|
||
|
|
Ghent: John Graham's Dream Norfolk, Virginia's Treasure Ghent is more that just a pretty place," wrote Norfolk Compass writer Mary Adams-lackey in April of 1990, as Ghent turned a century old. "Shaped by her creators, her abusers and those who finally rescued her, Ghent is a gritty Southern belle." Ghent, perhaps more than any other Norfolk suburb, has a story to tell that transcends its historic port city lineage, reaching national importance in its planning and execution. That this "gritty Southern belle" remains is a testament to her good genes. The people who populated Ghent during its early years generally rebuilt the city of Norfolk after the American Civil War; they reconstructed the trade on which much of the city's power and influence still rests, an d were instrumental in transforming Norfolk from a regional to a national city during the prosperous years between the Civil War and the end of the World War I. This was a great accomplishment requiring a concerted team effort. The team lived in Ghent-and what a team it was, its legacy extending long after those whose collective achievements have passed into time and memory. Ghent today provides intimate in-town living within walking distance of Norfolk's commercial heart. Gone are the spectacular trees planted by William H White; the silver maples and magnolias that originally graced Ghent's street have long since vanished from the landscape, replaced by large oaks. The Trinidad asphaltum blocks have been paved over with asphalt, and the historic, steel-riveted bridge replaced in 1976 and since refurbished to enhance its pedestrian features. Despite changing times and tastes, Ghent's period architecture, tree-lined streets and attractive waterfront location combine to ensure that Ghent will remain a beloved, integral area of Norfolk for generations. Available at Prince Books in Norfolk, VA. Also available at:
Copyright © 2006 by Amy Waters Yarsinske Amy Waters Yarsinske is the author of over 40 books, including No One Left Behind, Wings of Valor, Wings of Gold: An Illustrated History of U.S. Naval Aviation and The Elizabeth River, Virginia's Remarkable River Princess (The History Press), winner of the HRAEE 2007 Excellence in Communication Award. Published by The History Press 18 Percy Street | Charleston, SC 29403 www.historypress.net See the History Press Catalog listing here.
The History Press, based in Charleston, South Carolina and Salem, Massachusetts, brings a new way of thinking to history publishing by producing regional history titles by excellent historians and striving to make these books available to a wide audience. ISBN 1-59629-187-7 Home Books Biography Newsletter Reviews Articles Copyright © 2009 by Amy Waters Yarsinske | Disclaimer and Terms of Use | |
|
