistique

9780738560380

$24.99

Manistique, as with many towns in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, became a boomtown as interest in natural resources made its westward movement. The area was first populated by Native Americans and occasional fur traders. Fr. Frederic Baraga made his appearance in the early 1800s bringing Christianity, but development of the area did not begin until the latter part of the 1800s. With the eastern United States' timber gone, Manistique was discovered in the 1870s and the timber rush began. Until the early 1900s, Manistique was a boomtown with sawmills, subsidiary companies, and supporting merchants and services. Once the timber was cut, the companies moved westward to find more timber and Manistique was left behind. As time went along in the last century, Manistique retained a few industries, but its primary focus has become serving as a mecca for tourism.

Cover image for Manistique, isbn: 9780738560380

Hamtramck

9780738551418

$24.99

With a population made up overwhelmingly of Polish immigrants and descendents of Poles, Hamtramck was especially hardhit by the impact of World War II. Most of the city's residents had family contacts with the old country. When Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, Hamtramckans reacted with shock and anger—and with a determination to see fascism defeated and Poland freed. Thousands of Hamtramckans fought in the war, hundreds died. And those who remained at home dealt with the wartime life as best they could. Hamtramck: The World War II Years presents a portrait of the city at war. It tells and shows how Hamtramckans—of all ages, races, and backgrounds—coped with shortages, the threat of attack, and the everpresent dread that the next telegram may bring news of a soldier's death. It was a challenging time that demanded strength, dedication, and sacrifice. Hamtramckans stood up and delivered all that was required—and more.

Cover image for Hamtramck, isbn: 9780738551418

Richmond Area

9780738593708

$24.99

This visual history of Richmond depicts the area from its beginning as four small, individual communities: Beebe's Corners, Ridgeway-Lenox, an unincorporated business center between them known as Cooper's Town, and Muttonville. The Richmond area was first settled by pioneer families that had a collective vision of growth and prosperity for themselves and their communities. The dreams and visions of Daniel Hall and Erastus and Henry Beebe, men who carved a life out of the virgin forest, appear to have come true with the modern and bustling city of Richmond.

Cover image for Richmond Area, isbn: 9780738593708

St. Ignace Car Culture

9780738584393

$24.99

St. Ignace hosted its first car show in 1976 as part of the bicentennial celebration. Over the years, the annual gathering has grown into one of the largest collector-vehicle events in the country. This lakeside community overlooking the mighty Mackinac Bridge and historic Mackinac Island boasts a spectacular waterfront—the perfect backdrop for a stunning array of eye-catching vehicles. In the early years, media referred to this show as dessert. As the numbers of participants and attendees grew, it became known as the main course. For teenagers growing up in the 1950s it was all new—cruisin', drive-ins, drag strips, the country's intense love affair with the automobile, and the birth of rock ‘n roll. Over 34 years, the St. Ignace Car Show has brought hundreds of automotive legends to town, and car-show traffic set crossing records on the Mackinac Bridge that are unlikely ever to be broken. So fire up the hot rod and cruise back to a simpler time . . . all these cars and still no traffic light!

Cover image for St. Ignace Car Culture, isbn: 9780738584393

Kalamazoo River

9781467129022

$23.99

The Kalamazoo River stretches 178 miles, from Hillsdale County to Lake Michigan. The river winds its way through southwest Michigan, providing opportunities for recreation, including kayaking and fishing. Settlements along the river have a rich history that began with Native Americans and European settlers. In the early 1900s, several dams were built along the river for hydroelectric power, leading to many mills (lumber, flour, grist, and paper) dotting its banks. This ushered in an industrial era along the river. For many years, the river and its surrounding land were the primary places for business waste disposal, which jeopardized aquatic communities. In the 1960s, people demanded better water quality, and environmental laws were passed in the 1970s. Derelict hydroelectric dams along the Kalamazoo River are now being removed to restore the river's natural flow and its aquatic life. Come along as the Kalamazoo River's past is revealed.

Cover image for Kalamazoo River, isbn: 9781467129022

Madison Heights

9781467110921

$24.99

Madison Heights is known as the City of Progress, with high levels of community spirit and volunteerism. Incorporated as a city on January 17, 1955, the area grew from contiguous, productive farmlands in the mid-1800s. Pioneering families such as Kendall and Lamphere contributed portions of their land for one-room schools. Later, mom-and-pop stores, automobile services, and taverns gave rise to the first businesses. The area, then known as Royal Oak Township, saw major growth following World War II, when many residents were employed by the auto industry. With a population expanding to over 40,000, the area offered a wide range of homes, senior housing, three quality school districts, and a variety of recreational, sports, and church opportunities for community involvement through numerous organizations. Emphasis has shifted from auto manufacturing to light industrial, medical, and technology companies. Madison Heights is a city of hometown warmth, and all of these qualities are illustrated through photographs and personal recollections in Images of America: Madison Heights.

Cover image for Madison Heights, isbn: 9781467110921

Mason County

9781467114455

$24.99

Mason County: 1850-1950 portrays the settlement and growth of Mason County, Michigan, as the area transformed from a land covered in virgin pine and native settlements to communities of farmers and manufacturers. This history of the region begins with images of logging and mills and follows the growth of towns, villages, and individual townships. The adversity, struggles, successes, and joys of carving a new life from the wilderness are captured in more than 200 carefully selected images. These unique photographs illustrate a life of hardship, service, and dedication to faith, family, and community as the area transitioned and changed over the decades.

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Detroit's Woodlawn Cemetery

9780738531564

$24.99

A repository of community memory, exquisite architectural structures, and lasting tributes to the departed, Woodlawn Cemetery serves as a testament to Detroit's multi-faceted history. Considered by many as an outdoor museum of Detroit's architectural, economic, social, and cultural vitality, Woodlawn is the final resting place of the Dodge Brothers, Edsel and Eleanor Ford, Hazen Pingree, and James Couzens, along with countless other historic figures. Through a rare collection of photographs, this book serves as a guided tour along the paths of Woodlawn, from the work of noteworthy architects and sculptors to the legacies of the extraordinary people who have shaped Detroit history.

Cover image for Detroit's Woodlawn Cemetery, isbn: 9780738531564

Lost Ann Arbor

9780738533391

$24.99

Ann Arbor might have become just another small Michigan village had it not been for one crucial event: its designation as the home of the University of Michigan in 1837. Its subsequent development into a thriving cultural and intellectual community was marked by its extraordinary architecture, from the grand 1878 courthouse to the exquisite original university buildings and fashionable East Huron Street. The expansion of the town and university, the arrival of the automobile, and frequent fires began atransformation of Ann Arbor that led to the tragic demolition of some of its most remarkable structures. Lost Ann Arbor is a tribute to these long-lost treasures and the 19th century way of life that accompanied them.

Cover image for Lost Ann Arbor, isbn: 9780738533391

Fraser

9781467110310

$24.99

Native Americans were the first to inhabit Fraser. In fact, Mulvey Road, the oldest street in Fraser, was originally a Native American trail. As French and English pioneers settled Macomb County, Alexander D. Fras(z)er came from Detroit and established the settlement of Frazer in 1858. Many of the first inhabitants were of German descent. In 1875, a lumber business was established in Frazer by Charles Steffens, who would later serve as president of the village; his son George and George's son Walter also held that office. Another major business started in the community was Reindel Hardware, which began in 1898 and is still in operation. In 1894, Frazer was incorporated as a village. Its English and German spellings, Fraser and Frazer, were used interchangeably until 1928, when a vote was taken to establish the community with an s. In 1905, Fraser had a major fire that destroyed many of the town's buildings, although a bucket brigade saved many of the residences from the blaze. The State Bank of Fraser was established in 1910, and in 1930 its majestic new building, which still stands today, was built at Fourteen Mile and Utica Roads. In 1956, Fraser was incorporated as a city.

Cover image for Fraser, isbn: 9781467110310

Detroit's Statler and Book-Cadillac Hotels

9780738520254

$24.99

During the first three decades of the 20th century, Detroit's Washington Boulevard was transformed from a minor backstreet into a major commercial and social center. Three brothers named Book dreamed that Washington Boulevard would become "the Fifth Avenue of the Midwest." It was through their efforts, as well as those of businessmen like E.M. Statler, that the dream became a reality. The two fundamental developments that anchored this dream were the massive Statler and Book-Cadillac Hotels.

Between the 1920s and 1960s, Detroit's finest hotels fiercely competed with one another for the lion's share of tourist, convention, business, and dining traffic. This book serves as a comparative study of the Book-Cadillac and Statler Hotels of Detroit, and their impact on the development of Washington Boulevard. Here you will find the story of these two legendary institutions, illustrated with over 180 photographs from the Burton Historical Collection, Manning Brothers, the Walter Reuther Library, and private collections.

Sepia toned Detroit street scene with tall historic buildings and a red caption bar at the bottom.

The Works Progress Administration in Detroit

9780738551814

$24.99

In the midst of the Depression, a government agency was created that changed the lives of thousands of Americans. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was more than a program that put the unemployed to work, it was a revolutionary concept that sought to improve the lives of Americans through the physical improvement of their surroundings and the physical and intellectual improvement of themselves. For the people of Detroit, the WPA built schools and libraries, provided clothing and shelter, and enriched their lives through literacy, health, and educational programs. It brought art, theater, and music to the masses through groundbreaking cultural programs and created the infrastructure necessary to allow Detroit to blossom into the "Arsenal of Democracy" and one of America's greatest cities.

Cover image for The Works Progress Administration in Detroit, isbn: 9780738551814

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.

Cover image for Detroit's Holy Family Church, isbn: 9780738552170

Newaygo County

9781467112055

$24.99

People moved into Newaygo County to farm, as the terrain offered beneficial conditions for planting crops and orchards, and eventually the area developed into several interwoven farming communities. Once agriculture took root, others businesses and crafts found a marketplace within county limits, and Newaygo began to grow while still maintaining a sense of hometown warmness and caring. Residents are proud of their heritage and history and know how to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty regardless of the season.

Cover image for Newaygo County, isbn: 9781467112055

Holt and Delhi Township

9781467110099

$24.99

The history of Delhi Charter Township and the unincorporated community of Holt is remembered with historical photographs that show the changes over the years. Holt once seemed like a country town, as farmland and woodlots separated it from Lansing; however, many current residents may not recall that era. North Cemetery on Miller Road was annexed by the City of Lansing in the early 1960s. Heavy development changed the land along Cedar Street, and even the expansive Kahres farm with the best corn growing land succumbed to commercialism. Even businesses changed, with the loss of the Hartley Grocery and the delightful Country Kitchen Restaurant. Much of the forgotten history of the area, including Miller Road and Maple Grove, can be found in the attics or boxes of longtime residents. Images of America: Holt and Delhi Township showcases many fine photographs for readers to enjoy.

Cover image for Holt and Delhi Township, isbn: 9781467110099

Detroit's Historic Water Works Park

9780738593630

$24.99

Detroit's Historic Water Works Park takes the reader on a nostalgic trip back to when it was possible to see beyond the horizon from the top of the tallest freestanding structure in the Americas. At one time, Water Works Park's colorful, stunningly beautiful, and varied floral displays were reason enough for thousands of people to travel hundreds of miles or more to Detroit. In addition to its primary function as a source of high-quality drinking water for Detroit and neighboring communities since 1879, Water Works Park was a popular place of rest, reflection, and recreation. At one time, its popularity among Detroiters and visitors to the city was exceeded only by Belle Isle, the city's big island playground in the Detroit River.

Cover image for Detroit's Historic Water Works Park, isbn: 9780738593630

Maltese in Detroit

9780738583372

$24.99

Most Maltese immigrants came to the United States during the first decades of the 20th century after the discharge of skilled workers from the Royal British Dockyard in 1919 following the end of World War I. More than 1,300 Maltese came to the United States in the first quarter of 1920. Many people found work in the automobile industry, and with about 5,000 residents, Detroit had the largest Maltese population in the United States. Maltese in Detroit focuses on the many people of Maltese descent who made their homes in Detroit's Corktown area. By the mid-1920s, it is believed that more than 15,000 Maltese had settled in the United States. After World War II , the Maltese government launched a program to pay passage for Maltese willing to immigrate and remain abroad for at least two years. By the mid-1990s, an estimated more than 70,000 Maltese immigrants and descendants were living in the United States, with the largest single community in Detroit and its surrounding suburbs.

Cover image for Maltese in Detroit, isbn: 9780738583372

Detroit's Mexicantown

9780738578026

$24.99

Detroit's Mexicantown offers readers a glimpse into this rich and cultural community's beginnings.

Mexican immigrants began to settle in Detroit at the beginning of the 20th century. They were attracted by the jobs available in the automobile industry and the rest of the rapidly expanding industrial base. Like other immigrant ethnic groups, Mexicans came to Detroit intent on providing a better life, and future, for their families. They opened businesses like specialty grocery and retail stores, barbershops, and restaurants. They bought homes, educated their children, served in all branches of the military, and became model Americans. What they brought to Detroit were family values, faith, and a strong work ethic. Detroit's Mexicantown offers a glimpse into when and where the community started.

Cover image for Detroit's Mexicantown, isbn: 9780738578026

Dutch Heritage in Kent and Ottawa Counties

9780738560281

$24.99

On February 9, 1847, Rev. Albertus C. Van Raalte chose a site on Michigan's Black River and founded what became Holland. Motivated in part by a potato famine and crop failures, the settlers also sought religious freedom. Other countrymen followed, leaving an indelible mark on the character of southwest Michigan. Jan Douma and Matteus Notier, Union soldiers from Graafschap, guarded the bier of slain president Abraham Lincoln. Newbery Medal-winning children's author Meindert DeJong came from Grand Rapids, as did Caldecott Medalist Chris Van Allsburg. The legacy includes Hope, Calvin, and Kuyper Colleges, the world-class Fredrik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, the Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center at Spectrum Hospital, DeVos Performance Hall, Van Andel Arena, the DeGraaf Nature Center, Windmill Island, Dutch Village, and Veldheer's Tulip Gardens. The Dutch forefathers passed their values on to their progeny to make the area what it is today.

Cover image for Dutch Heritage in Kent and Ottawa Counties, isbn: 9780738560281

Plymouth's First Century

9780738519876

$24.99

The year 2002 marks the 175th anniversary of the founding of Plymouth Township in Michigan Territory. The first settlers were true pioneers, carving a living out of the wilderness and working together to establish a community. Farms and farmers were the backbone of the community until after the Civil War when two railroads intersected in the Village of Plymouth. The railroads brought many opportunities to the area, and helped spread the products invented by an innovative population.

Plymouth, Michigan's First Century: Innovators and Industry contains more than 200 images from the Plymouth Historical Museum and from the collections of some of Plymouth's current residents. You'll see the township blossom from farms and mills to a cohesive community of inventors and patriots. Early images of the main business block of Plymouth Village are reminiscent of the Wild West; later images depict a vibrant community, as it remains today.

Cover image for Plymouth's First Century, isbn: 9780738519876

Roseville

9781467114561

$24.99

Contrary to popular notion (and the city's street and welcome signs, which feature an iconic rose bloom), Roseville is not named after the flower but after Denison Rose, a hero of the War of 1812. His son William Rose was named the first postmaster in 1836. Roseville incorporated as a village in 1926 and as a city in 1958. Known as a bedroom community because of its location halfway between Detroit and Mount Clemens, the city reached its maximum population in 1970. Today, Roseville is experiencing a major commercial boom that includes a renovation of Macomb Mall, one of the first malls in the country.

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Bedford Township

9780738534213

$24.99

Located in southeast Michigan, Bedford Township is Toledo, Ohio's largest suburb. It has been widely recognized as the garden spot of Monroe County and is a great place to raise children. Emerging out of Erie Township in 1836, Bedford Township grew from a group of 60 pioneering families, many of whom still have descendants in the area. Bedford encompasses the three unincorporated villages of Lambertville, Samaria, and Temperance. All have developed a strong sense of local pride, manifested in various annual events including homecomings, trade fairs, and school and family reunions. Bedfordians who have achieved wide recognition include ballplayer LeRoy Bud Parmelee, Brighten the Corner hymnist Ina Duley Ogdon, bus safety-mirror inventor Reid Stout, artist Howard J. Schuler, World War II hero Ensign Harry Lee Corl, and Sens. Norm Shinkle and Bev Hammerstrom. We invite you to browse these pages, noting family names—if your friends or relatives are mentioned, enjoy renewed acquaintances. Next time you are back home check out our Local History Room in the grand new Bedford Branch of the Monroe County Library, where you may find your ancestors on the shelves.

Cover image for Bedford Township, isbn: 9780738534213

Livonia Preserved

9780738541136

$24.99

Livonia Preserved: Greenmead and Beyond tells the story of Greenmead and the Livonia Historical Village and other historic resources through photographs and other ephemera. The story begins with Livonia's earliest attempts to preserve its history at Quaker Acres, how it came into being, and the buildings that were moved to the site. These early efforts were expanded to a 100-acre farm complex–called Greenmead–acquired by the city in 1976. In addition to stories surrounding the Greenmead Historical Park, Livonia Preserved features other interesting structures and sites, such as Henry Ford's Newburg Mill, the Wilson Barn, the Felician Motherhouse, historic cemeteries, and private homes. Each of these represents a unique piece of Livonia history.

Cover image for Livonia Preserved, isbn: 9780738541136

Salem Township

9780738577272

$24.99

Before white settlers came to the area that is now Salem Township, Potawatomi Indians hunted and fished in a forest filled with abundant wildlife. The settlers cleared the trees to work the land and built a lumber mill along Little Rabbit River. Salem was primarily a farming community carved out by hardworking pioneers. Four towns were established to serve this farming community: Diamond Springs to the south, New Salem to the north, and Burnips Corners and Salem Center (now known as Burnips) in the center. In 1855, Salem Township separated from Monterey Township; then, in the 1930s, the discovery of oil brought financial relief to Salem farm families who struggled to maintain their farms. A new wave of residents came to settle in the Salem area as men seeking work in the oil fields brought their families to the community.

Cover image for Salem Township, isbn: 9780738577272

Victory Township

9780738551425

$24.99

Founded two years after the end of the Civil War, the township's name heralded the Union victory. Blanketed with a variety of hardwoods and some white pine stands of timber, Victory Township was an untamed wilderness when the first settlers arrived. The first pioneers homesteaded in the southwest corner of the township near the Lincoln River. Soon the community of Victory Corners began to emerge and with its growth, aspiration to become the seat of government for Mason County. Until the railroad came to Ludington, this settlement was a legitimate contender. Immigrants, particularly Scandinavians, constituted a larger and next wave of settlers. These new residents tended to cluster, given their common culture and relationships. The Danish settlement became one of the most recognized places in the township. Farming became a way of life while ethnicity gave way to Americanization and Victory Township developed a strong sense of community. This illustrated history extends through the end of World War II when the boys came home and the forces of industrial growth reshaped the rural landscape. Each community had its unique character, yet this township is reflective of the experiences of many rural people in the Midwest.

Cover image for Victory Township, isbn: 9780738551425

Wayne Fire Department

9780738532783

$24.99

The Wayne Fire Department was founded in 1911 as a volunteer fire department with 12 firemen. In 1928, the Village of Wayne purchased its first pumper and started a full-time fire department. The Wayne-Nankin Fire Department was formed in 1942, only to be divided again when the Village of Wayne became the City of Wayne in 1960. In all, this organization has served the community for 94 years. Through rare photographs and detailed historical information, this book documents nearly a century of the Wayne Fire Department's dedicated service.

Vintage Wayne Fire Department cover featuring an old fire engine and firefighters.

Westland

9780738532684

$24.99

In 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.

Cover of Westland from Images of America featuring a group of children in front of a wooden schoolhouse.

Ecorse

9781467112093

$24.99

French explorers called the Ecorse River the river of bark, or Ecorces, because the Huron Indians who lived in the villages surrounding it wrapped their dead in the bark of the birch trees that grew along its banks. White pioneers settled on French ribbon farms along the Detroit River, and a small village called Grandport sprang up where the Ecorse River met the Detroit River. By 1836, Grandport, now known as Ecorse, had grown into a fishing and farming center, and, by the 1900s Ecorse had gained fame as a haven for bootleggers during Prohibition, an important shipbuilding center, and the home of several championship rowing teams.

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Milan

9780738577012

$24.99

John Marvin started the town of Milan in 1831 by placing a two-story log building beside a dirt Native American trail. The Saline River was just a few steps away. About that time, Native Americans were either moving to reservations west of Michigan or blending in with the melting pot. Milan and its neighboring communities, such as Azalia, Paint Creek, and Mooreville, grew quickly with the influx of settlers from out East. Shoemakers arrived, along with grocers, flour mills, and even cheese factories. The Milan Area Historical Society holds a treasure trove of photographs, maps, and drawings showing the heritage in and around Milan. One of its citizens was nationally known for his scale inventions. Other citizens achieved notoriety for pulling off a stock scam in New York promoting the Electric Sugar Refining Company. Two magnificent homes near Milan were built with sugar money.

Cover image for Milan, isbn: 9780738577012

Isabella County

9780738561547

$24.99

Once an ancient revered hunting and gathering site for Chippewa Indians, Isabella County today is home to one of the nation's largest Native American tribal-owned casino/resort complexes.

Incorporated in 1859, during the turbulent times just ahead of the Civil War and birth year of the United States oil industry, the area became a modern-day commerce center. A rough-and-tumble timbering center saw Michigan's first lumber millionaire plat a town, and hardworking immigrants carved farms, villages, and towns from the timbered-out wilderness near the center of the Michigan Lower Peninsula. From harvesting lumber above the ground to harvesting petroleum below the ground, the area ushers in an oil boom just in time to be saved from the financial tribulations of the Great Depression. Today, thousands of young people flock to the area each year to attend Michigan's fourth-largest university, Central Michigan University. This is the saga of Isabella County, told as the county celebrates 150 years of economic and cultural diversity.

Cover image for Isabella County, isbn: 9780738561547

Historic Saginaw Club

9781467104111

$23.99

On April 18, 1889, a meeting was held for the purpose of organizing a social club for the local businessmen in Saginaw, Michigan.

The organization was named the East Saginaw Club, and stock was sold at $100 a share. Bids were then submitted for property on which to build the clubhouse, and a site on Washington Avenue in downtown Saginaw was selected. The three-story building was to be an elegant setting for functions, with beautiful surroundings and walls that displayed wonderful and valuable artwork. In 1919, the original charter expired, the new articles of association were ratified, and a new name was chosen: the Saginaw Club. Today, the Saginaw Club has over 300 members and is known for its many traditions, particularly the club’s annual toast to the office of the president of the United States.

Roberta Morey, a retired elementary school teacher, has written four previous books for Arcadia Publishing dealing with postcards of Saginaw and interesting local people. John Morey, a Saginaw Club member, is an owner of a surveying and engineering business in Saginaw. He is a former president of Saginaw’s Fordney Club, and he writes a flashback article dealing with Saginaw history for the Saginaw Club’s monthly newsletter.

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The Village of Grosse Pointe Shores

9781467112994

$24.99

The Village of Grosse Pointe Shores, nestled along the shore of Lake St. Clair just north of Detroit, is the smallest of the five Grosse Pointe communities. After the settlement of Detroit in 1701, the area that would become Grosse Pointe Shores saw the arrival of French habitants who built their ribbon farms. Beginning in the 1860s, the area began to change as well-to-do Detroiters erected summer homes on the lakeshore. The Village of Grosse Pointe Shores was formally established in 1911, and the community grew as great mansions were built along Lake Shore Road. Following World War II, the community evolved yet again as the grand mansions disappeared and properties were subdivided. By the end of the 20th century, the village had grown into an established community of comfortable, well-maintained homes. In 2011, these residents gathered together to celebrate the 100th anniversary of their community.

Cover image for The Village of Grosse Pointe Shores, isbn: 9781467112994

Emmett Township

9780738588698

$24.99

Through collections of images spanning across centuries, discover the hidden history of Emmett Township.

On February 19, 1850, the land that would be called Emmett Township was taken from the township of Clyde by an act of the Michigan Legislature. The town was not officially organized until years later when the name was changed to Emmett on April 21, 1883. The founding fathers named the area, the township and the village, after the person they considered to be a true Irish hero: Robert Emmett. The first land purchasers in Emmett were thought to have been Patrick and Bridget Keough Dunigan and their friend Michael Harrington. Much of the land was still inhabited by Native Americans, mostly from the Chippewa tribe. White settlers told stories about Indians coming into the cabins and sleeping by the fire on nights when the temperature was below zero. To pay for the night's lodging, rabbits and other small offerings might be found on the roof of the cabin in the morning. (Why the roof? To keep the meat away from wolves.)

Cover image for Emmett Township, isbn: 9780738588698

Saline

9780738531915

$24.99

Since settlers first arrived in the early 1800s, the city of Saline has developed into a strong community with deep cultural roots. This informative book documents Saline's development and progress, exploring settlement, transportation, agriculture, architecture, business, and education through rare archival photographs. Author Susan Kosky takes readers on a detailed visual tour of Saline's rich history, revealing the remarkable people, places, and events that have shaped the area and made it what it is today.

Saline cover depicting a street scene with J Frank Bakery and a horse drawn carriage.

Albion in the 20th Century

9780738519814

$24.99

The Albion Malleable Iron Company was the major influence in bringing hundreds of workers from eastern and southern Europe, and from southern U.S. states to Albion, Michigan, in the early 20th century. These workers established their families and lived their lives in this industrial town, which grew to become a true "melting pot" of ethnic diversity in the 20th century.

Albion in the 20th Century features more than 225 photographs from the personal collection of Albion historian Frank Passic, which chronologically show the changes in the community. The book focuses on everyday workers (including union officials and factory workers) and ball teams-plus "famous" people such as wildlife artist Lynn Bogue Hunt and writer-photographer Gwen Dew. Notable events chronicled include the capture of the Purple Gang car, the 1994 NCAA Division III Albion College Britons national football championship, and the Cardboard Classic sled race.

Cover image for Albion in the 20th Century, isbn: 9780738519814

20th-Century Retailing in Downtown Grand Rapids

9781467112567

$24.99

Grand Rapids, Michigan was the center for shopping in western Michigan with department stores, five-and-dimes and more, until the advent of the shopping mall.

For decades, downtown Grand Rapids enjoyed a long run in the limelight as the epicenter of shopping in western Michigan. The vibrant Monroe Avenue corridor included three homegrown department stores, several chain department stores, five-and-dime stores, and scores of clothing and specialty retailers. It weathered mother nature, wars, the Great Depression, the advent of neighborhood shopping centers, and civil disturbances—but the one change it could not overcome was the regional shopping mall.

Cover image for 20th-Century Retailing in Downtown Grand Rapids, isbn: 9781467112567

Maritime South Haven

9780738533148

$24.99

Explore the period between 1900 and 1950 when South Haven, Michigan transformed from a rough commercial port into a beautiful tourist attraction.

Although South Haven is now entirely a recreational harbor, this compilation of archival photographs provides a glimpse of an earlier time when shipments of coal, stone, pig iron, paper pulp, and clay came to port instead of pleasure boaters.

Showcasing the remarkable photography of Roy S. McCrimmon, Maritime South Haven: 1900-1950documents South Haven's nautical heritage with images of large foreign freighters, hardy fish tugs, bustling passenger steamers, carefree pleasure cruisers, and sprightly sailboats.

Sepia toned cover shows a busy marina with boats docked and a small figure near the water for Maritime South Haven 1900–1950

Camp Maqua

9781467114912

$24.99

The Bay City, Michigan, YWCA camp began as a small gathering of 65 women during the summer of 1916 at a rental cottage in Killarney. The second site, selected two years later, was on Aplin Beach near Saginaw Bay. In 1924, the YWCA purchased the Camp Maqua property in Hale, on the shores of Loon Lake, with a solitary farmhouse, and numerous cabins were then completed. After the YWCA sold the property to a private owner in 1979, it was subdivided into 10 parcels. In 1987, the Baker/Starks families purchased the lodge and 14 acres. Ten families continue to keep the spirit of Maqua alive through an association dedicated to retaining the historical integrity of the land and remaining buildings.

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Kentwood

9780738540184

$24.99

In 1836, pioneers settled in a fertile, gently rolling land south of Grand Rapids. Although surveyors said the area was not destined to amount to much, the hard-working farmers who settled Kentwood, then known as Paris Township, created a quiet, affable community where life focused on farming, family, and friends. By the 20th century, the strength of the township had attracted thousands. Whether they were fleeing city life in Grand Rapids or emigrating from other countries, everyone longed to share in the prosperity the area offered. Kentwood captures the evolution of this community as it blossomed from a rural farming area into a flourishing city. Images of farms, homes, businesses, and people document the history of a remarkable, ever-changing community.

Cover image for Kentwood, isbn: 9780738540184

Gladwin County

9780738552477

$24.99

Gladwin County, named after a British commander of Fort Detroit, is situated in upper mid-Michigan. Settled at the beginnings of the Civil War, this area has been blessed with the ability to survive and thrive from its natural resources and the hardy pioneer and entrepreneurial spirit of its people. The white pine forests provided much of the wood for homes downstate, and the railroads brought in the people to fill lumber camps and towns with names like Cedar (now the city of Gladwin) or Grand Forks (now known as Beaverton) and long-lost crossroads such as Lyle, Hard Luck, and Podunk. As the lumbering era came to a close, the rails brought in farmers to replace the woodsmen. The horses came out of the woods to plow the fields. When the tractor replaced the horse, oil was discovered and a new boom began. But that soon went bust, and Gladwin once again reinvented itself by becoming the thermoforming capital of the world. The area is ripe with waterways, rivers, and lakes, both natural and man-made. Once clogged with logs and now bulging with watercraft, many of the lumber camps from a century ago today have become new recreational settlements.

Cover image for Gladwin County, isbn: 9780738552477

Grosse Pointe War Memorial

9780738577463

$24.99

In many ways, the story of the 1910 mansion The Moorings tells the story of one segment of life in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. For more than two decades, the home represented life on the lake for a typical wealthy family. It was built by Russell A. Alger Jr., the lumber baron and industrialist who cofounded the Packard Motor Car Company and helped the Wright brothers finance their first company. What makes the story of the home complete is what happened when the family no longer lived there. After 12 years as a branch of the Detroit Institute of Arts, the home fulfilled its destiny as a memorial to veterans and a center for arts and education: the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. Today it is truly a hub of activity for Grosse Pointe and the surrounding communities. Guests can still enjoy the beautiful design of the home while attending a memorial service, lecture, stage production, luncheon, or summer concert outside on the lawn. The Grosse Pointe War Memorial today is a testament to the generosity of its original owners and their desire to share the beauty of their home with generations to come.

Cover image for Grosse Pointe War Memorial, isbn: 9780738577463

Michigan Memorial Park

9780738551593

$24.99

In 1926, a former two-time University of Michigan All-American football hero decided that a pastoral area of Huron Township could be transformed into a cemetery. Two years later, Michigan Memorial Park opened its gates to begin serving the needs of this growing community tucked away in a corner of the township located southwest of Detroit. Bordering on the peaceful Huron River, this former home to the Wyandott tribe and later French settlers has become a sprawling 300-acre parcel of land still surrounded by woods and farmland. It is Michigan's largest nondenominational cemetery whose ownership has remained in the same family for four generations. Thousands of trees, a plethora of sculptures and fountains, and swan-filled ponds adorn the gardenlike grounds adding to the tranquility experienced by all those who visit. Michigan Memorial Park has remained one of the pillars of the community, not only providing a resting place for many thousands who have passed away but also giving back to the community through its involvement in civic activities.

Cover image for Michigan Memorial Park, isbn: 9780738551593

Grand Rapids in Stereographs

9780738551227

$24.99

Beginning around 1865, as the fledgling art and science of photography began to appear in cities and towns across the United States, a small group of photographers, using new methods and equipment developed a few years before in Europe, began producing and offering for sale stereographic views of the people, places, and events that made up daily life in the then nearly 40-year-old city of Grand Rapids. These photographic views were unlike others
that had preceded them and when viewed using a special device, they presented a detailed, three-dimensional portrait of the young city. Once introduced, stereographic views of the city, alongside those of more distant lands, became wildly popular and soon graced the homes of many in this city and elsewhere. The stereographic cards themselves today offer a rare and detailed glimpse of
the city, its residents, and some of the special and unusual events that occurred nearly 150 years ago.

Cover image for Grand Rapids in Stereographs, isbn: 9780738551227

Presque Isle County

9780738599779

$24.99

Norman Rockwell would have found no shortage of subjects for his paintings in any of the small communities in Presque Isle County. It is an idyllic region in Michigan's northeastern Lower Peninsula with more than 50 miles of Lake Huron shoreline, dozens of inland lakes and streams, and sprawling forests of pines and hardwoods. It was probably those attributes that attracted Native Americans to the region about 8,000 years ago. Shortly after the Civil War, the Indians were joined by throngs of European immigrants who found jobs in lumber camps and sawmills or homesteaded farms. The region's lumber boom was followed by a limestone boom in the early 20th century, and it created hundreds of jobs in the quarries and on ships that carried the stone to markets around the Great Lakes. The boom years are just a memory now, but the natural attributes of the county attract tourists and modern settlers seeking a more serene experience than can be found in the tourist meccas on Michigan's west coast.