| NIAGARA GAZETTE, December 14, 2011 COLUMN BY DON GLYNN — Despite all the marvels of the electronic era, it’s still worth a trip to a bookstore, especially if you’re searching for works about area history. It seems that authors continue to produce a wide array of publications about the Niagara Frontier and its attractions, from the military battles along the border and the early days of hydropower pioneers to the rise and fall of industry, and the daredevils who attempted to ride contraptions over the falls or walk on a tightrope across the gorge. Again this year, there are a number of books available — most moderately priced — that will probably make an ideal gift even for that out-of-town family member or friend with fond memories of the Cataract City. A few suggestions: n “The War of 1812, A Guide to the Battlefields and Historic Sites,” by John Grant & Ray Jones (Turner Publishing, 192 pages, paperback, $24.95). It’s a companion to the excellent PBS documentary produced by WNED-TV, Buffalo) n “Niagara 1814: America Invades Canada,” by Richard Barbuto (University Press of Kansas, 410 pages, hardcover, $39.95). n “Ghosts of 1812: History, Folklore, Traditions and the Niagara War,” by Mason Winfield (Petit Printing Corp., 192 pages, paperback, $15.95) n “River Burning: A Novel of the War of 1812,” by Norah Perez of Lewiston (Bates, Jackson Publishers, paperback, 204 pages, $15). (Also, as part of the bicentennial observance, a “War of 1812 Calendar,” featuring photos of major events, has been produced by local historian Paul Gromosiak and photographer Dave Young ($15.99). • “Niagara: A History of the Falls,” by Pierre Berton (McClelland & Stewart Inc., 480 pages, paperback, $8.95). |
The State University at Albany has re-printed a larger, revised paperback edition ($24.95).
• “Hardhats of Niagara,” by Ken Glennon (Dog Ear Publishing, Indianapolis, paperback, 301 pages, $21.95). It’s the story of the dedicated work force, at times reaching the 10,000 mark, that built the $720 million Niagara Power Project. • “The Power Trail: History of Hydroelectricity at Niagara,” (118 pages, paperback, $9.95). One of the four authors is Tom Yots, the former city historian in Niagara Falls. • “Building the Erie Canal and the American Empire,” by Gerard Koeppel, 454 pages, paperback, $18.95 • “Niagara: Daredevils, Strangers and Extraordinary Stories,” by Maria DaSilva and Andrew Hind (Folklore Publishing, paperback, $18.95). • “The Niagara Gorge Belt Line: A Pictorial Album,” edited by Gordon J. Thompson (Niagara Frontier Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, 68 pages, paperback.) Rare photos of the scenic railroad that carried passengers along the gorge to Lewiston, where it crossed the bridge to Queenston and returned to the falls area. • “Crystal Beach Park: A Century of Screams,” by William E. Kae (202 pages, paperback, $25). Fascinating photos and anecdotes of the roller coasters that dominated the skyline at the popular amusement park along the Lake Erie shoreline. • “Inventing Niagara: Beauty, Power & Lies,” by Ginger Strand (Simon & Schuster, paperback, 337 pages, $16) TRIVIA QUIZ: Who played the role of the legendary baseball manager Joe McCarthy in the film “The Pride of the Yankees”? McCarthy won eight pennants and seven World Series in his major league career. (Answer coming Sunday). Contact reporter Don Glynn at 282-2311, Ext. 2246. |









