Deprived of their land by the treachery of a colonial government, this is the story of Lenape Indians who clung tenaciously to their heritage and how the lessons they learned can help us now.

THE COMMON SENSE LIFE

Tales From A Long-ago Forest

An excerpt:
Possibly from the dawn of their existence the Lenape [also known as the Delawares] ancestors were friendly, hospitable, unpretentious, and peaceable. One fascinating observation is that while there is plentiful archaeological evidence of violent wars in Europe and elsewhere, archaeologists have detected no signs of walled villages in Lenape-hocking (the homeland of the Lenape). The absence of protective walls is indicative of peaceful pursuits.

For over two hundred fifty years the best of their ancient heritage has been hidden like seeds in the soil, waiting to germinate. Now, in the twenty-first century, present-day descendants in Pennsylvania are recovering and honoring traditions that have been carefully kept within the privacy of individual families. We can return to where we live now, enriched in mind and heart by our visit with people who lived on the other side of the mountain of time.

About the Author

Donald Repsher is a graduate of Bangor High School, Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania, and United Theological Seminary in Ohio. He has served United Methodist congregations in Pennsylvania at: New Berlinville, Bethlehem, and Lehighton/Weissport/Big Creek; and in New Jersey at Willingboro. He has also served Presbyterian congregations in New York at Montgomery and Weedsport. He is presently head of the research department for the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania.

CO-AUTHORS:

Robert Mexkalahiyat (Red Hawk) Ruth

Chief Bob is currently serving his second term as chief of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania. He is co-curator of Fulfilling a Prophecy: The Past and Present of the Lenape in Pennsylvania at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.

Philip “Wak'Tame” Rice

A Munsee/Lenape, was in active service in the U. S. Navy for eight years, and fourteen years in the Army Reserves. He served with the 3rd Marine Division in Vietnam as a Corpsman. He retired from Nursing in July 2008 after forty years. A genealogical researcher and historian, he is also a Native craftsperson in beading and leather work.

Carol Kuhn

Carol has always lived in northeastern Pennsylvania. “I was fortunate,” she tells us, “to have two grandmothers who taught me what they knew of our Minsi (Munsee) family heritage. I hope others will enjoy reading what Don has written.”

Chuck “Gentle Moon” De Mund

Chuck is the source of one of the main ideas that runs through this book. Living with a good heart, he says, is the essence of the Lenape spirit. He is also a ceremonial leader.

Pamela Repsher (Illustrator)

Pam is a graduate of Reading High School and Kutztown University in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. She was an art educator in several school districts Pennsylvania. She illustrated a previous book on the Lenape for the Slate Heritage Society, titled “Of Forest and River: The Lenape of the Slate Belt” by Elinor Fehr and Donald Repsher.