Legendary Locals Of Denton

Denton, Texas, was founded in 1857 because residents needed a location near the geographic center of Denton County to house a county seat. The city is located 39 miles north of two larger cities, Dallas and Fort Worth, and the three of them form what is often referred to as the "Golden Triangle." Denton, the peak of that triangle, is the "North Star," and its residents, past and present, certainly are superstars--superstars such as Bob Rogers, the beloved "Piano Man;" Mary Evelyn Blagg Huey, a quintessential leader; and Hal Jackson, an ace war hero and lawyer. Their accomplishments burst forth from the chapters of this book to outshine others with their generosity, talents, skills, community activism, adventurous spirits, energy, civic pride, business acumen, courage, and creativity. Citizens of Denton are proud to say, "Our history defines our community." The images and words between these covers illustrate why it should be added, "And our people define our history."

Denton, Texas, was founded in 1857 because residents needed a location near the geographic center of Denton County to house a county seat. The city is located 39 miles north of two larger cities, Dallas and Fort Worth, and the three of them form what is often referred to as the Golden Triangle. Denton, the peak of that triangle, is the North Star, and its residents, past and present, certainly are superstarssuperstars such as Bob Rogers, the beloved Piano Man; Mary Evelyn Blagg Huey, a quintessential leader; and Hal Jackson, an ace war hero and lawyer. Their accomplishments burst forth from the chapters of this book to outshine others with their generosity, talents, skills, community activism, adventurous spirits, energy, civic pride, business acumen, courage, and creativity. Citizens of Denton are proud to say, Our history defines our community. The images and words between these covers illustrate why it should be added, And our people define our history.

Born from opportunity and a promotional scheme hatched by founding father Charles B. Eddy, Carlsbad started life as a tent city on a desolate landscape. As the investment money started to flow, the Pecos River was harnessed through the creation of irrigation, which turned the region into a rich, fertile valley. As tuberculosis swept the nation, hundreds of new settlers arrived in Carlsbad for the arid climate. Legendary Locals of Carlsbad celebrates their descendants who forged the community of today. Learn about socialite Cesarine Graves, daredevil and “Mr. Welcome” Frank Kindel, actors Dan Blocker and Bruce Cabot, drag racer Dick Harrell, newscaster Linda Wertheimer, astronaut F. Drew Gaffney, and baseball star Cody Ross, to name but a few. Included also are the tales of the trials and heroism shown and faced by all the veterans of wars that Carlsbad provided, especially the World War II veterans of the Bataan Death March, the Vietnam War, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The rich agricultural land of northeastern North Carolina was originally settled in the mid-18th century and, in 1777, divided into two counties: Edgecombe and Nash. In 1818, the Battle family established a textile mill that remained in operation for more than 175 years and became the basis for the city of Rocky Mount. The Atlantic Coastline Railroad chose the area as its repair shop in 1899 and, at the turn of the 20th century, the area was booming. Diverse communities produced outstanding educators, groundbreaking physicians, and business leaders. Residents included Olympians, baseball hall of famer Buck Leonard, and basketball greats Phil Ford and Buck Williams. Creative citizens became award-winning musicians, painters, and writers, like novelist Kaye Gibbons and entertainer Kaye Kyser. Military service in conflicts from the Revolutionary War to the Iraq War included generals, admirals, and a Medal of Honor recipient. Legendary Locals of Edgecombe and Nash Counties celebrates some of the individuals who have left their mark.

An in-depth history of one of the quintessential hunting dog breeds, the Plott hound. Though originating in Germany, the Plott hound reached worldwide fame through the contributions of many colorful characters from the Southern Appalachians. Originally brought to America by German immigrant Johannes "George" Plott, the hounds quickly became renowned for their stamina and gameness. Quill Rose - a legendary local outlaw, moonshiner, gunfighter and more - helped cultivate the bloodline for bear hunting, while revered baseball icon Branch Rickey brought national acclaim to the breed through his hunts in the Hazel Creek Watershed. Writer Frank Methven wrote extensively about the Plott hound for decades, and the Methven Award remains one of the most coveted big game hunting awards in the world. Author and breed expert Bob Plott reveals the fascinating people and places that have shaped the history of the Plott hound.

Denton Then & Now

This book delves into the history of some of the unique individuals and groups, past and present, who have made a memorable impact on their community throughout its history.

Fueled by phenomenal growth in the early part of the 20th century, Hamtramck went from being a farming community to a major industrial city in the space of a decade. Thousands of immigrants flooded into the city to work in the new auto factories. Each one had a special story to tell, but some stood above the rest. Maurice Keyworth developed a public school code in 1927 that was so innovative it was copied by schools across the nation. Gail Kobe acted in and produced popular TV shows, and Rudy Tomjanovich thrilled crowds around the basketball court. Still others made their mark in more modest, yet meaningful ways, like business owner Dave Stober, who sent local kids to camp. Their stories, and those of many more who made Hamtramck what it is today, are here. Each made a special contribution to the story of Hamtramck.