Books published by Arcadia Publishing Library Editions

The first nonnative settlers arrived in Ragged Island, as Carbondale was then known, around 1802. Twenty years later, brothers William and Maurice Wurts were exploring the wilderness when they took note of several outcroppings of "curious black stones." These stones turned out to be anthracite coal, and the two Philadelphia businessmen became pioneers in America's Industrial Revolution. Carbondale's journey has taken many twists and turns during the past two centuries. The colorful and fascinating mosaic of images in Carbondale gives the reader a glimpse into the heart of small-town America and a clear picture of this historic city's past.

Philadelphia became the railroad capital of the world in the 1830s when 12 distinct lines opened within a 100-mile radius of the city to carry people and freight. The railroad boom in the 19th century was made possible by the development of rural communities surrounding the city, the Industrial Revolution, excellent access to raw materials, and an influx of European immigrants. Philadelphia manufactured locomotives, railroad track, and other rail components and exported them around the world. The ability to move agricultural goods, manufactured products, and people commuting from home to work helped to unite the 27 boroughs, districts, and townships into one metropolis by 1854. Philadelphia Railroads features many unseen images and rare photographs documenting the leaders of Philadelphia's transportation world.

Bristol was incorporated in 1785 and quickly became recognized as a clock-manufacturing center and home of the E. Ingraham Company's "dollar watch." The town grew with the many immigrant workers who arrived to work for local knitting mills, spring companies, and brass manufacturers. By the 1890s, the strong growth of the town brought an influx of people with different skills who established the Bristol Press, banks, local neighborhood shops and markets, and service industries. In 1920, Bristol Nurseries created new varieties of chrysanthemums that eventually made Bristol known as the "Mum City." Redevelopment in the 1960s brought the new Bristol Plaza and changes on Farmington Avenue. In 1979, ESPN started its first broadcast in its new home on Middle Street. With the completion of the new Route 72, Bristol will today continue to offer new opportunities for business and industry to grow.

Significant aircraft manufacturing began on Long Island in the early 20th century and boomed during the war years. Long Islanders helped transform aviation from a dangerous sport to a viable means of transportation, while also producing a large portion of the nation's aerial arsenal in times of war. From the first frail biplanes to the warbirds of World War II and the sleek fighters of the jet age, aviation companies on Long Island helped make aviation the integral part of our world that it is today. During the 20th century, over 70 firms came to build aircraft on Long Island. Some of these firms lasted for decades and became famed builders of historic aircraft, such as Grumman, Republic, Curtiss, Fairchild, and Sikorsky.

Lewisburg has always been a center of trade and culture as a river and canal town on the banks of the Susquehanna River. Once served by two railroads and a tiny airport, Lewisburg's bridges and roads connected it to distant cities and rich hinterlands. Lewisburg grew from its layout in 1785 by Ludwig Derr to become the home of thriving businesses, elegant 18th- and 19th-century homes, and churches clustered on many of its corners. Along with adjacent Kelly and East Buffalo Townships, Lewisburg prospered on the backs of hardworking people with ideas, vision, and a willingness to take risks. Named as the Union County seat in 1855, Lewisburg today has the resources of a city but the charm of a small town surrounded by farms and fields.

Originally known as the Union District or Langdon's Quarter, the village at the western end of Farmington was officially named Unionville by the U.S. Post Office in 1834. Settling along the banks of the Farmington River, Unionville's early residents were an industrious group, diverting water into canals to power numerous family-run mills and factories and producing a host of manufactured goods. Although smaller than the neighboring industrial cities of New Britain and Bristol, Unionville gained an extraordinary manufacturing prominence in the Farmington Valley. Through carefully preserved vintage photographs from the Unionville Museum's collections and from private sources, Unionville chronicles the village's resilient spirit throughout its many transformations.

Incorporated in 1806, Meriden was once proposed as the state capital. Although the plan was not implemented, the rural village quickly burgeoned into a major manufacturing center with the advent of the industrial revolution. Meriden advanced to become renowned as the "Silver City." International Silver Company and other key businesses, such as Parker Gun, Manning Bowman, Wilcox and White, and Handel Lamp, made Meriden a familiar name. Home to Gov. Abiram Chamberlain, Arctic explorer Hugh Johnson Lee, opera diva Rosa Ponselle, and baseball's Connie Mack, the city has also long been enlivened by a diverse mixture of immigrants and newcomers. Bordered on the north by dramatic traprock ridges, Meriden has a larger percentage of parklands than any other town in Connecticut, with Hubbard Park its crowning jewel.

Along the shores of Long Island's Great South Bay, the Copiague area was a haven for Native Americans and, later, colonial settlers. Previously known as Huntington South, East Amityville, Great Neck, and Powell's, the hamlet adopted the name Copiague in the 1890s. Pres. George Washington's celebrated 1790 sojourn is one of the high points in Copiague history, as are the visits of famed wireless inventor Guglielmo Marconi in the early 1900s, when he came to review his namesake Marconiville community. In the 1920s, rural Copiague grew to include the beach communities of American Venice, Amity Harbor, and Hawkins Estates and set the stage for the monumental suburban expansion of the 1950s. Beginning in the early 20th century, Copiague also became the adopted home to immigrants from all around the world. Copiague has a rich tradition of community service institutions--its fire department, public schools, veterans' organizations, and churches, including Bethel A.M.E. Church, celebrated as the oldest black church on Long Island.

Hamburg Revisited chronicles the people who led Hamburg in business, education, religion, and civic events during the town's period of growth in the first half of the 20th century. Led by architects Lawrence Bley and Frank Spangenberg, Hamburg developed its distinctive brick and stone architecture of the 1920s and later boomed with growth in the post-World War II period. Many aerial photographs from 1950 show the growth of housing developments in Hamburg village, Blasdell, and Lake Shore, as well as many landmarks that have been lost in the past 50 years.

Latin for "heavenly mountain," Monticello's founders supported Thomas Jefferson's populist ideals, naming their village for his Virginia home. Center of the Town of Thompson and seat of Sullivan County since 1809, Monticello was founded in 1804 and incorporated in 1830 by John and Samuel Jones. Tanning, lumbering, farming, and manufacturing gave way to tourism. The railroad came in 1871. A fire in 1909 decimated the downtown, but automobiles and an artery nicknamed "the Quickway" connected New York City to the mountains and made Monticello a recreation center. The years 1920 to 1930 saw a population increase of 48 percent. Sidewalks brimmed with shoppers as Broadway, lined with stately and beautiful shade trees, clattered with traffic at all hours. Slightly over an hour from Manhattan, Monticello had two identities: a community built and sustained by workers, residents, and businesses and a busy "borscht belt" vacation center of boardinghouses, hotels, bungalows, and recreation.

The story of Faulkner Hospital begins with the Faulkner family. Dr. George Faulkner's ancestry includes one of the first woolens manufacturers, a Revolutionary War colonel, and an accused Salem witch. When Dr. Faulkner's daughter Mary died, the hospital was established in her honor. Paul Revere's great-granddaughter broke ground on the hospital, which sits on land where the Peacock Tavern, owned by Samuel Adams, once stood. The original building contained 26 beds, 6 of which were free. A nursing school opened in 1903, on the day the hospital opened. Using images from the hospital's vast archives, Faulkner Hospital celebrates the hospital's centennial and explores its rich history as a leader in medicine, education, and community enrichment. Faulkner Hospital is a major teaching hospital to Harvard and Tufts Medical Schools, with many clinical firsts, like the discovery of rejuvenated blood. It is also home to world-renowned breast and headache centers and has implemented many unique concepts, including nurservers and monorails. Readers will learn about the hospital's role in the movie Whose Life Is It Anyway? and discover the famous writers, athletes, and royalty who have visited.

From hidden valleys in the Berkshire Hills to the North Shore, 275 documented highway and railroad covered bridges have been constructed in Massachusetts from the early 19th century onward, a figure that often comes as a surprise to those who traditionally associate these unique structures with northern New England. All but a small handful of these are long gone, lost to modern replacements, fires, wear, and the region's notorious weather, especially the devastating storms of the late 1930s. The bridges came in all shapes and sizes, from diminutive 50-foot spans to multitiered structures of nearly 900 feet that crossed the Merrimack and Connecticut Rivers and were stout enough to support railroads across their roofs.

In 1778, the Great Falls became the Paterson area's natural energy source. The innovative hydraulic "Raceway" used an intricate network of canals to channel millions of gallons of water to power local mills and factories. In 1791, Alexander Hamilton helped to organize the Society for the Establishment of Useful Manufactures, which aimed to develop a planned industrial city in the United States. Hamilton believed that the country needed to reduce its dependence on foreign goods and develop its own industries, and the falls were chosen as the site for the planned city. The industries in Paterson were powered by the 77-foot Great Falls, and the city became known as "the cradle of American industry." Today the falls are not only a national historic landmark and a state park, but on March 30, 2009, Pres. Barack Obama signed a bill creating Great Falls National Historical Park.

Bordered by the Sourland Mountains, East Amwell's fertile valley farmlands have been attracting settlers since 1720. The village of Ringoes, Hunterdon County's oldest known settlement, was founded at the intersection of two Native American trails that became major crossroads: the Trenton-Easton Turnpike and the Old York Road from Philadelphia to New York. Early residents included Johann Peter Rockefeller, ancestor of John D. Rockefeller, and John Ringo, rumored to have buried treasure in town. During the Revolutionary War, the Sons of Liberty gathered at Ringoes Tavern, the Marquis de Lafayette recuperated nearby at Landis House, and Capt. John Schenck led an ambush on British dragoons near his Amwell home. Houses, mills, taverns, and general stores sprung up in Ringoes and smaller hamlets, as first the stagecoach and then the railroad brought prosperity and industry to this rural township. In 1932, what journalist H. L. Mencken called "the biggest story since the Resurrection" unfolded in East Amwell when Charles Lindbergh's son was kidnapped from his estate.

Permanent settlers began arriving at the village of Flagstaff around the 1820s, drawn by its advantageous location along the Dead River floodplain and the availability of waterpower at the outlet to Flagstaff Pond. In 1923, the Maine legislature passed a bill condemning a 25-mile section of the upper Dead River Valley to inundation, causing the eventual permanent flooding of the villages of Flagstaff, Dead River, and Bigelow. The bill authorized the construction of a dam at the river narrows at Long Falls and the subsequent creation of Flagstaff Lake. The properties in these towns were obtained by the process of eminent domain, and residents were forced to relocate. In the spring of 1950, Flagstaff Lake was officially created when the gates in Long Falls Dam were closed. It remains a controversial project today.

New Paltz was established in 1678 by a small group of Huguenot refugees and their families. These pioneers settled into the fertile Wallkill River Valley with the majestic Hudson River to the east and the Shawangunk Mountains defining the western border. These families endured what today would be insurmountable odds, yet for generations they survived and constantly improved their quality of life. The homesteads of these patentee families still stand along historic Huguenot Street and are testaments to those who built them so long ago. Today New Paltz residents and visitors alike enjoy the various outdoor recreational activities, exceptional educational opportunities, and easy accessibility to nearby metropolitan areas. With carefully selected photographs and detailed text, New Paltz Revisited traces the history of New Paltz from the Colonial era to the present.

The Middletown and Unionville Railroad, successor to the Middletown, Unionville and Water Gap Railroad, operated from December 1, 1913, until May 31, 1946, when it was reorganized as the Middletown and New Jersey Railway. The railroad's main revenue was derived from the transportation of dairy products, feed, coal, lumber, and passengers along its 14.5-mile right-of-way from the city of Middletown through Slate Hill, Johnson, Westtown, and Unionville in Orange County, New York. It provided a connection between the Erie Railroad in Middletown; the New York, Ontario & Western Railway in Middletown; and the New York, Susquehanna & Western Railroad in New Jersey. All three of these railroads had unique relationships with the M&U during its period of operation.

Since its opening in 1897, Cascade Park has welcomed thousands of visitors to its picnic grove, summer cottages, mineral springs, dance pavilion, swimming pool, baseball field, zoo, boat rides, outdoor theater, fireworks, and numerous other amusements. The park is an unusually beautiful natural setting with Big Run Falls, Cat Rocks, a gorge, rolling hills, shady walkways, and even a ginkgo tree or two. In the 1890s, when it was called a trolley park, crowds of visitors arrived by streetcar. Eventually automobiles took over, and the roller coaster was dismantled to make space for a parking lot. Today automobiles spill out of the parking lot once a year when more than 1,000 vintage cars travel to the Back to the 50's Weekend, now in its 25th year. This and other family-oriented events continue the tradition of good times in Cascade Park.

The Jewish community of Greater Harrisburg became established after 1825, mostly by German immigrants who took up peddling and clothing trades. They were attracted inland from East Coast cities to Harrisburg, the growing upriver hub of trade that became Pennsylvania's state capital in 1812. The community grew to 600 residents by the end of the 19th century and drew attention for a level of civic engagement well beyond that of comparably sized settlements. Immigration from eastern Europe in the early 20th century contributed to a tenfold increase of the Jewish population and a changing ethnic and commercial profile. In the years that followed, the community added an impressive range of institutions and continued to have a reputation for activism. Emerging as the hub of Jewish life in central Pennsylvania, the community produced internationally renowned figures in Jewish affairs, business, and arts.

Noted for its picturesque historic districts and venerable homes, the village of Montgomery is nestled into northern Orange County, bounded by the Wallkill River in the shadow of the Comfort Hills. Filled with rare photographs dating from the 1870s to the present, Village of Montgomery focuses on the history of the hamlet and its churches, roads, businesses, schools, and cemeteries, providing insight into how village residents lived, worked, and played in years past. The insightful text accompanying each photograph reveals intriguing and little-known facts about the village and its people.

One hundred years ago, on September 4, 1911, the J. C. Blair Memorial Hospital opened its doors to patients and their doctors. Given to the community in memory of Huntingdon's most successful entrepreneur, the hospital has strived since its inception to achieve the reputation it enjoys today as an institution of advanced medical knowledge, skill, and service. Medical practice has undergone revolutionary change during the hospital's first century; the hospital has worked diligently to keep abreast of that change. Yet its mission--to treat all who enter its doors, without regard to their ability to pay--has remained unchanged. Deep emotions are tied to hospital experiences. Generations of area residents have been born at the hospital, and generations have availed themselves of its services to achieve and maintain good health. A century after its founding, J. C. Blair Memorial Hospital continues to play a vital role in the lives of people in the communities surrounding Huntingdon.

With the completion of the Garden State Parkway and a prospering society's increased mobility in the years following World War II, the Wildwoods transitioned from a remote barrier island along the southern New Jersey coast to a vacation mecca. Featuring free bathing beaches, state-of-the-art motels, endless nightlife, and a honky-tonk boardwalk lined with entertainment options of all kinds, the resort would thrive for the better part of the next half-century. During that golden era, Hunt's Pier became the "talk of the walk": a fun-lover's paradise of themed custom attractions that evoked the adventurous thrills of Disneyland. The "Oceanic Wonderland" helped millions of vacationers create countless memories, whether it was a child challenging the Flyer roller coaster's intimidating plunge or a child-at-heart exploring the dark caverns of the Golden Nugget and the haunted decks of the pirate ship Skua. Hunt's Pier captures the magic of the famed seaside amusement park through historical photographs, many published here for the first time.

The official seal of Brockton boldly proclaims education, industry, and progress as hallmarks of the city. These three attributes guided Brockton to greatness in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and continue to shape and influence the community today. From its humble days as North Bridgewater, the growing industrial center of the region changed its name to Brockton in 1874 in part to entice business to the town. In 1881, Brockton became a city and was well on its way to becoming one of the world's foremost centers for the manufacturing of shoes.

From the inception of the Friendship Hose Company No. 1 of Orwigsburg in 1820 to the organization of the West Penn Fire Company No. 1 in 1999, more than 130 volunteer fire companies have served Schuylkill County. This proud tradition of volunteer service for the protection of fellow man continues strong to this day as scores of volunteer firefighters continue to serve their communities. Using the archives of the Schuylkill County Historical Society, Schuylkill Historical Fire Society, and many fire companies and individuals, Schuylkill County Firefighting captures in its images the daunting challenges faced by generations of Schuylkill firefighters. Block-burning conflagrations, deadly explosions, and traumatic rescues reveal the heroic battles faced over the years by these dedicated public servants.

Incorporated in 1785, Shapleigh and Acton once comprised a single town covering approximately 32,000 acres. Due to the several large lakes at its center, the land was divided into east and west parishes. After much controversy and disagreement, the west parish was incorporated as the Town of Acton in 1830. With its abundant timber, fertile farmland, and extensive bodies of water, the area grew quickly and prospered. Today many local farmers work the same land and live in the same homes as their forefathers. Each summer, countless families throughout New England migrate to the numerous lakes that lie within the Shapleigh and Acton area, and motorists enjoy the the area's rolling hills, stone walls, picturesque mountains, and sparkling lake views. Nestled between the rocky Maine coastline and the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Shapleigh and Acton are charming, historic towns that capture the spirit of Maine and "The Way Life Should Be."

Situated on top of the bluffs facing Long Island Sound, Miller Place is a treasure trove of Long Island history. With the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, the beaches became a popular holiday and summer camp destination. Initially boardinghouses served vacationers until proprietors opened inns and resorts. Throughout the 20th century, Miller Place attracted vacationers from nearby New York City, including Paul Newman, Arthur Miller, and a young Anjelica Huston. Drawn by its bucolic setting, friendly atmosphere, and career opportunities at nearby Stony Brook University and Hospital, commuters in the 1970s and 1980s expanded and updated vacation homes and developed new lots. As the population grew, the civic-minded residents formed their own high school, fire department, historical society, civic association, and the North Shore Youth Council. Miller Place's historic homes, natural spaces, and strong public schools make the hamlet a desirable place to raise a family.

When Cortland was incorporated as a village in 1853, its population was mainly transplanted New Englanders and Irish immigrants, and it encompassed territory 1 mile from east to west. By 1871, two rail lines crossed the village, and their cargos of coal encouraged the development of industries, particularly carriages and sleighs. The 1890s brought Cortland's first urban renewal with industrialists replacing wooden mansions with ones of brick, stone, and Queen Anne designs. The 20th century opened with full employment in industries that not only served the country but also the world. This encouraged Italians, Ukrainians, and Lebanese to settle in Cortland and share their heritage. Photographs from the archives of the Cortland County Historical Society illustrate how life was lived in Cortland before the 21st century.

When sedans and station wagons replaced trains for vacationers heading to New Hampshire's rugged and picturesque White Mountains, new motels and attractions catering to middle-class families sprang up amidst the established grand hotels and diversions for socialites, artists, skiers, and hikers. In 1954, a tiny children's park inspired by a collection of storybook dolls opened in the quiet village of Glen. Through a unique combination of independent innovation and regional cooperation, Story Land has continually grown for more than 50 years through economic and cultural changes that undermined many amusement parks. Parents still travel great distances for a Story Land getaway with their children, just as their own parents did, sharing a common experience that is talked about between multiple generations at family gatherings. This photograph collection illustrates the unlikely beginnings and creative entrepreneurship behind one of New England's most memorable and enduring childhood institutions.

Singer Castle Revisited is a fresh look at this castle's rich 100-year history with many new stories and photographs of its original owner, Frederick G. Bourne; his daughter Marjorie, who owned the castle for the next 40 years; and Dr. Harold and Eloise Martin. The Bournes were well known for their marvelous collection of yachts and Gold Cup-winning speedboats. Since the release of Singer Castle, the new owners of this historical Thousand Islands landmark have invested nearly $10 million into restoring it to its original condition. In addition, gracious relatives of the former owners' families have shared their private collections of previously unpublished pictures dating from as far back as the castle's construction.