Dear readers, Dear friends from the Old West community,
As we enter the final days of the year, we want to take a moment to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. In the Old West, where the days are long and the nights are calm, we want to thank you for your loyalty to the Beaver Creek Pioneer and to the Two Rivers Privity!
The past year was full of adventures, stories and the unique flair of the Wild West. With authentic events, we experienced a long-forgotten time together in 2023. We hope you enjoyed our stories in the Beaver Creek Pioneer as much as we enjoyed telling them.
As we gaze at the starry sky over the endless prairie, we are already looking forward to the coming year. It promises new encounters, unexplored paths and, of course, many more stories from the time when the West was still wild.
We wish you and your loved ones a peaceful Christmas season, may your campfire burn warmly and may the laughter of your friends and family break through the chilly winter air.
Here's to a happy new year, may it be as exciting and fulfilling as a ride through the endless plains of the Wild West.
Until next year, when we open new chapters in this fascinating story together in January 2024!
Merry Christmas
&
Happy New Year!
Chet McCay, Colton White and the Two Rivers Privity
Welcome, movie lovers, to our exclusive top 5 list of the best western movies our community has chosen for this winter season!
It's time to sit back with a cup of hot chocolate and a warm blanket as we embark on an epic journey into the Wild West. The following films have not only been highly praised by critics, but also selected by our passionate community to fill winter evenings with gripping stories, breathtaking scenery and unforgettable characters.
Get ready for a journey back in time to the era of cowboys, trappers and Indians - here are the top 5 western films you shouldn't miss this winter!
Cast: Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly and Lloyd Bridges. With Lee Van Cleef.
Storyline
In Hadleyville, a sleepy town in New Mexico Territory, Marshal Will Kane is about to start a new life. Newly married to Amy Fowler, the happy couple are looking forward to starting a family and running a business together in another town. The future seems bright when they suddenly receive unsettling news: Frank Miller, a dangerous bandit who Kane once put behind bars, has been released and will arrive on the midday train - one day before the new marshal will arrive. Miller's gang members - his younger brother Ben, Jack Colby and Jim Pierce - are already waiting at the station. The marshal and his wife's plans are overshadowed by the impending danger, and a confrontation seems inevitable.
This classic film first hit the big screen on July 24, 1951. Since then, it has remained one of the best films of all time. The black and white film was nominated for seven Oscars and won four of them. It also won four Golden Globe Awards and is one of the best-known Hollywood westerns.
Definitely one of the top westerns for the winter season!
Cast: Charlton Heston and Brian Keith. With Victoria Racimo and Stephen Macht.
Storyline
Aged trapper Bill Tyler and his partner head for the majestic mountains of the Wind River. In this remote region, they hope to find first-class hunting opportunities. But instead of finding rich pickings, they are unexpectedly confronted with a harsh reality: A group of Blackfeet ambush them and plunge them into a veritable hell.
We agree: trapper films are among the top westerns for the winter season. A must see for all trappers out there!
Cast: Val Kilmer, Sam Elliot, Kurt Russel and Bill Paxton.
Storyline
Together with his brothers Virgil and Morgan and their mutual friend Doc Holliday, former U.S. Marshal Wyatt Earp plans to enjoy his well-earned retirement as a lawman in the small town of Tombstone. But the peace and quiet is disturbed when a young gang causes trouble. Driven by the call of responsibility, Wyatt decides to put a stop to the cowboys with the "red sashes", led by Curly Bill. After an arrest, the remaining criminals swear revenge and challenge Earp and his companions to a showdown at the O.K. Corral.
It is assumed that "Tombstone" generated over 56 million US dollars in the United States. The outstanding performance of Val Kilmer in his portrayal of Doc Holliday is repeatedly pointed out.
Cast: Kevin Costner. With Mary McDonnell, Graham Greene, Rodney A. Grant and Floyd Westerman.
Storyline
Lieutenant John Dunbar is assigned to an abandoned outpost in the west in 1863. There he develops a close bond with a wolf that regularly roams near his cabin. He also meets the Sioux Indian "Tramping Bird" and forms a friendship that is unusual for the era.
Due to the popularity of the film and its lasting impact on the image of the indigenous people of America, members of the Lakota Sioux Nation in Washington, D.C., held a ceremony to honor Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell and Jim Wilson on behalf of the Lakota Nation. Floyd Red Crow Westerman, who played Chief Ten Bears in the movie, made this announcement.
Cast: Robert Duvall and Kevin Costner. With Annette Bening and Sir Michael John Gambon.
Storyline
At the end of the 19th century, Boss Spearman and Charley Waite live as so-called freegrazers in the American West. The two men own no land and, together with the Mexican Button and the gentle Mose, move their herd of cattle across the unfenced pastures of the country. Their lives are characterized by peace and freedom, until one day they come across the ruthless rancher Baxter.
The film won the Western Heritage Award in 2004. Almost half of the total budget of 22 million US dollars was raised personally by Kevin Costner, Jake Eberts and David Valdes. Although the western genre was considered saturated, the film proved to be a surprise success with revenues of 58 million US dollars in the USA alone.
Also a clear recommendation from us as one of the top westerns for the winter season.
Five top western movies - chosen by the community
Join our enthusiastic community at Beaver Creek Pioneer and experience the captivating world of the Wild West with our top western movies for the winter season.
Chosen by the community and carefully compiled, these films promise unforgettable adventures that fit perfectly into the winter coziness. Be inspired by the top Western classics that have been highly rated by our community and immerse yourself in the timeless fascination of the Wild West.
Of the more than 100 films submitted to us for evaluation, these five were named with particular frequency. We would like to thank you very much for your active participation in the survey!
Your movie was not included? Then feel free to share it as a recommendation for others in the comments!
According to our evaluation, the next five top westerns would have been El Dorado, The Searchers, Once Upon a Time in the West, Jeremiah Johnson and Lonesome Dove!
Experience the "Top Western for the winter season" and be enchanted by the cowboys, trappers, Indians and breathtaking landscapes.
This year we are looking back on 12 years of Thanksgiving celebrations with the Two Rivers Privity. This gathering is the best opportunity for us to say thank you to everyone who has actively supported us throughout the year. Such gatherings are always a matter close to our hearts and extremely important to us. Everyone gets together again in their outfits in our beautiful tavern, enjoys a delicious meal and celebrates properly! Then we close our Old West season.
An afternoon of fun, games and snow
Surprising snowfall on the eve of our party heralded the start of winter. Autumn is long gone, but now Father Frost has everything firmly in his grip and covered our Beaver Creek Valley in a magical white.
The first guests arrived after midday. Most of them were not deterred by the distance or the local weather conditions and came from near and far to the Valley of the Beavers to join us for the festivities.
The origin of Thanksgiving teaches us solidarity
The Thanksgiving tradition, as we know it today in the USA, dates back to 1621 - even if the actual origin of the festival is still disputed. The settlers of Plymouth Rock gained a foothold in the land of the Patuxet tribe at this time. A plague killed almost all the Natives, while a harsh winter claimed the lives of almost half the settlers.
Today's reports date back to 1620, when a Native named Tisquantum (Squanto) taught the settlers how to farm. Squanto, who had been a slave in Europe before returning to his tribe, taught the settlers how to fish, grow corn and offered his services as a translator before he died of an illness a year later.
The chief of the Wampanoag tribe, Massasoit, also provided the settlers with food during their first winter on their new land. Massasoit hoped for a pact between his people, who, like the Patuxet, were severely weakened by the disease, and the English, who had a great advantage due to their weaponry. The Wampanoag were in conflict with the Narragansett tribe at the time - a strong ally would ensure the Wampanoag's chances of survival.
The agricultural efforts finally bore fruit and the English Pilgrims celebrated with the Wampanoag tribe for three days in 1621 after a successful harvest.
The origin of Thanksgiving actually teaches us to stick together, to help each other out in difficult times and to broaden our horizons. We therefore want to join in with the idea of exchanging experiences, competing in games, celebrating and focusing on a great community.
We know, of course, that peace between the tribes and the white settlers did not last long in the course of history. In the years that followed, many Natives were killed or taken to reservations, even though they were the ones who originally ensured the settlers' survival.
“Festival Games” in Beaver Creek Valley
This year, we once again had plenty to keep everyone entertained. The "Festival Games" put the skills and knowledge of all those attending to the test. They had to recognize different animals by their skins, throw axes at wooden targets and put their shooting skills to the test.
After the very funny but also extremely frosty excursion, our participants were invited back to the warm tavern. There they were able to share their knowledge about trappers, Indians, cowboys and western movies.
At the same time as we were playing, we were preparing dinner together. Hard-working hands formed dumplings and a wonderfully delicious-smelling roast was finished in the wood-fired oven.
But before that, our guests were served coffee, homemade cakes and the more than justified mulled wine!
A cozy evening with delicious food and good music
Once the games were over, everyone gathered in the cozy, warm tavern. We enjoyed the delicious feast in good company, after which the winners of the day were announced. The champions had their dinner costs for the day waived. The participants who came in second place received a voucher for dinner, to be redeemed at our Authentic Camp 2024. The third-placed participants were able to enjoy two beers, also to be redeemed at Camp 2024. The winners of fourth place didn't go away empty-handed either, as all the competitors received a small gift.
In his Thanksgiving address, Chet McCay thanked all guests and members for coming, for their ongoing support throughout the year and for their loyalty to the community.
As usual, all the birthday children who celebrated their milestone birthday this year were presented with a TRP shirt. There were six people in total, who together reached 280 years of life.
The Beaver Creek Valley Ramblers provided the musical accompaniment to the end of the evening. They once again performed one or two "TRP hits". Sometime late at night, this gigantic day ended with a successful party. Many thanks to everyone who enjoyed this evening with us.
So long, Beaver Creek Valley - The return journey the following day
The following day dawned faster than we would have hoped.
After a hearty breakfast, things got exciting once again - rather unintentionally: a stuck RV couldn't get off the site. The weather had softened the ground so much that it seemed impossible to get out without help. However, with combined forces - and we're talking about the strength of several horses here - the situation was resolved and our friends were able to make their way home. And we, we already have another reason to say thank you to our TRP helper Josef.
We are looking forward to next year and are excited to see what it has in store for us. We are proud of our great community and look forward to shaping the coming Old West season together.
So there is only one thing left for us to say:
Have a nice, peaceful, thoughtful and calm Christmas, have a good start to the New Year and get through the winter without worries. We sincerely hope that we will all meet again next year, safe and sound, when it's time to say it again:
November 04 represented a special day in 1862. Inventor Richard Jordan Gatling filed a patent that he believed would change war forever.
Richard Jordon Gatling
It occurred to me that if I could invent a machine gun which could by its rapidity of fire, enable one man to do as much battle duty as a hundred, that it would, to a large extent supersede the necessity of large armies, and consequently, exposure to battle and disease would be greatly diminished.[1]
— Richard Jordan Gatling
During the Civil War, Richard Jordan Gatling realized that diseases killed more soldiers than bullets. In 1861, he hatched the idea of developing a weapon that would increase a man's rate of fire a hundredfold.
It was the birth of the Gatling gun.
Richard Jordon Gatling, who was born in Hertford County, North Carolina on September 12, 1818, devoted himself to inventing at a young age.[2]
At the age of 21, he developed a screw propeller for steamships. Unfortunately, he did not know that a gentleman named John Ericsson patented such an invention already months earlier.[3]
Despite the setback, he remained true to his ingenuity and at the age of 36 developed machines to make farming easier. But his inventions alone could not finance his livelihood, so he worked in the County Clerk's office, among other jobs, and for a short time worked as a teacher. Later he also labored as a merchant.[4]
Gatling even earned a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree in 1850, when he developed an increased interest in medicine. The reason given here is that he survived smallpox and thus began to study. However, he never practiced medicine, but continued to work as an inventor.[5]
From Seed Planter to Tool of War: The Birth of the Gatling Gun
As the American Civil War broke out, Gatling became increasingly involved with firearms and especially with perfecting them.[5]
During the war, a large part of the armament for infantry soldiers mainly consisted of muzzle-loading weapons. These weapons had a very slow rate of fire, as they had to be reloaded after each shot. In order to be able to fire faster in combat, the infantry formed lines so that shots could always be fired alternately per line set up.
Model 1855 percussion rifle with bayonet
Thus, many soldiers were necessary to dominate in battle, because this increased the firepower and thus the chance to win a battle. The infantry was supported by soldiers of artillery ("cannoneers") and cavalry on horseback.
Schlacht von Antietam 1862
This was the initial situation that formed the basis for Gatling's considerations, and he had to answer the question to himself, "How do I create more efficient firepower with fewer soldiers?"
Zeichnung der Gatling Gun von R.J. Gatling
His ideas became reality when Gatling developed the first Gatling gun in 1861 - during the first year of the war - based on a seed planter prototype of his earlier inventions.[3]
As early as 1862, he founded the Gatling Gun Company in Indianapolis, Indiana, to market his groundbreaking invention. He filed the patent for his Gatling gun on November 04, 1862.[6]
But the beginning was rough - a fire in a factory destroyed the first six weapons.[5]
But how did the Union Army react to a gun that was now capable of firing several hundred rounds per minute?
A weapon that was to make history
Gatling Gun in Fort Laramie Model 1862 Gatling Gun Type II
Beim anfänglichen Modell der Gatling-Gun aus 1862, wurde ein Verbund aus sechs Läufen, die im Kreis angeordnet waren, durch eine Kurbel in Rotation gebracht. Durch das Kurbeln lädt jeder Lauf eine einzelne Patrone aus dem oben angebrachten Magazin und feuert den Schuss ab, wenn eine bestimmte Position erreicht war. Die leere Hülse wurde unten links ausgeworfen und der Lauf konnte abkühlen, bis er durch die Rotation wieder die obere Position erreichte. Eine weitere Patrone wurde durch die Schwerkraft in den Lauf geladen und der Zyklus begann von vorn.[7]
The 1862 model thus achieved a rate of fire of about 200 rounds per minute. Later versions already achieved a rate of fire of about 400 rounds per minute.[8] With a crew of four, the final version of the Gatling Gun was taken into service.[5]
Although the Gatling gun originated during the Civil War, it was rarely used. Gatling was referred to as "Copperhead" by some parts of the population, but his connection to the Confederate government was never proven, even though his birthplace was in North Carolina. In fact, he also did not live in the South during the Civil War.[9][3]
It was not until 1866, a year after the end of the American Civil War, that the American government officially purchased Gatling guns.[3]
Before that, a total of only 13 were sold, 12 of which went to General Benjamin F. Butler, and one became the property of Admiral David Dixon Porter. Both belonged to the Union Army.[3]
Benjamin Franklin Butler – ca. 1870/1880David Dixon Porter – ca. 1860s
Therefore, today it is assumed that the Gatling gun was used very little during the American Civil War. However, it is easy to understand the horrors that the weapon left behind on the battlefield when it was used.
Getötete Soldaten in der Schlacht bei Gettysburg – Eine Gatling Gun fand hier keine Anwendung
This photo contains sensitive content that some people may find offensive or disturbing. Click to view.
The gun's true history was written years later, long after the American Civil War had ended. One of the decisive factors was a new discovery that was about to conquer the masses: electricity.
From inventor to seller
Samuel Colt
In 1870, Gatling sold his patents to Colt. However, he remained president of the Gatling Gun Company until its complete takeover by Colt in 1897.[3]
In 1893, Gatling revolutionized his invention once again with an electric motor that provided an impressive rate of fire at 3,000 rounds per minute.[11]
The legacy of the Gatling gun
It was not only the USA or Canada that made use of the Gatling gun. There is evidence that the weapon was used against other indigenous peoples and groups, especially during European colonization, including the South African Zulu, nomadic Bedouins of the Middle East, or the Central Asian Turkmen - to name just a few.[10]
The hand-crank Gatling gun was finally declared obsolete by the US Army in 1911. But decades later, the electrically powered concept saw a rebirth in the M61 Vulcan, as well in the minigun.[5]
Einsatz einer modernen GAU-17/A minigun
Although Richard Jordan Gatling's original invention received relatively little attention during the American Civil War, he nevertheless laid a distinctive foundation for the further development of this type of weapon.
His original thought that his invention would greatly reduce the danger posed by combat can only be left uncommented upon today, 161 years after his patent was filed.
[1] Wahl, Paul; Toppel, Donald R. (1971). The Gatling Gun. Arco. ISBN 978-90-70039-49-3
[2] Stephenson, Frank (2003). Hertford County. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 978-0-7385-1556-4
[3] Keller, Julia (2008). Mr Gatling’s Terrible Marvel: The Gun That Changed Everything and the Misunderstood Genius Who Invented It. Viking. pp. 294. ISBN 978-0-670-01894-9.
[4] “Richard Jordan Gatling”. Encyclopedia of World Biography. Gale. 2005.
[6] Richard J. Gatling, “Improvement in revolving battery-guns,” Archived 2017-01-20 at the Wayback Machine U.S. Patent No. 36,386 (issued: Nov. 4, 1862)
Bob Dalton always had ambitious plans. He claimed he would "beat anything Jesse James ever did - rob two banks at the same time in broad daylight." On October 5, 1892, the Dalton Gang put this daring plan into action. The goal was to rob C.M. Condon & Company's Bank and the First National Bank in Coffeyville, Kansas.
Bob was one of 12 siblings and led the Dalton Gang since 1891. Together with three of his brothers, he robbed banks, stagecoaches and trains, preferably in Kansas and Oklahoma, from that time on.
This ride, however, became his last.
The heated discussion between Bob and Emmett
Bob had planned the whole robbery, but Emmett was against it. He had attended school near Coffeyville in Robbins Corners and knew many people there. He feared that some of his friends might get hurt. Bob assured him, however, that there would be no shooting.
Everything should be over before anyone would notice what had happened.
Condon Bank, Coffeyville, Kansas, ca. 1890
The unexpected difficulties
Bob's plan was to have the gang tie their horses to a post behind the Condon Bank that was protected by brick walls. However, they had not visited the town in several years, and the hitching post had been removed during road work. Bob did not allow Emmett to check out the town in advance out of fear that he would be recognized. When they arrived, Bob had to act quickly and instead decided to hitch the horses in an alley across from the bank to the west, near the town jail. This alley is known today as Dalton Alley.
Coffeyville, Kansas, in ca. 1906
The tragic bank robbery
On the morning of October 5, the gang emerged from the alley on the Coffeyville square. A storekeeper cleaning the sidewalk noticed Bob, Emmett, and even Grat, who was wearing a fake mustache, and ran into his store. In closed formation, the five crossed Walnut Street from the alley to Condon Bank, holding Winchester rifles close to their legs. Meanwhile, news of the robbery spread quickly through the town:
Also, road work was being done at the time. One of the workers at the site recognized the gang and began shouting, "The Daltons are robbing the bank!"
The bloodshed
While Emmett and Bob entered the First National Bank and forced teller Thomas Ayres to open the safe containing gold and cash, an American Express agent opened fire with his revolver. Bob and Emmett returned fire. They went out the back door, taking both guns and sack bags with them, while grabbing two bank employees with them for protection.
The end of the Dalton Gang
While the Daltons were approaching the horses, Town Marshal Charles T. Connelly came through the livery stable into the alley and ran toward the square without the bandits behind him. Grat then shot him dead. John Kloehr, who was still in the barn, shot Grat shortly after he had spotted him. In the midst of the gunfire, Bob was hit in the head and heart and killed instantly. Powers attempted to get on his horse, but was also hit and killed by gunfire from the store as he tried to hoist Bob onto his horse.
Dalton Gang, memento mori 1892
The fate of the survivors
Emmet Dalton after the shootout
Emmett Dalton suffered 23 gunshot wounds but survived. Bill Dalton and Bill Doolin, who had stayed several miles away with extra horses to help the gang escape, later learned of their fate.
For a time, Bill Doolin and his associates worked under outlaw Henry Starr and hid about 75 miles northeast of Kingfisher, from where they made several raids. Doolin, Newcomb, and Pierce visited the Daltons' mother in Kingfisher to comfort her after the death of her sons.
Brothers Lit and Bill Dalton were also visiting their mother, and Doolin suggested they join his group to avenge their brothers.
Bill Dalton agreed and participated in several robberies, but Lit, declined. Henry Starr was arrested in 1893 and tried at Fort Smith.
Emmet Dalton's mug shot, after his arrest.
Emmett Dalton was sentenced to life in prison at the Kansas State Penitentiary in Lansing, Kansas. After 14 years, he was pardoned and moved to Hollywood, California, where he spent his life as a real estate agent, author and actor.
He married Julia Johnson in 1908 and devoted himself to writing, among other things.
In 1931 he published the book "When the Daltons Rode" , which he wrote together with Jack Jungmeyer Sr. a journalist from Los Angeles. It was filmed in 1940 as a movie of the same name with Randolph Scott, Kay Francis and Brian Donlevy - Emmett Dalton was portrayed by Frank Albertson.
Dalton died in July 1937 at the age of 66. His widow died in 1943 at the age of 73. They are both buried in Kingfisher, Oklahoma.
Another year has passed in the Valley of the Beavers. We look back on 2022 with very mixed feelings. There were times when we laughed a lot and had a good time together. But there were also some tears running down our cheeks, because we lost a few good friends this year.
They all reminded us that the time we are allowed to spend here on earth is fleeting and that it is up to us to make the most of it.
Therefore, we want to remember all the good times we had with all our friends with pleasure and once again recall the beautiful hours we had with them in 2022.
What follows is our little retrospective on the year 2022!
Shooting of the commercial for Sack's Distillery
Even before our annual spring clean-up, we came together in January because we were tackling a special project. A "moonshiner" came to Beaver Creek Valley with a special request: The filming of a commercial for a new gin creation.
Marcel Völkel of Sack's Distille visited Beaver Creek Valley to work with Panorama Video Production on a new spot!
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The annual "spring cleaning" in Beaver Creek Valley.
As always, spring 2022 was used by us to keep our Beaver Creek Valley in its beauty. As with any spring, there is initially some necessary cleanup to be done so we can all indulge in our beautiful hobby. Unfortunately, our latitudes do not experience the cold and therefore dry winters, which is why it is mainly damp during the winter months. Unfortunately, the untreated wood used in our constructions cannot withstand these conditions for long, which is why repair work is necessary for most years.
For us, the perfect opportunity to get back together and work on our collaborative "Beaver Creek Valley" project!
This year, the first meeting was already scheduled for the end of April. For this, the premises should already shine again in full splendor!
The Rendezvous of the Trappers and Indians - Kick-off 2022
Towards the end of April we rang in the hobby season on Beaver Creek Valley! The outfits were dug out of the closets, because the TRP invited to the internal meeting of the trappers and Indians, where our members were allowed to prove themselves in a small "trapper course"!
Of course, we didn't want to miss out on food and so we came up with the idea of preparing "Campfire Rabbit" - which, by the way, turned out great! Of course, we won't withhold the recipe from you and will publish it in the Beaver Creek Pioneer at some point in the future.
Small excursions with the members of TRP
But 2022 not only stood under the "American flag". Together with our members, we also met outside Beaver Creek Valley and spent hours together. The program included a visit to the outdoor museum in Perschen and a medieval market in the town of Bärnau.
The Freilandmuseum Oberpfalz is a place of preservation and teaching by telling the story of the region and the people who live and have lived there. The lively museum offers events throughout the year about the rural life of the past.
The impression that you get here, remains almost unforgettable. We were able to learn a lot about the history of our region on this day, had a "Mordsgaudi" in addition to a rustic snack in the authentic beer garden and can recommend a visit there at any time!
Another "non-American" highlight was our visit to the History Park Bärnau. Once a year the historical town of Bärnau in the Upper Palatinate organizes a medieval spectacle. We took this as an opportunity to learn more about another chapter of our history. Afterwards we visited the authentic historical park Bärnau.
There you can find three time windows:Â An early medieval village of the 8th/9th century, a motte (tower hill fort) and a stave church of the 11th century. Furthermore, there is a settlement of the High Middle Ages, segmented into a rural homestead and various townhouses from the 12th/13th century.
We were very fascinated by what has been created here, on the approximately 11 hectares of landscaped grounds. This makes the Bärnau History Park the largest medieval archaeological outdoor museum in southern Germany. You can't help but be amazed, just like in the previously described outdoor museum in the Upper Palatinate. A great day!
Cowboy-Gathering in June 2022
At the end of June, another meeting was on the agenda: The Cowboy Gathering. This small gathering was themed around the cattle herders. On a sunny summer afternoon we met and ate together as well as chatted about an era long gone by.
We had the opportunity to take some great photos and spend some quality time in Beaver Creek Valley.
Day visit at the Bavarian Rangers
After the two-year Corona break, our friendly neighboring club "Bavarian Rangers" invited us again to their legendary country festival. As in the years before, we gladly followed the call.
In addition, Chet ran his "blanket sale" which was again gladly accepted by the guests and also by the hobbyists. Besides delicious food, cool drinks, and the bands with their "hand-made music", it was again a successful and appealing get-together of like-minded people for everyone involved. In 2023 we will be there again - promised!
Our highlight of the year 2022: The Authentic Camp
As every year so far, our Authentic Camp took place again - a topic that of course cannot be missing in the TRP Review 2022! This year with unspeakably high temperatures and the highest forest fire danger level we recorded since 2018. So this year we were only allowed to operate our campfires with an exceptional permit - all other fires had to be kept in closed stoves.
We had the opportunity to grow together even more. Where otherwise small individual fires burned, all participants now came together at a central fireplace. We cooked together, sat together and made the best of the situation!
We also took the opportunity to visit the Longhorn Ranch and learned valuable knowledge, not only about Longhorns, but also about the production of whiskey and other fine spirits!
In addition, Marcel Völkel from Sack's Distillery visited us again and provided the gin for the authentic cocktail evening, which probably some will not forget so quickly!
Follow us into the cocktail evening! Together with Sack's Distillery we held an authentic cocktail evening in Western style according to the Bartender's Guide by Jerry Thomas.
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As always, there was plenty of time for great photos, authentic music and just a good time among friends!
Thanksgiving in Beaver Creek Valley
In fall 2022 we came together for the last time this year to celebrate Thanksgiving in a small group. The mood in Beaver Creek Valley was cheerful and we celebrated together with good music.
But we also noticed the obvious harbingers of winter. The warm days had passed and we rounded off the 2022 hobby season in a cozy atmosphere.
What might 2023 bring?
As we look forward to 2023, we plan to enjoy life at Beaver Creek Valley to the fullest and make every moment a special one. What exactly we're going to do is yet to be seen at this point, but let us tell you: We have a lot in store!
Together with our loyal friends of the TRP, we have the chance to look forward even in dark times, to draw new strength and thereby create new things that we want to tell each other about at campfires even years later.
Howdy folks and friends of the TRP! Today we want to share our small, internal Authentic Camp 2021 with you, which we held at the beginning of August, on Beaver Creek Valley.
We were very sorry that the big camp - like last year - unfortunately did not take place due to Corona. So the Authentic Camp 2021 took place in a small group of our members, even if we would have liked to have our guests with us!
In this post, we're all about motivating you and keeping you going until next year, when hopefully we can once again greet our guests with a warm:
Welcome to Beaver Creek Valley!
The preparations for our event were initially overshadowed by concerns about Corona. Long discussions with the local office were necessary to find out in which scope we would even be allowed to meet. Some restrictions followed, but thanks to the understanding and great members of the TRP, we could enjoy our time travel Corona-compliant and light-hearted.
We want to tell you about this beautiful week today.
The week started with a summer rain
The first weekend of our Authentic Camp started with a lot of rain! Mud roads and puddles as far as the eye could see. However, the roads to Beaver Creek gave a very authentic picture.
It was quite common back then for the main roads of settlements to be full of mud and dirt at all times. Due to the constant traffic of stagecoaches, carts and other wagons, the grass hardly had a chance to grow back. These roads were usually paved much later, by the turn of the century. In larger cities, people were fortunate enough to walk on paved roads. And so the weather contributed to a characteristic picture at the beginning of the week!
However, the rain soon bid us farewell with a gigantic rainbow, announcing beautiful weather that would hold for the rest of the week. The mood rose and drove away the worry about a rainy camp.
Authentic cuisine - Like the old days
The week began with an extraordinary meal. For this purpose, some settlers foraged for mushrooms in the nearby forests. Of course, thanks to the rain, they found plenty and we were able to add a good portion of freshly collected chanterelles to our meal.
If you are wondering at this point if the pasta in this dish will fit the era, we can reassure you!
Back in the 1780s, none other than Thomas Jefferson himself enjoyed his first serving of pasta in a Paris restaurant. Jefferson was a big pasta fan ever since and even had shipments of boxes sent back to America.
In 1798, the first pasta factory finally opened in Philadelphia. At that time, however, pasta dishes were reserved for the wealthy bourgeoisie, as their availability was very limited. The working class, on the other hand, only began to enjoy macaroni around the time of the American Civil War (starting in the 1860s), when more factories opened and imports from countries like Sicily were no longer necessary.
During this week, there were many more excellent meals that we prepared and ate together at a large community table.
There was, for example, a tasty chicken stew or the legendary "Irish Stew", to name just a handful. So there were all kinds of delicacies again at the Authentic Camp 2021!
Of course, we didn't just eat, but passed the time with all kinds of amusements.
Poque, photo shootings and cozy saloon evenings
We have newly discovered the game of poque for ourselves! "Poch", as it is also called, was already a popular amusement in the Middle Ages and was first mentioned in Strasbourg as early as 1441. French immigrants brought "poque" - as it was called there - to America, from which the later poker developed.
Throughout the camp, young and old were quickly at the gambling table when someone called for a game of poque!
With such beautiful weather, it was natural that our cowboys returned earlier than planned from their "hard working day" and, in compliance to their cowboy code, invited their ladies for a walk into the evening.
But not only for the cowboys the warm light invited to great photos.
After a hearty evening meal together, the party relaxed as they pleased. When the evening came, we got all dressed up and met again for a visit to the saloon.
After the day's toil and trouble, everyone met here to celebrate, discuss, laugh, play cards, have a drink or two and, of course, make music together. Everyone who could play an instrument was invited and many beautiful songs came out, such as this one:
Lil’ Liza Jane – Beaver Creek Valley Ramblers – Live at the Frontier Tavern
Visit to the Museum of Military Tradition in Weidenberg
After a hearty breakfast we started into a new day!
We reserved this day for a planned museum tour and returned to the present reality at short notice for this purpose. The visit to the Museum for Military Tradition in Upper Franconia, Weidenberg, was organized by our friend and museum director Martin Götz. He guided us through the various eras, up to modern times.
Many of the exhibited pieces were accompanied by miniatures. These, meticulously handcrafted figures, were placed in dioramas and complemented the overall picture.
As a visitor, you could thus get a better picture of how the armies and militias were positioned. One also got a good impression of how clothing and equipment interacted and also how the war sites of the time were like.
We can recommend a visit to the museum without any restrictions! Not only military enthusiasts will enjoy it, but also all those who have always wanted to learn more about the area in general.
We were also able to learn a lot and would like to thank Martin very much for taking the time for us!
Campfire Stories & High-Tech in the Wild West
As evening fell that day, everyone gathered around the campfire and listened to stories told by local mayor Hans Walter a.k.a. Mr. Catlin.
He told us about times long past, when Napoleon's troops made the region around Kastl unsafe and how the war changed both the area and the people. But also a few bizarre inn stories, as well as mystical legends around the Rauen Kulm, characterized the evening.
The following day we had a lot planned! For this we invited our friend and photographer Robert of the Panorama Video Production to Beaver Creek Valley. With the help of a large technical setup consisting of video and photo cameras, as well as lighting and microphones, TRP members momentarily became protagonists in a short short film.
What exactly we have realized there, remains a secret at this time! However, we can already reveal this much: It has to do with the publication of a book whose author is a very good friend of TRP.
But that's wasn't all: Robert also highlighted the Indian Territory of Beaver Creek Valley in great detail! There he accompanied a Lakota lady with the preparation of an authentic meal. We are very much looking forward to the finished material, which we will of course present in the Beaver Creek Pioneer!
Very nice pictures were taken again during the Authentic Camp 2021, for example the series "The Law of Beaver Creek Valley", where the law enforcement officers of Beaver Creek Valley presented their strength in front of the Sheriff's Office.
The end of our trail
Just before the general mood of departure spread on the last day, we received a visit from the far north. A delegation of Canadian Mounties visited Beaver Creek Valley. Of course, the "Red Serges" caught the attention in front of our Fort McKenzie and we were able to take some very nice pictures here as well!
We would like to thank all those who squeezed into their uniforms during what felt like the warmest day of the week - but the result certainly speaks for itself:
All in all, we can say that we had a brilliant, beautiful and eventful time at the Authentic Camp 2021. It felt very good to come together once again as a community, to exchange ideas and experience a wonderful time together. We are looking forward to next year, when hopefully we will be able to spend this time with our honored guests again!
Stay safe and keep your powder dry!
So long, Chet McCay & Colton White – Beaver Creek Pioneer
When in spring the temperatures slowly rise again and the plants begin to form their leaves and flowers, then it is also the perfect time for the brewer to prepare beer. The recipe we present here, however, has nothing to do with hops and malt, but is based on the young shoots of spruce.
I, as well, have taken advantage of the recent spring to dedicate myself to a long-awaited project - making Spruce Beer.
Already in colonial times, the spruce served as an important source of vitamin C and can still be found in many traditional dishes. In a simple step by step guide, you too will be able to make your own delicious Spruce Beer.
The History of the Spruce Beer
As early as 1536, the French explorer Jacques Cartier drank a tea from a coniferous tree that the Saint Lawrence Iroquois called Aneda. The tea provided a surprisingly high amount of vitamin C, which was especially lacking aboard ships and could thus lead to scurvy.[1] But who is satisfied with tea in the long run, when it can also be beer?
The British Royal Navy took advantage of this knowledge in the 18th century and added spruce branches to existing shiploads of beer to protect against the disease.[2]
The French explorer Jacques Cartier.
Alcoholic Spruce Beer was especially common in the Thirteen Colonies of America, as well as Eastern Canada. This beer was mainly made with red or black spruce.[3]
An illustrious gathering in a characteristic tavern - John Greenwood 1755
Spruces are evergreen, which means they do not lose their needles in winter. Just that was a huge advantage at that time, because the production of beer was possible almost at any time of the year.
Young spruce shoots - in spring collecting is worthwhile!
It is precisely in the springtime, at the end of May, beginning of June, that the spruce forms young shoots that taste particularly intense. You definitely want this aroma in your beer. The shoots can theoretically be nibbled directly from the tree, they taste slightly sour and are a good energy supplier.
But be careful! Know your tree!
Before you set out to collect, you should be sure that the yield is actually the shoots of spruce. As a candidate that can be confused with the spruce, the highly poisonous yew is frequently listed. However, if you compare the two plants directly, you can see a definite difference. An illustrated plant guide provides certainty here. If the spruce is confused with the very similar fir, it is not too tragic, because their shoots are also edible.
The highly toxic European yew (left) and the edible spruce with young shoots (right).
To brew about 8l of beer, I collected about four handfuls of spruce tips, taking care to harvest evenly on each branch to avoid stressing the tree too much.
The young shoots of spruce.
The brewing process - from the raw product to the finished beer
Now it's time for preparation - after all, a beer like this doesn't brew itself! However, most of it is actually done for us by our brewer's yeast. But before that, a little preparation is needed.
What do you need?
Two 8l pots with lid
A ladle
24 empty beer bottles (0,33l)
A funnel for filling
Brewer's yeast
a bottle cap set
Isopropanol 99.9% for disinfecting
a dripping stand for the beer bottles
500ml maple syrup
150g brown sugar
4 hands full of fresh spruce shoots
The basic rule that should always be followed is cleanliness! That is why I highly recommend disinfecting all equipment and hands before brewing.
First, the freshly collected spruce shoots should be roughly cleaned of dirt. After that, simply wash with cold water.
The washed shoots are placed in a clean, disinfected pot with 8l of water and boiled for about 30 minutes.
Then all the shoots are completely removed from the pot.
To the decoction add 500ml of maple syrup and 150g of sugar.
Stir the mixture well and let it simmer for another 15 minutes.
Then remove the liquid from the heat and let it cool down to room temperature.
Dissolve the yeast in a little water according to the package instructions and stir gently with a (disinfected) finger.
When the decoction has cooled to about room temperature, add the dissolved yeast and stir slowly.
Now let the brew ferment with the lid closed for about 12 hours.
After the rest period, the yeast has worked properly, usually recognizable by already rising CO2 bubbles. My brewer's yeast naturally sinks to the bottom of the pot and forms a sediment. Now the second pot is used. The young beer is now carefully separated from the sediment layer with the ladle.
However, depending on the type of yeast, this process is optional. In the case of yeasts that are specifically designed for bottle fermentation, you can stir again to create a homogeneous mixture once more. This ensures that the same amount of yeast is present in each bottle when bottling. If the quantity is unevenly distributed, individual bottles may burst under certain circumstances.
Whether with or without yeast - now the bottles can be filled and corked.
After 3 to 5 days the Spruce Beer is ready to drink!
The bottles should stand during the "maturation" in a room-warm, dark place - preferably in a way that nothing can happen in case of a bottle explosion. Because I felt the desire, I have designed a bottle logo in the meantime.
After just three days, enough carbon dioxide has accumulated to make the beer a pleasure to drink. Before serving, put it once again in the refrigerator, because no one would like warm beer!
However, Spruce Beer should not be stored in the bottles for too long. The yeast usually works until the sugar has been completely converted. This leads to a higher output of carbon dioxide, which accumulates in the bottle. The beer aged for three days will also taste slightly sweeter than the beer aged for 5 days.
My "sweet spot" was around four days. The beer no longer tasted too sweet and the amount of carbon dioxide was just right, in my opinion.
Taste-wise, the beer was excellent! However, the end product is very difficult to describe. The spruce shoots give the beer a slightly resinous note, but this is by no means unpleasant, but rather refreshing! Other hobby brewers compare Spruce Beer with Cola and wheat beer, which I can not agree with. Through the maple syrup and sugar it still has a sweet note, but tastes just unique!
Cheers!
In the past, the process was somewhat different...
In the past, of course, the work was done somewhat differently and, above all, much less clean. The brew was sometimes boiled with whole spruce twigs, with molasses, sugar or maple syrup and filled into barrels. The "external yeasts" on the twigs then kicked off the brewing process. Of course, this is always a bit dicey, because the beer can quickly turn unpleasant and become undrinkable due to these yeasts.
I also deliberately decided against molasses, because the inherent flavor of this would have been too dominant.
By the way - you can make great food with spruce tips!
Spruce tips are not only suitable for making delicious beer, you can also use them perfectly in cuisine. A really simple and yet incredibly delicious dish is baked salmon with spruce tips, jacket potatoes and sour cream.
Spruce Tips baked salmon with jacket potatoes and sour cream. The Spruce Beer works great as a drink with it!
Place the salmon skin side down in a baking dish, season with salt and pepper, sprinkle with spruce shoots and bake at 200°C for about 30 minutes. As a side dish, boil potatoes with skin in water until cooked. Serve with sour cream. Done!
Winter is the season of the runny nose and constantly frosty hands. The common cold plagues us and we get sick. All this is by far nothing unusual and we know very well by now how to cure ourselves again. But how did people actually deal with illnesses and ailments in the Old West?
Certainly, at that time there were already practicing doctors, but among them were also some quacks and charlatans, who were able to build a prestigious reputation. With the healing effects of magic in combination with extravagant ingredients, they made their profit from the uninformed people.
Finally, the use of colorful product names such as "Egyptian Regulator Tea" and medicine shows did the rest to encourage people to buy the product.[1]
But who were these men and women and how could so many people fall for them?
Great Britain and the Quack Boom in America
In the 17th and 18th centuries, people still had little understanding of the causes of disease. It was therefore not surprising that so-called patent medicine conquered the market - first in Great Britain and then in the British colonies in North America. In contrast to locally produced and used remedies, the big advertising drum was beaten for these substances. In some cases provided with genuine royal patents, they created confidence among the population and found correspondingly large sales, especially from the beginning of the 18th century.[2]
By 1830, British parliamentary records listed over 1,300 different patented "medicines," most of which were, by modern standards, nothing more than the humbug of quacks.[2]
During the American Revolution and after the War of 1812, the British market lost influence in America. However, the resulting gaps were quickly filled with American products, in order to set themselves apart from England. The golden era of the manufactured products in America was in the years after the Civil War from 1865 onwards.[2]
It's all a question of marketing
Among the first products to be mass produced was "Daffy's Elixir". The inventor of the potion, an English clergyman named Thomas Daffy, is said to have put the brew to paper as early as 1647. After his demise, his daughter Catherine, together with some of his relatives, continued the brand. The product, which was originally only intended to help against digestive problems, was gradually developed further during Daffy's lifetime until it was finally intended to help against any disease. It therefore also had the name Elixir Salutis - the potion of health.[3]
Bottle of Daffy's Elixir Salutis (center).
When more influential companies were able to claim the rights to the elixir, they achieved a breakthrough in America. The brand eventually became so famous that it was even mentioned in Charles Dickens' book Oliver Twist.[3]
The ingredients of the potion, of course, did not help against the multitude of diseases, as originally advertised, and yet it created a large distribution in England and America.
The ingredients of an "irresistible" product
Most potions and tinctures of the quacks consisted mainly of common drinking alcohol, such as brandy. This was often mixed with various herbs, opium and in some cases cocaine.[5]
If one ingested such a brew, it usually provided relief from the symptoms, since opium, for example, acted like a strong painkiller. However, this didn't cure the cause of the respective disease at all. These mixtures promised to help not only against the "simple cold", but also claimed to be effective against complex diseases.[2, 3]
Especially the use of opium was by no means new at that time, but found a wide use until the early 19th century, also in medicine. Besides the pain-killing effect, it helped against diarrhea and aided a good sleep.[4]
Opium in a pharmacist's container (left) and as a plant in the wild (right).
However, the side effects of an incorrect dosage or prolonged ingestion were devastating: from weight loss due to lack of appetite, through muscle pain, to death by respiratory paralysis. It was also common for consumers of the tinctures to become addicted. The ingestion could also have a severe effect on the mental state, accompanied by strong personality changes, up to apathy.[4]
The German immigrant William Radam, even went so far as to dilute sulfuric acid, which is highly corrosive, with red wine.
The "microbe killer" potion was born, which, according to Radam, made it possible to "cure any kind of disease".[2, 5]
Both the short-term relief of discomfort and the addiction to alcohol, opium or cocaine were probably reason enough for the products to be consumed regularly. After all, one actually felt better after taking them and felt a certain craving for more of the miraculous medicine. The big awakening, however, probably came when one noticed that the actual illness did not go away or even new complaints were added.[5]
The Medicine Shows
In the American colonies, traveling peddlers appeared before 1772, roaming mainly through rural areas to sell their dubious medicines. In the course of this, a law was passed prohibiting their activities.[5]
In the 19th century, large-scale shows replaced individual traveling salesmen. The performances were increasingly spectacular and not only took place in front of sales wagons, but also in large tents and even theaters. While the salesman advertised his potent "medicine", he was often supported by artists and musicians. This was especially popular with the rural population, as entertainment on such a scale was rare.[5]
Historical re-enactment of quacks. Two Rivers Privity in Beaver Creek Valley.
The two largest and probably most successful medicine shows, were Hamlin's Wizard Oil Company and the Kickapoo Indian Medicine Company. Hamlin's Wizard Oil Company had specially designed wagons with built-in organs and additional space for dancers. Posters, fylers, and fancy advertising slogans did the rest.[6]
Poster of Hamlin's Wizard Oil (1890).
The Kickapoo Indian Medicine Company rehearsed a show based on made-up American Native ceremonies. Fake representatives of the thoroughly real tribe translated for the Natives and sold "Sagwa", probably the most famous quack medicine of its time.[5, 7]
How the quack was caught
In the Netherlands, the first association against quackery was founded in 1881, making it the oldest of its kind. The Netherlands was also one of the first countries to regulate medicine through the state.[2]
In the USA, the Boston Medical And Surgical Journal wrote in 1875:
If Satan has ever succeeded in compressing a greater amount of concentrated mendacity into one set of human bodies above every other description, it is in the advertising quacks.
Tinctures with no effect for a disease, soon became commonly known among the population as "Snake Oil". The term goes back to Clark Stanley's Snake Oil Liniment among others, but broadly means the ineffective elixirs of quacks.[2]
Clark Stanley’s Snake Oil Liniment (ca. 1905).
However, not all of these drugs were ineffective either. Turlington's Balsam of Life, for example, actually had beneficial properties as well. Until the early 19th century, the drug was sold under this name and can be found in British and American pharmacopoeias as "Compound Tincture of Benzoin." However, it is believed that the discovery of the balsam's benefits was merely a coincidence and became known only after the fact.[2]
When we think of the Thanksgiving tradition, we associate it with well-being, being together with the family and a delicious feast. We prepare ourselves days in advance for the festivity, are stressed out while shopping and decorate the house with pumpkins and other autumnal utensils. In the end we hope that the turkey in the oven will be a success and we are finally happy when the family has left the house saturated.
But for what do we actually say "thank you"?
Until today there are different views about the roots of the Thanksgiving tradition. It is not easy to identify a particular country of origin. There is the word-related "Erntedank" Festival in Germany and also in countries like Liberia, Grenada, Brazil and even Japan a comparable festival is celebrated. The common element is always based on giving thanks and sacrifices for a successful harvest.
The first "Thanksgiving" in America
If we take a look at North America, history proves that the first festivities of thanksgiving took place on May 23, 1541. It was held under Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, a Spanish conquistador (Spanish and Portuguese conquistador = "conqueror"). Coronado was travelling with a companionship of about 1500 men in the area of today's Texas, in search of civilizations and great riches, just like many other "conquistadores" in his time.
Francisco Vásquez de Coronado was considered the first European to discover the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River, among other places.
Instead of the wealth he hoped for, he only found his disillusioned and starving people. Coronado was lucky when he encountered native Caddo tribespeople who helped him and his troops with food. To celebrate this event, a Catholic mass was held together with the indigenous people to give thanks.
In this case one can speak of America's "first Thanksgiving". However, the tradition we know today is based on a different historical event.
The Misery of the American Pilgrim Fathers - The Origin of Thanksgiving Today
Like the history of Coronado, the initial situation of the Puritan Pilgrim Fathers was based on an emergency situation. When in 1620 the first English settlers crossed the Atlantic to the New World on the Mayflower, they did not land at their originally planned destination. Violent autumn storms caused them to deviate from their course and drop anchor near today's Provincetown near Cape Cod. The settlers realized that it would take a long sea voyage to reach their actual destination in North Virginia. So they decided to stay at Cape Cod and settle down. At least for a short time.
At Cape Cod the crew of the Mayflower felt solid ground under their feet again.
Cape Cod is a narrow peninsula off the coast of what is now Massachusetts. The soil there is sandy and farming is difficult - at least if you consider the puristic tools that were used in those days. With the realization that it was difficult to make a living there, the pilgrims sailed on toward the mainland. By December 21, near what is now Plymouth, the food supply was almost empty. The settlers would probably not have survived the first winter, had it not been for the help of the indigenous population.
Thanks to the support of the Wampanoag tribe, at least half of the newly arrived settlers made it through the winter. The other half froze to death or succumbed to disease. No wonder, since the settlers did not have permanent accommodation at that time, but settled in an abandoned village of the Patuxet – a sub-group of the Wampanoag. Most of the huts were already dilapidated, poorly insulated and were not what the settlers would call permanent structures.
Squanto helped the settlers survive in the New World
It was also the Wampanoag who introduced the settlers to agriculture in the New World. A key role was played by Squanto (alt. Tisquantum), who had already been abducted by a merchant ship to the "civilization" unknown to him. Squanto managed to learn the English language there before he could return to his tribe. Despite the fact that Squanto was abducted, it did not stop him from giving the settlers agricultural lessons so that they could survive in the New World.
Among other things, Squanto helped the settlers to practice sustainable agriculture.
Squanto was the key to the success of the settlers in the Plymouth Colony. He served both as a guide to the region and as an interpreter.
After the settlers learned about the customs of the natives to hold a ceremony at harvest time, they decided to do the same. From now on they were to hold a Thanksgiving feast every year together with indigenous guests. They celebrated extensively, ate and played games together, which led to a lively cultural exchange.
It was the time to say "Thank you".
„The First Thanksgiving at Plymouth“, Jennie Augusta Brownscombe (1914)
The Two Rivers Privity also says: "Thank you"!
Up to the time we've had a Thanksgiving feast to say "Thank you" as well. To all of you who have remained loyal to us throughout the year, who have visited us at our authentic camps and who have actively assisted us in the upkeep of Beaver Creek Valley.
We have done this in recent years with an invitation to an authentic Thanksgiving dinner. Unfortunately, this year the Corona Pandemic prevented us from doing so, but we still found a way to say thank you to our great community!
In Cooperation with Marie-Louise Lange from Küchenliebelei (DE), we want to share some great recipes with you for your own Thanksgiving!
The tradition of Thanksgiving lives on to this day and is celebrated in the USA on November 26th. Unfortunately, the link to the Native Americans is increasingly being forgotten. They live in the middle of reservations in poor conditions, suffer from unemployment and live anything but the "American dream" of freedom and justice. Yet it was them who made it possible for the settlers to survive and gain a lasting foothold in the New World.
Many of today's Natives live in reservations, like here in Fort McDermitt, Nevada.
Unfortunately, the good relationship between the settlers and the indigenous population did not last long. In the following conflicts, countless natives lost their lives and were gradually deprived of their own land.
We would like to actively draw attention to this grievance and remind everyone of it.
For the upcoming Advent season we are currently planning something, and we will need your help. But all in good time - the Beaver Creek Pioneer will keep you up to date.