JUST DOWN THE ROAD, HISTORY OF ELKMONT - PART 7

Ma got busy fixing a special treat for all, venison porridge. This consisted of chopped up salt venison, pulverized buckwheat, fresh ground basil, chopped up wild onions, a small piece of indian turnip, lightly crushed chestnuts and seasoned with some ground sassafras leaves. Then she made a large piece of bread consisting of ground buckwheat and wild barley, venison stock, salt and water. 

The day was going well as she walked down to the branch to check on Herman. Herman had found more pieces of gold. The sun was bright and warm as she sat watching him. He was not having a care in the world. Involved in what he was doing. Ma begin to wonder where all their efforts would wind up. She begin to think about her sisters back East and tears begin to fall realizing she may never see them again. They were so far away. . Her thoughts were quickly interrupted when she heard a commotion in the cabin. Out the door came a huge black Bear with what appeared to be a hind quarter of deer in it’s mouth.

Gary Compton