In 1854; as the Chicago and Milwaukee Railroad Company made plans to lay track through the Green Bay Trail north of Chicago; builder Charles Peck subdivided the surrounding woods. His wife Sarah declared that they must name this land Winnetka; meaning �beautiful land� in Native American. There is no proof that the word means �beautiful land� in any language�but all who visit Winnetka agree it is an apt description. Bordered by Lake Michigan and the lagoons and woods of the Cook County forest preserve; Winnetka is a town of well-tended lawns with vibrant spring tulips and daffodils giving way to summer�s leafy hostas. Its homes are found in historical registers; its shopping districts are charming and quaint; and its beaches and parks invite one to play hooky for an afternoon. Winnetka�s residents are good neighbors; reaching out to one another in times of fun and times of tragedy; devoted to excellence in education and in their professional lives.
#1520053 in eBooks 2007-10-29 2007-10-29File Name: B0099I92LW
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Interesting. but limited by the formatBy D. Andrew KilleThis book is one of a series of "Postcard Histories" produced by the publisher. Centered on the town of Ojai. California and the surrounding area. it is a fascinating tour of the history of the city and key events in its history. The book is full of visual images of the early days. with explanatory text that tells the story of the development of Ojai in the late 19th and early- to mid- 20th century.As a former resident of the Valley whose family still resides there. I enjoyed seeing some of the places I remembered from my childhood. and learned more about the people and efforts that brought them about.Because the book focuses on images that are available as postcards. the history is somewhat spotty. The text helps fill in the gaps for some of the developments. but there are many historically significant events that do not appear in the book. I presume it was because the editors could not find representative images. Still. for those who know and love the Ojai. and for those who might not know anything about this little "Shangri-La" in Ventura County. this book offers a visually interesting exploration.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Californias ParadiseBy Gretchen BorgI was blessed to grow up in the beautiful Ojai Valley. My great grandparents owned and operated the newspaper and had shops in the Arcade.This series of books detailing the history of California cities and neighborhoods is a goldmine of information for people interested in geneaology as well as local history.I teach high school history and use these books to enrich the textbook curriculum subscribed by the State.
