John Kunick’s passion for history extends far beyond the study of names and dates; it is a living, breathing pursuit. One of his most distinctive contributions is his lifelong love of books—specifically, the boy book genre. Since his early teenage years, John has been an avid collector and reader of books that transport readers into historical times through the eyes of young boys. These books, though fictional, draw deeply from real events, exploring themes of identity, relationships, and the challenge of coming of age in a changing world.
John’s shelves are filled with treasures: original first editions by classic American author Horatio Alger, Jr., whose tales of ambition and perseverance set against the backdrop of 19th-century America inspired generations. Alongside these are the adventures of Tom Swift, penned by William Appleton, chronicling scientific discovery and youthful ingenuity.
The boy book genre, as cherished by John, is more than escapism. It is an educational journey—a way to imagine, to empathize, and to understand the past through stories that speak to the courage, curiosity, and resilience of youth. These books, in John’s view, are a vital part of preserving history—not as dry facts, but as lived experience, colored by imagination and aspiration.
Though John Kunick has not called Clark County home since his days at Colby High, his connection to the region has endured undiminished. Today, from his residence in Miami, Florida, John remains both historian and friend to the landscape of his youth. He holds Clark County in his heart as his true homeland, a place whose fields and forests are ever-present in his memories and affections.
During the research for this story, I had the pleasure of interviewing John several times. Each conversation, though separated by miles and years, was filled with warmth, humor, and a profound appreciation for the people and places that shaped him. John’s joy for history is as infectious as his generosity—a trait that has led him to share his collections and stories with the community he so dearly loves.
Perhaps John Kunick’s most enduring act of stewardship is his decision to bequeath his lifetime collections to the Owen-Withee Area Historical Society. Among these treasures are not only his beloved books, but also historical artifacts ranging from the Beawer Quilt to an old slide rule—a symbol of the tools and knowledge that have built and measured the world.
In making the Owen-Withee Area Historical Society the “forever home” for his collections, John ensures that generations to come can discover, learn from, and be inspired by the same stories that shaped his own life. His contribution is a bridge between past and future, a gift whose value grows with each new pair of hands and eyes that encounter it.
As the years move onward, the faces and voices of the past can fade if not for those who hold their memories close and share them with others. John Kunick stands as a testament to the enduring importance of history—not only as a record of what came before, but as a living force that shapes who we are and who we will become.
The story of John Kunick—student, collector, historian, and friend—reminds us that preservation is an act of hope. Every book, every artifact, every memory set aside for future generations is a promise: that the stories of Colby, Clark County, and beyond will not be forgotten.
Thank you, John, for your unwavering dedication to history, and for sharing your legacy with the Owen-Withee community.