Author Archives: John Updike Society

Book clubs enjoy meeting at the Updike house

Novels and wine book clubs are as popular as ever, but it’s tough to beat reading a book by an author and then discussing it in the author’s house. In March this group met at The John Updike Childhood Home … Continue reading

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In Memoriam: David W. Ruoff

With heavy hearts we report that the senior docent of The John Updike Childhood Home, David W. Ruoff, died Jan. 1 at age 83 of congestive heart failure while in hospice care in Ephrata. Dave became a member of The … Continue reading

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Updike Childhood Home docent publishes local history book

There’s no question: the docents at The John Updike Childhood Home are a knowledgeable and talented bunch. Have a look at their bios on the johnupdikechildhoodhome.com site and you’ll see why tour groups love them so much. A number of … Continue reading

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Diverse groups enjoy Updike house tours

During May and June two very different groups—members of the local chapter of DAR, and Mr. Burkart’s Muhlenberg School District AP Literature class—toured The John Updike Childhood Home and came away with the same impression: it was a pretty unique … Continue reading

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Childhood Home docent talks about Updike and art

Artist and John Updike Childhood Home docent Barbara Post drew an appreciative audience for her talk on “The Artistry of John Updike: Throughout His Prolific Writing.” The June 1, 2024 event was the most recent in the JUCH Speaker Series … Continue reading

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Updike house parking lot offers new visitor space

Nothing says “welcome” like a brand new parking lot that takes away any doubts about whether it’s okay to park on the lower property near Brobst. The lot was along time coming, but it was a condition of being zoned … Continue reading

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John Updike Childhood Home announces summer hours

If you’re planning on visiting The John Updike Childhood Home this summer, be aware that the museum just announced summer hours, restricted because of volunteer availability. The museum, which formally opened in October 2021, has been favorably reviewed and recommended … Continue reading

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Updike house schedules St. Patrick’s Day event

Before you head to Flanagan’s, a favorite stop for the adult John Updike, spend some time at The John Updike Childhood Home for a special St. Patrick’s Day event featuring Charles J. Adams III, editor of The Historical Review of … Continue reading

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Wall Street Journal recommends Updike house museum

Philadelphia-based cultural reporter and critic Julia Klein recently spent several hours touring The John Updike Childhood Home and wrote a review for The Wall Street Journal that was published on Sept. 4, 2023. “For such a clear-eyed chronicler of America’s … Continue reading

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Summer hours remain in effect

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