By Jaime North
The Daily Item
November 05, 2008 11:33 pm
—
SELINSGROVE -- Imagine learning the history of Selinsgrove through the eyes of those who made it.
Through an assembled series of postcards, portraits and family photos, nearly 150 years of history is unveiled in "Around Selinsgrove," written by local author Jim Campbell, of Shamokin Dam.
The book, a latest edition from the "Postcard History Series" by Arcadia Publishing, uncovers how Selinsgrove residents worked, lived and had fun in the late 19th Century and during much of the early part of the 20th century.
"As always, I've really enjoyed digging out the images and getting to know people I've not known before or not known well," said Campbell, who has authored three previous "Postcard History Series" books relative to Snyder County history. "I'm always amazed by the trusting generosity of people in parting temporarily with treasured family photos in many cases."
More than 120 pages are filled with images that depict life at the factory, in the band, at the playground, on the river, in church, at home and along the Susquehanna River. Included are scenes from Selinsgrove's centennial celebration in 1953, the Isle of Que Mills operating in the late 1890s and images of the 1936 flood.
Among the rare images include the 1944 blaze that destroyed the Bogar Lumber Company on North Water Street, famed football coach Amos Alonzo Stagg Sr. leaving the Susquehanna University sidelines for the last time in 1952, and the Clements Ferry navigating the Susquehanna River near Blue Hill in 1900.
"This book concentrates on mainly the Selinsgrove area and pays special tribute to Susquehanna University's 150th year celebration with the longest chapter in the book," Campbell said. "Overall, there are 100 SU-related images. A tribute to Selinsgrove veterans, especially those of the Greatest Generation who served in WW II, is another feature I'm of which I'm quite proud. In gathering their pictures I had a renewed sense of the sacrifices they made for us and our country."
Campbell makes an appearance himself, standing next to NFL Hall of Fame quarterback and current FOX football commentator, Terry Bradshaw, in the 1970s when Campbell worked on the sidelines with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"I hope this latest book, along with the three previous, will spark an interest in our heritage among young readers," Campbell said. "Also, I think former residents who have moved from the area would be interested in the remembrances provided by the book."
The book is available for $19.99 at area bookstores or through Arcadia Publishing at www.arcadiapublishing.com. All proceeds go to benefit the Snyder County Historical Society.
n E-mail comments to jnorth@dailyitem.com.
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.