The American College Town

Acknowledgments

acknowledgments Writing books would not be considered worth the effort if calculated by most standard measures. It is the loneliest of endeavors. For most authors, the monetary rewards are small. The work required is often overwhelming. The delay in gratification can seem interminable. The personal sacrifices are great. Why do it? It is the intangible benefits that make it worthwhile. One of the most satisfying is social. I have met and gotten to know many people in the process of writing this book. Some became friends. Existing relationships have also been strengthened. I am glad for all that. Now is the time to say thanks. Several individuals have been steadfast in their belief in me and this project, and their support has been crucial to my completion of the book. Foremost among these has been Peirce Lewis, a professor of geography at Pennsylvania State University, whose perceptivity about the American landscape is unrivaled. As a longtime resident of State College, Pennsylvania, he recognized the need for a book about college towns. Richard Nostrand of the University of Oklahoma was an enthusiastic champion of this project when it was just an idea, provided helpful feedback, and suggested one of the chapter titles. Rick Musser, a professor of journalism at the University of Kansas, read several chapters in draft form, massaged my ego when it needed it, and provided advice on personal matters. Bret Wallach, my adviser at the University of Oklahoma, responded quickly whenever I asked his opinion and continues to push me in ways that have made me a better geographer and writer. Although I don’t ever feel he really likes what I do, I respect his judgment so greatly that I will keep trying to earn his approval. John Hudson of Northwestern University gave me a venue for presenting versions of several chapters in the sessions he organizes at the Association of American Geographers’ annual meetings. William Deverell of the University of Southern California offered comment and suggestions. My father, William Gumprecht, acted as my clippings service for the Newark chapter, read every page in manuscript form and gave detailed comments, and provided financial help when personal difficulties threatened to derail this project. I developed close working relationships with a small number of college town residents, and they influenced this book in palpable ways. John Lofland, a sociologist at the University of California, Davis, contacted me after reading about my project and became a valued adviser. He steered me to essential sources on Davis history, counseled me on the worth of potential interview subjects, and patiently responded to my many queries. He offered me a bike to use while I was in Davis and even purchased me a subscription to the local newspaper. John Hilton, editor of the Ann Arbor Observer, possesses a deep knowledge about Ann Arbor and could always be counted on for suggestions and intelligent responses to my questions. Roy Lopata, planning director of the city of Newark, Delaware, is a candid and keen observer of college town life and helped me greatly. Steve Wilson, a lifelong resident of Lawrence, Kansas, and an old friend, was my most valuable source for information and insight about Lawrence and spent a weekend with me doing “fieldwork” in the bars of Manhattan, Kansas. Publication was delayed when my original publisher, Routledge, changed direction in ways that no longer made it a good home for this book, and my editor, Dave McBride, left to take a job at Oxford University Press. Dave was the first editor to truly “get” my project, worked hard to secure me the best possible contract, and became a friend. I regret that the project took so long that he was unable to see it through to completion, but I benefited from his input and appreciate his help. Bruce Wilcox, director of the University of Massachusetts Press, stepped up when my publishing prospects were bleak, gave me the money I needed to get out of my Routledge contract, and has done everything in his power to speed publication while also producing the best possible book. Smaller is usually better, and the University of Massachusetts Press has impressed me in every way. Thanks also to Carol Betsch and Jack Harrison at the press, and Kay Scheuer, my copy editor. Although Sam Stoloff, my first (and probably last) agent, was unsuccessful at interesting a trade publisher in my book, he didn’t make a penny off this project and I appreciate his efforts. Thanks to Sandy Coit...