Scottsville Road

Scottsville Road is a story that traces the history of two Western New York families, one fictitious and the other real, from the mid-nineteenth century up to the middle of the Great Depression in the 1930s. It's a tale based on a real event in the life of the author's father. With interesting characters who roam the historically rich territory of Western New York, Barth's creative non-fiction intertwines real members of his family with colorful fictional characters like Lefty Hubbard, an amateur boxer with a beautiful and sensitive wife; and Bosey Askew, Lefty's aging and patient trainer; and Tiny Tiller, an old friend who turns out to be Lefty's, as well as Barth's father's, benefactor. Sprinkled throughout the story are real characters like Lou Ambers, also known as The Herkimer Hurricane, who held the World Lightweight boxing title for many years in the 1930s; and William Muldoon who was from Allegany County, NY and trained John L. Sullivan to defeat Jake Kilrain in a 75 round bare knuckle fight; and Elbert Hubbard who founded the Roycrofters in East Aurora, NY and died when the Lusitania was sunk by a German U-boat. The story's unexpected climax and its aftermath are an example of how "you reap what you sow," or "what goes around, comes around." It's an ending reminiscent of a Frank Capra movie, and it's certain to warm your heart.