Legends of America Newsletter, November, 2009


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Legends Letter	November, 2009
Bringing Dave on as a partner in Legends of America, he is picking up all kinds of tasks, one of which is helping out with the newsletter. The plans, at this point, are that we will alternate each month. Mebbe, we'll actually get one out monthly with his help. And, he tends to be a lot funnier than me. This doesn't mean that you'll lose my quirkiness, just adding his silly personality to the mix. Hehe. So, here goes ... Welcome Dave! Hi, my name is Dave. Many of you already know that I'm Kathy's other dorky half in this wonderful adventure of life. Up until recently; however, I've only been a part-time partner and background supporter of Legends Of America. When I met Kathy back in 2003, she was in the same corporate rat race as I was, making her way through daily red tape and endless stress over something she had no final control over and little interest. But, I was shocked and envious when her little hobby of writing about the American West turned into a full time job in 2004. For the past few years, I've continued to work in the "real world," while helping Kathy with shipping every morning, and tagging along from numerous ghost towns, to historic hotels, and down Route 66, at least five times (so far). I have always had a love for history, but I never knew how much fun it could be until we began to take numerous trips throughout the American West. This country has so much to offer, and it's memories are as rich as the soil it grew from. Those long forgotten ramshackle buildings in the middle of once thriving towns speak of a life that could be harsh at times, but somehow much less complicated than the world of today. And, traveling with Kathy made it that much more interesting, from getting lost on old mountain trails to finding ourselves in danger in the middle of nowhere along the Mexican border. This woman definitely keeps me on my toes. As fate would have it, I found myself at a crossroads in my career this past August and decided to take the plunge and go into the business we've both come to love so much. It's been a huge adjustment. Kathy keeps some pretty odd hours, waking up sometimes at 3am, working until 10, then reading, napping, waking up and getting back to work by early afternoon, often not leaving her computer until 7 or 8 at night. Her love is more of an obsession, and at times, I thought about getting a restraining order on behalf of her laptop, but now I'm picking up her habits. I find it's a great way to escape the endless loop of paparazzi filled, apocalyptic crap spewing from the so called news, into a wondrous time of incredible character and perseverance. I just wish I could stay up past 10pm and get up after the sun rises. Part of my new job is to help Kathy with the newsletter. Be assured, I have stressed to her the absolute need in sharing her normal quirkiness here, so there will always be a bit of Kathy in the newsletter. As far as our next adventure, we are traveling down to Texas over the Thanksgiving holiday, in part to see family, of course; but also to see some historic Texas Forts and other great places on a long round trip journey from Warsaw, Missouri, through Arkansas, down to the Abilene, Texas region, then up to Amarillo and back. It's sure to be a fun trip, and one that you can follow if your a Fan of our Facebook page or Blog. Speaking of the Facebook Fan Page, some of you may be wondering what makes the newsletter more special than the Fan Page? Besides the internal notes of dorkdum, bumper sticker wisdom and peeks at articles recently posted, we want to reward you, our loyal newsletter readers, with special sales events. In fact, be watching for links to hidden pages on Legends of America that will only be promoted here. In the meantime, enjoy this month's newsletterand the website, and be sure to give us your feedback. I would love to know what you like and don't like, as well as what you want more of. Write me anytime by email here: dave@legendsofamerica.com Dave Alexander Owner/Director of Operations* *(bringer of coffee, maker of bacon and eggs)	In this Edition: New Additions Featured Travel Destination - The Grand Tetons The Old West - Native American Women Route 66 through the Texas Panhandle Featured Product - Old West Prints ~~~~~~~ Bumper Sticker Wisdom Student Driver. Get the hill out of my way! Closed minds always seem to be connected to open mouths. Warning: Dates in Calendar are closer than they appear. How can I miss you if you won't go away? ~~~~~~~ Sponsor Our Travels - See your business or website featured on our web pages, newsletter and blog by helping with out our travel expenses. ~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~
New Additions
Kathy's gone nuts this month over Mining in Arizona, along with some other fantastic tales of this great state. In fact, Kathy's been talking a lot about Arizona lately, and I wouldn't be surprised if, in the next year, we don't spend some significant time there. Recently, she's run across writings from the early1900's by James Henry McClintock, who just happened to be one of Roosevelt's Rough Riders back in the day, and a former Arizona State Representative. Read about Arizona's lost mines and how almost every prospector had his own "pet" lost mine that he looked for. We've also posted stories on Tombstone's Mines, founded on romance and excitement, both of which dominated the days of their operation. You'll also find more stories, including Mining the Miners, from McClintock's historic book Arizona: The Youngest State, and Mining the Investor, all about the numerous frauds, stolen money, and mining schemers. In preparation for our trip to the Lone Star State, Kathy's added some gems on Texas Forts of the Old West, including Fort Duncan on the Rio Grande River. Many of these were rugged outposts that were the only link to travelers' survival and often scenes of historic battles. Speaking of battles, we have new material on the Red River War of Texas, waged by the U.S. Army against several Indian tribes in an effort to force them out, despite treaty's that already in place. Be watching for updates and new articles during our Texas trip. Gonna be a blast, and you can go behind the scenes, just follow us on Facebook! Speaking of Native Americans, you will also find a lots of new information, including adding a number of tribes to our Native American Tribes List, a historical article on Native American Women in History, and to go along with that, a new photo gallery on Native American Women & Children. Finally, in the spirit of Route 66, we heard from a reader recently who was kind enough to share her own story on the Hornet Missouri Spook Light. Thanks, Cassandra, we've added your experience to other readers stories here. Until next time, don't be all beer and skittles this holiday season, smile and live it up all-standing :>)	Did you know? The bola tie is the official state neckwear in Arizona. It is against the law in Myrtle Creek, Oregon to box with a kangaroo. The term "squaw" is an extremely derogatory term to Native Americans. Please don't use it. The Oklahoma State Capitol is the only capitol in the world surrounded by working oil wells. Not too many years ago, giant oil rigs dotted the grounds capitol in Oklahoma City. ~~~~~~~ Custom Postcards - Legends of America and the Rocky Mountain General Store introduces our own line of custom postcards.
Featured Travel Destination
The Grand Tetons - With the seasons changing, winter has been on my mind. You would think that most would imagine warmer climates, but my thinking is drifting to the mountains, so this month I thought I would share our story on the Grand Tetons. Located in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park protects stunning mountain scenery and a diverse array of wildlife. South of Yellowstone National Park, it is named after its largest peak -- Grand Teton, which at 13,770 feet, is the tallest mountain in the Teton Range. Native American hunting parties from the northern Rocky Mountains camped along the shore of Jackson Lake around 12,000 years ago while following game. For thousands of years, Jackson Hole was used as a neutral crossroads for trade and travel routes in the area. One route followed the Snake River to its source in the Yellowstone area. Another major route traversed the Teton Pass at the southern end of the range, providing a shortcut to the Pacific Northwest region. Yet another southern route led to the Colorado Plateaus region and the Great Basin. The Tetons were named by French explorers who called the three highest peaks of the range Les Trois Tetons. The name of the mountains was based on the French word for breasts, referring to the shape of the peaks. In the 18th and 19th centuries, white fur trappers and traders called deep valleys rimmed by high mountains "holes." One such fur trapper was named David Jackson and his favorite place to 'hole-up' was named after him in 1829. Established as a National Park on February 26, 1929, the park covers 484 miles of land and water. Composed of a series of peaks and landforms, separated by lush valleys, the Tetons provide an abundance of scenic views at its many back country lakes, forested elevations, and jagged mountain tops. There are more than 100 alpine lakes in the park, the largest of which is Jackson Lake with more than 25,000 acres. More ..	Old West Wisdom Only a fool argues with skunk, a mule, or a cook. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer. If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around. Free eNewsletter Our eNewsletter features articles on the Old West, travel destinations, ghostly legends, and subscriber only specials from our Rocky Mountain General Store. Sent directly to your inbox, grab a cup of coffee and travel the historic paths of the American West. Sign up today!
The Old West
Native American Women in History - In addition to the many Mining and Fort stories Kathy has added this month, she also takes a more in-depth look at Native American Women, including this article written in 1906 by Frederick Webb Hodge, historian, anthropologist, archaeologist and author of Handbook of American Indians. One of the most erroneous beliefs relating to the status and condition of the Native American woman is that she was, both before and after marriage, the abject slave and drudge of the men of her tribe. This view, due largely to inaccurate observation and misconception, was correct, perhaps, at times, as to a small percentage of the tribes and peoples whose social organization was of the most elementary kind, politically and ceremonially, and especially of those tribes that were nonagricultural. Where numerous goddesses sat on the tribal Olympus, it is safe to say that woman was highly esteemed and exercised some measure of authority. In tribes whose government was based on the clan organization, the gods were thought of as related one to another in degrees required by such an institution in which woman is supreme, exercising rights lying at the foundation of tribal society and government. Ethical teaching and observances find their explanation not in the religious views and rites of a people but rather in the rules and principles underlying those institutions which have proved most conducive to the peace, harmony, and prosperity of the community. In defining the status of woman, a broad distinction must be made between women who are, and women who are not, members of the tribe or community, for among most tribes, life, liberty, and the pursuit of well-being are rights belonging only to women who by birth or by the rite of adoption, are members or citizens thereof. Other women receive no consideration or respect on account of their sex, although after adoption, they were spared, as possible mothers, indiscriminate slaughter in the heat of battle, except while resisting the enemy as valiantly as their brothers and husbands, when they suffered wounds or death for their patriotism. More ... To go along with our Native American Women, we have also put together a Native American Women Gallery. Check it out.	Featured Product: Old West Wanted Posters and Wild West Prints ~~~~~~~ *Tell us what you* think!** What our readers are saying about Legends of America: I totally love it! I am an aspiring screenwriter and I am currently writing a Western. Your website is very informative. Thank you and I enjoy the website and the newsletter immensely! Thanks! - JoAnn Have I told you how much I love your newsletter? I've been passing it on to historical writers. - DiAnn
Route 66
Route 66 Across the Texas Panhandle - Since we are heading off to Texas this month, I'm looking forward to hitting a bit of Route 66. Almost immediately after leaving the rolling hills of Oklahoma, traveler's feel different as they enter the vast plains of the Texas Panhandle. It is easy to imagine how it might have once been to be a lone-rider in the midst of what was a wild and primitive country just a little more than a century ago. It is here that old Rute 66 stretched across the Llano Estacado (the Staked Plains) and where the romance of cattle-driving days still drifts through the many small towns of the Texas Prairie. As for the Mother Road, when you glance at a map, Route 66 looks it is easy to follow. Though more than 150 miles of the original 178 miles that crossed Texas still remain, travelers need to keep their eyes wide open in order to not miss the vintage architecture and many landmarks that dot the landscape. The only sections of original Route 66 not available are between Jericho and Alanreed, and Adrian to Glenrio. Otherwise, Route 66 still exists across the Texas Panhandle, much of which even has with original concrete paving. Route 66 primarily lies to the south of I-40 between Texola and Amarillo except at McLean. And, from Amarillo west to Glenrio, the Mother Road mostly lies to the north side of the interstate. However, that being said, the road underwent many transformations over the years as the path was paved, new alignments were created, and the interstate was born. As such, the old road zigs and zags from one side of I-40 to the other with little, in the way of signs, to direct you. So, get a few good maps, plan your trip, and prepare to take it slow as you savor the sights of not only the Mother Road, but a glimpse at the Wild Wild West. More.....	I just had to offer my congratulations to Dave. Dave, be nice to Kathy or you will have to answer to this old weatherbeaten cow kicker. She's one of the nicest folks anywhere! (I'm sure you are too). Keep up the good work kids. - Sheriff "Bear," Utah It is always appreciated when souls as yours dedicate time and patience to share the beauty of life's ways, and that of the true ways, either in works or images. Legends is a fantastic site, now bookmarked for future visits on a regular basis. - Niaish, Silent Cougar I found this site by Accident. Best accident that ever happened to me. I will be back to visit on a regular basis and tell my friends about it. Don't change anything on here. This site is fantastic just as it is!!!! - Frank, Texas I just wanna thank you for your work to put all the great information together on a single website. Best page for Old West stories in the net, I have found so far, thanks. - Norman, Germany Thank you for this wonderful site. I don't know why but I love ghost towns and old, run down factory/industrial areas. This is the best site I've found for the former. Thank you so much for the effort you have put into making it. - Andrew, New Zealand ~~~~~~~
Feedback and Suggestions
We always appreciate feedback about the website and our newsletter. Do you have a suggestion about content that you would like to see, or perhaps, would like to contribute a photograph or a story? We would love to hear about it! We also want to hear about suggestions for improvement. See a link that doesn't work or a picture that doesn't appear -- please let us know. Just drop us a line at our Email address and tell us what you think. If you would like to make a change to your email address, please unsubscribe and re-subscribe HERE. This newsletter is copyrighted 2009 by Legends of America. Our reader's e-mail addresses are never sold, rented or otherwise made public.	Legends of America A Travel Guide for the Nostalgic & Historic Minded 28926 Cedar Hill Loop Warsaw, MO 65355 913-708-5119 Kathy Weiser Owner/Editor www.legendsofamerica.com Email