“A Lot of People Slept Here” is the remarkable memoir of Harry D. Cuffage, the eldest son among the ten children born to Harry and Esther Cuffage — a couple from vastly different social and economic backgrounds who instilled their children with the traditional American values of resilience, accountability, and self-reliance. Growing up in mid-20th century America, Harry Jr. recounts a journey shaped by his parents’ strength and the enduring lessons he learned in a life that began in poverty but was enriched by hard work, family bonds, and an indomitable spirit.
Through vivid stories and reflections, Harry shares his memories, from playful childhood shenanigans on Northampton Farm to the trials and triumphs of adulthood. The book captures his love of the outdoors, lessons in boxing from his father, and humorous anecdotes from his various jobs, offering a rich tapestry of life that is often challenging but never dull. He describes his mother’s relentless strength in raising her children alone after the loss of his father, a guiding force in his life that has continued to shape him even into his own years of fatherhood and grandfatherhood.
Now living with his daughter Elizabeth and her family on a 51-acre farm, Harry reflects on the circle of life, the values he holds dear, and the changing world around him. With social and political commentary woven throughout, A Lot of People Slept Here is not only a personal memoir but a call for civility, kindness, and a shared responsibility to build a better future.
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