Golden Memories and Silver Tears

About the Book

This is an inspirational nonfiction narrative of life during the great depression as viewed through the absorbing eyes and inquisitive mind of a child and his dog. It is a vibrant word portrait of the non-martyr life of a coal miner's son, his extended family, and the people of the anthracite coal region when the economy of our nation was at low ebb. It portrays, contrasts, and harmonizes the values, principles, life styles, and the multicultural ethnic customs and mores, of the Polish, Irish, Welch, English, and Jewish nationalities living in the northeastern region of Pennsylvania during the 1930s. It presents a society that was less complex than the one we currently live in; it exhibits personal support that was given warmly and with less formality and expense than we experience today. It is an interesting mixture of tragedy, joy, and humor emerged in a secure way of life.

About the Author

Willard J. Dolman, a native of Dupont, a small town in the anthracite region of Pennsylvania, graduated from Scranton University with a BS and from Seton Hall University with an MA. He began his career in education as a Latin and English teacher; he was one of the "guidance in the school pioneers" in the early 50's. He served as a teacher and student advocate supervising teachers, guidance counselors, school psychologists, school social workers, and learning disability consultants in the Long Hill Township and Bernards Township Schools in New Jersey for 47 years. He has authored thirteen publications related to student support in their quest to become educated. He lives in Stirling, New Jersey.