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Jeffrey R. Frazier Author Interview

Pennsylvania Mountain Landmarks Volume I is a delightful exploration of hidden mountain treasures that are seldom visited yet rich with history and folklore passed down from pioneer days. What inspired you to write this book?

My inspiration was both homesickness and books by an early collector of central Pennsylvania mountain stories named Henry Shoemaker. After graduating from Penn State in 1967 I ended up working in New Jersey. I missed the mountains of my central Pennsylvania Tom Sawyer boyhood, and when browsing through books in Princeton’s Firestone Library I found many books by Shoemaker. His stories and descriptions brought home right into my lap since I recognized many of the places and family names he wrote about. After I had read all the Shoemaker materials I could find, the thought occurred to me that I could collect similar tales on my own and write about them. Not only would it give me a chance to roam the mountains I loved once more, but it would also alleviate my homesickness. And it did!

What started your passion for hiking and exploring the less-known areas of Pennsylvania?

It was something I always loved to do, and that passion increased when I had to work in other states. Hiking and exploring Pennsylvania’s cloud-covered peaks and fog-shrouded glens is still my favorite pastime. I like to say that when the mountains call I must go! There is a mystique about those hills and I yearn to uncover their secrets!

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

My purpose was two-fold. First, I wanted to preserve these old-time tales before they were lost in the currents of time. Second, I wanted to instill in my readers an appreciation for our Pennsylvania forests and natural areas, and by doing so, I would in some small way help preserve those forests and natural areas too.

What is one thing that you hope readers take away from your book?

A greater appreciation for Pennsylvania’s forests and natural areas and for its colorful history.

Author Links: GoodReads | Pennsylvania Fireside Tales | Sunbury Press Books | Website | Amazon

This volume, and subsequent volumes, include accounts of the author’s explorations of little-traveled byways and remote hilltops in the mountains of Pennsylvania. His descriptions and photos of the unique and unusual places he discovered will appeal to all those who seek adventure and who like to explore odd and mysterious places; places like the Devil’s Dining Room, the Indian Steps, the Thousand Steps, Ticklish Rock, Umbrella Rock, and many others that are highlighted in the Pennsylvania Mountain Landmarks series. Much to his delight he also found that there are human interest stories and historical accounts that cling to these same spots and which seem as old as the rocks themselves; tales, that are steeped in the spiritual charm of the Native American and imbued with the pioneering spirit of the Pennsylvania wilderness as it existed when the earliest settlers penetrated its dark interior. Such accounts are the stuff of which legends are made and which add color and mystique to the mountains, forming their very soul. It is this breath of life, hints of a less-complicated and more compelling past that led the author to find the spots where it still survives, and to bask in the local color and lore that surround those places.
In this volume:
The King’s Stool (Dauphin County)
Stairways to the Stars (Berks et al.)
Umbrella Rock (Elk County)
The Three Sisters (Huntingdon County)
Lewis’ Rock (Cumberland County)
Infernal Evidence (Clearfield et al.)
Memento Mori (Jefferson et al.)
Picture Rocks (Lycoming County)
Boxcar Rocks (Lebanon County)
Warriors’ Mark (Huntingdon County)
Vampire Rock (Clinton County)
More of the Same (multiple counties)

Pennsylvania Mountain Landmarks Volume 1

Pennsylvania, with its breathtaking landscapes, shines most vibrantly in spring, summer, and autumn. While cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia pulse with activity, the state’s true spirit lies in its wild, untamed woods, where civilization gives way to unspoiled nature. Jeffrey R. Frazier captures this essence in Pennsylvania Mountain Landmarks Volume I, a delightful exploration of hidden mountain treasures that are seldom visited yet rich with history and folklore passed down from pioneer days.

Frazier’s work is a spirited nonfiction narrative, blending the immersive qualities of a travellog with the literary charm of Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods or the adventure of Hemingway’s Nick Adams stories. His passion for Pennsylvania’s wilderness radiates from every page. With deep reverence for nature, Frazier invites readers to venture beyond the urban clamor and rediscover a quieter, more serene world. He observes that many people today seem uneasy in nature’s stillness, too tethered to their devices to fully appreciate the peace waiting in these secluded woods. His book serves as a gentle nudge to disconnect and find solace in the natural world. Throughout his journeys across the Keystone State, Frazier introduces readers to striking locations like Umbrella Rock, Infernal Evidence, and Vampire Rock. Each landmark brims with legends, some charming, others haunting, but all steeped in the history and mystery of Pennsylvania’s rugged landscape. His adventures unfold in solitude, offering not just a tour of the land but an intimate portrait of the man himself. As Frazier shares his reflections, the narrative becomes deeply personal, transforming the book into more than a mere travel guide—it becomes a heartfelt experience. The author’s vibrant, colorful prose paints vivid scenes and brings the wilderness to life. His storytelling prowess makes him an ideal guide through these remote, rarely-trodden paths. Frazier’s language pulses with energy, making the landmarks he describes feel as though they are within reach, whispering their age-old tales to those willing to listen.

In an era where technology dominates and society races forward at breakneck speed, Frazier’s journey through Pennsylvania’s wild heart offers a much-needed reminder. It’s a call to slow down, pause, and marvel at the natural wonders that make this country unique. This book isn’t just an account of physical landmarks—it’s an invitation to rediscover the beauty that still thrives at the edge of human civilization, beckoning for all who dare to heed its call.

Pages: 165 | ASIN : B0C3DJDFM2

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