Russell Harlow Ingalls

Always Close the Gate Behind You Russell Harlow Ingalls

Publisher Marketing: After the sudden, accidental and near simultaneous deaths of both his parents and grandfather, Dana Thompson, days after celebrating his first birthday, inherited his grandfather's nine hundred acre farm. The year, 1939, was a time in this northeast corner of Vermont when grown men struggled to feed their families, hold onto their farms and still nurture their dignity as the clutches of the great depression held strong. The lifelong battle against the elements alone made just carving out a living a daily ordeal. Follow Dana Thompson's life as he is rescued by strangers unknown and raised, while his benefactors try to keep the local banker and land baron, Robert Marcoux, from stealing this prized land, an untouched virgin maple forest, a land of unimaginable proportion and riches. Marcoux's interest is no more than to log, rape and pillage this jewel buried deep in the north woods of this ancient land with no regard of history, heritage and tradition. When Dana's grandfather's account is depleted, Marcoux is eager to lend young Dana and his caretakers' money needed to keep the farm from the hands of the tax collectors, knowing all the while it is he, Marcoux, who at a time of his choosing will be the ultimate beneficiary. Watch this incredible story of Dana's life unfold as he comes of age, discovers his real family and how his role in life is both extraordinary and nearly unimaginable. Witness his battle to save his grandfather's farm from the clutches of evil, his only connection to his past. See the simple and ingenuous acts of kindness proving once again the greatness of these people who will sacrifice everything but their honor and loyalty to live in this curious land they call the northeast kingdom.