Monthly Archives: December 2010

History of the Butterfly, Part 53: The Treaty Negotiations

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

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History of the Butterfly, Part 52: The Threats Continue

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

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More Hoarfrost

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

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Hoarfrost on a Winter Day

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:

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A Sunset Picture

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

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Another Bird Feeder Bird

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

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A Mellow Christmas Eve

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.

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

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

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

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

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History of the Butterfly, Part 49: A Sporting Event

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

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