Since its inception in 1705, Newtown has been an agricultural community at heart. Small, self-sufficient, subsistence farms grew but not substantially enough to overcome competition from the South and Midwest. Men like Ezra Johnson continued to farm until the beginning of the 20th century; others turned to dairy farming, like Israel Nezvesky, or to wholesale nursery operations, like Charles Newman, or to viniculture, like Morgan McLaughlin. Industry made contributions to Newtown's economic landscape in the 19th century through the efforts of William Cole of the New York Belting and Packing Company and Samuel Curtis of Curtis Packaging. James Brunot, developer of Scrabble, and William Upham, inventor of the tea bag, continued to innovate and form Newtown's unique culture. Community commitment thrives today through people like Laurie McCollum, who continues her grandfather's tradition as manager of Lorenzo's Restaurant, and Diane Wardenburg, who carries on Ginny Lathrop's legacy by guiding the Lathrop School of Dance to serve a new generation of aspiring dancers.

In 1906, Cord Meyer Development Company purchased 600 acres in Whitepot and renamed it Forest Hills after its high elevation of rolling hills and proximity to Forest Park. After the Russell Sage Foundation acquired 142 acres and Grosvenor Atterbury and Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. partnered, the Forest Hills Gardens, founded in 1909, became America's earliest planned garden community. When Henry Schloh and Charles Hausmann of the Rego Construction Company came upon farmland in Forest Hills West, they renamed it Rego Park in 1923 after their slogan, "REal GOod Homes." Between the Tudor and Colonial landmarks, one can sense the footsteps of a few hundred notables who granted soul to the community and society. At the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, imagine the Beatles landing in a helicopter in front of screaming fans in 1964, or when Althea Gibson became the first African American to win a US national tennis title in 1957. Forest Hills High School was a cornerstone for notable alumni, such as composer Burt Bacharach; musical duo Simon & Garfunkel; Bob Keeshan, who portrayed Captain Kangaroo; and the first space tourist, Dennis Tito.

Included in this collection are some of the earliest photographs ever taken of Newtown. In addition, Newtown shows some of the earliest views of the outlying farming and industrial communities such as Berkshire, Botsford, and Hawleyville. Many images also recall the town's career as a resort town--from the earliest Main Street hotels to the teahouses that sprang up as the automobile grew in popularity. We also visit the summer recreation communities that developed on Lake Zoar in the 1920s and 1930s. A whole chapter deals with the pivotal role that the railroad played in the growth of Newtown. In addition, there is considerable coverage of the War Maneuvers of 1912, which were conducted all over the eastern portion of the town and finally centered on Castle Hill just west of Main Street. Newtown includes many photographs newly developed from glass negatives and several recently discovered photographs of great significance. These are all being published here for the first time by Mr. Cruson, a trustee of the Newtown Historical Society, town historian, and president of the Archaeological Society of Connecticut.

Amesbury was incorporated in 1668. The settlers began to build the community, starting the first sawmills on the Powwow River. The community continued to grow with carriage manufacturers starting businesses in town; Jacob Huntington was very influential in this endeavor. The automobile industry was the next major industry with the S.R. Bailey Company leading the way. George McNeil was responsible for unions coming to town, and Amelia Earhart was teaching English as a second language to factory workers. Valentine Bagley made sure that everyone had water, and John Greenleaf Whittier wrote a poem about it, "The Captain's Well." Gregory Hoyt and Jeffrey Donovan left the Amesbury High School drama club behind and made it big in movies and television. Ryan Noon went from designing his own fashions to designing for Nike. Legendary Locals of Amesbury showcases just a select few from the long list of fabulous people who have helped make Amesbury the community it is today.

The town of Southbury was incorporated in 1787. It was a mere 50 years after the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock that the original 15 families were drawn to the promise of religious freedom in what was then known as Ancient Woodbury. Descendants of these families and subsequent individuals have called the town their home: community activists fighting the establishment of the German Bund; writers such as Gladys Tabor; celebrities such as Ed Sullivan and Victor Borge; artists, community leaders, educators, businesspeople, and ordinary folks. All have left indelible marks on the rich fabric of this beautiful New England community with the town seal "Unica Unaque," translated as "The One and Only."

From green forests to blackened basalt and snowy mountains to golden beaches, adventure awaits around every bend on these dramatic islands. Experience Middle Earth with Moon New Zealand. Inside you'll find: Strategic itineraries including a week on both the North and South Islands, designed for hikers, cyclists, adrenaline junkies, history and culture buffs, and Lord of the Rings fans The top spots for outdoor adventures, like surfing, mountain biking, and trekking the Great Walks, as well as tips on how to do a New Zealand road trip. Go bungy jumping, paragliding, or jet skiing in Queensland, soak in refreshing thermal pools, or embark on a multi-day trek to rugged coasts, glacial valleys, volcanoes, and fjords Can't-miss sights and unique experiences: Cruise the hypnotic black waters of the Milford Sound, spot wild dolphins, kiwis, and blue penguins, and explore the sprawling Waitomo Caves lit by twinkling glowworms. Sample local sauvignon blancs in Marlborough and craft beers in Wellington, or sip cider in the Shire. Learn about Polynesian culture and history, marvel at Maori carvings, and savor a traditional hangi How to experience New Zealand like an insider, support local and sustainable businesses, avoid crowds, and respectfully engage with the indigenous culture, with expert insightfrom Aukland local Jamie Christian Desplaces Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout, plus a full-color detachable map Reliable background information on the landscape, climate, wildlife, and history, as well as common customs and etiquette Helpful resources on COVID-19 and traveling to New Zealand Travel tips: When to go, how to get around, and where to stay, plus advice for seniors, families with children, visitors with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ travelers With Moon's expert advice and local insight, you can experience the best of New Zealand. About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you. For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.