New Local Book - Images of America: Citrus Heights by Jim Van Maren

Arcadia Publishing has released the latest volume of its Images of America series, focusing on the City of Citrus Heights. The book is authored by Jim Van Maren, a descendent of one of the city's founding families, and includes over 200 vintage images and memories. Although Citrus Heights was only recently incorporated, it is a community with roots that go back 150 years.

Fields of lavish, green grass and groves of beautiful oak trees greeted earlier settlers, who saw fertile land for farming and sustaining growing families. With early residents' insights for agricultural use and development of roads, schools, and places of worship, Citrus Heights has grown from a farming settlement to a modern suburb and a favorite place for families to thrive in Sacramento County. The Van Maren family was one of Citrus Heights' earliest founding settlers, and this book of vintage photographs is culled largely from the collection of community stalwart Jim Van Maren, whose great grandparents started farming here in the 1850s.

Highlighting such achievements as the first grammar school in the eastern part of Sacramento County, this collection is an inspiration to the community spirit. Assisted by Citrus Heights Historical Society president Wilma Camilleri and Citrus Heights History and Art Commission chairwoman Teena Stern, Van Maren documents in these images the journey of this singular town through the decades, with insights that only locals can provide.

Images of America: Citrus Heights is available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing or (888)-313-2665.

presented to you by Sandra Gardner Benward