Father Was A Caveman: The First Book in The Echoes in My Mind Series (Paperback)

~ June Harman Betts (Author)
Key Phrases: box supper, Father Was, June Harman Betts, West Virginia (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Have you ever wondered what it was like to live in rural and small town America during the roaring twenties? Or experience the great depression of the thirties? Or actually hear Franklin Roosevelt's voice announce America's entry into World War II? This book takes you on a journey to those times as seen through the eyes of Burrel Harman and his young family. Taking place in Newark, Ohio, Seneca and Smokehole Caverns and Petersburg, WV, The Cave Dwellers tells the story of the family's adventures as Burrel fulfills his and his family's dream to open to the public the unexplored cavern his grandfather had discovered on the family farm. When Burrel became the cavern's first manager, his children, whether playing within the cavern's stone walls, waking to the sight and sound of a carrousel in their yard, soaring over the 1000 feet peaks of Seneca Rocks in the open cockpit of a barnstormer's airplane, or watching country music performances from their own front porch, life seemed enchanted. Then the lure of an unexplored cave took him to Smokehole Caverns where he worked with other fearless spelunkers to transform it from its primitive state to an underground wonderland, and to stay on as its first manager. After moving to nearby Petersburg, the family quickly adjusted to being "townies." Then, unknown forces began to work behind the scenes to destroy life as they had known it. While they faced tragedies, loss of loved ones, and a bushwhacker's bullet, nothing had prepared them for what happened next. As Burrel struggled from the depth of his despair to restore order to their family, and the children yearned for what they had lost, a stranger appeared and helped bring the magic back into their lives.

About the Author

June Harman Betts spent the first 8 years of her life in the big white house above Seneca Caverns and the next 3 in Petersburg, West Virginia near Smokehole Caverns, while her father explored, opened and managed both caverns. After a few vagabond years, she, as a young teen, and her family settled in Newark, Ohio where she and her husband Richard currently reside. A former Girl Scout executive and readers' columnist for the Newark Advocate, she has also been a lifetime volunteer. Every minute she spends with her large 4 generational family, is a learning experience providing her with ideas for future books.

Product Details

• Paperback: 316 pages
• Publisher: AuthorHouse (May 30, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1425988547
• ISBN-13: 978-1425988548
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,515,505 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is great, especially for those familiar with these caverns!, April 23, 2009

By	Kathryn Vance ""breadlady"" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was so excited when our library got this book in, it was all about Seneca caverns, and the family who started all of it. I am not from this area, but married a man from around Senaca. The story was so great, especially when it described the days of long ago. I enjoyed it so much, and also enjoyed the sequal, "We were Vagabonds". Joan Betts Harman is a wonderful author. I could not put the book down. Even though, I first read it from the library in Petersburg, WV, I had to order my own copy to keep for generations to come.

5.0 out of 5 stars A real live trip into the past!, April 2, 2009

By	Deborah E. Sturgill "Love of Literacy" (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Father Was A Caveman: The First Book in The Echoes in My Mind Series (Hardcover)

June Harman Betts tells this story of her life in a fiction format. The early 1900's were an amazing time, and this author is a modern writer. Having lived that era herself, she takes you there personally into the lost history and culture of that century. As you're reading, you feel as if you're the main character yourself. You'll daydream about the characters and their various endeavors throughout your day, as if they were your own friends, enemies, and happenings. The writing is alive with smells, tastes, sounds, sights, and textures (making it more like a time machine than a book!). Men and Women alike can enjoy this story. It dives into everything from the hard times of the depression, romance, betrayal, politics, family, crime, historical cave discoveries, and more. Action packed and full of drama, it's still a refreshing, humorous, easy read, a wonderful escape from modern day life. Young or old, this book is delightfully tasteful and intriguing. A page turner!

5.0 out of 5 stars Two thumbs way up!, December 15, 2007

By	C. Large (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book tells a heartfelt story not only through simply words but descriptions that capture your attention and let your imagination flow. I had experienced some of the locations and been told bits and pieces about people and places involved. However, reading "Father was a Caveman" painted a big picture full of color and allowed me to become familiar with the characters as if I truly met them myself. Enveloping historical benchmarks gave way to genuine lessons as well as keeping history authentic in that we saw how the characters reacted to dilemmas and celebrations of their time. This book is a wonderful read and an extremely enjoyable piece of work!