Images of America: Fife

By Kian Lee

At first sight of Susan Kaelin’s book, most readers would cringe, fearing that the words inside produced a dry textbook-like rhythm, and quickly move on down the bookshelf. However, “Images of America: Fife” is written in a way that gives the reader an invitation to dive into history and watch it unfold before them rather than hear it squabble in a language most people give up reading after college. This book illustrates the message “A picture is worth a thousand words” in a whole new meaning. With a good blend of words and pictures, “Images of America: Fife” can be found appealing to all ages that come in contact with it.

Kaelin, the granddaughter of an early Fife settler, has rooted herself in Fife’s entrancing secrets. After retiring as an educator, she began to take a thorough interest her beloved city’s history. Being responsible for helping develop a few of the exhibits now on display at the Fife History Museum, Kaelin was hungry for more. She decided it was time for a book dedicated to the land her heritage grew on, known for its beauty and community. Susan began her search for vintage photos of the families, farms and businesses of Fife from local families whose roots are also based in the ever-evolving city they all call home.

Each of the seven chapters begins with a brief page of detailed analysis that preambles the photographic journey in this timeless history collection. Beginning with an insight to the early families, a slideshow of portraits introduces the reader to the people first welcomed into the area, ushering in the daily life civilians faced, the start of schools, and the rise of local businesses. Additionally, Kaelin narrates the importance of family farms to the Fife lifestyle, giving the reader an idea of the depth of the difference between simple Fife then and modernized Fife today.

This book holds a valuable comprehension of what a city was like in the eyes of the individuals who experienced the ever-growing change, instead of a historian rewriting the details. The pictures depict a raw history on a personal level. Needless to say, the content includes solid recorded facts just not so much that the material is too dry to enjoy. In some areas, references of humor lighten the book to an almost comical standpoint, showing that not all history holds warts of misfortune or absolute greatness, just a less complicated time for those living a simple and harmonious lifestyle.

“Images of America: Fife” is $21.99 and available at local retailers and online bookstores, through Arcadia Publishing at www.arcadiapublishing.com or call (888) 313-2665.

Kiah Lee is a student at Tacoma’s Science and Math Institute, currently working an internship at Pierce County Community Newspaper Group.