By Missy Burke, Robin Emrich and Barbara Kellner
Columbia Archives published Oh, you must live in Columbia: The origins of place names in Columbia, Maryland after years of hearing people ask about the origins of the street names. Although many newspaper and magazine articles had been written over the years, myths, misconceptions and misunderstandings still survived. When Missy Burke approached Columbia Archives about the idea for a book the time seemed right to move ahead with the project and try to settle the questions.
The book is the result of extensive research of the literature, art and history that are the sources of the place names and of the naming process that is documented in Columbia Archives collection. Interviews with a number of the individuals involved in the actual process add content and color to the story.
The book is comprised of 16 chapters, endnotes and an enhanced bibliography.
There is a chapter on each Columbia village and one on Business Centers. An entry for each street name contains the literary, artistic or historical source. In addition there are: the Introduction, explaining the street naming process; How Did Columbia Get Its Name; Size, Color and Shape Matter, the whys and wherefores of the street sign styles; Street Names Can Be Fun, 22 ways to use street names for games, parties and decorating; and Navigating, clues to reading the entries. The bibliography is packed with information about the sources to help readers find the complete version of the literary work or the artwork from which the names are drawn.
The book is peppered with historical photographs, the neighborhood posters of Columbia artist Gail Holliday and other images.
It is attractive enough to sit on the coffee table, and scholarly enough to be added to the home library.
Oh, you must live in Columbia was published in June 2008.
Go to Archives Store to order a copy.
Columbia tells the story of the planned community in pictures – from building the roads, lakes, and structures that give Columbia its distinctive look to the activities and people that give it life. Kellner, who is the manager of Columbia Archives, mined the photograph collection at Columbia Archives and chose 163 photos to capture the core of Columbia’s mission – creating a complete city, respecting the land and celebrating community. Highlights include: the sign for the first property purchase; Route 29 when it was a two lane road; a hand-painted sign announcing the coming of Columbia Mall; the dedication of Lake Elkhorn; Astronaut John Fabian celebrating Columbia’s adoption of the Columbia space shuttle. James Rouse, Columbia’s founder, believed in optimism. The final photo in the book is of his widow, Patty Rouse, sporting a tee shirt exclaiming his philosophy, “Approach the world with brilliant expectations.”
Go to Archives Store to order a copy.
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Oh, you must live in Columbia: 
Columbia - Images of America