Books-A-Million to Host Book Signing for Local Author of Lost Elkmont

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. - May 18, 2015 - PRLog -- Local author Daniel L. Paulin will be signing copies of their book, Lost Elkmont, at the Pigeon Forge Books-A-Million on Saturday, May 23rd. Each book features fascinating vintage images that explore the history of this unique Tennessee locality.

Prior to the formation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) in 1934, the small community of Elkmont was established as a logging camp by Col. Wilson B. Townsends Little River Lumber Company around 1908. This was after he purchased 86,000 acres of mostly virgin forest. The area that was previously inhabited by various American Indian groups, and later by European-American settlers beginning around 1830, was to become for a time the second largest town in Sevier County, Tennessee. Colonel Townsends business ventures proved successful beyond expectation, as he skillfully exploited the areas valuable hardwood forests. His logging company and railroad provided a mountain population with jobs and steady wages. Once all the valuable timber was harvested, Townsend sold land to private citizens who established what was to become an exclusive summer community that included both the Appalachian and Wonderland Clubs. These coexisted inside the GSMNP until 1992. This is the story of Elkmont.

Daniel Paulin draws upon extensive research from the archives of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the University of Tennessee Library’s Special Collections Unit, the Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection, private collections, and interviews with numerous area residents with ties to Elkmont.

Join the Author for a Book Signing!

Where:  Books-A-Million

190 Collier Dr.; Pigeon Forge, TN 37864

When:  Saturday, May 23rd, 1 - 4 p.m.

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

Arcadia Publishing is the nation’s leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States. Discover more than 9,000 books on the heritage of America’s people and places.