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Reedy Press is a book publisher that specializes in local interest titles for the trade market AND custom and commemorative titles for schools, communities, and cultural institutions.
New Releases
With his fourth book from Reedy Press, The Making of an Icon, Jim Merkel captured the spirit behind the conception and construction of one of America’s most distinctive and beloved national monuments. More than two million visitors stand in awe at the Gateway Arch each year, and the stories behind it were unearthed in breathless detail in the first edition. Back with even more lore and the addition of beautiful color images, Merkel brings new information on the Arch grounds and museum to this updated and revised second edition. Now expanded, his book includes more stories compiled from interviews with the visionaries, finaglers, protesters, and intrepid workers who built the arch while one misstep away from a fatal fall. Merkel’s book will help us appreciate the relentless pursuit, innovation, and toil that raised the Arch to the sky.
Author Bio
Jim Merkel grew up in St. Louis where he watched the progress of construction on the Gateway Arch with his father in the 1960s. He is the author of The Colorful Characters of St. Louis, Hoosiers and Scrubby Dutch: St. Louis’s South Side, and Beer, Brats, and Baseball: German-Americans in St. Louis. He has appeared on KWMU, KDHX, and Fox 2’s News in the Morning, among other programs. For more information, visit www.jimmerkelthewriter.com.
Deep in Busch Stadium’s left field, you’ll find a wall of heroes. The greatest Cardinals of all time are painted there, reminding us that dreams do come true. On this wall, Dizzy Dean still throws his flaming fastball. Lou Brock flashes his supersonic speed around the bases. Ozzie Smith puts on a show with his fielding magic.
Just like players today, young Cardinal fans dream of joining their heroes on the wall. Will you join them one day too?
Author Bio
Ed Wheatley grew up in and around the world of baseball and continues to play in senior leagues across the country. As a leader of the St. Louis Browns Historical Society, he works to preserve the history and legacy of this transplanted American League team. Ed is the co-author of St. Louis Browns: The Story of a Beloved Team, and he worked on a St. Louis Browns documentary that aired on PBS.
Ed Koehler is a homegrown St. Louis illustrator who has followed the incredible Cardinals through ten National League pennants and five World Series.
Events & Updates
Book Signing
Join Kath Usitalo, author of 100 Things to Do in the Upper Peninsula Before You Die and 100 Things to Do on Mackinac Island Before You Die, for a book signing at Saturn Booksellers (127 W Main St., Ste. A, Gaylord, MI 49735) at 11:30 a.m.
— June 23, 2018
Book Signing
Join Amy S. Eckert, author of 100 Things to Do in Detroit Before You Die, Second Edition, for a book signing with the rest of the Michigan Trio (Kath Usitalo ad Kim Schneider) at Saturn Booksellers (127 W Main St., Suite A, Gaylord, MI 49735) at 11:30 a.m.
— June 23, 2018
Presentation
Join Amy S. Eckert, author of 100 Things to Do in Detroit Before You Die, Second Edition, for a presentation and book signing with the rest of the Michigan Trio (Kath Usitalo ad Kim Schneider) at Artisan Village (219 Michigan Ave., Grayling, MI 49738) at 3 p.m.
— June 23, 2018
Book Signing
Join Jim Merkel, the author of The Making of an Icon: The Dreamers, The Schemers, and The Hard Hats Who Built the Gateway Arch: Second Edition, for a book signing at Christopher's Home Accents (127 Argonne Dr., Kirkwood, MO 63122) at 3 p.m.
— June 23, 2018
Book Launch
Join Jim Merkel, author of The Making of an Icon: The Dreamers, the Schemers, and the Hard Hats Who Built the Gateway Arch, for his book launch at The Royale Food & Spirit (3132 Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63139) at 2 p.m.
— June 24, 2018
Book Signing
Join Danny Jensen and Carrie Kim, authors of 100 Things to Do in Los Angeles Before You Die, Second Edition, for a book signing at Clifton's Republic (648 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014) at 2 p.m.
— June 24, 2018
Book Signing
Join Ed Wheatley, author of Incredible Cardinals, for a book signing at Novel Neighbor (7905 Big Bend Blvd.) at 6:30 p.m.
— June 26, 2018
Presentation
Join Kath Usitalo, author of 100 Things to Do in the Upper Peninsula Before You Die and 100 Things to Do on Mackinac Island Before You Die, for a presentation and book signing in Engadine Library (13920 Melville St., Engadine MI, 49827) at 7 p.m.
— June 29, 2018
Book Signing
Join Ed Wheatley, author of Incredible Cardinals, for a book signing at Neighborhood Reads (401 Lafayette St., Washington, MO) at 10:30 a.m.
— June 30, 2018
Presentation
Join Jim Merkel, the author of The Making of an Icon: The Dreamers, The Schemers, and The Hard Hats Who Built the Gateway Arch, Second Edition, for a presentation at St. Louis Public Library (4415 Natural Bridge Ave., St. Louis, MO 63115) at 6 p.m.
— July 3, 2018
Book Signing
Join Julie Furst Henning, author of 100 Things to Do in Eugene Before You Die, for a book signing at Barnes & Noble Eugene (1163 Valley River Dr., Eugene, OR 97401) at 11 a.m.
— July 7, 2018
Presentation
Join Tui Snider, author of 100 Things to Do in Dallas-Fort Worth Before You Die, Second Edition, for a presentation at J. Erik Johnson Central Library's Downtown location (1515 Young St., Dallas, TX 75201) at 3 p.m.
— July 7, 2018
Book Signing
Join Ed Wheatley, author of Incredible Cardinals, for a book signing at Main Street Books (307 S Main St., St. Charles, MO) at 1 p.m.
— July 7, 2018
Book Signing
Join Tim and Lisa Trudell, authors of 100 Things to Do in Omaha Before You Die, for a book signing at Mid-America Center (1 Arena Way, Council Bluffs, IA 51501) during O Comic Con. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 13, 14, and 15, join the authors at O Comic Con for comic book artists, cosplay, and much more. Tim and Lisa will be there selling and signing books. Tickets are required to enter the event.
— July 13, 2018
Presentation
Join Jim Hinckley, author of 100 Things to Do on Route 66 Before You Die, for a presentation at the Route 66 Festival at the Shamrock Community Center (911 N Main St., Shamrock, TX 79079).
— July 14, 2018
Book Signing
Join Jim Merkel, author of The Making of an Icon: The Dreamers, The Schemers, and The Hard Hats Who Built the Gateway Arch, Second Edition, for a book signing at Circa STL (1090 Old Des Peres Rd., Des Peres, MO 63131) from noon to 4 p.m.
— July 14, 2018
Book Signing
Join Sarah Parisi, author of The Ultimate Kids Adventure Guide to Chicago, for a book signing at Beachside Authorfest in Lake Geneva (918 W Main St., Lake Geneva, WI) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
— July 14, 2018
Book Signing
Join Jim Merkel, author of The Making of an Icon: The Dreamers, the Schemers, and the Hard Hats Who Built the Gateway Arch, Second Edition, for a book signing at The Arch Store inside the Gateway Arch from 1 to 5 p.m.
— July 15, 2018
Book Signing
Join Jim Merkel, author of The Making of an Icon: The Dreamers, The Schemers, and The Hard Hats Who Built The Gateway Arch, Second Edition, for a presentation at Scenic Regional Library's Pacific Branch (119 W St. Louis St., Pacific, MO 63069) at 6 p.m.
— July 16, 2018
Presentation
Join Jim Merkel, author of The Making of an Icon: The Dreamers, The Schemers, and The Hard Hats Who Built the Gateway Arch, Second Edition, for a presentation at Scenic Regional Library-Pacific Branch (119 W. Saint Louis St., Pacific, MO 63069) at 6 p.m.
— July 17, 2018
Presentation and Book Signing
Join Jim Merkel, author of The Making of an Icon: The Dreamers, The Schemers, and The Hard Hats Who Built The Gateway Arch, 2nd Edition, for a presentation and book signing at The Novel Neighbor (7905 Big Bend Blvd., Webster Groves, MO 63119) at 3 p.m.
— July 21, 2018
Presentation
Join Jim Merkel, author of The Making of an Icon: The Dreamers, The Schemers, and The Hard Hats Who Built The Gateway Arch, Second Edition, for a presentation at The Novel Neighbor (7905 Big Bend Blvd., Webster Groves, MO) at 3 p.m.
— July 21, 2018
Book Signing
Join Ed Wheatley, author of Incredible Cardinals, for a book signing at Christophers (127 E Argonne Dr., Kirkwood, MO 63122) at noon.
— July 21, 2018
Presentation
Join Jim Merkel, author of The Making of an Icon: The Dreamers, The Schemers, and The Hard Hats Who Built The Gateway Arch, Second Edition, for a presentation at Spencer Road Branch Library (427 Spencer Rd., St. Peters, MO 63376) in Room 112 at 7 p.m.
— July 31, 2018
Book Signing
Join Jim Merkel, author of The Making of an Icon: The Dreamers, The Schemers, and The Hard Hats Who Built the Gateway Arch, Second Edition, for a book signing at Main Street Books (307 S Main St., St. Charles, MO 63301) at 1 p.m.
— August 4, 2018
Presentation
Join Jim Merkel, author of The Making of an Icon: The Dreamers, The Schemers, and The Hard Hats Who Built The Gateway Arch, 2nd Edition, for a presentation and book signing at Kirkwood Public Library (140 E Jefferson Ave., Kirkwood, MO 63122) at 2 p.m.
— August 11, 2018
Presentation
Join Jim Merkel, the author of The Making of an Icon: The Dreamers, The Schemers, and the Hard Hats Who Built the Gateway Arch, for a presentation at Friendship Village South (12503 Village Circle Dr., St. Louis, MO 63127) at 2:30PM.
— August 16, 2018
Presentation
Join Jim Merkel, author of The Making of an Icon: The Dreamers, The Schemers, and The Hard Hats Who Built The Gateway Arch, Second Edition, for a presentation at Kirkwood Community Center (111 S Geyer Rd., St. Louis, MO) at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
— August 16, 2018
Book Signing
Join Jim Merkel, author of The Making of an Icon: The Dreamers, Scehemers, and The Hard Hats Who Built the Gateway Arch, for a book signing at Town Center Plaza in Wildwood during celebrate Wildwood at 11 a.m.
— August 25, 2018
Radio Interview
Join Marijean Oldham, author of 100 Things to Do in Charlottesville Before You Die, Second Edition, for a radio interview with Rick Moore on WNRN 91.9 Sunday Morning Wake-Up Call at 11 a.m.
— September 2, 2018
Book Signing
Join Gretchen Hall, co-author of 100 Things to Do in Little Rock Before You Die, for a book signing at Little Rock Farmers Market (400 President Clinton Ave.) starting at 8 a.m.
— September 8, 2018
Presentation
Join Verna Gates, author of 100 Things to Do in Birmingham Before You Die, for a presentation at 721 Oxmoor Rd., Birmingham, AL 35209 at 6:30 p.m.
— September 13, 2018
Book Signing
Join Marijean Oldham, author of 100 Things to Do in Charlottesville Before You Die, Second Edition, for a book signing at New Dominion Book Shop (404 E Main St., Charlottesville, VA 22902) at 6 p.m.
— September 14, 2018
Book Signing
Join Marijean Oldham, author of 100 Things to Do in Charlottesville Before You Die, Second Edition, for a book signing at Afton Mountain Vineyards (234 Vineyard Ln., Afton, VA 22920) at 1 p.m.
— September 22, 2018
Book Signing
Join Mark Stuertz, author of Secret Dallas, for a book signing at Half Price Books (5803 E Northwest Hwy., Dallas, TX 75231) at 1 p.m.
— September 23, 2018
Book Launch
Join Irene Levy Baker, author of Unique Eats and Eateries of Philadelphia, for her book launch at McGillin's Olde Ale House (1310 Drury St.) starting at 6 p.m.
— September 25, 2018
Presentation
Join Tui Snider, author of 100 Things to Do in Dallas-Fort Worth Before You Die, Second Edition, for a presentation at Historic Granbury Town Square (201 E Pearl St., Granbury, TX 76048) at 10 a.m. This outdoor fest will feature Tui as a guest speaker and last from 10 a.m. to 7p.m.
— September 29, 2018
Book Signing
Join Mary Dixon Lebeau, author of Secret Philadelphia: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, for a book signing at Collingswood Book Festival at 10 a.m.
— October 6, 2018
Book Signing
Join Mary Dixon Lebeau, author of Secret Philadelphia: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure, for a book signing at Collingswood Book Festival starting at 10 a.m.
— October 6, 2018
Presentation
Join Jan Jacobi, author of Young Lincoln, for a presentation for the Lincoln Society of Dayton, Ohio at Carillon Park Brewery (1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton, OH 45409) at 2PM.
— October 7, 2018
Presentation
Join Tui Snider, author of 100 Things to Do in Dallas-Fort Worth Before You Die, Second Edition, for a presentation at Fort Worth Livestock Exchange (131 E Exchange Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76164) at 7 p.m.
— October 11, 2018
Book Signing
Join Marijean Oldham, author of 100 Things to Do in Charlottesville Before You Die, Second Edition, for a book signing at Barracks Road Shopping Center (1035 Emmet St., Suite A, Charlottesville, VA 22903) at noon.
— October 13, 2018
Book Signing
Join Marijean Oldham, author of 100 Things to Do in Charlottesville Before You Die, Second Edition, for a book signing at Albemarle Angler (1129 Emmet St. N, Charlottesville, VA 22903) at 1:30 p.m.
— October 14, 2018
Author Event
Join Tui Snider, author of 100 Things to Do in Dallas-Fort Worth Before You Die, Second Edition, for the Oakwood Saints and Sinners Tour at Oakwood Cemetery (701 Grand Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76164) starting at 7 p.m. More information can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/Oakwood-Cemeterys-Saints-and-Sinners-Tour-346554562163288/ and on Tui's blog post: http://tuisnider.com/2015/11/03/10th-annual-saints-sinners-tour-in-fort-worth-texas/
— October 26, 2018
Presentation
Join Molly Page, author of 100 Things to Do in Chicago Before You Die, for a presentation at Eisenhower Public Library (4613 N Oketo Ave., Harwood Heights, IL 60706) at 7 p.m.
— November 1, 2018
Presentation and Book Signing
Join Jim Merkel, author of The Making of an Icon: The Dreamers, The Schemers, and The Hard Hats Who Built The Gateway Arch, 2nd Edition, for a presentation and book signing at Maplewood Public Library (7550 Lohmeyer Ave., Maplewood, MO 63143) at 1 p.m. This event is part of the library's celebration of National Novel Writing Month.
— November 3, 2018
Presentation
Join Tui Snider, author of 100 Things to Do in Dallas-Fort Worth Before You Die, Second Edition, the History, Haunts, & Legends Conference at Jefferson Visitor Center (305 E Austin St., Jefferson, TX 75657). The event lasts from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tui will speak between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.!
— November 3, 2018
Book Signing
Join Celia Anderson and Gretchen Hall, authors of 100 Things to Do in Little Rock Before You Die, Second Edition, for a four-day shopping event at Holiday House at the Statehouse Convention Center (101 E Markham St.) starting at 6 p.m.
— November 7, 2018
Book Signing
Join Irene Levy Baker, author of Unique Eats and Eateries of Philadelphia, for a book talk and signing at Frieda (320 Walnut St.) from 3-4:30 p.m. One ticket includes a signed book and light bites. For details, email [email protected]
— November 10, 2018
Presentation
Join Jim Merkel, author of The Making of An Icon, for a presentation for the Affton Historical Society at Oakland House (7801 Genesta, St. Louis, MO 63123) at 1:30PM.
— November 20, 2018
Presentation
Join Jim Merkel, author of The Making of an Icon: The Dreamers, The Schemers, and The Hard Hats Who Built The Gateway Arch, Second Edition, for a presentation at Six Mile Regional Library's Johnson Road Branch (245 John Rd., Granite City, IL) at 2 p.m.
— January 19, 2019