"Chuck D’Imperio is an Upstate New York treasure who proves time and again his encyclopedic knowledge of Upstate and all its charms. . . . From ‘Queen of Comedy’ Lucille Ball’s heart-engraved headstone in Jamestown to abolitionist John Brown’s glass-enclosed marker in North Elba to industrialist/philanthropist Andrew Carnegie’s Scottish stone monument in Sleepy Hollow and points in between, this fascinating travel guide will inspire the reader to hit the road and tour these intriguing historic sites and their communities. Highly recommended!"—Lori Chien, chief librarian, Jervis Public Library
"This is a book conducive to reading in spurts, but it’s also a handy one to have around as a reference. Check it out if you’re planning a trip to some place in upstate New York. Breezily written, it has detailed directions, plus plenty of information useful as anecdotes in social settings. Expect to find yourself more engrossed than you expect."—Richard Frost, Adirondack Daily Enterprise
"The short informative biographies of each individual are enjoyable reading and in no way morbid, regardless of the focus on gravestones and mausoleums.... Helpful directions to gravesite locations, extra factoids, and website links for more information make the book a great companion for road trips through the Finger Lakes region and beyond."—Laurel Wemett, Life in the Finger Lakes Magazine
"This is the guy who you would want to be stuck in a lifeboat with, or invite to your family Thanksgiving. His stories are spellbinding and his affect is humble. Don't fret if you can't see the author at a talk because he has mastered writing as if he was talking to you and you were a friend. Buy this book for the holidays as a gift to yourself or others. Find out why a horse made the cut. Make a New Year's resolution to visit as many of the gravesites as you can. Why? The author sums it up succinctly, 'To visit each of these grave sites is to take one hundred mini-pilgrimages down the footpaths of history.' "—Jessica Reed, A Time & A Place Magazine
Description
Graves of Upstate New York presents a fascinating look at the lives and deaths of 100 legendary Americans who are laid to rest in Upstate New York. D’Imperio takes readers on a journey across the state, visiting an array of famous New York grave sites, from Mark Twain, Harriet Tubman, and James Fenimore Cooper to Helen Hayes, Lucille Ball, four US presidents, a Kentucky Derby–winning horse, and the most famous one-legged tap dancer in the world. D’Imperio tells the story of each individual, along with photographs and detailed information about the cemetery. From West Point to Lake Placid to Buffalo and all points north, south, east, and west, Graves of Upstate New York offers a cultural tour across the great expanse of Upstate New York in search of its famous residents and their lasting legacies.
About the Author
Chuck D’Imperio is the author of several books about Upstate New York. His most recent titles include Unknown Museums of Upstate New York: A Guide to 50 Treasures and A Taste of Upstate New York: The People and Stories behind 40 Food Favorites.
March 2018