Chatham

by Jim Gilbert, Lisa Gilbert

The more than 200 images for personal and private collections, some published here for the first time, serve to present a stunning and fascinating commemorative pictorial album of Chatham's rich history. At the end of the nineteenth century, in the newly created city of Chatham, the possibilities seemed endless and almost utopian. Gone were the ramshackle wooden shacks that dominated its early days, and in their place were stately homes made of brick and stone. Taverns, mills, mercantile stores, mechanics' shops, shipbuilders, and iron foundries blossomed and flourished. Tall and small ships crowded the banks of the bustling Thames River, which had become Chatham's lifeline to the world. Such is the Chatham presented in this volume, which contains nearly two hundred striking images gleaned from personal and public collections. Many of these items, some published here for the first time, serve to present a stunning and fascinating commemorative pictorial album of Chatham's rich history. They will encourage readers to take a stroll on Tecumseh Park's lovers' lane, to board a grand steamer for an exciting river excursion, to prowl a King Street teeming with bicycles, horses, and carts, and to take a ride on those strange new horseless carriages.

128 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2002

About the author

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Reviews

[Marc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: My sister and her husband are the authors.

I grew up in Chatham, and I confess I never liked the place much. This book is in the classic Arcadia format and covers the events of Chatham as a city more or less. Floods (the later subject of another book by Jim: The Thames River), Fires, Commerce, Schools, Churches all the fodder of any town are covered. Fun read for anyone who has lived in or near the city.