During the early days of World War II Joe Phelps made two critical decisions that were to affect the rest of his life. He and Margaret Wieczorek decided to take their chances on a war time marriage. Joe also decided to enlist in the Naval Reserve. For a while things were great for the newly weds but after less than nine months of marriage Joe got his orders. He was on his way to duty in Bermuda. During the fifteen months he was stationed there Joe and Marge exchanged over 500 letters. These letters reveal the great love and affection they had for each other despite the miles that separated them. They show their faith in God and country. And the letters are a time capsule of what America was like in 1943 and 1944. Find out about Nicklelodeon dances, the Lux Radio Theater, hit movies, shoe stamps, The Inner Sanctum, jitterbugging, Camp Grant, knitten for Britain, Hopalong Cassidy and all the hot spots in Rockford, Illinois. Book Reviews Phelps Creates Family Treasure A box of letters stored away since 1945 resurfaced 60 years later in 2005. Letters written back and forth between James’s parents in 1943 and 1944. James made the decision to devote time to preserving this time in his parent’s history. As James began to delve further into the readings, he realized the beauty in the language and his parent’s relationship. He also learned much of the social history as revealed by his mother’s writing. His mother’s letters provide a snapshot of life in the early 1940’s. For those with a penchant for history, for the stories behind the people, and for those appreciative of beautiful and telling letter writing, this may be the book for you. Sarah Johnson Editor/Publisher of FYI NORTHWOODS Presque Isle, Wisconsin Pick up this book for a fascinating journey to the America of yesterday, as seen through the eyes of real-life heroes who weren’t seeking special recognition. They just tried the best they could, meeting their responsibilities in everyday life, overseas and on the home front. By the time you finish this book, you’ll feel like they’re old friends. Not only is this unique book a very interesting read, it is also a time capsule that contains some mementoes of an era that is long gone but part of our history. Some readers may still have grandparents who recall having lived during this era; for them it will be like a walk down memory lane. For others, who are too young to recall it personally, it is a glimpse into a time that is viewed through old photographs – almost surreal but at once real and honest. Susan Johnson Copy Editor of The Rock River Times in Rockford, Illinois Rockford man compiles parents’ WWII correspondence in a book. Rockford’s James S. Phelps has written a book, “Letters from Bermuda,” compiling correspondence his newlywed parents exchanged during World War II. Family photographs accompany the accounts of wartime life in Bermuda and Rockford. Phelps retired from teaching at Swan Hillman Elementary in 2005. The book is available at Amazon.com, BN.com and Xlibris.com, where you can preview excerpts from the book. Go Section of the Rockford Register Star READERS’ COMMENTS After reading every letter, I, if no other reader, have come to know Joe and Marge quite well. Anyway, I just wanted to tell you right away how much I admire your entirely worthwhile effort in transcribing these expressions of your parent’s love and affection, faith and longing. Did you ever consider “Oceans of love” as a subtitle? We’ve still not been by Crossways (Joe’s cottage in Bermuda) at a time when we weren’t rushing, but Joe’s many descriptions will be an inspiration next time the opportunity arises to take a couple of pictures and maybe knock on the door. It was amusing to see the occasional “hand of autho

Slaves & Slaveholders in Bermuda, 1616-1782, offers a fresh perspective on the complex relationship between racism & slavery in the often overlooked second-oldest English colony in the New World. As the first blacks were brought onto the islands not specifically for slave labor, but for their expertise as pearl divers & cultivators of West Indies plants, Bermuda's racial history began to unfold much differently from that of the Caribbean islands or of the North American mainland. Bermuda's history records the arrival of the first blacks, the first English law passed to control the behavior of the "Negroes," & the creation of ninety-nine-year indentures for black & Indian servants. Slavery may have dictated & strained the relationships between whites & blacks, but in this smallest of English colonies it differed from slavery elsewhere because of the uniquely close master-slave relations created by Bermuda's size & maritime economy. At only twenty-one square miles in size, Bermuda saw slaves & slave-holders working & living closer together than in other societies. Additionally, the emphasis on maritime pursuits offered slaves a degree of autonomy & a sense of identity unequaled in other English colonies. This groundbreaking history of Bermuda's slavery reveals fewer runaways, less-violent rebellions, & relatively milder punishments for offending slaves. One anecdote recounts that in 1782, seventy black seamen offered freedom in Boston voluntarily returned to their Bermuda homes. Bernhard delves into the origins of Bermuda's slavery, its peculiar nature, & its effects on blacks & whites. She bases her study on archival research drawn from wills & inventories, laws & court cases, governors' reports & council minutes. Intended as an introduction to both the history of the islands & the rich sources for further study, this book will prove invaluable to scholars of slavery, as well as those interested in historical archaeology, anthropology, maritime history, & colonial history.

In 'A General Plan for a Mail Communication by Steam', James MacQueen delves into the significant role that steam technology played in revolutionizing mail communication. This detailed book provides insights into the practical aspects of implementing steam-powered mail services, highlighting the efficiency and speed that this innovation brought to communication networks. MacQueen's writing style is precise and technical, reflecting his expertise in the subject matter and the meticulous planning required for such a communication system. Set in the early 19th century, this book offers readers a glimpse into the evolving landscape of transportation and communication technologies during this period. James MacQueen, a Scottish geographer and cartographer, was known for his expertise in trade routes and colonial territories. His experience in studying geographic regions and transportation networks likely inspired the writing of this book, showcasing his deep knowledge of the subject matter. MacQueen's dedication to advancing communication methods is evident in his meticulous planning and detailed proposals for steam-powered mail services. I highly recommend 'A General Plan for a Mail Communication by Steam' to readers interested in the history of communication technology and transportation networks. MacQueen's insightful analysis and practical recommendations make this book a valuable resource for understanding the intersection of technology and communication in the 19th century.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1862.