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Ric Rhodesis a storyteller and guardian of his family’s heritage. Driven by a desire to ensure the voices of his ancestors would not fade into silence, he spent years gathering photographs, letters, and memories. Henry and The Hops of Time is his heartfelt endeavor to weave these threads of memory into a lasting tapestry, so that future generations may “discover pride, strength, and wonder in the lives and legacies of those who came before.” This book is the embodiment of his family’s creed: Familie ist alles—Family is Everything.
Henry Hahn’s life was not a straight line, but a rich tapestry of moments some bright with joy, others shadowed by hardship. Explore the artifacts he left behind to trace the journey of a quiet man whose legacy echoes through generations.
“His father, Jacob Hahn, was a coal miner. A broad-shouldered, thick-lunged, quiet man, with hands stained black from a life spent underground. Henry inherited those hands, and the quiet too.”
“He was a private in the U.S. Army, ducking shells and mud in the trenches. He didn’t talk much about those days, not even to Elizabeth… She read the war in his silences.”
“The world shrank to the space between them, and Henry swore some kind of magic passed through it.”
“To the best damn brew watchdog in Preston County.”
“Fear clawed at his gut. The thought of blood, of sirens, of explaining what had happened… Instead of saving him, he chose to run away.”
“The surviving children grew up with both the sharp edges and the soft comforts of their parents’ love… They were all threads in the same cloth, woven together tight enough to hold.”
When Henry lay in a coma, his family gathered. They spoke to him, willing him back with their memories, their promises, and their love. Hover over each voice to hear their plea—the very words that helped guide him home.
In the cool, brick-lined basement of his home, Henry practiced an art that was more than hobby. It was a ritual. A sacrament of patience and care.
His “Hahn’s Hopshine” was intense, smooth, and just bitter enough to keep you honest. It marked every family occasion—birthdays, weddings, and even funerals. It was the taste of celebration and the
The beer, like Henry’s love for his family, was something he crafted with unwavering devotion. It is a testament to the idea that the most enduring legacies are not just remembered; they are felt, shared, and passed down.
Ric Rhodes is a storyteller preserving his family’s legacy. Henry and The Hops of Time weaves together photos, letters, and memories into a heartfelt tribute, ensuring future generations find pride and strength in their roots. It embodies his family’s creed: Familie ist alles Family is Everything.
Copyright © 2025 Ric Rhodes. All rights reserved.