The Roane County Historical Society is pleased to announce the availability of our new book, "Images of America: Roane County" by Jack Nida and the Roane County Historical Society, published by Arcadia Publishing of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. This impressive collection of historical images will be available for purchase at the 2007 Genealogical Fair. Jack Nida will also be available throughout the day for signing books. He will be located at the Roane County Historical Society's tables.



Images of America: Roane County
By: Jack Nida and Roane County Historical Society

Roane County, West Virginia

Established in April 1856, Roane County was named for Virginia judge Spencer Roane. He was further honored in 1858 when the county seat of New California was changed to Spencer. The courthouse built in 1859 was destroyed by fire in 1887. A new county courthouse was completed in 1889, and the railroad arrived in Spencer in 1892. New buisinesses and industry flourished as Spencer became the county hub. Summer normal schools were established throughout the county to prepare young teachers for state certification. In 1914, Spencer High School graduated one pupil in its first class. The early recognition for education expanded with the contruction of one- and two-room schools within each community. Timbering began as people moved westward and established new homes and farming lands. The development of gas and oil industry soon followed and Roane County became a major producer by the early 1900s.

Jack Nida is a native of Roane County, a retired businessman, and author of three volumes of family history books. He was born in Amma during the Great Depression, and it remains his home for several months each year. The Roane Historical Society inspired his interest in genealogy, including his collection of photographs contained in this book. Many of the society's members provided the necessary assistance for the book's completion.

The Images of America series celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns and cities across the country. Using archival photographs, each title presents the distintive stories from the past that shape the character of the community today. Arcadia is proud to play a part in the preservation of local heritage, making history available to all.

This 128 page volume is available for purchase for $20.00 from the Roane County Historical Society, directly from Arcadia Publishing, or wherever fine books are sold.