As Sacramento�s neighborhoods grew eastward from Fifteenth Street to Thirty-first Street (later Alhambra Boulevard); the area evolved into a complex mix of housing and businesses known as Midtown. Sutter�s Fort was still popular; and community groups like the Native Sons of the Golden West restored its last remnants for future generations. In 1927; the city built Memorial Auditorium; a tribute to fallen soldiers; as a large central venue that continues to serve as an important setting for graduations; concerts; and conventions. The J and K Street business corridors expanded from downtown; and identifiable neighborhoods such as Poverty Ridge; Boulevard Park; and New Era Park developed as people settled and established businesses in these growing areas. Today�s Midtown supports numerous Victorian mansions and Craftsman bungalows; as well as the legacies of such employers as the California Almond Growers� Exchange; California Packing Corporation; Buffalo Brewery; Sutter Hospital; and the Sacramento Bee newspaper.
#1265519 in eBooks 2008-08-01 2008-08-01File Name: B0097CYNPK
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Lively Readable Prose Resurrects a Forgotten Formidible GeniusBy Arthur W. CampbellForbes thoroughly documented story of the "greatest comedian on the American stage" delivers the most sensitive. nuanced. and contextualized biography Ive ever read. Savoring the authors spirited syntax. the reader is transported to periods and places in American life largely ignored by conventional historians . Not only does the author portray the extraordinary life of this talented. tortured. and misunderstood genius. she does so while illuminating the political and cultural times in which Bert Williams lived. In so doing Forbes has made an additional contribution to scholarship: She has crafted a compellingly original history of show business in America.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A lengthy introduction . . .By Mark S. Crawford"Introducing Bert Williams" was. to me. a rather lengthy read as an introduction. The book wasnt as biographical about Williams the person. as it was about Williams the performer. I retained three main themes; 1) Williams was universally praised as an outstanding comedian. 2) he was timid. passive. and lacked the assertiveness his partner. George Walker. possessed. and 3) he was uncomfortable speaking for his race. These themes are well researched and supported and presented many times over - almost in every chapter.In addition. each chapter included many detailed accounts of shows. reactions. song lyrics. and back stories of people and events. There were sometimes so many details and explanations that it was distracting and I had to remind myself the subject of the book.For me. what was missing was insight to the man himself. His childhood is mentioned. but its inclusion seems obligatory. His personal life as an adult is scantly mentioned. It was a lengthy read for so few high points - of which succinct details can be found on the Internet. To be commentary about a man of the theater. there was no drama. no climax. no pathos.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I so enjoyed this book the history of theatreBy Barbara E. KlagI so enjoyed this book the history of theatre. Bert Williams has been somewhat mislabeled by African America. but he survived became one of the stars of Broadway "Negro" Theatre of the time. He was such a positive roll model for all in his generosity acting style. Well packaged for safe delivery. Thank You. bk
