Ryan Gierach Bücher

Resting on the shores of Lake Michigan, Cedarburg, Wisconsin has been defined by its natural resources and its pioneering settlers since its earliest days. Native Americans once hunted wildlife drawn to the pristine springs in the region, and in the 1840s, "Old Lutheran" immigrants built a thriving town on the same spot, eventually grafting a dynamic Teutonic culture by constructing hundreds of magnificent stone buildings in a unique German craftsman style. The striking landscape of Cedarburg today, so carefully preserved, is a testament to the unyielding spirit of the men and women who fashioned this unique place out of the wilderness.

The narrative explores the evolution of West Hollywood from its origins as Sherman, a rail yard town, to its pivotal role in the Hollywood film industry. During Prohibition, it became a hub for entertainment, earning nicknames like "Hollywood's Soul." The community, primarily composed of renters, Jewish, gay, and senior residents, sought to establish their own identity, leading to its incorporation in 1984. Since then, West Hollywood has emerged as a symbol of tolerance and inclusivity, attracting diverse populations seeking refuge and acceptance.