Feet First

About the Book

This is a story of a first generation son of immigrant parents who came to America after the turn-of-the-century in the early 1900’s. It traces the life of a boy who never lost sight of who he was or what was expected of him. His formative years were spent during the great depression in an area that had little to offer but where much was expected even when the going proved difficult.

It is a story that disguises pathos as humor even though the humor is genuine. It portrays a life fraught with difficulty but where each difficulty is overcome by sheer force of willpower. The writer displays affection for his mother by portraying a person of such great strength and character that one must imagine a giant only to find a thin aging woman barely five feet tall.

Each segment of the story has its own unique appeal. One episode dealing with the writer’s description of life at a CCC camp is especially compelling. It deals with Polish/American boys interacting with the Catholic Church three thousand miles from home and is sure to bring a tear to the eye of even the hardest heart. Although the entire piece is essentially esoteric it has meaning and purpose to anyone who survived that era. . . .

Reviewed by Tom Topolski

About the Author

Walter A. Baran was born in June 18, 1924 in Frackville, Penn., attended local public schools; Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa) Alliance College 1982; Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science. 1987; founder, chairman of the board, Model Garment Co. Inc. Frackville; Penn Spruce Inc. Sunbury; Penn Allen Inc., Hazleton; former member advisory board, First Union Bank; Director, Atlantic Apparel Contractors Assn., founder and president., Broad Mountain Manor Nursing Home., founder and president., Walnick Manor Inc., Received, “National Governors Association Award For Distinguished Service to State Government,” 1982, confirmed Secretary of General Services, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, February 13, 1979; received, “The Pennsylvania Award” presented by The Pennsylvania Society of Architects. In recognition of his fair treatment in selecting architectural firms to design State construction projects. An all-around nice guy, a collector and restorer of antique automobiles, the most noted of which is a rare 1938 Bugatti. He has written numerous articles for the magazines of various American and European antique automobile organizations with which he is affiliated. Married to the former Irene Saukaitis; two sons, Anthony and Joseph. He resides in Ashland, Pennsylvania.