This Used to be Dallas

This Used To Be Dallas Author Harry Hall to Address December 16 Dallas Rotary Meeting

Did you ever drive through Dallas and viewed a favorite building and wondered, “What’s the story behind that structure?” or, “I wonder what it was like 100 years ago?” or, “What secrets are those walls hiding?” 

Local author Harry Hall has researched and written about 90 buildings/areas that helped bring Dallas into the 21st century. Some go back to the city’s roots, others came along later, and a few got lost in the growth of a major US city. 

But all left a legacy.

Harry’s journey took him to find the former home of one of history’s greatest female athletes, a quiet family park that one entertained thousands, and the city’s most popular park that once housed German POW’s. 

He has chronicled these and many other buildings in his new book, This Used To Be Dallas, ($22.50, Reedy Press).

On December 16, Harry will share with the Dallas Rotary Club his presentation, “This Used To Be Dallas, a handful of stories selected from his work, why they matter, and the process he took to select them, from the obscure, to the glamorous, to the heroic. 

Harry has written two other books. Help! Everyone is Staring at Me, which gives readers tips on overcoming the fear of public speaking, and the nationally-acclaimed, “The Pedestriennes, America’s Forgotten Superstars,” the first book ever written about the late 19th century professional female endurance walkers. Pedestriennes has won three national writing awards and has been turned into a screenplay. 

Harry also writes for Story Terrace, a company that puts peoples’ stories into print, ensuring a legacy for their children and grandchildren.

Harry spent 25 years teaching public speaking at two colleges. He’s an active member of Toastmasters International, the Dallas Press Club, DFW Writers Workshop, and the National Speakers Association. He’s completed two Boston Marathons, and loses all battles with anything technological.

He lives in Grand Prairie with his wife Susie, their college-age son Zane, and Zane’s best friend, Scamp (Pooch) Hall.

This Used To Be Dallas can be purchased at Amazon, if you would like a signed copy for $25 (includes all taxes and s/h) go to thisusedtobedallas.com