New Books for the Library!
Following the tracks of Daniel Callahan: A look at the life of the prolific railroad contractor, his business partner W. H. McDowell and the railroads they built. Written by West Nassau Historical Society’s president John H. Hendricks, the book provides a detailed story of a pioneer southern railroad builder. Daniel Callahan was a railroad contractor who helped build the Florida Railroad beginning in 1856. He also worked to build and maintain railroad bridges, trestles and clearing new right-of-ways for at least 74 projects (not just in Florida) during his career. The Nassau County town of Callahan bears his name. Daniel Callahan essentially disappeared after 1890. The book is well researched and well presented with many maps and other documentation tracing the life of Daniel Callahan. It is divided into short sections with informative titles. It is a valuable addition to the Museum’s library. Mr. Hendricks is still hopeful he will be able to complete the story of Callahan’s life and, especially, to find a photo of Daniel Callahan which he promises to publish on the website of the West Nassau Historical Society (www.wnhsfl.org)
The Shadow of the Rock by Eileen Haavik McIntire is engaging historical fiction about the grandmother and great-grandfather of David Levy Yulee. They were captured by Barbary pirates and subsequently enslaved in Morocco. Rachel was forced to marry Eliahu ben Youli and her son Moses (father of David Yulee) was born before she is able to escape. Moses Levy later made his way to the Caribbean where David was born. David Levy later added Yulee to his name as he became a successful politician and railroad entrepreneur in Florida. The story is told through the eyes of Rachel and through the eyes of Sara Miller, a young American seeking to understand the past of her grandmother, a holocaust survivor. Of course, Sara’s grandmother is linked to Rachel Levy. The story moves quickly and even includes an account of a (fictional) visit to Amelia Island Museum of History.
Brown Bag Lunch
current exhibit
3rd on 3rd
