Tag: Arcadia Publishing

‘The Civilian Conservation Corps Cookbook,’ by Amy Bizzarri

On By Malcolm R. CampbellIn books2 Comments

One bonus of learning what the CCC fed its volunteers is, as Arcadia Publishing notes, this book released in May “features over 80 historic recipes adapted for today’s home kitchen.” The Texas Highways Magazine review notes that those recipes include pineapple fritters, snowflake potatoes, sloppy joes, and wacky cake. What’s not to like?

From the Publisher

“The Civilian Conservation Corps was a voluntary government work relief program that offered nearly 3 million unemployed, unmarried men the job of restoring and conserving America’s public lands, forests, and parks. The wages weren’t the only draw–the program also threw in three square meals a day served in the camp mess hall. The Civilian Conservation Corps Cookbook features the recipes that sustained not only the CCC during the Great Depression but also our grandparents and great-grandparents. Budget-friendly, with ingredients that can easily be found–if not in your very own pantry then at your local grocer–these recipes reflect the ‘make do’ attitude of Depression-era home cooks.”

About the Author

“Amy Bizzarri has written four books focused on Chicago history, but her experiences don’t stop there. She’s a teacher, tour guide, and certified wine expert. When she’s not exploring her beloved Chicago by bicycle, you’ll find her hiking the trails of a state or national park. Oh, yes, she’s a mermaid, too, having trained with the celebrated sirens at Florida’s Weeki Wachee Springs.”

I visited Weeki Wachee as a kid. I have a feeling that was before her time. <g>

–Malcolm

Malcolm R. Campbell is the author of contemporary fantasy, magical realism, and paranormal books and short stories.

Set in Glacier National Park, the novel follows the “hero’s journey” motif as outlined by Joseph Campbell in “The Hero With the Thousand Faces.”

Briefly Noted: ‘Getting Around in Glacier National Park’ by Mike Butler

On By Malcolm R. CampbellIn books, reviews, writing

Mike Butler, who drove one of Glacier’s iconic red busses some years ago, has put together a compelling book about the park’s transportation history in the “America Through Time” series from Arcadia Publishing. Like most Arcadia authors, Butler has included a wealth of spectacular photographs: definitely a high point of the 128-page book that was released in Febuary.

From the Publisher

“Getting around in Glacier National Park was quite difficult for early travelers seeking to experience its towering mountains, deep glacial valleys, and extensive lakes. With Glacier’s location in the far northwestern corner of Montana, just getting to the park when it was formed in 1910 was a challenge for travelers. To meet this challenge, the Great Northern Railway brought early tourists to this remote location, transporting visitors to its East Glacier and West Glacier stations. From these entry stations, tour buses took passengers to majestic hotels which the Railway built at East Glacier, Many Glacier, and Waterton Lakes. Visitors seeking adventure within the park could then take horseback trips from the hotels to remote chalets, also built by the Railway. Boats plied the waters of Glacier’s lakes, taking tourists to chalets and hiking trails. Over 900 miles of trails were built across the park. Finally, as automobile travel gained in popularity, the magnificent Going-to-the-Sun Road was completed across the Continental Divide at Logan Pass in 1933.”

In his review in the Glacier Park Foundation’s newsletter, Mac Willemssen said, “The book’s chapters describe the development of the railroad, the roads, the boats, the buses, the trails, and the hotels. As such, it’s a great complement to anyone’s Glacier library. It’s very readable and easily puts the reader right in Glacier, whether in a bus, a boat, or on a trail.”

Butler is also the author of five other Arcadia titles: Around the Spanish Peaks; Great Sand Dunes National Park; Southern Colorado: O.T. Davis Collection; Littleton; and High Road to Taos. His brother David is the author of the 2014 Arcadia book Fire Lookouts of Glacier National Park.

In the Daily Interlake’s February review, Carol Marino wrote, “Getting Around in Glacier National Park is packed with historical details and over 150 photos of the park’s early years. It offers such rare glimpses into the park’s pictorial history, such as explorer George Bird Grinnell standing on a glacier in 1926 with his wife Elizabeth Grinnell. Both he and James J. Hill played a pivotal role in the establishment of Glacier Park.”

If you love Glacier National Park, this volume is a treasure.

–Malcolm