Cover Mock-up Courtesy Arcadia Publishing, photo of lifeguards courtesy of The Wave.

After three years of thinking about it, and six months after contracting to produce it, I am close to finished with writing Images of America: Rockaway Beach, to be published by Arcadia Publishing Company in June, 2012.  The cover mock-up has been approved (see above), all 200 or so photos are now recorded on a spreadsheet by date and subject, and I have assembled the images and captions into four chapters covering the years 1850-1917; 1918-1945; 1946-1960; and 1961-today.  If you’d like to read the back cover text, just click on the image above, once or twice, to enlarge it to the desired size.  I’m very pleased to report that Arcadia Publishing will be printing this book here in the United States.

I sponsored a ‘History Happy Hour’ on Friday, November 25, at Thai Rock Restaurant and Music House, and the attendees got a preview of some of the photos.  I plan to host another one in January, 2012.

As you have probably noticed, I have not been updating Oy Vey Rockaway as regularly over the past three months, but I’ll start posting weekly again, once the book has been sent to the publisher in December. I have been trying to update the ‘notable local events’ tab as often as possible, so be sure to check that out.  There are so many important things occurring in the community, and as a result of researching this book, I now have more historical perspective on all of it.  Thanks to my loyal readers for understanding.

Hope to see many of you at the Rockaway Business District Holiday Party this Wednesday, December 14, from 6-9 p.m., at the Belle Harbor Yacht Club, Beach Channel Drive at Beach 126 Street.  The party is being sponsored by Rockaway Civic Association, The Graybeards, the Yacht Club, and their house caterer, Ludwig’s. Visit http://www.rockawaycivic.com to make a reservation and purchase tickets as soon as possible.  The Artificial Band is a really hot, 90’s tribute band new to the peninsula; the event should be great fun! $30 includes live music, 3-hr. open bar, holiday meal with trimmings, and the great companionship of neighbors and folks who work in our local businesses.  Don’t miss it!

Text copyright 2011 Vivian R. Carter.  Header photo courtesy Marie Velardi.  Cover mock-up courtesy Arcadia Publishing, photo of lifeguards courtesy of The Wave.