Writing a novel (quote)

[Lisle S. Mitchell]

I am writing a novel situated in Troy, NY between 1940 and 1970. I have visited Troy several times as a tourism but have no detailed information other than general historical from the net, several books and maps. I would like to have information about the name and location of public schools, especially 1950 to 1955: names, mascots, size, segregated or not, adequacy of education, student-teacher ratio, etc. Information about the socioeconomic dynamics of the time, especially 1950-1960; the economic structure, especially with the down turn of the economy following WWII; the general tenor of city life: important retailers, employers, night life, entertainment, importance of public recreation sites, important public figures in politics or education, or society (high - pop - low), economic would be helpful.

How important was Troy's location at the intersection of the Hudson-Mohawk- Erie Canal and proximity to the Capitol? What about the economic history of the city, especially the steel and related manufacturing industry, the collar industry, Uncle Sam, etc.?

I don't expect anyone to take the time to answer all of these quiries but any piece of information or references will be greatly appreciated. I am writing a trilogy of novels; the first and third of which will take place entirely in the Troy-Albany region. I have in-laws in Latham and I've received about as much data as possible from them.

Thanks in advance for any materials you can supply.

[bluescityleon]

Originally Posted by Lisle S. Mitchell

I am writing a novel situated in Troy, NY between 1940 and 1970. I have visited Troy several times as a tourism but have no detailed information other than general historical from the net, several books and maps. I would like to have information about the name and location of public schools, especially 1950 to 1955: names, mascots, size, segregated or not, adequacy of education, student-teacher ratio, etc. Information about the socioeconomic dynamics of the time, especially 1950-1960; the economic structure, especially with the down turn of the economy following WWII; the general tenor of city life: important retailers, employers, night life, entertainment, importance of public recreation sites, important public figures in politics or education, or society (high - pop - low), economic would be helpful.

How important was Troy's location at the intersection of the Hudson-Mohawk- Erie Canal and proximity to the Capitol? What about the economic history of the city, especially the steel and related manufacturing industry, the collar industry, Uncle Sam, etc.?

I don't expect anyone to take the time to answer all of these quiries but any piece of information or references will be greatly appreciated. I am writing a trilogy of novels; the first and third of which will take place entirely in the Troy-Albany region. I have in-laws in Latham and I've received about as much data as possible from them.

Thanks in advance for any materials you can supply.

I'M WORKING ON 2 NOVELS and I like Wikipedia.....and I google ideas that relate to my story. Ask my self
questions like what if my main character was born in 1958 Google 1958 read the news etc, Most of the things on on the web.............if there was a event that effects alot of people there are blogs.............based around things like survivors.......fires ....crime...its all there