Description
Book Synopsis: A cast of characters tumbles out of the pages of this book, beginning with the courageous settlers who tamed the wilderness. By the 1890s, dynamic denizens of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor harvested fruit, established factories, and opened tourist attractions. Drake and Wallace's Silver Beach Amusement Park, with its roller coaster, fun house, and Lake Michigan beach, attracted visitors from Chicago. So did the curative mineral waters. Al Capone took "the baths," despite their stinking like rotten eggs. The Israelite House of David, a Christian sect founded by Benjamin and Mary Purnell, welcomed summer visitors to their amusement park. Despite an infamous scandal and trial involving Benjamin, the House of David thrived for decades. The cities spawned inventors like Augustus Herring, who flew an airplane five years before the Wright brothers; Emory Upton, who developed an electric-powered washing machine manufactured by a company now known as Whirlpool; and Walter Miller, inventor of a record-changing machine manufactured by V-M. By the 1980s, manufacturing in the area had declined, and the cities suffered. Present-day entrepreneurs, artists, and community activists have jump-started their return to vitality.
Details
Discover the captivating history of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor with Legendary Locals of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor! Step into the lives of the courageous settlers who braved the wilderness and transformed these cities into thriving communities. From farmers harvesting succulent fruit to the establishment of factories and tourist attractions, the story of this region is nothing short of extraordinary.
One of the standout attractions that drew visitors from afar was Drake and Wallace's Silver Beach Amusement Park. With its exhilarating roller coaster, fun house, and pristine Lake Michigan beach, it became an irresistible destination for those seeking thrills and fun. Not to mention the curative mineral waters that intrigued even the notorious Al Capone, who dared to take "the baths" despite their pungent aroma resembling rotten eggs.
Another remarkable piece of history lies in the Israelite House of David, a Christian sect founded by Benjamin and Mary Purnell. Their amusement park welcomed countless summer visitors, providing entertainment and a unique spiritual experience. Despite a scandal and trial involving Benjamin, the House of David persevered and left a lasting legacy for decades to come.
St. Joseph and Benton Harbor also boast an impressive lineup of inventors who left their mark on history. Augustus Herring, a true visionary, flew an airplane five years before the Wright brothers, propelling the world of aviation forward. Emory Upton, an ingenious mind, revolutionized the laundry industry with his electric-powered washing machine, which eventually became synonymous with the iconic brand Whirlpool. And let's not forget Walter Miller, whose groundbreaking record-changing machine manufactured by V-M transformed the way we enjoyed music.
Although the decline of manufacturing in the area brought challenges to St. Joseph and Benton Harbor in the 1980s, the spirit of resilience has prevailed. Today, a new wave of entrepreneurs, artists, and community activists is breathing life back into these cities, charting a course towards a vibrant future. Experience the rich tapestry of history and the triumph of the human spirit in Legendary Locals of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor.
Get your copy today and embark on an unforgettable journey through time!
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