New EL book released

EAST LIVERPOOL — A few years in the making, a new book celebrating East Liverpool’s rich past is now available. The limited edition, coffee table book — “East Liverpool, Ohio: Reflections of 200 Years” — was officially released Friday, and the announcement was made by members of the East Liverpool Area Chamber of Commerce, the East Liverpool Historical Society and the Museum of Ceramics. Those organizations were instrumental in making the book a reality. “We had a lot of help and cooperation with this book,” Joan Witt, a member of the East Liverpool Historical Society, said Friday. “However, the initial effort was actually started by Glenn Waight.” A venerable journalist and newspaperman, Waight passed away July 27, 2008, at the age of 84. In the book, Waight contributed information about the settlers and about the importance of the Ohio River and it’s impact on East Liverpool. Waight was a highly regarded historian. Other articles were penned by Witt, and some excerpts were taken from books written by William C. Gates Jr. focusing on potteries and on other industry. Pam Hoppel, CEO of the East Liverpool Area Chamber of Commerce, said the idea for the new softcover book came after city’s Bicentennial and with the help of the book’s publisher, Brent Haynes of DigiColor Advertising and Design based in New Manchester. Brent Haynes’ wife, Kathryn, served as a researcher and production manager. A photo of The Diamond looking north on Market Street during the 1898 Centennial celebration of the founding of East Liverpool graces the front cover. Inside, photos donated by the Historical Society and other organizations help paint a colorful look at the city. “This is a local memorabilia and history collector’s treasure,” Hoppel noted. “East Liverpool, Ohio: Reflections of 200 Years” can be purchased at either the Museum of Ceramics at 400 East Fifth St. or at the East Liverpool Area Chamber of Commerce at 529 Market St. The cost is $20 per book plus shipping and handling, if applicable. Book proceeds will benefit the Chamber and Museum of Ceramics. Sarah Vodrey, director of the Museum of Ceramics, said the book is now available during regular hours of operation from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The East Liverpool Area Chamber of Commerce is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Orders can be placed by calling the museum at 1-800-600-7180 or the chamber at 330-385-0845.