author
Henry W. (Henry Wharton) Shoemaker
1880–1958
A prolific Pennsylvania folklorist, historian, and conservation advocate, he filled his books with mountain legends, local history, and a deep affection for the state’s landscapes. His work helped preserve stories and traditions that might otherwise have faded away.
7 Audiobooks
A Catalogue of Early Pennsylvania and Other Firearms and Edged Weapons at "Restless Oaks", McElhattan, Pa.
by Henry W. (Henry Wharton) Shoemaker
Allegheny Episodes Folk Lore and Legends Collected in Northern and Western Pennsylvania
by Henry W. (Henry Wharton) Shoemaker
The Black Moose in Pennsylvania
by Henry W. (Henry Wharton) Shoemaker
The Importance of Marking Historic Spots, an Address
by Henry W. (Henry Wharton) Shoemaker
Some forgotten Pennsylvania heroines
by Henry W. (Henry Wharton) Shoemaker
The changing of historic place names : With an introduction and glossary of some historic names changed or misspelled in Pennsylvania
by George Patterson Donehoo, Henry W. (Henry Wharton) Shoemaker
Pennsylvania wild cats
by Henry W. (Henry Wharton) Shoemaker
About the author
Born in New York City in 1880, Henry Wharton Shoemaker became closely identified with Pennsylvania, especially its north-central mountains and small-town traditions. He wrote extensively about folklore, history, wildlife, and regional life, building a large body of work that reflected both curiosity and devotion to place.
Shoemaker was more than a collector of tales. He also served in diplomacy and took an active role in public life, including conservation efforts in Pennsylvania. His writing often tried to capture the character of rural communities and the legends attached to forests, hills, and streams, making him an important figure in the preservation of the state’s cultural memory.
He died in 1958, but his books still offer a lively window into Pennsylvania’s past. Readers who enjoy local legend, historical storytelling, and the atmosphere of the Appalachian region will find a distinctive voice in his work.