Chester County is well known for its sprawling scenic views, rich farmland, the Main Line, and mushrooms. Chester County, and specifically the village of Kennett Square, is known as the mushroom capital of the world because of the quantity and quality of mushrooms grown there. Mushrooms have been around for centuries, with the French beginning cultivation in the 1600s, and mushroom farming began in Chester County more than 120 years ago. The earliest farmers were Quakers, but over the years members of the Irish, Italian, and Hispanic communities have joined the ranks of Chester County mushroom farmers. The local mushroom farmers were responsible for the forming of the American Mushroom Institute more than a half century ago.
Bruce Mowday is an award-winning journalist who was given the Local Author Hero Award by the West Chester, Pennsylvania, library during its 2008 Literacy Heroes event at Longwood Gardens.
Bruce has authored books on history, true crime, sports and business.
"Richie Ashburn: Why The Hall Not? An Amazing Journey to Cooperstown" is about a member of the famed Whiz Kids and the Hall of Fame.
"Jailing The Johnston Gang: Bringing Serial Murderers To Justice" deals with a sensational murder case covered by Bruce when he was a reporter.
His non-fiction historical books on the American Revolution, "September 11, 1777: Washington's Defeat at Brandywine Dooms Philadelphia," and on the Civil War, "Unlikely Allies: Fort Delaware's Prison Community in the Civil War" required extensive research.
He has also authored books for Arcadia and Schiffer publishing companies.
A marketing book for authors, "The Selling of an Author" was published by White Mane Publishing.
Mowday gives talks on his books and also offers help to other authors on publishing issues. For more information, see www.mowday.com.
