Though just a small town, Sharpsville has had an outsized influence on the American iron industry. This book tells that story, plus many more—the canal that gave the town its start, its railroads, the personalities who lived here, the churches and clubs, its ethnic heritage, sports heroes, long-gone landmarks and institutions, and the traditions that make Sharpsville unique. Events, whether of local note or part of national trends, are here recounted. More than just an account of town lore, this is a thoroughly researched book that gives the reader an insight into life here in years past, from a variety of perspectives. Anyone who lives in the Shenango Valley will find interest in these pages—as will someone who has since moved away but whose heart still remains here. The short articles contained within this book are grouped into themed chapters. With many not-seen-before photos, it makes for an enjoyable and readable account of this little burg in times past.

John W. Heisman (1869-1936) was a man of many faces whose public image has suffered from a diffused, enigmatic, and mostly misunderstood private personality. Since his death the popular reception of the memorial trophy named in his honor has also obscured his identity. In singling out his many innovative contributions to the development of intercollegiate football, this book attempts to present a true picture of Heisman as both man and coach. Because he coached at schools throughout the country during some of the most eventful years in our history, Heisman's life relates to significant political, economic, and social developments that impacted on American society as well as sports. However, this book is much more than the story of John Heisman's 36-year coaching career. It is also the story of how an indigenous American public ritual--the Big Game---came about and how college football evolved into the complex, problematic, and highly structured big business that it is today.