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~~ TUSCOLA: A MEMOIR ~~
Place, Time, and Meanings of a Hometown
by Joseph Colwell
Published in October 2020, Joseph’s book, Tuscola: A Memoir--Place, Time and Meanings of a Hometown, is a collection of essays about his growing up in his hometown of Tuscola, Illinois in the 1950s and 60s. He started writing his essays almost 30 years ago as a way to capture the memories of his childhood.
How much of your childhood do you remember? What can you recall of your hometown? Who were the people who influenced your life? These are questions that Joseph Colwell answers for himself in his recollections of growing up in the small Illinois town of Tuscola. At the time, his adventures and experiences seemed nothing special. But looking back over 60 years, he remembers with fondness the place where he grew up and the time of mid-twentieth century. The place and the time laid the foundation for his life and for countless others. His hope is that everyone who grew up in a hometown similar to this one, especially a half-century ago, will be able to relate to the place and a time that formed their values and character, staying with them throughout their lives. Think of your own growing up as you join Joseph’s journey through his personal stories and imagery.
TUSCOLA: A MEMOIR ~~ TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction: Michael G. Carroll
Author’s Invitation
PART I
A Place: Hometown
Leaving Tuscola
Hometown
Home
Downtown
A School of Memories: Old North Ward Grade School
Old High School – New North Ward Grade School
The South Ward Grade School
Tuscola Community High School
The Strand Theater
Gus’s
Notable Tuscolians
Ervin Park
Photo Gallery
PART II
A Time: Mid-Century
Tuscom Little League
Mushrooms
Thunderstorm
Decoration Day
Summer Nights and Days
Things to Do
Music of the Prairies
All Hallows Eve
Christmas
Early Days of Television
PART III
Meanings
A Place Through Time
The Diversity of Change
Going Home
Fifty Seasons of Yesterday
Circling the Square
The Tuscola Mural
Lost in the Sixties
Last One Standing
The Legacy: Looking into the Sunrise
Acknowledgments
Photo Credits
About the Author
PURCHASING INFORMATION FOR TUSCOLA: A MEMOIR
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