History of New York Towns Told Through Photographs

May 23, 2011 - PRLog -- The newest addition to Arcadia Publishing’s popular Images of America series is Nunda, Portage, and Genesee Falls from local author Thomas S. cook. The book boasts more than 200 vintage photographs and memories of days gone by.

Over two centuries ago, surveyors laid out the town of Nunda along the American frontier of western New York State. Named for the Native American village that once stood within its borders, Nunda swelled with settlers seeking to build a better life for their families. The vast township was soon carved into several smaller towns, including Portage and Genesee Falls.

Nunda, Portage, and Genesee Falls explores the history of these three towns through historical images and resources from the collections of the author, the Nunda Historical Society, town historians, and area residents. Vintage photographs also tell the stories of the Genesee Valley Canal, the great Portage Bridge, and Letchworth State Park.

Thomas S. Cook, a lifelong resident of the Genesee Valley, has spent much of his life exploring and teaching the valley's history. As a retired social studies teacher from Nunda, he continues to share local history through talks and writing. He is the coauthor of Letchworth State Park.

Highlights of Nunda, Portage, and Genesee Falls:
•   The images, many not seen in print before, come from the collections of the town historians, the Nunda Historical Society, local families and collectors.
•   The story of the Genesee Valley Canal is illustrated through maps and photographs including an image taken inside the famous “Bat Cave”, the remnant of the ill-fated Portage Tunnel.
•   The book examines the impact of momentous events such as the Civil War, world wars, and the Great Depression had on the three towns.
•   Images of both the first and second Portage High Bridge trace the history of what once was the highest wooden bridge in the world.

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at www.arcadiapublishing.com or
(888)-313-2665.  

Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States.  Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places.  Have we done a book on your town?  Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com.

# # #

With more than 6,000 local history titles published to date, Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States. Widely recognized sepia books feature hundreds of vintage historical images.