In 1841, Thomas Mackie journeyed south along a winding river to an open meadow. There, alongside a bubbling spring, he erected a small cabin, establishing the beginnings of the community now known as Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. The city gained fame as the jewel of Dodge County, a family community that stressed hard work, good play, and awe for the almighty. This book examines that lifestyle through the unlikely means of the penny postcard. It is ironic that the postcard, which was meant to act as a disposable means of communication, has endured to become one of the greatest resources of pictorial history of small-town America.

In 1772, Native Americans granted land in the Tuscarawas Valley to Moravian missionary David Zeisberger, and he established the Christian community of Schoenbrunn Village, which remained until 1777 when members were forced to relocate. Then in late 1804, John Knisely, his family, and other pioneers braved the western frontier and settled on the Tuscarawas River near the Schoenbrunn Village site. On October 23, 1804, John Knisely founded the town of New Philadelphia. He was a great philanthropist, donating land to the city for future public buildings, guaranteeing its selection as the Tuscarawas County Seat. In Schoenbrunn Village, which has been partially excavated and rebuilt as a historic site in New Philadelphia, missionaries lived in harmony with Native Americans, and so it seems fitting that New Philadelphia, through the influence of John Knisely's generosity, has maintained its image as the new "city of brotherly love." Two hundred years later, the city strives to keep Knisely's dream alive with its generous allocation of resources and commitment to those in need.

When Somerset County, named in honor of Lord Baltimore's sister Lady Mary Somerset, was first established by the Colony of Maryland in 1666, it encompassed more than 16,000 square miles on the Eastern Shore, including what are today's Worcester and Wicomico Counties and part of lower Delaware. By the end of the 18th century, the county, much smaller in geography by then, had become home to more than 15,000 residents. Communities such as Crisfield, Deal Island, Princess Anne, Smith Island, and others have thrived since that time, with the industries of agriculture, seafood, and tourism sustaining the hardworking and spirited residents who have made their home in this county by the Chesapeake Bay.

Nestled in South Carolina's Pee Dee region, Bennettsville serves as the seat of Marlboro County. In the early days, agriculture moved the city forward, quickly turning it into one of the Palmetto State's wealthiest communities. Legend says that the land is so rich, it was once sold by the pound. Stately homes dating back to the agricultural glory years still stand, reminding residents of early prosperity. Many downtown buildings have their original Victorian store fronts and are considered to be architectural gems. Even today, Bennettsville's Main Street exemplifies the American small town from the turn of the 20th century.

Historian Brian Butko follows the highway across 14 states. Memoirs and historic landmarks come to life in full color.

In the fall of 1840, Thomas Mackie and his son-in-law discovered rich soil and abundant timber on land along a stream south of Fox Lake. They soon settled there with their families and named the fledgling town after the industrious animal at work just steps away from their log cabins. This collection of vintage images highlights Beaver Dam's history from 1841 to 1941, as Beaver Dam evolved along the stream, drawing industrialists who built their mills on its banks and tourists who traveled aboard the Rambler excursion steam ship on the man-made lake. With a successful dairy industry and renowned iron works, Beaver Dam prospered and grew into a city united by work, faith, education, and play.

Carved out of Native American land in 1817, Marion County, Tennessee, has maintained its primitive beauty. The county grew with towns such as Monteagle, Martin Springs, Sequatchie, and South Pittsburg springing up on the banks of the Tennessee River, throughout the Sequatchie Valley, and atop the Cumberland Mountains. Today, it is home to nearly 30,000 people. In this pictorial history, Marion Countys colorful and fascinating past is illustrated through over 200 vintage postcards drawn from the authors personal collection. This book was the culmination of a long-standing interest in postcards and Marion County, as well as a deep kinship with its people.