Immigrating to Pennsylvania with John Lindermuth

My ancestors came to Pennsylvania in 1752. Many of their descendants never left. Others of us who did leave for varying lengths of time have returned.

What’s so special about this place?

I can’t speak for others. Though I’ve lived in and liked some other states and parts of the world, I have a special affection for the home-place. Admittedly not everyone would share my liking for this particular piece of the Keystone State’s turf and there’s probably a certain amount of nostalgia influencing my opinion.

My part of Pennsylvania is on the border between the anthracite coal region and the Pennsylvania Dutch country. The coal region has some scars left by the industry it spawned; job opportunities are sparse, often requiring people to travel long distances for work, and we lack some of the cultural amenities others cherish. But the people are among the friendliest you’ll meet anywhere, we have a diverse ethnic populace and a rich history.

That ethnic diversity provides a wealth of festivals with a variety of delicious foods, music and other offerings throughout the year. Four colleges in the area offer educational opportunities, music, lectures, plays and other stimulating activities. We have farm, antique and flea markets, art galleries, museums, wineries, shopping centers and restaurants to satisfy any culinary preference. Not of particular interest to me but great for those with children, America’s largest free admission amusement park is only minutes away.

One thing we do lack, and which I sincerely regret, is an independent bookshop. The last one succumbed to the pressure of the chains several years ago.

Speaking of history, visitors can tour a coal mine and ride a steam engine at the Pioneer Tunnel, visit the home of theologian, scientist and prolific author Joseph Priestley or see onion-dome orthodox churches and numerous covered bridges still in use.

Even the commonwealth’s largest cities—Philadelphia and Pittsburgh—retain a certain amount of rural charm maintained in parks and open spaces. That quality is even more evident here. My village is surrounded by mountains and I can be in the woods in minutes. A 20-minute drive by car will put me on the shores of the Susquehanna River.

J. R. Lindermuth’s latest book is Practice To Deceive, fifth in his Sticks Hetrick mystery series, published by Whiskey Creek Press. Until that release, John is awarding a copy of another release, The Limping Dog, to one lucky person who comments during this week.

Blurb: Trouble follows Sticks Hetrick when he and Anita Bailey, the new woman in his life, go on a Caribbean cruise. Though he has no jurisdiction, Hetrick assists a Jamaican police inspector investigate two murders which have roots back home in Pennsylvania.

Meanwhile, Officer Flora Vastine, Hetrick’s protégé and the team in Swatara Creek, are probing mysterious assaults on young women which will put Flora’s life in jeopardy.

Both Hetrick and Flora will learn the past has consequences which can’t be denied.

Visit John and learn more about his life and work here:

http://jrlindermuth.comhttp://jrlindermuth.com
(pictures provided by author)