Images of America: Overland Park by Suzee SoldanEls Oberg & the Overland Park Historical Society
Explore the Remarkable History of Overland Park, Kansas Through Rare Historic Photographs
Discover the story of one of Kansas's fastest-growing communities with Images of America: Overland Park by Suzee SoldanEls Oberg and the Overland Park Historical Society. Published by Arcadia Publishing as part of the acclaimed Images of America series, this beautifully illustrated volume traces Overland Park's transformation from open prairie into one of the Midwest's premier cities through more than 200 rare archival photographs spanning 1874 to 2012.
Founded in 1906 by visionary railroad entrepreneur William B. Strang Jr., Overland Park grew along the historic Santa Fe, Oregon, and California Trails. The book explores Strang's ambitious vision for a suburban community connected by the famous Strang Line interurban railroad, as well as the city's early aviation history, schools, neighborhoods, businesses, and remarkable growth into the second-largest city in Kansas.
Perfect For
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Kansas history enthusiasts
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Johnson County residents
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Local historians
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Genealogy researchers
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Railroad history fans
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Western history collectors
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Images of America collectors
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Teachers and students
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Vintage photography enthusiasts
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Overland Park residents (past and present)
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Americana collectors
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History book lovers
What You'll Discover
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The founding of Overland Park
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William B. Strang Jr.'s vision for the city
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The historic Strang Line interurban railway
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Early aviation and air shows
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Pioneer transportation routes
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Historic neighborhoods and businesses
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Schools and community life
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Parks and recreation
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The city's growth from farmland to a thriving suburb
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Rare photographs documenting more than a century of local history
Features
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Written by Suzee SoldanEls Oberg
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Produced in partnership with the Overland Park Historical Society
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Part of Arcadia Publishing's Images of America series
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Features more than 200 archival photographs
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Chronological history from 1874 through 2012
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Historic images gathered from the Overland Park Historical Society and private collections
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Informative historical captions
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Paperback edition
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128 pages
Benefits
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Experience Overland Park's remarkable transformation through historic photographs
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Learn about the pioneers and visionaries who shaped the community
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Explore the history of the Strang Line and early Kansas transportation
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Preserve the stories of one of Johnson County's most historic communities
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Makes an excellent gift for current and former Overland Park residents
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A valuable addition to any Kansas or Midwest history collection
Recommended Accessories
Complete your Kansas history library with:
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Images of America: Arkansas City
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Images of America: Marshall County
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Ghost Towns of Route 66
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Mining Camp Days
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Ghosts of the Glory Trail
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Field Notebook
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Handheld GPS
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10X Triplet Jeweler's Loupe
Specifications
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Title: Overland Park
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Authors: Suzee SoldanEls Oberg & the Overland Park Historical Society
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Series: Images of America
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Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
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Publication Date: December 3, 2012
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Format: Paperback
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Pages: 128
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Photographs: More than 200 Historic Images
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Dimensions: 6.5" × 9.25"
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ISBN-13: 9780738590646
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Language: English
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State: Kansas
What's Included
Why Buy From High Plains Prospectors?
At High Plains Prospectors, we appreciate preserving the stories that define our local communities. Images of America: Overland Park captures more than a century of growth, innovation, and community spirit through an outstanding collection of historic photographs and engaging historical commentary. Whether you have roots in Johnson County, enjoy Kansas history, or collect regional history books, this beautifully illustrated volume offers a fascinating look at the people and events that shaped modern Overland Park.
These books are packed with images and stories about the history in this area. They are perfect for research or just a good read.
In 1906, entrepreneur and New York railroad builder William B. Strang Jr. started a unique suburban housing development seven miles southwest of Kansas City that he named Overland Park. He chose farmland on a high ridge where the Santa Fe, Oregon, and California Trails once crossed and built an interurban railroad for the use of future commuters and real estate customers. Advertised enticements, such as a lake with camping facilities and weekly entertainments, lured thousands of riders on his Strang Line to the new community. In 1909, he arranged for the first area aeroplane flight that astonished and charmed the metropolitan populace. He built the first private airfield in the Midwest, where he held spectacular air shows and extravaganzas like Buffalo Bill's Wild West. Overland Park has since grown to be the second largest city in Kansas. The highly rated school system has graduated many notable and recognizable figures, such as Paul Rudd, Jason Sudeikis, and former US chairman of the joint chiefs of staff Gen. Richard Myers.
About the Author:
Images selected by F.W. Wagner from various sources, such as the Overland Park Historical Society, and the narrative by co-author Suzee SoldanEls Oberg show the transformation of “plowed ground” into a first-class city.
Book Details
ISBN: 9780738590646
FORMAT: Paperback
PUBLISHER: Arcadia Publishing
DATE: 12/3/2012
STATE: Kansas
SERIES: Images of America
IMAGES: 200
PAGES: 128
DIMENSIONS: 6.5 (w) x 9.25 (h)
