Otsego

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Otsego

Paperback

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Overview

Otsego has a rich and storied past as one of the earliest settlements in southwest Michigan. Founded in 1831, its character has been shaped by a history filled with agriculture, tourism, fascinating people, and remarkable commerce—particularly the manufacturing of paper. Otsego has seen the rise and fall and recent rebirth of the local papermaking industry, and it is now poised to progress through the 21st century with a renewed sense of vigor.

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Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780738561615
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	12/03/2008
Series:	Then and Now
Pages:	96
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Ryan Wieber is a transplant to Otsego who enjoys sharing with others an enthusiasm for the history of his new hometown. He is the director of the Otsego District Public Library and a founding organizer of the Otsego Area Historical Society.

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Editorial Reviews

Title: Otsego librarian to sign his new book

Author: Staff Writer

Publisher: Kalamazoo Gazette

Date: 12/8/2008

Otsego librarian Ryan Wieber to will sign copies of his new pictorial history book from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Otsego Area Historical Museum, 218 N. Farmer St., and from 7 to 8 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Otsego District Public Library, 219 S. Farmer St.

Wieber's book, ‘‘Otsego, Then & Now,'' is a collection of photos and explanatory captions from the city's history. Wieber is the director of the Otsego library and also serves on the board of the Otsego Area Historical Society.

The book is available at area bookstores, independent retailers and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888) 313-2665 or www.arcadiapublishing.com.

Title: Local historican releases pictorial book
Author: Sara Ramaker
Publisher: The Allegan County News
Date: 12/17/2008

Ryan Wieber has always been interested in the history of his surroundings. Add to that a bit of curiosity and a camera and you've got his new book, "Otsego: Then and Now," which features vintage photographs compared to modern shots that highlight changes in the city during the last 100 years.

"I've just always had the idea that it would be fun to compare scenes from yesterday with scenes from today," Wieber said. "I'm fascinated with the changes that occur over time, and sometimes, what stays the same.

"It's great to be able to share that with others."

He said he got the idea from a similar book by Bill Frassanito that was released in the 1960s or 1970s featuring photos of battlefields in Gettysburg, Penn.

Wieber moved to Otsego in 1999 when he became the director of Otsego District Public Library. He said it was at that point that he became interested in learning more.

"Wherever I live, I have to know more about the history of the area," he said.

Wieber's love of history lead him to help found the Otsego Area Historical Society in 2004. He also served as the organization's first president.

The first set of photographs for the book was taken in January, followed by a second set in June.

Wieber said his work for the book was completed in August and officially released Dec. 8.

This was not Wieber's first time publishing a local history book. He previously collaborated with Plainwell historian Sandy Stamm to create "Otsego and Plainwell" which was released in 2006.

"I missed not working with Sandy on this book," Wieber said.

He said this book is different, though, because there are two photographs of the same location or object on each page, rather than two unrelated photographs.

"It was fun to discover where each of the old photos was taken," he said.

"I just hope the public enjoys it. I hope they have fun looking at the pictures and learning something that they didn't know before.

Wieber said he also hopes the book will help future generations know what things were like in the community, as he knows it.

"In 25 or 50 years, these pictures will be old," Wieber said of the photographs he took for the book.

Bob Gaudio of Paw Paw said he hopes the book will help future generations appreciate Otsego's history as well.

As an Otsego native and the vice chair of the Otsego Area Historical Society, Gaudio said, "I was impressed when I saw the book. It is a real concise history."

Wieber's book can be purchased at the Otsego District Public Library, the Otsego Area Historical Museum, Hardings in Otsego and Plainwell, Jo's Hallmark, Bob's Hardware, the Otsego Antique Mall and Wal-mart.

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