Monthly Archives: December 2010

History of the Butterfly, Part 53: The Treaty Negotiations

Posted on December 31, 2010 by

In July of 1830 a council was held in order to negotiate a peace treaty between the United States and a number of the warring tribes.  As with a number of these councils, the representatives of the United States took … Continue reading →

Posted in American Indians, Fox tribe, Powasheek, Poweshiek, The History of the Butterfly | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

History of the Butterfly, Part 52: The Threats Continue

Posted on December 30, 2010 by

Poweshiek came to power, in part, because many of the leaders of his tribe were massacred by a Sioux war party.  The Sioux were at war with the Meskwakie (a.k.a, Fox).  The two tribes had a long history of aggression … Continue reading →

Posted in American Indians, Fox tribe, Powasheek, Poweshiek, The History of the Butterfly | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

More Hoarfrost

Posted on December 29, 2010 by

Even the roads look magical after a hoarfrost.  This is a view of the Minburn Road.

Posted in rural scenics | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Hoarfrost on a Winter Day

Posted on December 28, 2010 by

We had a very thick hoarfrost on the trees yesterday.  The landscape was covered with it. Here is a view of Beaver Creek near Granger, Iowa. And here are purple cone flower heads covered with frost:

Posted in rural scenics | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

A Sunset Picture

Posted on December 27, 2010 by

I took this photo about twelve years ago.  It is probably my favorite sunset photo, not just because of the colors, but because it was taken in my parent’s back yard.  When you looked out the west window on the house (which was … Continue reading →

Posted in rural scenics, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Another Bird Feeder Bird

Posted on December 25, 2010 by

Here is a cedar waxwing tufted titmouse.  I took the photo yesterday.  (Thanks for the correction).

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 3 Comments

A Mellow Christmas Eve

Posted on December 24, 2010 by

We have had several inches of snow today–it is coming down steadily, without a lot of wind. The birds are hanging out by the feeders.  Here’s a cardinal. Merry Christmas.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 4 Comments

History of the Butterfly, Part 51: How Poweshiek Became a Chief

Posted on December 22, 2010 by

Poweshiek became a civil chief of the Meskwakie by default, in a way.  He was of the wrong clan to inherit the position.  He was recommended for the position by his sister after most of the council died.  He became … Continue reading →

Posted in American Indians, Fox tribe, Powasheek, Poweshiek, The History of the Butterfly | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

History of the Butterfly, Part 50: Fast Forward 20 Years.

Posted on December 21, 2010 by

Our story picks up slightly more than 20 years later.  By this time, Dubuque had died and the mines had been shut down.  The War of 1812 had involved a number of Sauk and Meskwaki individuals–some fighting on the British … Continue reading →

Posted in American Indians, Fox tribe, Meskwaki, Powasheek, Poweshiek, The History of the Butterfly | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

History of the Butterfly, Part 49: A Sporting Event

Posted on December 20, 2010 by

The following spring, Zebulon started the return trip from the middle of what became Minnesota to St. Louis.  When he got to an area north of Dubuque he witnessed a sporting event. While the Sioux and Meskwaki were later described as mortal enemies, … Continue reading →

Posted in American Indians, Meskwaki, The History of the Butterfly | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment