Book Review

Book Review: A history of the Woodland Heights and Surrounding Communities by Omar Holquin, Jr. by Lori Bigler

Want to catch up on Neighborhood History? Check these out these titles.

Recollections: a history of the Woodland Heights and Surrounding Communities by Omar Holquin, Jr.

This lovely and informative book was published as part of the Centennial Celebration of the Woodland Heights in 2007. Many of the contributors to this neighborhood history continue to live here and may be your next door neighbors.

The contents of this book include a history of the area before it was developed by the Wilson Company describing notable sites like Beauchamp Springs School, the Klunkert Farm, and the Bayland Orphanage. We all might be living in Beauchampville, not Woodland Heights if William A. Wilson had not selected this prime location for his real estate enterprise.

The neighborhood looked very different at the turn of the century. What we now know as Woodland Park had a hotel, beer garden, 50 foot roller coaster, plus a pair of ostriches purchased by school children through a collection of pennies. Containing pictures of early settlers, businesses, and other landmarks, this book is a historical gem.

It is for sale on Amazon (of course) and also at www.createspace.com/3582355 if you would like a copy for your shelf.