Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

John Dougan Writes Book About Memphis

Memphis has been described as both "the Metropolis of the American Nile" and "a small town with a whole lot of people in it."

John Dougan, a former Nevada Countian, has put together some 200 historic photographs accompanied by insightful captions in a book, Memphis.

Dougan is a graduate of Emmet High School. He has a bachelor's degree from Freed- Hardman University. He has a master's degree from the University of Tennessee of Memphis.

Dougan is assistant archivist at the Memphis/Shelby County Public Library and Information Center.

In Memphis, his vintage photographs, from the library's history department, "captures the unique mix of urban culture and rural roots in a community where great bridges and modern buildings tower within sight of cotton plantations."

"Action scenes of urban life depict the busy streets, fine buildings, beautiful parks and thriving commerce of pre-World War II Memphis," a news release said. "Within these pages, the city's heritage and diversity are reflected in a variety of photographic essays, including the annual Mid-South Fair and historic Beale Street."

Memphis is one of over 300 titles in the Images of America series published by Arcadia of Charleston, S.C. A spokesman from Arcadia says that books such as Memphis often perform on a local level as best sellers.

Dougan is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Dougan of Route 3, Prescott.