Images of America: Finneytown

A pictorial journey through the moments and places that made us Wildcats.

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A sepia-toned photograph of a group of people gathered outdoors, with some standing and others seated, beneath a large tree. The photograph is on the cover of a book titled 'Images of America: Finneytown,' authored by Rick Kennedy and Mark Evans.

For the first time, Finneytown’s remarkable story is in print.

Written by longtime residents Rick Kennedy and Mark Evans, this book is packed with rare photos, community stories, and local pride.

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A basketball court inside a gymnasium with red and blue markings, and people walking across it. The gym has high ceilings with metal beams and bright lighting. The wall features large letters spelling "IN DOWNTOWN WILDCATS," and there are bleachers on the sides.
An architectural drawing of a modern commercial building with a glass facade, labeled 'Finneytown,' featuring vertical blue panels, a brick accent, and a parking lot with several cars and people walking nearby.

Every Book Builds the Future

Our goal is simple but powerful: To modernize Finneytown’s Performing Arts Center and Competition Gym—creating spaces that inspire creativity, ignite school spirit, and empower the next generation of Wildcats.

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How to Buy

Black and white photo of the 1955 Finneytown Wildcats basketball team, including players in matching uniforms, two coaches, and a person in a dark jacket with glasses, posing indoors with a brick wall background.

Live local? Choose Local Pickup at checkout to save on shipping—pick up your book from Brent.

Buy Direct (Best Way)

Order through FinneytownAlumni.org for the greatest impact. A much higher percentage goes to the Legacy Projects.

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A man dressed as a train conductor standing on bleachers, saluting or gesturing with both arms raised, with two young men sitting behind him on an elevated platform.

Amazon & Retail

The book will also be available soon through Amazon and other online retailers.

Just a heads-up: less of the sale returns to Finneytown when purchased commercially.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Images of America: Finneytown is a richly illustrated journey through the unique evolution of Finneytown—from its early settlement in 1800 to its vibrant community life through the 20th century. Written by longtime residents Rick Kennedy and Mark Evans, and featuring a foreword by GE’s Jeff Immelt, the book includes:

    A Deep Dive into Finneytown's Roots

    • The story of Revolutionary War veteran Ebenezer Finney and the founding of the community

    • Life as a frontier outpost and unincorporated township

    • Forgotten tales of early settlers, farms, schools, and civic life

    Neighborhood & Architectural Evolution

    • Post-WWII suburban boom and the creation of iconic subdivisions like Brentwood, Wintondale, and Greenfield Village

    • Profiles of Finneytown’s stunning mid-century modern homes and the architects behind them, including Rudy Hermes, Karl Merkel, and Benjamin Dombar

    • The story behind Pringle Drive and the creation of Pringles® by P&G

    School & Student Life

    • The rise of Finneytown Local Schools, the building of Finneytown High School, and the design legacy of Woodie Garber

    • The powerful impact of educators like Telford Whitaker, Mac McNulty, and William Swartzel

    • Youth athletics, music programs, and the birth of a soccer dynasty

    Churches, Civic Groups & Community Builders

    • Founding of churches like St. Vivian, Northminster, and Faith Lutheran

    • The rise of the Northern Hills Volunteer Fire Department

    • Grassroots efforts that defined Finneytown’s independence and spirit

    The Natural and Cultural Landscape

    • Warder Nursery’s contribution to Cincinnati parks and its rebirth as a nature preserve

    • Charley Harper’s artistic legacy, created right from his modernist home in Finneytown woods

    • The magic of Tiny Town, Clearview Stables, and Brentwood Bowl

    Stories of Notables and Everyday Heroes

    • Profiles of residents like Rod Serling (The Twilight Zone), Olympic champions Amanda Borden and Joe Hudepohl, TV anchor Al Schottelkotte, and Reds legend Gordy Coleman

    • The lives of veterans, entrepreneurs, artists, teachers, musicians, and unsung heroes who shaped the community

  • For the greatest benefit to Finneytown, buy directly from the Finneytown Alumni Network.

    • We receive a significantly larger portion of the proceeds.

    Need it shipped? Amazon has you covered!

  • The Legacy Projects focus on renovating two of Finneytown’s most meaningful and iconic student spaces:

    • Performing Arts Center (PAC) – new seating, improved acoustics, ADA access, stage rigging, lighting upgrades, and lobby redesign.

    • Competition Gym – refinished floors, new bleachers, fresh branding, lighting and electrical upgrades, and an updated entrance.

    State funding doesn't cover these spaces—so we're stepping in to ensure future students have the same chance to shine.

  • There are lots of ways to support the Legacy Projects and help shape Finneytown’s future:

    • Make a donation directly to the campaign

    • Become a Member of the Finneytown Alumni Network to stay connected, support scholarships, and strengthen our community year-round

    • Attend Alumni Weekend in September 2025 for the public launch of the campaign

    • Spread the word—share your Finneytown story and encourage others to join the movement

Let’s Build the Future.

One Moment at a Time.

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