Author of 'Redlands Remembered' to Speak at Smiley Public Library Sept. 18

Author Joan Hedges McCall plans to discuss her new book, "Redlands Remembered: Stories from the Jewel of the Inland Empire," on Sept. 18 at A. K. Smiley Public Library.

McCall is an educator, newspaper columnist, and community volunteer in Redlands for more than 30 years, according to a bio distributed by the library and the City of Redlands.

"She has been a member of the Redlands Heritage Auxiliary, serving as scriptwriter, school tour chair and board member," McCall's bio states. "Her monthly column, 'Regarding Redlands,' and numerous feature articles have appeared in the Redlands Daily Facts."

McCall has been a history teacher and a teacher librarian. She holds a BA degree from Pomona College and an MA degree from Azusa Pacific University.

"Redlands Remembered" is billed as "the story of Redlands' first 125 years."

The back cover of the 128-page book includes the following summary:

"By 1889, the newly established town of Redlands at the southern base of the San Bernardino Range offered mild winters and spectacular views of the nearby mountains.

"The sunny, dry climate enticed eastern industrialists, and Redlands became a place of annual escape, a millionaire mecca by the turn of the twentieth century.

"Early philanthropists set the tone for an active civic culture that has lasted throughout the city’s 125 years.

"These stories, researched and written by Joan Hedges McCall, tell how and why the town developed out of dusty, semi-arid lands into a green belt of orange groves, parks and Victorian homes.

"Find out where the water came from, how the navel oranges grew and who helped Redlands grow into the beloved city it is today."

McCall plans to discuss her new book from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday Sept. 18 in the Smiley Library Assembly Room at 125 W. Vine St. There is no charge to attend.

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