"Father's Day"

Kevin Coolidge

I love June in Tioga County. Everything is awake. The hills are green and fresh. The wind feels alive, and people are enjoying the weather and anticipating the upcoming summer season. Wellsboro pays homage to our state flora with the Laurel Festival, which also reminds me that it’s time to remember dear old Dad and Father’s Day.

The 3rd Sunday in June which children and Moms celebrate each year by buying Dad socks, chocolate, beer, slippers, or maybe a tie he won’t wear. You can get your Dad an extra-special gift that he can really enjoy by taking account of a combination of his interests, history, and your relationship with your father. That’s one of the many things I love about books, no matter what your interest, specialty, or type of person you are, there’s a book for you:

We live in rural Pennsylvania and enjoying the out-of-doors just goes with the territory. Here are some great choices for that rugged, outdoor type guy, or the one who loves to read about it.

The Best of Zane Grey, Outdoorsman by Zane Grey: Zane Grey shows he’s not just a cowboy-his best hunting and fishing tales.

Of Woods and Wild Things by Don Knaus: Don’s a local guy writing about hunting and fishing and growing up in Tioga County.

Pioneer Life or Thirty Years a Hunter by Philip Tome: An American classic recently reprinted by Stackpole Books.

Birds of Pennsylvania Field Guide by Stan Tekiela: Maybe your Dad doesn’t get into the woods as much as he used to, but he still loves sitting by the window with that pair of binoculars you gave him for Christmas. There’s also a companion CD so he can learn the songs and sounds of our feathered friends.

If Dad is the scholarly type, or enjoys reading about history-These books are for him.

Elmira, Death Camp of the North by Michael Horigan: Far from the front line, this Union prison compound had a death rate almost equal to Andersonville.

The River of Doubt by Candice Millard: After his humiliating election defeat in 1912, Theodore Roosevelt set his sights on the most punishing physical challenge he could find, the first descent of an unmapped, rapids-choked tributary of the Amazon. This is a powerful nonfiction narrative of one of the most famous Americans.

The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan: Winner of the National Book in 2006, and the untold story of those who survived the great American dust bowl. John Steinbeck gave voice to those who fled in The Grapes of Wrath. This is the story of those who stayed and survived.
Railroads of Pennsylvania by Lorett Treese: Pennsylvania and Tioga county have a strong railroad past. This book profiles the great railroads that crossed the Keystone state, tells the stories of the individuals and events that shaped railroad history.

Maybe your Dad is the tinkering around type, and likes books that are practical.

Let it Rot! The Gardener’s Guide to Composting by Stu Campbell: The classic guide to turning household waste into gardener’s gold.

Medieval Furniture: Plans & Instructions by Daniel Diehl and Mark Donnelly: These projects aren't for beginners, and the pieces themselves aren't what one would see in a typical modern home but if your Dad is looking to out do his woodworking pals, this will do the job.

Backyard Catapults: How To Build Your Own by Bill Wilson: You might think your Dad is old, but it doesn’t mean he’s grown up. It might be a guy thing, but there’s just something about launching projectiles with mechanical force-building permit not included.

One of the great things about Dads is that they seem to be happy with just about anything you give them. He may not always show exuberant emotion, but he appreciates the thought and time. Gifts for a Father are ritual, something regal to accept, and that takes a special type of guy, especially if you are gonna get him another tie shaped like a fish…

Kevin Coolidge

Comment, questions, extra fish ties drop me an email at frommyshelf@epix.net