Centennial Topics – Access Genealogy

History of Bolton Connecticut

This history of Bolton, Connecticut, is a commemorative sketch prepared by Samuel Morgan Alvord for the town’s 1920 bicentennial. It emphasizes the role of small New England communities in carrying Pilgrim and Puritan traditions into the broader nation. The narrative outlines the earliest land dealings, shaped by General Court grants and by the complicated claims arising from the large tracts associated with Joshua, son of Uncas, the Mohegan sachem. Following Bolton’s incorporation in 1720, the account turns to the organization of the Congregational Church, including the town’s early call to Jonathan Edwards and the long service of Rev. Thomas White. The work then follows Bolton’s civic, religious, and household development and closes with notes on its industries and leading residents.

Selma Baptist Church History, 1872-1972

Selma Baptist Church was founded on June 1, 1872, in Selma, North Carolina, by nine charter members, facilitated by the Raleigh Baptist Association. The inaugural meeting likely took place at Scarborough’s Academy, with notable figures such as Dr. W. M. Wingate officiating. The church adopted its covenant and quickly grew to 46 members by 1875, leading to the purchase of land for a permanent location. This is a pamphlet written by a church committee in celebration of the church’s centennial.

New Albany Indiana History, 1813-1913

Celebrate New Albany’s first century with George L. Russell’s 1913 souvenir history. From the Scribner brothers’ 1813 purchase of 826 acres to the bustling river city’s schools, churches, industry, and civic life, this richly illustrated volume captures the pioneers, businesses, and community spirit honored during the centennial festivities of 12 to 16 October 1913. Discover early settlers, anti‑slavery leaders, steamboat tales, and the rise of the Floyd County seat, all in a freely available PDF.

History of Blue Island, Illinois, 1835-1935

Postcard of the Grand Theatre, Blue Island, Illinois

The First Hundred Years, 1835–1935: Historical Review of Blue Island, Illinois is John Henry Volp’s comprehensive account of his hometown’s evolution from a pioneer settlement to a thriving city. Organized into three main periods—covering the earliest settlers, the village era, and the city form of government—the book chronicles the challenges, triumphs, and growth of Blue Island. It also features a biographical section, photographs, and valuable primary-source references, preserving the city’s heritage for future generations.

History of Lowell and Adams Township Ohio

This pamphlet is an account of the development of Lowell, Ohio, from its earliest settlement by the Ohio Company of Associates in 1788. The text chronicles the township’s evolution from a frontier outpost to a thriving farming community, and then to a village with industries powered by the Muskingum River.

The First Century of the Village of Warsaw NY

In this concise history of the government of the village of Warsaw over its first 100 years, Bishop traces its growth from a small hamlet, just a few years past the pioneer era, into a thriving community of nearly 4,000 residents, equipped with almost all the municipal improvements expected by mid-twentieth century citizens. This unique perspective on Warsaw’s history offers genealogists valuable facts for crafting narratives about Warsaw ancestors, including details such as the introduction of street lights and the origins and changes of street names up to 1945.

Elkhart Centennial, 1855-1955

Drawing of Elkhart at the Turn of the Century

The village of Elkhart City, nestled on the western slope of a long wooded hill in the heart of Illinois, celebrated its centennial anniversary in 1955. This book, “The Village of Elkhart City, Elkhart, Illinois, Centennial History, 1855-1955,” is a comprehensive chronicle of the village’s first hundred years, compiled and written by the Elkhart, Illinois Centennial Book Committee and published by Feldman’s Print Shop in Lincoln, Illinois.

Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, 1853-1953

Published by the Harold R. Jones Co. in 1953, “Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio” provides an overview of this rapidly growing city in Summit County, Ohio. The booklet, prepared by the Cuyahoga Falls Chamber of Commerce, aims to serve as a practical guide for residents, providing essential information and fostering a sense of pride and community spirit. Through this publication, readers are encouraged to explore and appreciate the various facets of their city, making it not just a place to live, but a place to call home.

History of Harlan Indiana, 1853-1953

The “Harlan Centennial, 1853-1953,” compiled by the Harlan Community Association, offers a comprehensive reflection on the history and development of Harlan, Indiana. This commemorative book was published in 1953 to mark the 100th anniversary of Harlan’s founding. The centennial celebration was a significant community effort, with extensive participation from local residents and detailed planning by various committees. The book includes messages from key figures, a detailed program of the centennial events, and historical narratives highlighting Harlan’s growth, notable personalities, and community milestones.

History of Shawano County Wisconsin, 1853-1953

The book “Shawano County, Wisconsin, Centurawno, 1853-1953” was compiled by the Shawano County Centennial Committee to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Shawano County, Wisconsin. Published in 1953, this volume captures the history and development of the county from its founding in 1853 through a century of growth and change.

Madison, Indiana: History and Highlights

“Madison, Indiana: History and Highlights” provides a detailed overview of Madison’s development since its establishment in 1808. As a strategic city beside the Ohio River, Madison flourished following its incorporation as a city in 1838. By the mid-19th century, it had become a significant commercial center, particularly noted for its pork-packing industry, only second to Chicago. Pioneering in rail connectivity and industrial diversification, Madison was home to varied enterprises like shipyards, starch factories, and iron foundries. Its cultural footprint included landmarks like Lanier Mansion and memorable events such as Jenny Lind’s concert in 1851. Madison now attracts over 150,000 visitors annually, cherished for its historical architecture, scenic views, and vibrant community.

History of Williamsville Illinois, 1853-1953

The “Williamsville Centennial Souvenir Program, 1853-1953,” authored by Jane Brown Groves, is an historical record celebrating the first hundred years of Williamsville, Illinois. Published in 1953 by “Star” Printing Co. in Springfield, Illinois, this program is dedicated to Miss Jane B. Groves for her relentless dedication to compiling the historical data contained within. Her family had been integral to the development of Williamsville for over a century, contributing to its economic, social, political, religious, and educational spheres.

History of the Churches of Del Norte County CA

Centennial of life and faith in Del Norte County, 1854-1954

“A Century of Life and Faith in Del Norte County” by Don M. Chase, published by the Del Norte Triplicate in 1954, offers a detailed historical account of the religious life and institutions in Del Norte County, California. Covering the period from 1854 to 1954, this book explores the development of various denominations and churches within the county, emphasizing their foundations and growth over a century.

An Informal History of Osawatomie Kansas

Osage Valley - Osawatomie Centennial, 1854-1954 seal

“A Town Between Two Rivers” by Charles A. Knouse presents an informal history of the city’s founding, development, and significant events. This book, published as part of the Osage Valley Centennial in 1954, provides a comprehensive narrative based on documented history and personal accounts from residents. The narrative focuses solely on factual events, avoiding conclusions or opinions.

History of Jefferson South Dakota

This history of Jefferson South Dakota provides a glimpse into the establishment, growth, and evolution of Jefferson, South Dakota, from its early days in 1859 up to the mid-20th century. Jefferson, strategically nestled between the Big Sioux River and the Missouri River, and bordered by the hills of Iowa and Nebraska, became a beacon for early settlers drawn by its promising land. The narrative begins with the arrival of the first white settlers among indigenous populations, highlighting the foundational role of families like Michael Ryan Sr., A. Christie, and Mr. Matthews.

Idaville Community, A Century of Unity, 1860-1960

Idaville community centennial, a century of unity, 1860-1960

The “Idaville Community, A Century of Unity, 1860-1960” is a seminal work that offers a comprehensive look into the first century of Idaville and its neighboring townships within White County and Adams Township of Carroll County. Published by the Idaville Centennial Committee in 1960, this volume was crafted to commemorate the centennial celebration of these communities, highlighting a century marked by unity and growth. Through the diligent efforts of the Idaville Centennial Committee, this book was designed to preserve the memory of the pivotal moments that have shaped these areas.

A History of Sheridan Indiana

Millwood - Sheridan, 1860-1960 title page

In June of 1960, the Sheridan Indiana Centennial celebration took place and in the commemorative fashion of the day, a book was published about the history of the town of Sheridan up to that day. Sheridan started out as Millwood in 1866, a part of the township of Adams, but had to be renamed when they applied for a Post Office and found that the name of Millwood Indiana had already been taken. They then chose Sheridan after the Civil war general Phil Sheridan in about 1881 to 1885. This manuscript takes you on the journey of forming the town of Sheridan from George Boxley’s 1827 settlement in what was to become Adams township up until 1960. This review of the history is replete with photographs of the village and its people, in and of itself, an enjoyable view. This book is free to read or to download as a PDF.

History of Caruthersville Missouri

Caruthersville, Missouri, centennial 1857-1957

This history of Caruthersville Missouri was written as a result of the 100th birthday celebration of Caruthersville Missouri. This unique publication enables the researcher to obtain an overall history of the community (always shown in a favorable light) with photographs and names of citizens and businesses at the time of the centennial, 1957 in this case. Replete with photographs from the 20th century, genealogists with ancestors who resided in or nearby Caruthersville will certainly want to peruse its pages. Free to read or download.