John Trafny is not only a history and government teacher but an author as well.

  In 1999 he was asked to submit a research paper he worked on during graduate school at Purdue University, to a publisher for consideration. This is when Mr. Trafny came across Arcadia publishing in 2000, whose main interest happens to be books based on local history.

  Mr. Trafny has published four books: The Polish Community of Gary, Gary’s East Side, Gary’s West Side, Gary’s Glen Park and and is already doing research for his next. However, his favorite has to be his first publication.

  “I know Gary has fallen on hard times, so I feel someone should t

ell the almost forgotten or often ignored history of the Steel City,” Trafny said.

  What he enjoys about these books is being able to bring back fond

memories to those who once lived in Gary, as well as telling the s

tory of

what it once was like to their children and grandchildren.

   “Gary, Indiana has a rich history and many historical events took place there. Gary had a diverse population that included just about every ethnic, racial, and religious group and all contributed to its history,” he said.

  He is proud to say he grew up on the aast side of Gary and attended Emerson High School.

  Mr. Trafny also guest lectures at Purdue Calumet and plans to continue teaching at Noll for another year or two.

Polish Community of Gary- This book reveals the journey Polish

immigrants arriving in the 1990’s had to face. Nearly 200 imagines are compiled that feature present and past residents of Gary.

Gary’s East Side- This book is one that looks back on one of the Steel City’s oldest neighborhoods. Through the countless photographs this book shows a vivid history of 1906, the year of Gary’s founding, to the now present day.

Gary’s West Side-This book is about the four year long generation of the Steel City’s premier residential districts.Through Family photographs provided by former residents, along with shared memories the reader is engaged on a wistful journey through the 1906 founding to present day.

Gary’s Glen Park- This book looks upon the southern neighborhood of Steel City from its birth up until the 1970s. Every chapter looks specifically towards a part of the areas history, memorable events, like the local businesses, and people.