Accidental Paradise: a Natural, Political, and Social History of Presque Isle


Book Description

To coincide with the celebration of Presque Isle State Park's 100-year anniversary in 2021, "Accidental Paradise: A Natural, Political, and Social History of Presque Isle" is targeted for publication by the Jefferson Educational Society in November 2020. Written by Erie historian David Frew with images coordinated and photographed by historian Jerry Skrypzak, the book marks the fifth collaboration by the two authors. Publication follows a three-year project in which Frew and Skrypzak address the geological formation of the peninsula, its natural history, and colorful political history leading to its creation as a state park. It also features the many people, events, and roles played by Erie's peninsula to the present day. Included is naval history, ecology, the Presque Isle Lighthouse, the story of famous squatter Joe Root, the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, Waldameer Park, fishing, environmental issues, the forerunners of the U.S. Coast Guard, and much more.




A Picture Palace Transformed


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History of Erie County


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Answering the Call


Book Description

This book looks at the multiple ways that the people and institutions of Erie County, Pennsylvania, responded when the United States went to war in 1917. It gives special attention to those who served in the military and, especially, to those who fell. It lists some 200 names and short biographies of those who lost their lives during the war or shortly after. It also has a listing of approximately 2,300 men and women connected in some way to Erie County who served in the United States military during World War One. Another listing includes those cited for valor during the war. Chapters on U.S. Army and Navy units with connections to Erie County are featured. Produced by the Erie County World War One Centennial Committee, the book also looks at notable individuals, homefront efforts, the contribution of women's groups, the postwar pilgrimage of mothers to battlefield cemeteries, and the construction of Erie's ultimate memorial to its veterans, the Erie Veterans Memorial Stadium.