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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
Presentation
Join Mary Dixon Lebeau, author of Secret Philadelphia, for a presentation at The Stoogeum (904 Sheble Ln., Ambler PA 19002) at 6 p.m. The presentation will be followed by a scavenger hunt through Stoogeum from 8:30 until 9 p.m. Cost is $5.
— July 24, 2018
Presentation
Join Kevin Gibson, author of Unique Eats and Eateries of Louisville, for a presentation at Saints Pizza (131 Breckenridge Ln., Louisville, KY 40207) at 6:30 p.m.
— July 26, 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 and book signing at Neighborhood Reads (401 Lafayette St., Washington, MO) from 5-7 p.m.
— July 26, 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 STL Stylehouse (3159 Cherokee St., St. Louis, MO 63118) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
— July 28, 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
Book Signing
Join Michael Cervin, author of Santa Barbara Know-It-All: The Guide to Everything That Matters, for a book signing at Distant Lands Bookstore (20 S Raymond Ave., Pasadena, CA 91105) at 7:30 p.m.
— August 6, 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 Nancy Hamilton, author of 100 Things to Do in Fort Myers & Sanibel Before You Die, for a presentation and book signing at South Water Management Lecture Hall (2301 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33901) at 10 a.m.
— August 14, 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 Mary Dixon Lebeau, author of Secret Philadelphia, for a book signing at Lahaska Bookshops (16 S Main St., Doylestown, PA 18901) at 1 p.m.
— August 18, 2018
Book Signing
Join Ann Smith and Allison Symonds, authors of 100 Things to Do in Portland, Oregon, Before You Die, Second Edition, for a book signing at The Widmer Brothers Brewery (929 N Russell St., Portland, OR 97227) from 3-5 p.m.
— August 24, 2018
Book Signing
Join Ann Smith and Alison Symonds, authors of 100 Things to Do in Portland, OR Before You Die, Second Edition, for a book signing at The Widmer Brothers Brewery (929 N Russell St., Portland, OR 97227) from 3-5 p.m.
— August 24, 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
Book Signing
Join Jan Jacobi, author of Young Lincoln, for a book signing at Lincoln Home National Historic Site (413 S. 8th St., Springfield, IL 62701) at 1 p.m.
— August 25, 2018
Book Signing
Join Ann Smith, author of 100 Things to Do in Portland, Oregon, Before You Die, Second Edition, for a book signing at Last Thursday (1476 NE Alberta St., Portland, OR 97211) at 6 p.m.
— August 30, 2018
Presentation
Join Kevin Gibson, author of 100 Things to Do in Louisville Before You Die, Second Edition and Unique Eats and Eateries of Louisville, for a presentation and book signing at Old 502 Winery (120 S 10th St., Louisville, KY 40202) at 6 p.m.
— August 30, 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
Book Signing
Join Jan Jacobi, author of Young Lincoln, for a book signing at Railsplitter Gift Shop (15588 History Lane, Petersburg, IL 62675) at 10 a.m.
— September 8, 2018
Book Signing
Join Tom Weber, author of 100 Things to Do in the Twin Cities Before You Die, Second Edition, for a book signing at Moon Palace Books (3032 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55406) at 7 p.m.
— September 10, 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
Launch Party
Join Ashley Petry, author of 100 Things to Do in Indianapolis Before You Die, Second Edition, for her launch party at New Day Craft )1102 Prospect St., Indianapolis, IN 46203) at 7 p.m.
— September 14, 2018
Book Signing
Join Jan Jacobi, author of Young Lincoln, for a book signing at Main Street Books (307 S Main St., St. Charles, MO 63301) at 1 p.m.
— September 15, 2018
Book Signing
Join Ann Smith, author of 100 Things to Do in Portland, Oregon, Before You Die, Second Edition, for a book signing at Portland State University (1715 SW 5th Ave., Portland, OR 97201) during student orientation at 2 p.m.
— September 20, 2018
Presentation
Join Jim Merkel, author of The Making of an Icon, Second Edition, for a presentation at St. Louis Firefighters Local 73 Union Hall (4271 Delor St., St. Louis) at 6:30 p.m.
— September 20, 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
Presentation
Join Kevin Gibson, author of 100 Things to Do in Louisville Before You Die, Second Edition and Unique Eats and Eateries of Louisville, for a presentation and book signing at Flea Off Market (200-224 Baxter Ave., Louisville, KY 40206) at 2 p.m.
— September 22, 2018
Presentation
Join Jan Jacobi, author of Young Lincoln, and Steve Chapman for a presentation all about Abe at 57th Street Books (1301 E 57th St., Chicago, IL 60637) at 3 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
Book Signing
Join Ashley Petry, author of 100 Things to Do in Indianapolis Before You Die, Second Edition, for a book signing at City Market (222 E Market St., Indianapolis, IN 46204) starting at 9:30 a.m.
— September 26, 2018
Presentation
Join Mary Dixon Lebeau, author of Secret Philadelphia, for a presentation at Haverford Township Free Library (1601 Darby Rd., Haverford, PA 19083) at 6:30 p.m.
— September 26, 2018
Presentation
Join Jan Jacobi, author of Young Lincoln, for a presentation for the Downtown St. Louis Rotary Club at MAC Downtown (405 Washington Ave., St. Louis, MO 63102) at 11:45 a.m.
— September 27, 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 Ashley Petry, author of 100 Things to Do in Indianapolis Before You Die, Second Edition, for a book signing at City Market (222 E Market St., Indianapolis, IN 46204) at 9 a.m.
— October 3, 2018
Presentation
Join Molly Page, author of 100 Things to Do in Chicago Before You Die, for a presentation at Wood Dale Public Library (520 N. Wood Dale Rd.) at 7 p.m.
— October 4, 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 Jan Jacobi, author of Young Lincoln, for a presentation for the Lincoln Society of Dayton, Ohio at Carilon Brewing Company (1000 Carilon Blvd., Dayton, OH 45409) at 2 p.m.
— 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
Presentation
Join Jan Jacobi, author of Young Lincoln, for a presentation for Forever Young Club at MAC West (1777 Des Peres, St. Louis, MO 63131) at 11:55 a.m.
— October 19, 2018
Book Signing
Join Tui Snider, author of 100 Things to Do in Dallas-Fort Worth Before You Die, Second Edition, for a book signing at Chandor Gardens (711 W Lee Ave., Weatherford, TX 76086) at 1 p.m.
— October 21, 2018
Presentation
Join Mary Dixon Lebeau, author of Secret Philadelphia, for a presentation at Cherry Hill Public Library (1100 Kings Hwy North, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034) at 7 p.m.
— October 24, 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 Jan Jacobi, author of Young Lincoln, for a presentation at Maplewood Library (7550 Lohmeyer Ave., St. Louis, MO 63143) at 1 p.m.
— November 17, 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
Book Signing
Join Ashley Petry, author of 100 Things to Do in Indianapolis Before You Die, Second Edition, for a book signing at Central Library (40 E St. Clair St., Indianapolis, IN 46204) at 6 p.m.
— December 7, 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
