Co-authors Catherine Tijerino and Eric Johnson examine photographs, local records and other
historical documents as they work on their book.  
The Lion's Roar/Karson Sharp

Southeastern librarians and local authors Eric Johnson and Catherine Tijerino will soon be signing their newly finished and released book, “Images of America: Hammond.”  The signing is set for Thursday, February 4 at Bayou Booksellers in Hammond from 4:00-6:00 p.m. 

The book is published by Arcadia Publishing Co., and is a chronicle of  Hammond’s history.  

“The Hammond Regional Arts Center was approached by Arcadia Publishing Co. looking for a writer for a book on Hammond for their ‘Images of America’ series,” said Johnson. “The books consist primarily of historical photographs with captions and a short introduction.  The HRAC asked me if I knew anyone who might be interested; I asked a few people who seemed logical choices to write it, but they declined because of other projects they were working on. So I took the project on and asked my colleague Cathy Tijerino if she would like to write it with me since she had grown up here.”

The historical portion of the book covers Hammond until 1950, after which the book consists of photographs donated by the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies. Periods after 1950 will be discussed in full in later books. According to Johnson, he enjoyed writing the book and was able to better connect with the history of the town. 

“I loved doing a book on Hammond because I was able to learn more about the history of the city, and to finally take the time to tour all over town and actually look at the neighborhoods and houses,” said Johnson.

Although Johnson enjoyed writing the book, he hopes just as strongly that Hammond residents and others will enjoy reading it.

“The book was a labor of love,” said Johnson. “It took us many hours and many evenings and weekends to complete it, and we’re very proud of the finished product. It’s the first book of its kind on Hammond published since the 1980s, so many of the photographs haven’t been seen in a long time or will be new to readers. 

Both young and older readers will be able to recognize the buildings photographed in the book, despite the changes they have undergone over the years.

“Many of the downtown buildings are still standing, although their facades have changed over the years, so students should enjoy comparing old photos with the current look of downtown Hammond,” said Johnson. “Older readers may even feel some nostalgia when they see some of the pictures. Cathy and I think that the book has a broad appeal to a wide local audience, and we’re eager to talk to our readers and hear what they think of it.”

He also confirmed that more book signings are planned for the near future. 

“[W]e’re working on a signing at the University Bookstore as well as other venues in town.  We will be part of a panel at the Hammond Regional Arts Center’s “Celebrating the Written Word” literary festival on March 12 and signing there as well,” said Johnson. “We’re also working on getting a prominent New Orleans food writer for our annual Friends of the Library Tea in March; our featured writers always bring books to sign.”

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