London’s family carries on the peeper tradition after his passing

March 14, 2013

John London's son, Jeff London, owner of Big Run Carpet, carries on the tradition his father started by checking on the peepers this week. Jeff and his family are planning to construct a memorial to his father in this location, where Jeff’s son Steven London is constructing a frog pond in John's honor. (Photo by Larry McGuire/The Punxsutawney Spirit)

BIG RUN — In case you haven't been paying attention, it is almost time for spring to arrive, an occasion that is always trumpeted by the Big Run peepers (frogs).

This year, the peepers are lonely and sad, as their best friend and legendary peeper watcher, John London, passed away Nov. 9, 2012, at his home.

The good news is that his son, Jeff London, owner of Big Run Carpet, said that he will carry on the family tradition of charting and cataloging the escapades and the sounds that the tiny frogs make to announce the beginning of spring.

Jeff said as the new "frogcaster," he doesn't believe the peepers will peep prior to the banquet this Sunday at the Big Run War Memorial.