Episode 15: Prairie Fever: Isolation & Loneliness

<p><img src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/337586/homesteadwomen.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="229" /></p> <p>Sherry and Marshall discuss prairie fever, which is a term that was coined to describe the isolation, loneliness, and depression experienced by pioneers on the prairie.</p> <p>They talk about the Homestead Act, Willa Cather's books about it, weather, and more.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>This show's lagniappe:</strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Potato Salad</strong></p> <p>5 lbs. new potatoes</p> <p>3 slices bacon, diced</p> <p>1 onion, peeled and diced</p> <p>½ cup vinegar</p> <p>¼ cup water</p> <p>3-5 tablespoons flour</p> <p>Salt and pepper to taste</p> <p> </p> <p>Boil the unpeeled potatoes over high heat in a large pot. Cook until tender. The skins can be removed or left on. Drain and set aside.</p> <p>Fry the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove, but leave the grease in the pan. Set bacon aside.</p> <p>Add the onion to the grease, along with the vinegar and water. Allow to boil over medium high heat until the onion is soft. Mix three tablespoons of flour with a small amount of water to make a paste. Add this to the boiling liquid and cook until thick. If it doesn’t thicken, add more flour. Remove from heat and allow to cool.</p> <p>Once the mixture is cool pour it over the potatoes. Gently toss and taste for seasoning.</p> <p>Recipe adapted from the <em>Wichita (Kansas) Searchlight</em>, 1908</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Your Hosts</strong>:</p> <p> </p> <p><em>To learn more about Sherry Monahan and her books, visit her <a href="https://sherrymonahan.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">website</a>. </em></p> <p><em>To learn more about Marshall Trimble and his work, visit his <a href="http://www.marshalltrimble.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">website</a>.</em></p> <p><br /> <strong>Experience History</strong>:</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://www.nps.gov/home/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Homestead National Historic Park</a>, Beatrice, Nebraska</p> <p><a h