Many interesting things are said about the study and development of history. Most know the George Santayana quote: “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Yet, Martin Luther King said, “We are not makers of history. We are made by history.” More still, John W. Gardner makes a good point in that ““history never looks like history when you are living through it.” But history maker Thomas Jefferson claims to have “like[d] the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.”
Whatever your approach to history, the many books from Arcadia Publishing can provide a unique light on it. Their publications, largely in pictorial format, have reconnected people to their community, their neighbors, and their past by offering a curbside view of hometown history and often-forgotten aspects of American life. Their books contain hundreds of vintage images and captions from a variety of historical archives. With over seventy different historical subjects, their content spans every state in the U.S. and the Canadian territories, delving into many areas including ethnic heritages, architecture, sports and entertainment, business, government, food, conflicts, and more. There’s bound to be an interesting title for most niches.
Speaking from reading the titles on my local history, I’m in awe of seeing what my region was like over the last two centuries up to even several decades ago! Most West Virginians know that parts of the state’s civilization were born out of developments of the Great Depression, the New Deal, industry, and/or wartime. Yet on the flip side of the coin, many of these areas have also stagnated, declined, or became obsolete through dwindling supply and demand, modernization, urbanization, and/or urban decay. Lord Acton claimed that “history is not a burden on the memory, but an illumination of the soul”. Arcadia Publishing’s books definitely illuminate the Wild and Wonderful’s old soul by preserving the memories of:
- early lodging accommodations in Southern West Virginia;
- the formation and perpetuation of Arthurdale;
- Huntington’s flourishing beginnings as an industrial shipping port;
- the development of three major towns in Putnam County along the Kanawha River (I’ve lived in two out of three of them, so this one was my favorite);
- the industries that established South Charleston;
- and downtown Charleston’s once-vibrant city life.
Anyone wanting their own look at history can find Arcadia’s books and information in several different ways. The easiest way would be direct from their website—volume discounts are available if you let them know you’re interested in purchasing a large quantity. Many of their titles may also be available at a convenience store, gift shop, or even library near you. Or if you’re a retailer yourself, they offer an opportunity for you to sell their books. They’re also active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram so you can keep up with their latest publishings and promotions.
Winston Churchill said that history will be kind to him for he intended to write it. In the same way, we shouldn’t be so ignorant of history and not treat it like a burden. The Arcadia Publishing books make it a little easier to see what made us so hopefully we can make better dreams of the future!
Wolfum creator Annabel Inganni spent nine years in apparel design before her designs took an interesting turn in 2010. Inganni is now creating household items like linen napkins, bookends, and coasters, but her flair for the unique provides a whimsical and stylish twist to these seemingly traditional pieces.
Wolfum’s collection of unique linens have a timeless appearance, with patterns that could have easily been taken from a trunk of beloved vintage items or used to embellish a modern tabletop. Wolfum’s colorful animal bookends and wall hangers also add a fanciful feel the the collection. Tigers, rabbits, coyotes, and a slew of other creatures in a variety of delightful patterns and colors would be perfect for a child or adult.
Solé Bicycle Co.
It is almost impossible to find cool things that are different and unique anymore, with all of the chaos of industrialized clothing and gifts. Yet, we sought out an amazing artist who creates unique things, and guess what? We found one! This jewelry creator describes the style that she creates as “Retro Futuristic Rock Star Style”.
When asked what got her started with jewelry making, Michelle told us,”I’ve been dabbling in jewelry making since I was a kid but was frustrated by my lack of training in creating components of my own design. Soon I found a way to laser cut plastic, which excited me, but that method has its limitations. I hope to take a metal casting class soon so I can create my own designs in three-dimensional metals, and perhaps other materials.” The fact that she uses different mediums when creating her jewelry is perhaps what makes it so unique.
Finally, we were curious as to what her plans are for the future of her business. We assumed that a business this creative has to have plans for expanding. She told us,”You’ve caught me in a major stage of transition! Many new things are coming up. It’s hard to say what exactly they will be, but as I said I want to work in a lot of other mediums. My new goal is to create more unique pieces with plenty of artistic value.” We can’t wait to see what is in store next for this artistic entrepreneur, but we have no doubt that it will be creative and surprise us all! With her unique sense of style and drive to make her brand successful, we know we will be hearing more about her in the future!
Toast Pop 