Going back to its roots in 1791, Hamilton has been populated by exceptional and dynamic personalities who created a truly unique city. The people who contributed to the city's growth included authors Robert McCloskey, Fanny Hurst, and William Dean Howells; developer of the "Hollow Earth Theory" John Cleves Symmes; major-league pitcher Joe Nuxhall; folk artist Nan Phelps; orator and Chautauqua speaker Lou Jenks Beauchamps; world-class archer Darrell Pace; Frederick Brant Rentschler, founder of the world's largest aircraft company; teacher and aeronautical engineer Raymond L. Bisplinghoff; Frank Clair, coach and member of the Canadian Football League Hall of Fame; Rear Adm. Donald Wulzen; and Shuler and Joseph Doran, two brothers who pioneered early wireless radio in America. Hamilton has also benefited from business leaders, educators, political figures, philanthropists, city officials, and fascinating characters and citizens who have made the city an interesting community.

Founded in 1788 along the Ohio River, Cincinnati was the major city in the Northwest Territory for several decades. As it has developed into its third century, Cincinnati's innovations, service, manufacturing, arts, and athletics mark it as a place with a vibrant and varied heritage. The contributions of interesting and unique personalities add to the city's dynamism: William Holmes McGuffey and his creation of a nation's textbooks; civil rights activists Ted Berry, Fred Shuttlesworth, and Marian Berry; iconic personalities like baseball star Pete Rose and silent film actress Theda Bara; grocery entrepreneur Barney Kroger; cooperative education creator Herman Schneider; polio vaccine pioneer Albert Sabin; Joseph Strauss, the design engineer of the Golden Gate Bridge; Paul Brown, one of the NFL's greatest coaches; Henry Heimlich, whose Heimlich maneuver has saved countless lives; and Benadryl inventor George Rieveschl. But it is also the philanthropists and business leaders; the cultural and political figures; the teachers and community workers; and even the intriguing characters and everyday citizens who make Cincinnati an interesting place on the map. This book tells their stories.

Examines the forces that unite and divide the small Ohio community of Hamilton by looking at local politics, sports, marriage, crime, and social life.

It was 1810 when a group of men from Connecticut roved west to Ohio, establishing the first permanent settlement in what became North Ridgeville. Led by David Beebe Sr., they foraged for food and shelter. The pioneer spirit of the aggregation sustained them and others who followed. Farming provided sustenance and many farms including those owned by the Solomons, Gerharts, and others have continued the tradition. Education was greatly respected and 10 school districts became part of the communitys landscape. An early school still stands on Jaycox Road, where retired teachers Julie Bajda and Barb Sutton reenacted the roles of teachers from earlier times. The former Buffalo Trail became Center Ridge Road, the citys main thoroughfare, and, in 1960, the township developed into a city governed by a mayor, council, and various department heads. Businesses, such as Bueschers Hardware and the Bogner Funeral Home opened and remain today. Groups of residents cultivated interests into organizations with a goal of working together seamlessly for the good of the community.

Covington was a natural place for people to settle. Located on the banks of the Ohio and Licking Rivers, it developed quickly as the urban core of northern Kentucky. Sitting just opposite of Cincinnati, Ohio, it was a great location for travel by both animals and people. Originally owned by Thomas Kennedy, the land was ultimately purchased by Thomas Carneal and John and Richard Gano, and thus the city of Covington was founded in 1815. Not long after its establishment, railroads made Covington their home and many other businesses followed. By 1850, it was the second-largest city in Kentucky. Over its 200 years, Covington has seen many people play a role in its history, development, and reputation. Some are great business and community leaders. Others made tremendous contributions to the arts, and some are notorious. A community is defined more by its people than its buildings and streets. The individuals who have lived and worked in Covington provide a colorful insight into its past. From its founding until the present day, these individuals are a fascinating look into the citys history.

Graced by the Huron River with an abundance of parks, Ann Arbor offers residents and visitors entertainment, sports, shopping, dining, and of course, the University of Michigan. Legendary Locals of Ann Arbor celebrates its citizens. Some of those who make up Ann Arbor are creative artists, inspiring educators, dedicated public servants, and determined business owners. With the exception of Lewis the cat, who reigned at Downtown Home and Garden, this book is filled with stories about people who have made and are making Ann Arbor one of the best places to live in the United States. Within its pages lie the stories of who chose maize and blue as the University of Michigan’s colors; who was the first Ann Arborite to race in the Indy 500; and who sold Tom Monaghan, founder of Domino’s, his first pizzeria. Inside are photographs and descriptions of the legendary people of the past and the present, as well as those who are on their way to becoming the legends of the future.

Founded in 1871 by Collis P. Huntington, the rail tycoon's namesake city thrived as a gateway to the coalfields of southern West Virginia. The city's earliest leaders included Mayor Rufus Switzer, who created one of the community's true jewels, Ritter Park, and John Hooe Russel, who opened the city's first bank and, when it was robbed, jumped on his horse and gave chase to the bandits. Over the years, Huntington has been home to such varied individuals as Carter Woodson, the father of Black History Month; Dr. Henry D. Hatfield, who was West Virginia governor but said he would rather be known as a "country doctor;" Dagmar, the blonde bombshell of 1950s television; basketball star Hal Greer; golfing great Bill Campbell; Stella Fuller, who spent her life ministering to Huntington's poor; and the spectacularly generous Joan Edwards, who gave away $65 million. Legendary Locals of Huntington captures their stories and many others in a striking panorama of a remarkable community.