Summit Historic Homes Highlighted in New Book

MT. PLEASANT, S.C. - Oct. 2, 2013 - PRLog -- The newest addition to Arcadia Publishing’s popular Images of America series is Summit Historic Homes from local author Cynthia B. Martin. The book includes more than 200 vintage images of the beautiful, historic homes of Summit.

Originally sought out by city dwellers as a refuge from the tribulations of urban life, Summit developed from a bucolic rural spot in 1836 to a fully established suburb by 1940. The town’s growth was intrinsically tied to the development of the railroad and the convenience of the commute it offered to nearby New York City. The houses constructed during these years reflected their owner’s wealth, social standing and aesthetic sensibilities, and exemplified the trends of their times. Some of these houses served as summer residences; others as primary dwellings. Some were designed by well-known architects; others by local talent. Many of these residences are still standing, although some have been altered or even demolished to suit modern lifestyles. Today, many Summit residents still commute to New York.

Summit Historic Homes tells the story of Summit’s early development by focusing on the expansion of the railroad and the houses built by the city dwellers who moved there as a result.

Highlights of Summit Historic Homes include:

•Contains rarely seen before images of residences designed by local architects, including John N. Cady, Benjamin V. White, Louis R. Hazeltine, Joy Wheeler Dow, William A. Balch, Perry R. MacNeille and Richard S. Shapter.
•Traces the influence of the railroad and how it affected the development of northeastern New Jersey.
•Shows well-known Summit sites such as the Reeves-Reed Arboretum, the Beacon Hill Club, the Fortnightly Club and the DeBary Inn.
•The author’s profits from the sale of the book will be donated to the Summit Historical Society.

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

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.