The Front Cover.

The Back Cover.

Vanderbilt with a fence around the campus to keep out the livestock.



Photo of the Author, Jan Duke


Not connected with the book , just how I arranged the flowers in the vase my friend Linda gave to me. I have them sitting not in the front hall but between the library and living room.
On January 16Th, I receive an email from Liz Chenery, Marketing Associate with Turner Publishing asking if I would consider reviewing a new book.
First of all, I do not have much time to read anymore due to all my obligations but she hooked me with one word, Historic and the next word, Photos sealed my decision. Liz advised I would get the copy of a 10x10 book to review.
Now I will disclaim from the beginning that I do not know Liz nor did I know the author, Jan Duke. I always like history but when I was a junior in high school many moons ago, my teacher, Mr. Morris (known affectionly as Moose) gave me a true love of history.
When I took the book out of its package, my first thought was this is a rather thick book but handsomely covered. I took the book downstairs to read in solitude and when I opened it up and began to read, I did not put it down until I had read from cover to cover. I was even rushed to make dinner that evening but was all excited as I wanted my MIL, Mimi to read it and look at the photos.
The "Historic Photos of Nashville" had so many photos that I had never seen before and it took you from pre-civil war era to modern times. The last ariel photo of was taken in 1968. That was when I graduated from high school and came to the big city.
Mimi said she recalled several of the places that the photos were taken and her first response was that the photo of Kirkland Hall reminded her of taking the exam to attend Vanderbilt. In her day, it only took less than $300.00 to attend. Mimi continued with a story about a certain lady who would not let the female students were socks. They had to wear hose. Later this was changed and the girls were allowed to wear socks.
I told Mimi I liked the photo of Vanderbilt with the fence around it to keep livestock from going on the campus. She then told me the story of Uncle Albert and Cuden Will running away from school and got as far as the fence. One of them had matches in his pockets and when they got near the rock columns ( still standing today)one of them brushed against the columns and the matches struck . At this point they decided that running away was not a good idea and they turned around and went back.
There are photos of the University of Nashville. Phillip Lindsley, is in our Mayflower Lineage in the 9TH generation, he turned down several offers to come to Nashville to become the President of the University of Nashville. Mimi is in the 13TH generation. Phillip was the father of John Berrien Lindsley and Adrian Van Sindern Lindsley. Mimi comes from the Adrian Van Sindern line. The reason for this family background information is to point out that John's middle name was spelled incorrectly in the book. Instead of Barrien it is Berrien. If by chance you start looking up John's historical data, you will find he was President Andrew Jackson's physician when Jackson was shot plus John B. was a very talented man who accomplishments benefit today's Nashville.
If there are any other errors in the book, I cannot find them and that mere spelling should not hold anyone back from purchasing the book. The photos and captions give you a feeling of time travel into the past. The historical readings that I enjoy will become more alive with the photos that are in the book. I think this book would be a gran visual aide in teaching the history of Nashville and should become required reading of anyone who wants to graduate from high school. Students or just everyday people who are reading about historical Nashville would benefit enormously from this visual aide. Thus, making these statements you know I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
The Kitty Justice is that "Historic Photos of Nashville" should be read by those who like history but especially by those who do not like history.





Comments

Merle said…
Dear Dianne ~ ~ Sounds like a great book especially for anyone from Nashville. I am glad that both you and Mimi enjoyed the book.
I was so sorry to hear that your parent lost three homes from fire and
so glad that the second time didn't 'get' you. You are a big part of our blogging family. Take great care, my friend, Love, Merle.
Lady Di Tn said…
Merle
The book was a really good read and the visual history was wonderful.
Thanks Merle. It is hard for anyone to go through one fire but three was tragic. It seems surreal now. When Puppy was a baby and we lived in the log cabin we heated the downstairs with a wood stove and when the stove pipe came apart one day I panic. Cousin said he had never seem me so rattled. I then explained about the three fires and he understood my panic. Peace
Mary said…
Lady Di,

I am going to have to look this book up. I am a history buff and since I've been to Nashville, I would enjoy it. It sounds like it definitely would be a great book for high school students to read. Thanks for the review.

Take care, my friend and have a great day.

Blessings,
Mary
Anonymous said…
I am glad you got to review the book. I used to do that a long time ago but no more as I am running out of time -- at almost 75. LOL

Thanks for taking a look at my house finch in my birds blog.
Merle said…
Hi again Dianne ~~ I am glad you are having warmer weather. It has been
too hot here for a couple of weeks or more and have a few more to get through until next Monday when we expect only 26C which is wonderful, only 78 F. I can hardly wait.
One of our stores has a Seniors day once a month on a Wednesday, but I have to shop on Tuesdays. Every little helps though. Take care, my friend, Love and Peace to you also. Merle.
Stacey Olson said…
looks like a wonderful book..greatto have some of your family history in print. thanks for sharing
Lady Di Tn said…
Mary
I hope you get a chance to get the book. I do believe that it would evoke a sense of how far we have come and also the visual effects could be discussed as how it must have felt to be there at that time. Unfortunately reading has taken a back seat to visual teaching so thus said it would really help the metro students learn history.
How do they know where to go if they do not know where we have been?
Peace

Abe
It was fun reviewing the book and I bet you were really good at the subject. I always come over and read and learn from your blog even if I do not comment. Peace

Merle
Glad it is cooling down for you. Well the cold front came in and it was 11 degrees this morning when I awoke with a high of 28 today. On the hill we will be 3 to 5 degrees colder than they predict. Helpful in the summer but not so in the winter. The 64 degrees Sunday is a faint memory now. Peace

Stacy
It was a good book. I gleamed more with Mimi's stories about the photos. I love tidbits. Peace
I love historical books about towns I know. I have 3 volumns of the history of the little town of Stanwood. and then books about the surrounding towns and how the valley was founded. I love history. I do wish more teachers would find a way to bring history alive to their students instead of sounding dry and boring. (my opinion) I do like local history best of all. Oops, it sound like I am on a soapbox. MB
Lilli & Nevada said…
If ever i get back to your neck of the woods i am looking you up so you can give me places to visit. Don't worry it won't be real soon
Chris said…
We need to get together for coffee soon. Sorry I've been so quiet. . . Schoolwork and health concerns have dominated my life lately.

When are you free?
Lady Di Tn said…
MB
I hear y'all about history. Also, geography should fall in the same catagory. I get undone by the people Jay Leno encounters in his Jay Walks. Peace

Lilli
Your welcome to come any time. Peace

Chris
We must be careful where we go as the last place is now out of business. You could come up on the hill and I could put a fresh pot on for us. End of the weeks are best so pick a day and place. Peace

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