In 1926; railroad and electric power tycoon Samuel Insull held a contest to name a station on the Skokie Valley Electric Line that the locals already called the Skokie Swamp. The winning name? Wau Bun; a Potawatomi word meaning �dawn� and also the name of a noted Potawatomi chief from the late 1700s. But the residents of Skokie Swamp hated the name and plotted their revenge. Three years later; as Insull was on a train pulling into the station; he was horrified to discover that vandals had taken it upon themselves to rename the station Hot Bun. Insull and the locals compromised; and the more neutral moniker of Northfield was adopted. The Skokie Valley Electric Line has long since been closed; and popular legend holds that Insull died penniless and alone in Paris. But the town of Northfield has survived and thrived. Once a loose affiliation of farms; Northfield is now a quiet suburb that has enviable schools; beautiful homes; and gorgeous landscapes.
#1620110 in eBooks 2004-08-25 2004-08-25File Name: B0099ZB7RW
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy D. MCGRAWExcellent book with many good pictures of the area.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great way to learn about your town!By Carrie G. KoensI originally purchased this book as a birthday gift for a friend. but she ended up getting a "slightly used" copy because I couldnt put it down once I started looking through it.As someone who moved to Elizabethton as an adult. I very much enjoyed seeing the old pictures and learning about the history of this former industrial town. There are many wonderful photos in this book and as someone who knew no history of the area. I loved trying to pick out the buildings that are still around and seeing those that are long gone. I had no idea that so much had changed in the downtown area. nor did I have any knowledge of all the famous people who have graced our town in the past.The previous reviewer said that it was only interesting if you were one of three families in the county - I totally disagree. I am not a "local". which is exactly why I find this book to be so interesting. The authors did a great job of writing just enough of the history to enhance the photos and yet not lose me with more details than I wanted to know. I would highly recommend this book if you are looking for a quick. pictorial history of the area - great for a birthday or Christmas gift if you have out-of-town guests or family.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. disappointingBy Susan HeatonFew facts. unless you belong to 3 particular Carter County families. NOTHING really interesting from a geneology standpoint.
