| Features |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John Robertson, Paducah Author
by Corey Dunn (February 8, 2001)
I recently had a chance to speak with John Robertson, a leading source in Paducah history. Mr. Robertson is an economics and U.S. history professor at Murray State University, and Paducah Community College. I took this opportunity to speak with him about his knowledge of the Paducah area and it's history. Mr. Robertson has written four books covering the history of Paducah. His fifth book, which is an extension of the first book, has just been completed.
In 1980, John wrote his first book "Paducah, A Sesquicentennial History". It was the first annotated book written about the history of Paducah. In 1988, Citizens Bank approached him to write " The History of Citizens Bank", which covered the history of Citizens Bank and it's impact on the city. That same year, a third book entitled "Paducah, A Pictorial History" was available to the public. This book offered a pictorial account of Paducah's history.
With Margaret B. Robertson, John's wife, "Fountain Avenue United Methodist Church 1892-1992 A Centennial History" was written. This book discussed the church and it's history in the community.
John's fifth book is expected out this year. It will be an extension of " Paducah, A Sesquicentennial History". It is being published and printed by David Long of Image graphics. Although his books are now out of print, they can be found at the McCracken County Public Library.
I also spoke with John about his opinion of Paducah, and some of the changes he has seen over the years. The first thing John spoke of was the movement of Paducah's industry from downtown to the expanded west end of town. Although many businesses may have moved, the history and heritage is located in the downtown area. "The renovation of the older downtown buildings has been remarkable." John also had the honor of contributing to the painting of the floodwall, and also in the placement of the markers.
Having had this chance to speak with John made me realize that Paducah is not the "small" town it once was. We have the AQS quilting museum and the annual Quilter's Week. It has been said that Paducah's population doubles for that one weekend out of the year. Paducah can look forward to the new Performing Art's Center that is to be built downtown where residents will have a chance to attend concerts and see Broadway-style plays.
With his five books, one can see that Professor Robertson has a rich knowledge of Paducah and it's history. I highly recommend stopping by the library and reading his books to learn more about the interesting community where we live!
|
|
| User Comments |
|
 |
Looking for a book to purchase
By: Lara Holshouser - 2002-01-07
I am looking for a copy of the pictorial book of paducah that was given out by citizens back by the author Robertson. If you have any informtion on a copy and the price please e-mail me back thank you so much.
|
|
|
ANCESTRY :
By: WM.J.CHAPPETTA - 2002-01-17
MY GRANDFATHER'S NAME WAS JOHN ROBERTSON . HE HAS LIVED IN N.O.LA. AND WAS BORN IN 1886. HE BUILT THE LANDING BOATS THEY USED IN WORLD WAR TWO AND WAS A TRAPPER AND A FISHERMEN . WONDERING IF YOU KNOW MY ANCESTORS .
|
|
|
Elijah murray
By: jerry green - 2003-03-17
I am seeking info on elijah murray and his boat yard. Is this the same elijah murray that came from murraysville wva and before that ran a boatyard in steubenville ohio?
|
|
|
John Cook, carpenter, etc. from McCracke
By: John Cook - 2004-02-08
I recently learned that my greatgrandfather, previously almost entirely unkown to his descendents, was John Cook, a carpenter, master bricklayer, from the McCracken County area. He was related to the Housman family. He is the same as the John Cook who built the house which is the subject of "The Old Starch House Ghosts", by Robert G. Breckenridge, in the "Kentucky Explorer" for November 2001. Does anyone know more about him? The directories of the late 1800's for Paducah show a John Cook, probably him, as a carpenter. Any history, photos, places which he might have built or worked upon--anything at all will be much welcomed.
|
|
|
Lived On Owens Island
By: Jan McDonald - 2004-12-31
Hi,My family lived several years on Owens Island my father farmed the Island for several years. I am interested in writing a book about our life growing up. Gan you give me any information as to who to contact about publishing? Your help will be greatly appreciated. Jan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
