Lane premieres <em>Glendale: Nashville's Magical Park</em> at Lipscomb book signing
Chris Pepple |
Andy Lane (’87), author and executive director of Lipscomb’s National Bison Club, and illustrator Michael Sloan premiere Glendale: Nashville’s Magical Park at a book signing held on Tuesday, September 22, at 6:30 p.m. in Beaman Library on the Lipscomb University campus. This new children’s book brings Glendale Park back to life for readers young and old. From 1888 until 1932, Glendale Park was once a popular zoo and amusement park in Nashville about a mile east of the Lipscomb campus. Today, historical markers note the site which is now a residential neighborhood.
In the book, modern-day children, Lee and Ellen, stumble upon the park after finding a snoring bear in their neighborhood. They are whisked into the past and experience the park just as it was years ago. The children meet Glendale’s loveable zookeeper, Clare Lovett, along with other historical figures who made Nashville spectacular. The book allows readers to travel along with Lee and Ellen as they experience the park’s amazing shows, meet the animals and ride the famous carousel, the Flying Jenny. Through the book, we meet their new friends Percy Warner and James Caldwell as they venture downtown on Nashville’s memorable electric streetcar. Readers are introduced to Fred Harvey at Glendale’s annual Easter egg hunt.
Lane has spent his life in Middle Tennessee and developed a love for its history. Lane is a graduate of Lipscomb, where he studied communication and journalism. After graduation, he began his career in athletic administration and has been part of the Lipscomb department of athletics for the past 25 years. Lane has written for the Westview, the Nashville Banner, and Lipscomb News and has published numerous writings capturing history and his family’s genealogy.
“The entire process of researching the park and writing this book has been a real blessing,” Lane said. “I wanted to chronicle for future generations the story of this great piece of Nashville history. I tried to capture the beauty and excitement of the park as well as the historical significance of several Nashville figures such as Percy Warner and James Caldwell. I also wanted to unveil this project at Lipscomb University whose students often rode the electric streetcar, stopping near Glendale Park.”
The book is illustrated by Dickson artist Michael Sloan. Since 1973 Sloan’s paintings have been published as limited edition prints under “The Michael Sloan Collection.” In 1982, Sloan was a featured artist at the World's Fair and created a commemorative poster for the Fine Arts Pavilion. In 1986 he was commissioned by Governor Lamar Alexander to create the symbol for Tennessee Homecoming '86 (a quilted state flag draped over an old front porch rocker). In 1990, Governor Ned McWherter unveiled Sloan’s "The Pride of Tennessee,” an oil-on-canvas painting of 11 of Tennessee's historical figures that influenced the development of the state. His painting became the official symbol for Tennessee's state bicentennial and is on permanent display in the old Supreme Court chambers in the State Capitol in Nashville. In conjunction with the unveiling of Sloan's historical painting, McWherter signed a resolution passed by the Tennessee General Assembly designating Michael Sloan as Tennessee's first official "Artist-In-Residence" through the year 2000.The continuing popularity of his work has earned him the reputation as one of the south's finest artists.
“When I first met with Andy Lane, I had no idea that Glendale Park ever existed,” Sloan said. “His words and ideas brought this gem from the past magically to life. I could envision the sights and sounds surrounding all the excitement he infused in this wonderful story. I was able to feed on the inspiration he evoked and create in my art what I believe is his love and fondness for the past and people who actually lived this story. Andy created a beautiful tale of truth and imagination and gave this story meaning for the young and young at heart. It was truly a pleasure being a part of this project and, by default now, a little part of a magical place from the past: Glendale Park.”
The book will be available for $22.95 at the book signing and will be sold online and in local bookstores after the event.