Lakewood was a vibrant community long before it incorporated in 1996, though cityhood helped give the area one name and identity. In the mid-19th century, Lakewood was the site of British farms and the first US military base in Washington Territory. Men who became famous in the Civil War, such as George Pickett, served there. Native American leader Leschi, the victim of judicial lynching by civilians, spent his last days there. As Lakewood became a retreat for Puget Sounds rich and famous, names such as Carman and Alexanderas famous in their day as the name Weyerhaeuser was and issettled here, leaving behind reminders like Lakewold Gardens. One of Lakewoods most famous residents was Ivan, a captive gorilla who captured the hearts of animal lovers worldwide.

From founding families in the early 1800s to contemporary conservationists in 2011, this volume celebrates a multitude of individuals who have impacted the Chautauqua Lake region. Before the armchair traveler journeys around the lake, a sampling of historians and photographers are honored for preserving its past. Subsequent chapters showcase the lakeside communities of Mayville, Dewittville, Point Chautauqua, Maple Springs, Bemus Point, Greenhurst, Fluvanna, Jamestown, Celoron, Lakewood, Ashville, Stow, and the Chautauqua Institution. Each presents several residents who aided its growth, made significant contributions, or simply remain of interest for their uniqueness.

Unique characters have always made up the landscape of Arvada. Pioneers, ranchers and farmers, business leaders, community-minded individuals, doctors, sports figures, and even a Broadway star have all called home the city on a bluff overlooking Clear Creek. Benjamin Wadsworth was not only one of Arvada's founding fathers but also the town's first postmaster, and he donated many parcels of land for schools and churches to be built in the burgeoning town. Lloyd King, in 1947, opened the first King Soopers grocery store in Arvada. From this one small market grew an empire of more than 100 King Soopers stores in Colorado. Popular radio personality Irv Brown is known as "Denver's go-to guy" for sports talk. Brown coached at Arvada High School during the 1960s, leading the Redskins to 10 conference football titles and one state championship. And two-time Cy Young Award-winner Roy Halladay honed his baseball skills in Arvada as a youth. The starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies graduated from Arvada West High School in 1995. From Louis Ralston's discovery of gold in 1850 along the creek that bears his name, to the present day sprawling suburb, Arvada's people have helped make the town a jewel of the Centennial State.

The city of Broomfield had its beginnings in the howling wilderness of the late 1850s. At first, the settlement was little more than two stage stops along a treacherous route to California. The Church family operated Churchs Crossing Stage Stop, a days ride from Denver on the Overland Trail. Over many years, other pioneer families settled in: the Graves and Crooks families, the Browns, Nissens, Wrights, Koziseks, Archers, Hansens, Shaws, Brunners, and more. Some of these families claim five or six generations in the area. A century passed before Broomfield began to grow into the city it is today. In the late 1950s, a group of investors began building Broomfield Heights. As young families began moving in, the farm community was transformed into a suburban city, guided by local notables such as Don DesCombes, George Di Ciero, and others. Perhaps the most admirable aspect of the citys history is the enormous amount of work done by community-minded volunteers. Their story is one of selfless enthusiasm, of hard work with no reward except a better place to live.

In 1796, when Gen. Moses Cleaveland founded the settlement on Lake Erie's shores that would become the city of Cleveland, he opened the way for many dynamic, visionary, and diverse individuals who would not only help Cleveland prosper as one of the greatest cities in the Midwest, but also give the city its unique character. Mobster Danny Greene's fate was sealed by a car bomb and his life was later immortalized in film. Vernon Stouffer helped revolutionize the frozen food industry and the way Americans eat. Almeda Adams refused to let her disability keep her from making contributions in education and music. And Zelma Watson George found success in theater and, later, politics as a goodwill ambassador and a delegate to the United Nations. Legendary Locals of Cleveland chronicles the fascinating stories of citizens who have impacted the city in political, social, philanthropic, business, educational, scientific/medical, entertainment, and even criminal areas.

Profiles notable Rumson organizations, businesses, and residents, including Bruce Springsteen, Albert A. Kerr, and Cups and Cakes.

Migrating tribes settled along the river in the J-shaped valley lying beneath the majestic mountain known today as Mount Rainier. Tribal traders from east of the mountains called the western valley tribe "generous people," a word that in English sounds like "Puyallup." Pioneers found promise in clearing the land, creating the towns of Puyallup, Sumner, and Orting, and donating property for the common good. Agriculture produced hop barons, nationally renowned daffodil bulb growers, and successful berry farmers. Early entrepreneurs spawned multigenerational businesses while doctors, educators, and civic leaders more than fulfilled pioneer dreams. In 1900, a small band of men established an annual fair in Puyallup, which became the Washington State Fair. More recently, benefactors helped to build premier fitness and medical facilities. Citizens from each town continue to participate in community service clubs. Legendary Locals of the Puyallup Valley weaves a story of determined people who have left their mark on this beautiful valley.

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 community's 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 city's main thoroughfare, and, in 1960, the township developed into a city governed by a mayor, council, and various department heads. Businesses, such as Buescher's 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.

Profiles Vancouver's most notable and notorious residents, from the city's namesake, British Captain George Vancouver, and explorer William Clark to modern day musicians and philanthropists.

Our country's first national reserve, the Pine Barrens, harbors a wonderful secret unknown to most outsiders. This 1.1-million-acre treasure trove of pitch pine and sugar sand is home to many rare species and almost 17 trillion gallons of the purest water on earth. It was in this forest that men like Leland Champion logged trees and built sawmills. It was along these waterways that craftsmen like Gary Giberson made prized decoys. And it was in these woods that Stanley Switlik built a tower from which Amelia Earhart jumped, testing his parachute so it could be used in World War II. These woods yielded inventors whose products we enjoy today: cultivated blueberries, cranberry sauce, and Welch's grape juice. It was here that Bob Buchanan reached for the mooring lines as the Hindenburg ended its final, fated voyage. And it was here in Buzby's General Store that John McPhee penned his classic book, The Pine Barrens, setting into motion legislation to preserve this area for future generations.