{"product_id":"9781452043586","title":"Reflections on Big Spring: A History of Pittsford, NY and the Genesee River Valley","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cu\u003eReflections on Big Spring\u003c\/u\u003e is a thoughtfully researched, highly readable celebration of the rich heritage of the Genesee River Valley, Pittsford, NY and the Big Spring that drew generations of Americans to the area. \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Seneca Tribe who lived in the Genesee River Valley for five centuries were the fighting elite of the Iroquois Confederacy. The author chronicles the series of seminal decisions that led to the gradual displacement and ultimate downfall of these proud indigenous people. \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNew Englanders immigrated to the great frontier of western New York State in the early 19\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century seeking the well-publicized “agricultural el dorado”. These pioneers were of hearty stock and by nature, strong-willed risk-takers.  From both of these sturdy gene pools came generations of brave war heroes, inspirational politicians, compassionate humanitarians, civil rights leaders, creative inventors, and revolutionary entrepreneurs. Their influence has been substantial not just locally but throughout the state, the country and the world. \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFollow the lives of resident humanitarians Frederick Douglas and Susan B. Anthony as their inspired civil rights efforts make history.   Consider the courage displayed by lesser-known local heroes who farmed, taught school or ran stores during the day and became “conductors” on the area's Underground Railroad after dark.  Oral histories of secret passages, tunnels, caverns and hidden rooms take readers on the “last 100 miles to freedom” ride.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeamlessly woven throughout the text are fascinating facts that define the uniqueness of the Genesee River Valley. While closely tied to its agricultural roots, the area is home to several of the world's most prestigious business enterprises and was the birthplace of a wide variety of revolutionary technologies, business strategies and labor-management practices.  Discover how Genesee Valley residents shared amateur photography, xerography, the UPC label, self-service groceries, white hots and cream style mustard with the world.  \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AuthorHouse","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47155796148464,"sku":"9781452043586","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9781452043586_p0.jpg?v=1763842142","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9781452043586","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}