Donald D. Spencer Knihy

Explore the gilded age of Las Vegas through 437 vintage postcards that trace the history of the historic "Las Vegas Strip." Tour popular resorts, including The Dunes, Golden Nugget, Flamingo Hotel and Casino, Sands Casino, and Monte Carlo Club. Learn the beginnings of Roulette and slot machines. By the 1950s, Las Vegas began to take shape as America's playground. The city changed dramatically from a dusty resort to the most exciting gambling city in America, and the rapid growth continued throughout the 1960s. These were the "Golden Years" of Las Vegas. Anyone who loves Vegas will enjoy witnessing its development. Postcard collectors worldwide also will find this a valuable resource.

Orlando, known as the City Beautiful, is depicted through 351 vibrant color postcards capturing its history from 1902 to 1950. This collection showcases the city's evolution and highlights its picturesque lakes and urban charm. Each postcard serves as a colorful reminder of Orlando's past, offering a nostalgic glimpse into its development over nearly five decades. The visual journey reflects both the architectural and cultural transformations that have shaped this largest inland city in Florida.

Tour America's oldest city, St. Augustine, and see how it evolved and changed over the past one hundred years through 334 color images. Neighborhoods, streets, and buildings are featured and compared in vintage postcards and present-day photographs. The Plaza, St. Francis Street, the Public Market, the Fountain of Youth, San Marcos Hotel, Flagler Hospital, Trinity Episcopal Church, Anastasia Island, and much, much more. More than 120 pairs of past and present views feature the city's changing landscape and show its historic landmarks alongside present day skyscrapers and commerical buildings, like the 1887-built Castle Warden next to Ripley's Believe It Or Not!. This captivating chronicle of change and preservation in one of America's most historic and oldest cities will be enjoyed and treasured by residents and tourists alike. Postcard collectors will also find this an invaluable resource.

From concrete dinosaurs of Bongoland and the Citrus Hall of Fame, to underwater scenery of Silver Springs and alligators of Gatorland, 1950s Florida had something to offer every native and visitor. Over 400 vintage postcards take readers on a journey back in time to tour throughout Florida, showcasing the state's most famous roadside attractions. Tour the historic Gamble Mansion, walk through the picturesque gardens of Gerbing's Gardens, see the jumping dolphins at Marineland, visit the Seminole Indian Village at Musa Isle, and listen to talking parrots at Parrot Jungle. All the wonderful, whimsical sites you visited as a child, or that your grandparents reminisce about, are found in an alphabetical exploration starting with Africa USA and winding up at Zorayda Castle.

Rare postcard views showcase Daytona Beach's rich history, featuring over 260 charming scenes from the early twentieth century. The book captures a time when visitors donned heavy woolen bathing suits and highlights the transformative impact of automobiles on the area. Accompanied by an engaging narrative, it delves into local history and lore, illustrating architectural embellishments and unique designs that define this scenic and historic Florida destination.

Explore the rich history of Palm Beach, Florida, from 1900 to the 1960s through a collection of 421 vibrant images. The book highlights iconic landmarks such as the Breakers Hotel and Everglades Club, alongside contemporary attractions like the Flagler Museum and Mar-a-Lago. It chronicles the transformation of Palm Beach into a winter retreat for illustrious families, including the Kennedys, Rockefellers, and Vanderbilts, making it a cherished keepsake for both tourists and locals.

The narrative explores the evolution of Cape Canaveral, illustrating its transformation from a citrus and tourism hub into a premier space launch site. Featuring 318 images, it chronicles key milestones from the first two-stage rocket launch in 1950 to the Space Shuttle missions up to 2010. Highlighting its record of successful launches, the book serves as an engaging souvenir for locals and visitors alike, while also providing valuable insights for space historians globally.

Explore the rich history and stunning scenery of Fort Myers and Sanibel Island through 450 rare postcards, drawings, and photographs. Discover Thomas Edison's winter home and laboratory, and experience the allure of Sanibel, renowned for its seashells. Relive the elegance of the Royal Palm Hotel and journey along the Tamiami Trail to a Seminole Indian Village, with additional visits to nearby Naples and Gasparilla Island. This captivating collection is a cherished keepsake for history enthusiasts, tourists, and locals alike.

Exploring Florida's military history, the book features 256 images that highlight the state's strategic forts and camps, such as Fort Caroline and Castillo de San Marcos. It delves into the challenges posed by Florida's waterways to colonizing nations like Spain, France, and England. Additionally, it examines the influence of major wars, including World War I and II, on the state. This resource is ideal for educators and enthusiasts of history and military affairs, offering a visual journey through Florida's defensive past.

Exploring the cultural significance of alligators in Florida, this book delves into their role as symbols, attractions, and even pets over the past 500 years. It highlights the sport of alligator hunting and wrestling and showcases popular alligator farms across the state. Through over 270 vintage postcards, author Donald D. Spencer, a Florida historian, narrates the alligator's story, including documented attacks and unique Alligator Border cards. This resource is invaluable for postcard collectors and those interested in Florida's history.