Western Hearths: Wild West Breakfasts

Mornings on the western frontier came early, often before the sun peeked over the hills. For a homesteader, cowboy, or traveler along the Oregon Trail, the day began with chores. And nothing fueled that hard work better than a hearty breakfast.

Wild West breakfasts were practical, warm, and designed to keep men and women strong enough to endure long days of work. Although plain fare, breakfasts didn’t lack comfort, and they had a way of bringing families and neighbors together. Some of the most tender moments on the prairie happened over coffee, biscuits, or a skillet of fried potatoes.

A Morning on the Plains

Imagine a homestead kitchen in March with the last traces of winter cold lingering in the air. The hearth fire crackles, and the smell of steaming oats or sizzling bacon drifts through the small cabin. Children stir, and adults prepare for a day of duties like tending livestock, plowing fields, chopping wood, or repairing fences. And on the open range, travelers and cowboys gulped down breakfast beside a campfire before the next ride began.

Meals called upon available staples—flour, oats, potatoes, coffee or tea, lard or butter, milk and eggs. A thrifty cook stretched bacon or salted pork by cooking it with beans or potatoes. Bread came in the form of johnnycakes, biscuits, or flat loaves baked over the fire or in a Dutch oven. Even such simple fare offered comfort that cheered families and travelers alike.

Pioneer Skillet Breakfast

Settlers and cowboys often relied on a skillet breakfast of potatoes, onions, and eggs that cooked up quickly and kept hunger pangs at bay for hours. 

This version was inspired by historical accounts.

Ingredients

• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons lard, butter, or bacon grease
• 2–4 eggs (depending on availability)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: a pinch of dried herbs, if available

Instructions

• Heat lard, butter, or bacon grease in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
• Add diced potatoes and onions, stirring occasionally. Cook until potatoes are tender and lightly browned, about 15–20 minutes.
• Push the potatoes and onions to the side of the skillet, then crack eggs into the empty space.
• Cook eggs to your liking—sunny side up, over easy, or scrambled.
• Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs. Serve hot.

Tip: For a trail-ready version, parboil the potatoes ahead of time and cook over a campfire for a quicker meal.

Food for Body and Soul

Breakfast on the prairie offered more than fuel. It brought people together. Settlers might gather in a neighbor’s cabin in early spring to share coffee and stories while the children played outside. Cowboys and ranch hands swapped trail tales over a quick meal of beans and cornbread before heading to work cattle. Travelers on the Oregon Trail enjoyed communal meals at forts or campsites as a reprieve from the rigors of the journey.

Sharing a meal nurtured bonds and bolstered a person to face the hardships of the day.

Bringing the Past to Your Table

Recreating a pioneer breakfast gives us a taste of history and lets us experience the comfort of a simple, shared meal. As you make this skillet breakfast, think of the people who prepared similar meals decades ago and remember the love and care often expressed through feeding others.

About Janalyn Voigt 

Janalyn Voigt fell in love with literature at an early age when her father read chapters from classics as bedtime stories. When Janalyn grew older, she put herself to sleep with tales "written" in her head. Today Janalyn is a storyteller who writes in several genres. Romance, mystery, adventure, history, and whimsy appear in all her novels in proportions dictated by their genre. Janalyn Voigt is represented by Wordserve Literary.

Learn more about Janalyn, read the first chapters of her books, subscribe to her e-letter, and join her reader clubs at http://janalynvoigt.com.

Discover Montana Gold 

Based on actual historical events during a time of unrest in America, the Montana Gold series explores faith, love, and courage in the wild west. 

On This Day…February 28, 1747 – Justin Morgan By Donna Schlachter with giveaway

Perhaps, like me, you recall a story book from your childhood called, “Justin Morgan Had a Horse”. I received a copy for proficiency in reading in the third grade. My teacher knew I was enamored with horses, and it was the perfect book for me. However, as I’ve learned since, the story was more creative fiction than reality, so apart from saying I still have that book, I won’t draw any facts from it today. Instead, I turn to the internet to share everything you wanted to know about Justin Morgan—the man, and Justin Morgan—the horse.

Justin Morgan -- New England Historical Society

Justin Morgan the Man

 
Justin Morgan the man was born on this day in 1747, in West Springfield, Massachusetts. He was the son of Isaac and Thankfull Morgan, the eighth of eleven children. We don’t know much about his early life, so we can assume he did what most boys of that era did, which was to receive a quality education. In 1771, at the age of 24, his father deeded him a barn and a small piece of land, and in 1774, at 27, he married his first cousin Martha Day. Their first child came along in May of 1776, just before the Declaration of Independence was signed. Justin and Martha had six other children, but only five survived childhood.

While Morgan is best remembered for the horse breed that bears his name, that was not his only interest. For a time, he ran a tavern from his home. He was described as a farmer in town records, as well as a stallioneer, that is, he charged stud fees that were considered part of his income.

During the War for Independence, Springfield was a cavalry depot for Patriot forces, and Hartford, Connecticut was considered the horse center of the times, and relatively nearby.

In 1782, Morgan was charged with aiding a runaway slave in his quest for freedom. While we can applaud their help, their motive—gaining another soldier for the Continental Army—may be considered self-serving.

After serving as a tax collector for a number of years, Morgan was sued by the government because he couldn’t collect adequate taxes. Following the war, folks had fallen on hard times, and cash was scarce. Since taxes had to be paid in coins (currency), many fell behind. This legal action is presumed one reason why Morgan sold up in 1788 and moved to Randolph, Vermont by ox sled. His work with horses continued, but it wasn’t until 1792 that his equine namesake appeared.

In Randolph, he set up home and business once again, including a tavern and his election to town clerk and treasurer. Their final two children were born in Randolph, but his wife died ten days after the birth of the last child.

No doubt Morgan’s excellent education contributed to his business acumen, as well as his election to various positions of trust which required reading, writing, and mathematics. Not so well known about him was also his love for music and ability to compose, tech, and conduct music. He traveled widely in his teaching, as far west as Pennsylvania, as far east as New York, and perhaps even as far Baltimore, Maryland.

He is considered the father of “America’s first original art music”, in the form of fugues, which require complex composition with elaborate repeating of chords by voices or musical instruments. However, Europe considered the form rustic, particularly as the New England adherents were not formally trained in music.

Only nine pieces of his music survive, primarily because he didn’t publish the tunes. Around 1810, fuguing went out of favor until the mid-20th century, and he has now regained his stature in the music world.

Justin Morgan the man died of tuberculosis in March 1798 at the relatively young but then considered old age of 51, and he is buried in the Randolph Center, Vermont cemetery beside his wife Martha. His penmanship, of which he was proud, deteriorated in his final years, and a permanent record of his decline are inscribed in the town records as town clerk and treasurer.

Morgan Horse Museum

Justin Morgan—the horse

The Morgan horse—or The Justin, as afficionados refer lovingly to the breed—was developed in the United States, and can be traced back to a colt named Figure in the 1780s. Generally described as a compact horse with a stout well-arched neck, a short back, and an expressive head, the breed is known for speed, and was used in racing, harness racing, the cavalry, and the Pony Express.

They are also legendary for their pulling ability and strength, often used as carriage and coach horses, and were equally suitable for general riding. As the breed expanded westward, cowboys recognized all of these traits, and the breed was often used for cattle work. In the 19th century, the breed was exported to England, and became the basis of the Hackney horse, famous for pulling carriages and coaches in London.

Morgan Horse -- Wikipedia

Figure originally didn’t belong to Justin Morgan the man, but was surrendered to him in 1792 to pay an outstanding debt. While the horse’s exact pedigree is unknown, although some contend he was a Thoroughbred with unique physical and personality attributes, which he consistently passed along to his offspring.

Justin Morgan the man used Figure primarily as a farm or draught horse, expanding into using him extensively as a breeding stallion after he realized what a gem of an animal he owned. In fact, had Fate not intervened, the horse breed might have been called something completely different. Justin Morgan the man tried to sell the horse on his journey to Vermont, but times were tough and nobody had the money to buy. However, he broke pulling records for moving a log no horse but him could, and he was the only mount suitable for President James Munroe, not to mention he outran the most-winning racehorse central Vermont had ever known. Records exist for only six of his sons, three of whom form the foundation bloodstock for the breed. Woodbury, Bullrush, and Sherman were known for endurance, speed in harness, and their prepotency—ability to pass along their physical and personality traits to offspring. Sherman went on to become a foundation stallion for the Standardbred, American Saddlebred, and Tennessee Walking horse breeds.

Morgan Horse museum display

Morgan horses have been used in harness, in racing, and as calvary mounts, which is how the breed became popular with the Pony Express. Used primarily on the eastern route, the horses were fast and strong, and the Express purchased these horses from the military to provide mounts for their riders.

Morgan Horse Museum display

Justin Morgan the horse remained healthy throughout the lifetimes of two ordinary horses. Every mare he bred to—regardless of her form—bore a Morgan foal who possessed his disposition and abilities. No wonder this little horse serves as the foundation for the breed.

Justin Morgan the horse was kicked by another horse in 1821, and later died of his injuries at the ripe old—and still working and studding—age of 32. He is buried in Tunbridge, Vermont.



Giveaway: Leave a comment and your cleverly disguised email address (So the ‘bots don’t get you) and I will draw randomly for a free ebook copy of “Hollenberg Hearts”, Book 1 in Hearts of the Pony Express series.

About Hollenberg Hearts: A mail order bride. A crippled stationmaster. No way out for either of them—except with each other. Can they surrender their hearts and find true love?

About Donna:

A hybrid author, Donna writes squeaky clean historical and contemporary suspense. She has been published more than 60 times in books; is a member of several writers' groups; facilitates a critique group; teaches writing classes; and judges in writing contests. She loves history and research, traveling extensively for both, and is an avid oil painter. She is taking all the information she’s learned along the way about the writing and publishing process, and is coaching committed writers.



www.DonnaSchlachter.com Stay connected so you learn about new releases, preorders, and presales, as well as check out featured authors, book reviews, and a little corner of peace. Plus: Receive 2 free ebooks simply for signing up for our free newsletter!

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DonnaschlachterAuthor

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Need a writing coach? www.ThePurposeFullWriter.com



Resources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_Morgan

https://www.morganhorse.com/about/museum/justin-morgan-the-man/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morgan_horse

https://breeds.okstate.edu/horses/morgan-horses.html?Forwarded=afs.okstate.edu/breeds/horses/morgan/

https://www.morganhorse.com/about/museum/

https://pinelandfarms.org/national-museum-of-the-morgan-horse/

5 Little-Known Facts About the Old Wild West

This article is brought to you by Janalyn Voigt.

I often uncover little-known historical facts while researching my novels. The Montana Gold western historical romance series was no exception Some of the quaintest tidbits hail from the Old Wild West, an era that unfolded like a wrinkled tablecloth in a back-country saloon. Below you will find research discoveries that changed my view of the American West.

5 Little-Known Facts About the Old Wild West

1. Buffalo Weren’t Buffalo

An American Bison

The hump-backed horned creatures who grazed the western prairies were actually bison, a different animal altogether. Early pioneers incorrectly dubbed them ‘buffalo’ because of their resemblance to both the African cape buffalo and Asian water buffalo.

2. The Stetson Lost Out to the Bowler (Derby) Hat

Move Over, Stetson

The Stetson is a western icon, but it actually wasn’t the most popular hat worn back in the day. That title belongs to the bowler. Peruse period photos, and you will see what I mean. The Stetson was well-made of quality fur-felt but expensive. Bowlers cost little and stayed on in the wind. Even cowboys wore them. The bowler was so popular that American author Lucius Beebe named it “the hat that won the West.”

3. You Could Go All the Way to Northern Montana by Riverboat

Riverboat travelers faced many perils.

A prospector in a hurry to stake a claim could land sooner in the Montana gold fields by riverboat, provided he arrived at all. Riverboat travel was hazardous, but many took their chances anyway. They could ride as far north as Montana’s Fort Benton, the last fur trading fort on the Upper Missouri. To find out more about this, read my previous post, Riverboat Travel in the Old Wild West.

4. Not Every Wagon Train Carried Guns

The wagon train needed help...

During my research of Bannack, a town in Montana Territory, an original historical record described the murder of several members of the local tribe by drunken townsmen. In the aftermath, tensions arose amid fear of retaliation. Volunteers from Bannack rode out by night to escort a wagon train encamped nearby into town. This became necessary as the wagon train had no guns. The record doesn’t elaborate. I’ve often wondered who they were. Perhaps Quakers, a religious sect devoted to peace.

5. Dance Hall Girls Weren’t Always Ladies of Ill-Repute

Some dance hall girls  only danced.

Young women from Germany played the hurdy-gurdy (a stringed instrument) and danced in order to sell brooms and fly-whisks. This drew the attention of potential customers. Their fame grew, and drew a contingent determined to make a profit. The girls were persuaded to forsake their homeland for America. Hoping the girls would find a better life in America, many of their parents allowed them to go. To help their impoverished families, the girls signed contracts to entertain miners in goldrush towns. Some of the girls had hard lives and fell into prostitution, but others simply danced with the miners for a fee. The untold story of the hurdy-gurdy girls is the basis for Stagecoach to Liberty (Montana Gold, book 3), which releases in December 2018. To be notified when this book goes on presale, join the Creative Worlds of Janalyn Voigt.

  About Janalyn Voigt

Janalyn Voigt's unique blend of adventure, romance, suspense, and whimsy creates breathtaking fictional worlds for readers. Known for her vivid writing, this multi-faceted author writes in the western historical romance, medieval epic fantasy, and romantic suspense genres.

Janalyn is represented by Wordserve Literary Agency. Her memberships include ACFW and NCWA. When she's not writing, she loves to garden and explore the great outdoors with her family.

Explore Janalyn Voigt's interactive website.

Spanish Language in the Old West and a giveaway

With Nancy J. Farrier

Have you ever wondered where our western terminology comes from? I was surprised to learn that many of our familiar words in the west originate from Spanish and the early Spanish and Mexican people. I wanted to share a few of those words with you.


Rancho is the origin of our word for ranch. The Spanish rancho was a large holding of land where cattle and horses were raised. The Ranchero or rancher was the owner. The ranchos in California were land grants generally made up of 14 square miles.



Vaquero, one who takes care of the cattle, became Cowboy in English. The literal translation of vaquero is cow and man. The vaquero, like the cowboy, was a rough, hard-working man who endured hardship to do his job. They hired on for trail drives or to work the ranch.



Corral is spelled the same in both Spanish and English but the pronunciation is different. Both refer to a pen or enclosure for animals.


Cañón is where we get the English word, Canyon. Cañón is a tube or pipe. If you

visit some of the canyons in the west, you can understand the how that word came to mean the landform. There are many beautiful canyons in the west.



Vigilante is another word spelled the same in Spanish and English but the pronunciation is different. In Spanish, a vigilante is a watchman or guard. In English, the word has come to mean anything from someone who protects or guards to someone who seeks out vengeance. 

Mostrenco is thought to be the origin of the word Mustang. The original use of the word referred to roaming cattle that were unclaimed, but came to mean

horses that roamed free.


Bronco, the same in Spanish and English, means rough or coarse in Spanish. When we think of the bucking bronco, we understand how the term relates to horses before they are broken to saddle. A horse that’s never been ridden before certainly is rough when a cowboy tries to ride them.



Lazo means bow, knot or tie in Spanish. Lazo changed to lasso in English. The lasso is a versatile tool used by the cowboy in a variety of ways. To rope a cow

or horse. To tied up an animal. To lead an animal. The lazo or lasso was also used to entertain.



Rodear in Spanish means to go around. Rodear became rodeo in English. At fiestas, the rodeo was a way for the vaqueros to show off their skills and challenge one another. The modern day rodeo is still a way for the cowboy to demonstrate the skills he is adept at performing. The arena is the perfect place to show off the meaning of “to go around.”



Estampida became Stampede in English. In the old west, on trail rides, a stampede was something to inspire fear. Crazed animals running flat out would trample anything in their path.



There are many more terms we borrowed from the Spanish language, but these are a few that are common in western historical fiction. Which ones were new to you? Do you have any others to add to the list? I am doing a giveaway of my newest release, The Ranchero’s Love. Leave a comment and include your email address to be entered in the giveaway.



Rosalinda knows she will never escape her past, both the choices forced on her

and the mistakes she’s made. She longs to find a place to live in peace—where she can learn to mother her children and where Lucio Armenta won’t be a constant reminder of the love she can never have. Lucio wants to marry. However, Rosalinda, the only woman he’s ever been attracted to, doesn’t meet the ideals he’s set for his future wife. When he discovers she, and her adorable brood, are accompanying him to his sister and brother-in-law’s, he objects. An objection that is overruled. When secrets from Lucio’s past are exposed, and Rosalinda faces choices no woman should have to make, will their growing love, and their faith, survive? 

Nancy J Farrier is an award winning author who lives in Southern Arizona in the Sonoran Desert. She loves the Southwest with its interesting historical past.

Nancy and her husband have five children and two grandsons. When Nancy isn’t writing, she loves to read, do needlecraft, play with her cats, and spend time with her family. Nancy is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Literary Agency. You can read more about Nancy and her books on her website: nancyjfarrier.com.

Of Wind, Tumbleweeds, and Cowboys

By Tiffany Amber Stockton

Last month, I shared about the love of pets and showcased famous dogs in TV or movies. If you missed that post, you can read it here: http://www.hhhistory.com/2018/02/for-love-of-pets.html.

Little did I know when I wrote that post, that just one week later, we'd have to make the difficult decision to say goodbye to our precious Roxie. We learned on Valentine's Day that she had developed a rather aggressive cancer in her bladder, and it combined with transitional cell carcinoma that resulted in spreading. It had come down to quality of life, and while we miss her greatly, we know we made the right decision and did the best by her.

It's getting easier with each passing day, and it won't be long before we find another sweet dog in need of our love. Now, Roxie has joined my other companions at Rainbow's Bridge, waiting until I can be reunited with them again.

I've been translating this experience into my current novel that deals with losing a loved one and life after that loss. It's been quite cathartic and healing for me. The next novel will bring me back to the west, and that leads us into today's post. Thanks so much for traveling this journey with me!

* * * * *

Of Wind, Tumbleweeds, and Cowboys

If you have ever watched an old western movie or even a TV show set in the Old West, you are quite familiar with a nuisance known as the tumbleweed. Even I remarked about seeing them when I first moved to Colorado, saying, "I am officially in the West." *grins*

For the most part, tumbleweeds are shown in deserted or ghost towns, empty and dusty streets, or out on the prairie where no buildings impede their path. But, in reality, tumbleweeds are found everywhere people are, if the conditions are right.

A "tumbleweed" is a phrase used to describe various varieties of bushes that break off when very dry, and roll with the wind.

These thick matted bushes sometimes stick to each other to resemble a giant Tumbleweed, and single Tumbleweeds six or eight feet in diameter are not uncommon in the Southwest at times. They have been seen in many Western movies, but far from being "quaint," they can be both a nuisance and a fire hazard.  Sage brush creates one of the more common kinds of tumbleweed.

Where I live in Colorado, when the wind blows across town, tumbleweeds inevitably follow. And it's amazing how those buggers can get stuck under your car, then dragged for miles. People avoid them like they do an animal or debris in the road.

One of the most ironic facts is knowing the actual tumbleweed is a plant brought over from Russia.

Scientific descriptions with good photos!

History and Description: http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/tumbleweed.htm
Nice site and has bibliographical links.

Russian Thistle: Desert USA—the Ultimate Desert Resource has a very good history article, and the photo of blossoms to the right is theirs. It's beautiful. It's also larger than life. The blossoms are teensy, and when seen through a microscope, are nearly transparent at one point.

Another iconic symbol of the American West is the cowboy.

I confess. Ever since I was a little girl, I have always loved watching westerns. And the sight of a man in jeans, boots and a Stetson have always made my heart skip a beat. If that man happens to also be astride a fine horse, all the better! *grins*

Right now, I'm working on a couple of books with a western setting. In fact, the very first complete book I wrote was set in a small western town and featured a hero who was a successful cattle baron. And now, I'm returning to writing what I love...stories about horses, cowboys, ladies and ranches in the west.

So, what is it about cowboys that appeals to so many of us? Why do little boys love to don the hat and boots and swing that lasso? Why do little girls get a twinkle in their eye when they see one? What about them makes ladies want to hop right on their horse and ride off into the sunset with them? What about the way they tip their hat makes you feel that all is right with the world? Why do stories of them always catch our ear or seeing them catch our eye? And what is it about the way they drawl the word, "ma'am" that can make you weak at the knees?

Perhaps it's a desire for those simpler times when a man's handshake and his word was his bond, when men treated women with a high measure of respect and courtesy, when loyalty was a highly-prized character trait, and when you had all you could ever hope for if you had a good woman, a good saddle and a good horse.

To me? It's the love of horses and the image that cowboys represent. They might be a little rough around the edges, and they might even stink if they've been riding range for days on end without the luxury of a creek or a shower. But we love them anyway! There is just something about them that has stood the test of time, and I'm sure will continue to do so for years to come.

Before I end, I'd like to share a web site another friend sent that's entitled:

True Cowboy - The Last Cowboy Stronghold

Whether you're looking to delve into the history of the cowboy or want to scope out some modern-day ones, or even if you've got a hankerin' to don the gear and become a cowboy or cowgirl yourself, this site has it all. Enjoy!

* * * * *

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:

* Do you love cowboys? Why or why not?

* So...what trademarks or icons of the "west" come to mind when you think of a western setting?

* When you read a western story or novel, or when you watch a movie or TV show, what items are required in order for the western setting to be believable to you?

* What did you like most about today's post?

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BIO

Tiffany Amber Stockton has been crafting and embellishing stories since childhood, when she was accused of having a very active imagination and cited with talking entirely too much. Today, she has honed those childhood skills to become an author and speaker who works in the health & wellness and personal development industry, helping others become their best from the inside out. She is also an educational consultant with Usborne Books.

She lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, along with their two children in Colorado. She has sold twenty (21) books so far and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, GoodReads, and LinkedIn.

Cowboy Songs of the Old West: A Song Quiz

By Tiffany Amber Stockton

Last month, I confessed about the current state of my life and it only allowing for the writing of novellas or short stories instead of full-length novels. If you missed that post, you can read it here: http://www.hhhistory.com/2017/01/dime-novels-and-short-stories.html.

This month, I'm taking inspiration from my love of music and singing and heading back into an era where it was just a man and his horse sometimes. :) Also figured it'd be fun to give you a little challenge too.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Match the line from the cowboy songs lyrics to the title.

Remember, since most of these cowboy songs were passed on by singing from one person to the next before they were written down, several versions of each have survived. The words you remember from any of the songs below might be a little different.

Cowboy Songs Titles:

A. THE OLD CHISOLM TRAIL
B. BUFFALO GIRLS
C. JESSE JAMES
D. BORDER AFFAIR
E. BURY ME NOT ON THE LONE PRAIRIE
F. BILLY THE KID
G. LITTLE JOE THE WRANGLER
H. GIT ALONG LITTLE DOGIES
I. RED RIVER VALLEY
J. GOOD-BYE OL' PAINT
K. SAM BASS
L. HOME ON THE RANGE
M. STRAWBERRY ROAN
N. WHEN THE WORKS ALL DONE NEXT FALL

Cowboy Songs Lyrics:

1. "Do not hasten to bid me adieu . . ."
2. "Stay away from that city, they call it Cheyenne . . . "
3. "I don't look much like a lover . . ."
4. "A kinder hearted fellow you seldom ever see . . ."
5. "Out of a job and not making a dime . . ."
6. "It's your misfortune and none of my own . . ."
7. "On a little brown pony he called Chaw . . ."
8. "A group of jolly cowboys discussing plans at ease . . ."
9. "The dirty little coward that shot Mr. Howard . . ."
10. ". . . and I stood there amazed."
11. "And tell of the desperate deeds that he did . . ."
12. "With a $10 horse and a $40 saddle . . ."
13. "I'm off to Montana for to throw the hoolihan . . ."
14. "And dance by the light of the moon . . ."
15. "Where the rattlesnakes hiss and the wind blows free . . ."


BONUS QUESTION: Which of the Old West cowboy songs had these words?
"A tall shanghai rooster and a one spotted hog . . ."

Clue: She was the most sung about lady in the Old West.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

COWBOY SONGS MUSIC QUIZ ANSWERS:

A. The Old Chisholm Trail (12)
B. Buffalo Girls (14)
C. Jesse James (9)
D. Border Affair (3)
E. Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie (15)
F. Billy the Kid (11)
G. Little Joe the Wrangler (7)
H. Git Along Little Dogies (6)
I. Red River Valley (1)
J. Good-Bye Ol' Paint (13)
K. Sam Bass (4)
L. Home on the Range (10)
M. Strawberry Roan (5)
N. When the Works All Done Next Fall (8)
O. Dreary Black Hills (2)

And the cowboy songs bonus question . . . "a tall shanghai rooster and a one spotted hog . . ." comes from Sweet Betsy From Pike.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:

* What is your favorite cowboy song and why? It can be one listed above or another one.

* What do you think was the inspiration for many of the songs from this era?

Leave answers to these questions or any comments on the post below. Come back on the 9th of February for my next appearance.

---

BIO

Tiffany Amber Stockton has been crafting and embellishing stories since childhood, when she was accused of having a very active imagination and cited with talking entirely too much. Today, she has honed those childhood skills to become an author and speaker who has partnered with Nerium International in the anti-aging, wellness, and personal development industry, helping others become their best from the inside out.

She lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, in Colorado. They have one girl and one boy, and a Retriever mix named Roxie. She has sold twenty (21) books so far and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.

Real Cowboys Don’t Just Line Dance

 

Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.

 

Dance has always been a way for people to relax and express themselves. That was as true for the nineteenth century cowboy as it is today. After spending hours in the saddle, cowboys weren’t exactly known for grace. Nor did they worry about traditional dance forms. One observer commented in 1873, that "some punchers danced like a bear 'round a beehive that was afraid of getting stung.”

Balls, Fandangos and German hops were held at ranches, barns, saloons and even under the stars. Announcements were made in local newspapers or simply by word of mouth.

Impromptu dances were common. A few cowboys would start dancing in the middle of town and everyone would soon join in. Sawdust or corn flour was often scattered across the dance floor to allow boots to slide with the greatest of ease.

If women weren’t available, “stag” dances were held. The “heifer-branded” men wore a kerchief tied to one arm and knew not to take the lead. Even the roughest, toughest cowboys were expected to mind their manners on the dance floor. Men were referred to as “gentlemen” and women as “ladies.”

Cowboy: "Can I have the last dance with you?"

Cowgirl: "You’re having it!" 

 

The Polka became all the rage during the nineteenth century and phrases such as polka dots, polka socks and polka hats began creeping into the language.

Cowboys took to polka like birds to the air, adding a distinct western flair. A cowboy’s spurs forced him to shuffle with his feet apart. Women were often held in a “vise” grip better suited to wrestling steer (actually, this describes the way my husband danced). 

Dancing is like taking a shower.

One wrong turn and you're in hot water! 

 

Immigrants brought their native dances to the west. Marching to a different drummer is one thing, but dancing to one is entirely something else. The foreign dances with their intricate steps soon turned the dance floor into mass confusion. No one really knows who first came up with the idea of picking up a megaphone and calling out steps to keep everyone on track. This was the beginning of the “figure caller.” After awhile, these callers began to create their own dances and square dancing was born. (Did you know that square dancing is always called in English, even in foreign countries?) 

One plus one makes two—except for when you’re dancing 

 

The two-step dance (sometimes called the Texas two-step) originated in 1889 when John Phillip Sousa composed the Washington Post March. The nineteenth century two step was derived from the polka. It actually has three steps, not two, and simply omitted the polka hop.

One thing is certain, no cowboy ever worried about having two left feet. 

 

Okay, 'fess up.  Any hoofers out there?

      

Welcome to Two-Time, Texas

      

   Where tempers burn hot, love runs deep                 

and a single marriage can unite a feuding town

 ...or tear it apart for good.

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"A great story by a wonderful author"

                                           -Debbie Macomber