Caddo Nation: Stirrup Dance

Caddo Nation: Happy Brithday Dance

Taysha Caddo word for Texas and Caddo Princess name

Video: Texana exhibit Pioneer Life at Getzendaner Park

Pictures from TEXANA at Getzendaner Park 09/27/2008

PS the paper towels and aluminum foil wouldn't normally be in the picture the wagon wasn't totally set up yet :)

Texana at the Chautauqua 9-27-2008

I recently attended part of the Texana event at the Chautauqua in Waxahahchie, Texas yesterday. I visited pioneer reenactment set ups in the park. They had an original Chuck Wagon. Which for pioneers was usually a smaller farm wagon for hauling stuff on the farm converted into a chuck wagon. This particular wagon was all original except the bottom floor had to be replaced due to rotting. The campfire setup and tents were run by reenactors in period clothes. I did not get to see the official reenactments. I did get to hear Caddo Nation tell their story and perform their dances. They talked about how their people were major deerskin traders with the French. I had heard about this when researching the Halberd head at the Ellis County museum. Jay Blaine had participated in the identification of a caddo site near cedar creek where French coins and trading items were being found, It was a major international trade and I believe took place in the 17th century. Deerskin was bringing good money in Europe at the time.

The next speaker of the evening was a historian who tied in Spain to the development of Texas. How the Spanish had designed their conquista based on what they took from being dominated by the Muslims at one time. How even spanish foods and words came from the Muslims. For example arroz the name for rice is of Arabic origin. How the Alamo and Goliad are examples of Muslim construction. How the use of a cavalry was learned by the Spanish from being defeated by the Muslims.

Very intertaining and learning experience.

Catfish Plantation welcomes Ghost Hunters

The Catfish Plantation is going to have a raffle Oct 25th for 8 lucky winners to meet long time Catfish Plantation residents Caroline, Elizabeth and Will on Halloween Night. Of course Caroline, Elizabeth and Will are dead but don't let that stop you from socializing with them. The Texas Spirit Seeker group is going to do some electronic surveillance of the plantation at the same time.

"Eight lucky winners will be able to work side by side with Texas Spirit Seekers, which is returning to the restaurant to further expand on some work it did in March that captured several eerie electronic recordings and a ghostly photograph."

"The winners will meet Texas Spirit Seekers at 10 p.m. Oct. 31 at the restaurant, where they will have the chance to help set up, position cameras and help monitor the activity as it happens."

- wdl

Click Here for more details on how to enter raffle and what it benefits.

Click Here for more info on Ellis County Ghosts.

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