The Trap

by Kenneth G. Gilbert, Fred Collins (Illustrator)

"Exciting adventures of robbery and hidden treasure trimly tailored to excellent regional background- Alaska and the salmon fishing territory. Up for a summer job on his uncle's fish trap at Cultus Cove, it falls upon young Steve Brandon to be trap watchman when Uncle Joe gets appendicitis. With the help of a Thlinget boy, Johnny Buck, marauding grizzlies, a salmon senacing octopus, subterranean passageways on an indian tabooed island- are to be overcome before Bert Fogarty and his gang of fish pirates are caught and a treasure left by early Russian settlers discovered. There's more than a glimpse at the commercial fisheries business and Steve's friendship with Johnny Buck provides an airing of Indian lore."
...Kirkus Reviews. 1952

"WITH a career in mind, young Steve Brandon makes a summer trip to Alaska to visit his uncle and learn about commercial fisheries. When the boy's uncle is suddenly stricken, Steve becomes watchman of a big fish trap during the annual salmon run. For ages 12 - 16."
... New York Times. 1952.

182 pages, Hardcover

Published October 2, 1952

About the author

Kenneth G. Gilbert holds a BA and MA Degrees. He has been an active artist and art educator in the Parkersburg, West Virginia area during his professional career. He has taught on the elementary, junior high, senior high, and college levels. He also served as art coordinator for the Wood County School System for 27 years. He owned and was art director of Iron Gate Studio in Parkersburg for several years.
Other professional achievements include founding and directing the Mountain Trace Folklore Program at Parkersburg High School where his students interviewed older West Virginians and compiled three hardbound books on West Virginia heritage and culture. He is the author and illustrator of the Blennerhassett Sketchbook and is currently co-authoring and illustrating an Appalachian and Wild Food Cookbook.

He was the recipient of a Fulbright Fellow to represent America and teach in England.

After leaving the world of education, he was appointed by two governors to serve as West Virginia Human Rights Commissioner.