Knott Heads, Nimrods, and Potholes #oldwest @JacquieRogers #western

Old West Trivia

by Jacquie Rogers

I admit it--I love discovering new things about old stuff.  I might be looking for the type of material that would be appropriate for Honey Beaulieu's vest, and end up reading about the 19th century treatment for horse hoof fungus.

It just happens.  Sometime, and hour or two down the walk in the park, I have to pull myself back to what it is I'm supposed to be researching.  You can see how this might slow down the writing some.

So today, I thought I'd post a few news articles from The Owyhee Avalanche.  I love how they used the language, plus it's always interesting to take a look into what folks were doing and thinking--especially the good stuff--real life that's not included in the history books.

Here are a few items from the April 3, 1875 issue.  The first shows that nothing ever changes.  We're always complaining about our roads.  With justification, I might add.

The next article interested me because of the language.  You just don't see phrases like "warm talk" today.  So Mr. Anderson clobbered Mr. Knott in the head with a stick (does that make him a Knotthead?), but the man wasn't "dangerously injured."  These days, we think any injury is dangerous!

This next incident would never have happened on Honey Beaulieu's watch, that's for sure.

This next item has me totally baffled--maybe a hunting party?  Nevertheless, the article tickled my funny bone.  Maybe you can tell me what it's all about.

Guess I better get back to my writing now.  Not that I'm easily distracted... oh, look! Caroline Clemmons has a new book out!

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