The Catawbans (book series) facts for kids
The Catawbans is a special series of three books written by Gary Freeze. These books tell the amazing story of Catawba County in North Carolina. They cover its history and the family trees (genealogy) of the people who lived there.
Gary Freeze, who is a professor at Catawba College in Salisbury, spent more than twenty years working on this huge project. The county asked him to write its official history, and this series is the result of all his hard work.
Discovering The Catawbans Book Series
The book series "The Catawbans" helps young readers understand how a county grows and changes over many years. It's like a time machine that takes you back to see how people lived and what was important to them. These books are a great way to learn about local history.
What Each Book Explores
Each book in the series focuses on a different time period, showing how Catawba County developed. They help us see the challenges and successes of the people who lived there.
The Catawbans: Crafters of a North Carolina County 1747-1900 (1995)
This first book, published in 1995, looks at the early days of Catawba County. It covers the period from 1747 up to 1900. It tells the story of the first settlers and how they started building the county from scratch. You can learn about how they crafted their lives and communities.
The Catawbans: Pioneers in Progress (2008)
The second book, released in 2008, focuses on the "pioneers in progress." This part of the story shows how the county continued to grow and change. It likely covers the early 20th century, a time of new ideas and advancements. People were working hard to make things better.
The Catawbans: Boomers and Bypasses (2015)
The most recent book, published in 2015, brings the history closer to our time. "Boomers" refers to a generation of people born after World War II, and "bypasses" might refer to new roads or ways of doing things. This book explores modern developments and how the county has adapted to new challenges.
Who is Gary Freeze?
Gary Freeze is the dedicated author behind "The Catawbans" series. As a professor, he specializes in history, which means he knows a lot about how to research and tell stories from the past. His deep knowledge helped him create these detailed books.
Gary Freeze's Work and Dedication
Writing the official history of a county is a big job. It means looking through old documents, maps, and talking to many people. Gary Freeze spent over two decades on this project, showing how committed he was to sharing the story of Catawba County with everyone.
Learning About Catawba County
Catawba County is located in the state of North Carolina. Learning about its history helps us understand how communities are formed. It also shows how people work together to build a place where they can live and thrive.
Why Local History Matters
Studying local history, like that of Catawba County, is important. It helps us connect with the past and understand the roots of our own communities. It teaches us about the people who came before us and the decisions they made.