Images of America: Saline County Kansas

Early Saline County was a land rich in Native American history. Only a few settlers migrated to the area prior to the railroad development that started in 1867. Milling and grains, livestock, and even gypsum mining all influenced the growth of Saline County. Salina became a prominent city, whereas Hedville and other towns were altered, almost lost, as the railroads continued to build and change their depots, creating boom and bust economies in the county. Tornados, fires, droughts, and floods challenged the hardy souls who called this area home. Salina and the towns that have survived the booms and busts have a robust history.

American Photographs: Joyland Amusement Park

​Since 1949, Joyland was Wichita's largest amusement park but that changed when the park closed in 2006. In 1948, the Ottaway Amusement Company purchased 40 acres of land in south Wichita so they could build the largest roller coaster in the state of Kansas. The Ottaway Amusement Co. sold Joyland in 1975 to Stanley Nelson. For 30 years, the Nelsons were the driving force behind the park and a large percent of its current rides, including the Whacky Shack, the Log Jam, and the Sky Coaster.
2019 Edition - Information
Author: Dustin Ray Shannon
Publisher: Shannon Historical Associates 
​Pages: 72
Colored Images
Binding: Paperback, Hardback 
Publication Date: August 21st, 2015
Sale Date: June 25th, 2019
2023 Edition - Information
Author: Dustin Ray Shannon
Publisher: Shannon Historical Associates 
​Pages: 126
Colored Images
Binding: Paperback, Hardback
Publication Date: August 21st, 2015
Sale Date: August 21st, 2023

American Photographs: Kansas Amusement Parks

​The world of amusement finally came to Kansas in the 1880s after the success of America’s first Roller Coaster. The fascination of coasters, which started being constructed in many Kansas towns starting in 1877, had a big impact on Kansans. The state suffered a great loss when most of the pleasure parks started to decline before the 1920s. Some 20 years later, Kiddielands were prospering all over the state but they did not last long either as most closed before or in the 1980s. Joyland of Wichita was Kansas' last family park till it closed in 2006.
This title has been retired and no longer forsale.

American Beach Towns: Cosey Beach Connecticut 

​Snuggled on the shore of East Haven, the salt water community endured much over the years including natural disasters and economical down falls. Cosey Beach had such wonderful appeal when a trolley operated on the avenue along with a carousel, numerous eating establishments and hotels. The trolley and the many attractions which enticed visitors to the shore had come to pass. The once treasured beach resort known for its cleanliness and safety has downsized into a residential beach community.
Book Information
Author: Dustin Ray Shannon
ISBN # 978-164316026-9
Binding: Paperback / Hardback
Publication Date: June 30th, 2018
Revised Publication Date: 2021
Publisher: Shannon Historical Associates
​Printer: Blurb

​American Newspapers: Chico Advertiser

​The liveliness of the young town of Chico, which was situated in Saline County, Kansas, lasted only for nine years. The town's local newspaper, The Chico Advertiser, illustrated the town's roaring boom. Later, the town's demise began with the paper ceasing operations. During an eleven-month period, the paper published stories and covered events that occurred during the early life of the town. In this epistolary novel, the author will piece together the ongoing efforts of those hardy souls who called Chico their home. 
Book Information
Author: Dustin Ray Shannon
ISBN # TBD
Binding: Hardback
Publication Date: TBD
Publisher: Shannon Historical Associates
​Printer: Blurb & Company 

​Defunct Amusement Parks of Alabama: Space City USA

The world is speckled with lands of awe and wonder that capture the imagination of children and the young-at-heart. Disney World, Six Flags Over Georgia, Universal Studios, and Opryland deliver excitement and thrills that stretch beyond known realities and transport guests to foreign worlds. Before these wondrous lands opened to the public, though, there was promise of an amusement park that aimed to send guests through time and space. Originally named “Time World,” Space City USA was slated to open in 1964, one year before Walt Disney ushered in its first guests. Construction on the multifaceted amusement park began in 1961 with plans showcasing an expansive layout that would transport visitors back in time and to the depths of space. But it was a dream that never came true. Nearly half of the park was completed when construction halted in 1967, leaving behind a relic lost to time in the Northern Alabama city of Huntsville.
Book Information
Author: Dustin Ray Shannon
ISBN # 978-1-63760-723-7
Binding: Paperback / Hardback
Release Date: January 1st, 2021
Pre-Order Sales Date: December 25th, 2020
Publisher: Shannon Historical Associates
​Printer: Blurb & Company 
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Book Information
Author: Dustin Ray Shannon
ISBN # TBD
Binding: Paperback / Hardback
Estimated Publication Date: TBD
Publisher: Shannon Historical Associates
​Printer: Blurb & Company ​