New Book Brings Berkley History to Life

The new book "Images of America: Berkley" brings to life the city's history, from the 1800s through the present, with a treasure trove of photos and rich accompanying text.

It is the crowning of achievement of authors James Jeffrey Tong, Susan Richardson and Steve Baker, who signed copies of the book May 18-19 during Berkley Days.

"The response has been overwhelming," said City Councilman Baker, who serves as liaison to the Berkley Historical Committee. "The community really seems to appreciate the opportunity to share with us this celebration of history."

The book includes the arrival of settlers in the 1800s, farm life in the 1900s, a Ku Klux Klan kidnapping in the 1920s, the proposed Berkley Center mall in the 1960s and tons of fascinating photos.

"We included the good, the bad and the ugly, so it's not just a white wash," said Berkley Historical Committee chairwoman Richardson. "It includes the darker side so people can see how the city has risen above."

Berkley Historical Committee vice chairman Tong said all of the proceeds from the book will benefit the comittee and the Berkley Historical Museum. It costs $21.99 and is available at the following locations.

• Berkley Public Library
• Berkley Historical Museum
• Berkley City Hall
• Berkley Book Corner
• Durst Lumber
• Barnes & Noble
• Amazon.com
• Costco

"There are a lot of people in the book whose families are still in the neighborhood hood," said Berkley Book Corner co-owner Victor Wooddell, who already has had to restock "Images of America: Berkley." "A lot of people are coming in an asking about it."