Focusing on the life and career of Arizona Dranes, this book explores her significant contributions to gospel music through her pioneering recordings for the Okeh label from 1926 to 1928. It highlights her role in shaping the genre and examines her influence within the context of African American gospel music and the emergence of the Pentecostal movement, showcasing her as a key figure in musical innovation.
The study offers a comprehensive analysis of poor relief practices in three Strafford County towns—Durham, Lee, and Madbury—spanning from the early 1730s to the late 1890s. It contrasts "outdoor" relief, where aid was provided at home, with "indoor" relief, which confined paupers to institutions. Drawing from original town documents, the text illustrates the evolution of these practices and societal attitudes toward poverty. The conclusion evaluates local methods against national trends, and the appendix provides detailed financial data on town expenditures. Individual stories enhance the narrative's richness.