Homewood historian Jim Wright’s latest book, “Homewood,” went on sale Friday, Dec. 1, at several sites in the village, and the timing was not accidental. Wright said he hopes holiday shopping helps boost sales, but the book also arrived just a few weeks before Homewood’s 125th anniversary year begins.
Homewood historian Jim Wright’s latest book, “Homewood,” went on sale Friday, Dec. 1, at several sites in the village, and the timing was not accidental.
Wright said he hopes holiday shopping helps boost sales, but the book also arrived just a few weeks before Homewood’s 125th anniversary year begins. Although Homewood’s roots go back to the middle of the 19th century, the village was incorporated in 1893.
The book is published in partnership with the historical society, a non-profit organization.
The 128-page photo history covers the period from Homewood’s early days through the 1940s in 200 photos. Chapters are devoted to Homewood’s rural roots, rail heritage, schools, churches, public services, businesses and recreation activities.
Copies can be purchased at the Homewood Historical Society, 2035 183rd St., which is open from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday and Saturday. It is also available at village hall, 2020 Chestnut Road, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday; at the Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday; and at Susie’s Hallmark, 18065 Harwood Ave., 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Wright said he wrote the new book because it’s been 13 years since his previous Homewood history, “Homewood Through the Years,” was published. That book has been out of print since 2010.
He said the interest in Homewood history has not waned, though.
“People are constantly asking about that book,” he said, referring to “Homewood Through the Years.”
The new book shifts the emphasis from text to image, but “it’s still packed with tons of information in the captions,” he said.
Some of the photos in the new book have been published previously, but Wright said history buffs will find many they haven’t seen before.
Depending on the success of the new book, Wright plans to publish a sequel that would focus on life in the village from the 1950s to the present.
Wright said he would welcome contributed photos from residents who might be willing to share. Photos will be scanned and returned, he said. For more information, contact Wright at 708-957-0640.
