Freedoms Given, Freedoms Won Book

An interesting account of the development of this beach community for African-Americans in far northeast Florida. The beach was developed by an African-American insurance company and provided a gathering place for well-to-do and average black families in a time when they were not allowed on other beaches in the Southeast. It became a focus for black recreation and drew such luminaries as Hank Aaron, Joe Louis, Cab Calloway and James Brown to relax and entertain along its shores.

Part history, part genealogy and part personal memoir, the book describes the happy and sad times of many of the residents through the 20th century and the slow decline as a result of the Civil Rights movement opening all beaches for blacks. For those of a culinary bent, several chapters include recipes handed down by residents of American Beach.

While the book would be classified as local history, it's a microcosm of American life - both good and bad - through much of our history.