New book details history of Arlington Hts.

As with any town, Arlington Heights' story is an ongoing saga. The latest chapter on the village, "Arlington Heights, A Brief History," a new book by Gerry and Janet Souter, adds to the wealth of recollections and lore.

Published by the History Press in Salem, Mass., this volume explores the memories of residents who recall the late 1920s, the Great Depression, World War II, and beyond and weaves them into the larger turbulent events of the 20th and 21st centuries. They are stories told with warmth and a love for the town these often-extraordinary people called home for so many decades.

Going back to the early 1800s, the book also traces the saga of the Yankees who moved west when they heard of the rich Illinois farming soil and the settlers in the Chicago area who withstood raids by the Pottawatomie tribes. It brings to life the Germans and other Europeans who fled their homeland for freedom and elbowroom. It's a story that relates to anyone who grew up in the Northwest suburbs.

The stories are told with 35,000 words of text, over 100 photos and many illustrations, including several by local artist Jack Musich.

The Souters will be selling and signing "Arlington Heights, A Brief History" as well as their popular picture version,"Arlington Heights Downtown Renaissance" together with a selection of their Paris-published artist biographies at Walk in the Park, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 23, at North School Park, Eastman and Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. For information, call (847) 398-3074 or e-mail Gerry and Janet at avril1grp@comcast.net.