Costco to Host Book Signing for It Didn’t Play in Peoria Authors

PEORIA, Ill. - Nov. 20, 2014 - PRLog -- Local authors Greg Wahl and Charles Bobbitt teamed up to create the newest title releasing from Arcadia Publishing, It Didn’t Play in Peoria: Missed Chances of a Middle American Town. The book explores the city’s history from a unique perspective of missed chances, lost causes, and plain bad luck—a cautionary tale of Middle America.

“Will it play in Peoria?” was an old Vaudeville phrase meaning, “Will it appeal to the average person?” The Illinois city has gained fame through the years, but more often as the butt of jokes or as an example of the typical Middle American town than through any recognition of its many accomplishments. But it had greatness in its grasp, and more than once.

Peoria boasts a string of close brushes with prosperity, any one of which could have made it a Chicago or a St. Louis. Charles Lindbergh, for example, first approached Peoria for backing for his historic flight, but the town’s moneymen refused him and his Spirit of Peoria, perhaps losing a chance at the airline industry as well.

By combining their experiences as natives of larger cities and their 60-plus years in Peoria, the authors sincerely hope the stories of a full-hued Peoria will show what a lively history middle America’s hometown has had.

Join the Author for a Book Signing!

Where:  Costco

301 West Washington, East Peoria, IL 61611

When:  Saturday, December 6th, 2014; 1:00 p.m.—3:00 p.m.

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or online (http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/9781467111263/St-Louis-i...).

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.  Discover more than 8,500 small towns and downtowns at http://www.arcadiapublishing.com.

It Didn’t Play in Peoria: Missed Chances of a MiddleAmericanTown

by Greg Wahl, Charles Bobbitt, Illustrations by Hugh McGown

152 pages/ softcover

Published: July 27, 2009