Includes bibliographical references (p. 133-134) and index.
Summary
Rural Delivery revisits life in small-town America through examining photographs that were made into postcards in the early twentieth century. The book features more than two hundred photo postcards that re-create a time when Union County Pennsylvania, was prosperous, progressive, and growing, like many other small towns of the era. With so-called corresponding photographs at the height of their popularity, neighboring towns competed with one another to have their best "souvenir views" available. The images, made by professional and amateur photographers alike, include impressive bird's-eye views of towns and close-ups of their bustling streets. Area residents are shown on the move--in trains, buggies, and cars, as well as at play--at Bucknell (then College) class rushes, picnics in the Narrows, or ballooning expeditions in Allenwood. Catastrophic events and patriotic celebrations are also shown in these rare visual documents, which rivaled newspapers for their timeliness. Views of scenic spots, artfully composed or dramatically lighted, advertise the photographer's skill and the region's pastoral beauty. Art historian Jody Blake relates the photographic correspondence to technical, social, and artistic developments in the history of photography, while material cultural historian Jeannette Lasansky places the images on the postcards in the local historical context of Union County.
"In the accompanying text, Donald Kraybill - author of the highly acclaimed Riddle of Amish Culture - tells the often surprising story of today's Old Order Amish. His introduction provides a sweeping overview of Amish life in North America and explains how a traditional people have managed not merely to survive but to flourish in the midst of modern life. In thirty-five vignettes throughout the book, Kraybill explains Amish views on issues ranging from "Childbirth" and "Women Entrepreneurs" to "The Riddles of Farm Machinery," "Sowing Wild Oats,"and "The Politics of Separation." His concluding essay examines why modern observers are so drawn to the Amish and their traditional values.Old Order Amish details the rigors of hard work, the strength of family and community, the discipline of the religious Ordnung, and the ingenious Amish compromises with modernity. Here at last is an authentic portrait of the Amish - in striking photographs and honest accounts of their daily concerns and enduring traditions."
Contains pictures of old scenes and buildings in Washington County, Pennsylvania.
v. 1 only.
Contents
v. 1. Beallsville, Burgettstown, California, Canonsburg, Charleroi, Finleyville, Monongahela, Washington, West Alexander, West Middleton--v. 2. Avella, Bentleyville, Claysville, Donora, Eighty Four, Hickory, Houston, Morris Township, New Eagle, West Brownsville--v. 3. Centerville, Cross Creek Township, East Washington, McDonald, McMurray, Meadowlands, North Charleroi, Roscoe, Elco, Stockdale, Allenport, Long Branch, Scenery Hill, West Finley Township--v. 4. Amwell Township, Blaine and Buffalo Townships, Cecil Township, Coal Center, Ellsworth and Cokeburg Townships, Hanover and Jefferson Townships, Marianna, Midway, Speers and Lower Speers, Union Township.
The iron industry in Pennsylvania : with a listing of national, state, and private sites related to the Pennsylvania iron industry and open to the public
Chapters: The Process of Iron Making // Iron Plantations In the Colonial Era // Iron Plantations in Antebellum Pennsylvania // Technological Change and Urbanization // Ironmasters and Ironworkers in an Urban Setting // The Shift to Steel
Summary
"From the opening of the first iron forge in 1716, the iron industry played a central role in the economies of Pennsylvania and the nation. Learn how iron was made, and follow the story of iron production through the experiences of the industry's pioneers and the iron workers and their families whose labor built Pennsylvania's industrial might." [from the publisher]
