Set to come out on Dec. 1, her follow-up book, Cleveland Then and Now, returns to the sites of those places and many more to explore how the city has changed and where it stands today. The book pairs modern-day photos with vintage ones and shows how our fine city has transformed over the last 150 years; it includes photos from 67 different locations.
“I was so overwhelmed by the response to Lost Cleveland,” says DeMarco in a press release about the book. “So many of the readings and appearances I did for the book resulted in people sharing their memories of these places and a deep connection to the city.”
Lost Cleveland landed on top-ten sales lists on Amazon for Travel Photography and Architectural Buildings, and DeMarco even received a commendation from Cleveland City Council.
“As I did more and more appearances and met with Clevelanders, I came to realize that people were interested in places that were ‘lost,’” says DeMarco. “But they also wanted to know what was there now, in the present.”
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 25, Prosperity Social Club will host a book launch party with DeMarco, who'll be on hand to sign copies of the book, which will be on sale at the event.
Admission is free, and no restaurant purchase is required.
“We welcome folks who just want to come in, congratulate Laura on a job well done and grab a book or two to give as holiday gifts, but it’s the tail end of Thanksgiving weekend, and we’ll be ready to take over the cooking for you or at least pour you a drink as you pour over the fascinating photos and stories in Cleveland Then and Now,” says Prosperity Social Club owner Bonnie Flinner.
Prosperity will serve brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. that day; launch party dining reservations are recommended. Prosperity chef Ed Kubitz is adding a creamy chicken a la king over biscuit special to the menu as a nod to classic eateries such as Higbee's Silver Grille and Miller’s Dining Room. Drink specials include $1 off all local beers on draft (Sibling Revelry Red Ale, Masthead Chocolate Stout on Nitro and Fat Head’s Headhunter IPA).
“As a pub that’s been open in Tremont for 80 years—first as Dempsey’s Oasis and then as Prosperity Social Club—we’re all about celebrating Cleveland’s history, and we’re honored to host the book’s release,” says Flinner.
DeMarco will also host book release events at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, at League Park and at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 12, at Music Box Supper Club.
