The Bears on Hemlock Mountain

Alice Dalgleish’s book The Bears on Hemlock Mountain was first published in 1952; however, the story of Jonathan’s adventure on the mountain has a much longer history. According to her description at the beginning of the book, Dalgleish first heard a version of this story from the state archivist of Pennsylvania, Colonel Henry Shoemaker. As the state’s archivist, it was Shoemaker’s job to recognize local folktales as an important part of Pennsylvania’s cultural history and record them for future generations. After Shoemaker left his position as state archivist, he became Pennsylvania’s first state folklorist from 1948-1956, a now common position across many states (“Henry W. Shoemaker.” PA Conservation Heritage).

Like many traditional tall tales, The Bears on Hemlock Mountain is intended to both entertain and educate young children. Historically, those growing up in the Pennsylvanian countryside may have related to Jonathan’s life on his family farm and his growing responsibilities as an eight-year-old boy. The hilly Pennsylvanian landscape is a central feature in the story, as the forested hill called “Hemlock Mountain” is a daunting place for Jonathan. Jonathan’s journey up and down the mountain utilizes playful repetition and growing suspense around Jonathan’s bear encounter. While this tall tale does not include any magic, it does have a somewhat surreal ending, as Jonathan must hide himself in a huge iron pot to stay safe from marauding bears. Like many folk tales, this story teaches children moral lessons in its themes on family, work, and obligation. While Jonathan is frightened of his task, he chooses to confront his fear so that he can contribute to his family. When he becomes distracted along the way, he forgets his mother’s warning and loses track of the time, putting himself in danger and resulting in a close call with the mountain’s bears. Jonathan’s misadventures teach children to work hard and listen to their elders’ advice.

Jonathan’s traditional lifestyle on his farm and his close-knit extended family capture a kind of Americana similar to the Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Jonathan depends on the guidance of his older family members, such as Young Uncle James, Ma, Pa, and Aunt Emma, as he learns how to be more independent. Parts of Jonathan’s story are also reminiscent of classic European fairy tales. For instance, Jonathan must use his courage and wits to overcome the threats he faces as a child alone in the woods; he worries about encountering a wild predator on the way to Aunt Emma’s house. Even though the adults assure him that he can do it, they also worry about him. Jonathan’s vulnerability in the forest and his hike to Aunt Emma’s are reminiscent of Little Red Riding Hood’s adventure to grandma’s house and her encounter with the big, bad wolf. Meanwhile, the pressure on Jonathan to complete his task before darkness falls is similar to Cinderella’s strict time limit at the prince’s ball. The Bears on Hemlock Mountain recalls all the familiar elements of folk stories and fairy tales in the traditional American setting of hilly Pennsylvania.