Vestal (Images of America) - Book Review

This is the first edition of "What's NEW in my Bookshelf?"

Recently, I received a book called Images of America-Vestal by Vestal's town historian, Margaret Hadsell. 

 Here are my personal thoughts on the book.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

1. Prehistoric Vestal

2. Vestal

3. Ross Corners

4. Tracy Creek

5. Twin Orchards

6. Vestal Center

7. Willow Point

8. Mile Wide

Summary

The book mainly shows photos of prominent settlers and locations around the town of Vestal. It briefly mentions pre-Vestal and the families, churches, schools, businesses, etc., within parts of Vestal.

Evaluation

I liked how the author inserted plat maps into the book. At the beginning of each chapter, there is a section of the entire map in which part of it will be "zoomed in" on specific areas of Vestal.

I was a bit disappointed with this book because I expected more context, though I did love the photographs. 

Vestal was predominantly rural and the main occupation was a farmer. Over time as Vestal grew, industrial-wise, there become more jobs besides family businesses. I would have liked to see the transformation (through photos) from rural to industrial.

This change would have affected my ancestors and the choices they made before moving to other cities in New York and Pennsylvania.

 Recommendation

I would recommend this book to anybody interested in knowing about the settlers during the 1820s into the 1940s. 

For family historians and genealogists, this wouldn't give you a lot of context, but insight into who your ancestors may have interacted with if you have Broome Co. ancestors.

My star rating is 3.5 out of 5.