For Jerome George Herzing ...Jerry to his wife and friends, Dad to his eleven children and Pop to his manygrandchildren and great-grandchildren – down home is Swissmont, a smallhamlet situated along the West Creek in northwestern Pennsylvania, on theoutskirts of the town of St. Marys. Much of Jerry’s life was split betweenSwissmont and nearby North Fork, “a 9,000 acre outdoor paradise” whereJerry tagged along as his father served as a caretaker.Written by Jerry’s daughter, The Melody of the Creek is an affectionate look ata time when the railroads and lumber mills were going strong, education wasreceived in a one-room schoolhouse, and summers were spent in a lazy hazeof swimming, exploring, and the exuberance of youth. Interspersed throughoutthis book are some of the poems Jerry has written over the years reflectingthese cornerstones of his childhood as well as current events, faith, family, andmost of all his beloved wife – Esther.In July 2010, after a lifetime of hard work and living life to the fullest, a familyreunion brings Jerry back to North Fork. With his family gathered around,Jerry lovingly recounts a stream of memories, stories and anecdotes, includinga special tale about losing a treasured gift from his father, an episode that hasbeen a source of both pride and heartbreak for Jerry.Writes Ms. Blair, “I hope you enjoy this story of a life so dear, so sweet and somoving in its rugged, jagged-edged Pennsylvania wooded surroundings. Asyou float along in this memoir, hopefully you will hear a stanza or two of nature’ssymphony – The Melody of the Creek.”There Is A Place Called SwissmontIt’s A Place I Love To BeIt Has An Awesome BeautyNot Everyone Can SeeThere Is A Place Called SwissmontIt Is A Place I Love To RoamSome People Call It West CreekMy Parents Called It ‘Home’