Local author Dale Queen’s new book tells of the area’s history, including Ironton’s Tanks semi-pro football team.

His new book, “Historical Gems of the River Cities”, has 11 chapters about famous landmarks and people in the Tri-State and covers the Tanks, the Paramount Arts Center, Ashland’s Central Park of Ashland, The Arcade, Raceland Racetrack, Ironton Tanks semi-pro football team, Portsmouth Spartans pro-football team, Millbrook Park in Portsmouth, The Frederick in Huntington, Keith-Albee Theatre, Camden Park and Dreamland Pool.

“My goal for writing this particular book, is to educate and remind residents of our brilliant history located in these communities,” Queen said. “In the early 1900s — 1950s and 60s, there were a large number of industries within these communities supporting a larger population. Many of these individuals had more income to spend, thus many forms of entertainment was supplied for the people as a whole.”

“Historical Gems of the River Cities”, contains close to 100 pictures, many never before seen by the public.

“My goal is for this book to help us reattach to our roots and acquire a sense of pride for the rich history that is in our midst,” Queen said.

He is having a book signing at the Highlands Museum in Ashland, Kentucky, from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday.

The new book is Queen’s second in a series on local history. His first book is “Clyffeside Park: Gem of History”, which was about an old trolley park on the outskirts of Ashland.

Queen said that for local football fans the chapters on the Ironton Tanks and Portsmouth Spartans are a must read.

“I have included pictures of teams and games played in their heyday,” he said. “Many rules and traditions that were started by these teams are still used today in professional football.

There were a large number of semi-pro teams that dotted the river cities including Portsmouth Shoe-Steels, Ashland Armcos, and Huntington Boosters. The aforementioned teams created great rivalries that were enjoyed by many fans in the river cities.”