Sunday, January 24, 2010

Creve Coeur, MO - A Great Indian Story



The name is French for “broken heart”. According to legend, an Indian princess fell in love with a French fur trapper sometime during the 1700’s. However, the fur trapper did not feel the same passion for romance as his young Indian lady friend. After months of trying to seduce the fur trapper, the Indian princess became distraught and filled with depression. The Indian princess felt life was no longer worth living if she could not be with her one and only true love. Devastated and heart broken she went to a nearby lake and leaped into the water. Unable to swim the lake engulfed the life of the Indian princess and she drowned. Shortly after her death the lake then formed into a “broken heart”. Both the city and the lake are now called Creve Coeur after this legendary story. This heart-shaped lake near St. Louis is still there. If you need directions be sure you pronounce the name correctly. It’s “Creeve Core”!

Photo Courtesy Library of Congress

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Intercourse, PA - It's just not the same today!

Intercourse, PA - The town was originally founded in 1754. It was known as Cross Keys after a tavern in the area. There are several unsubstantiated versions as to the origin of the name “Intercourse”. Some say the name described the long entrance to an old race track east of town. This stretch of road was first known as the “Entercourse”. By 1814, the name evolved into Intercourse. Another explanation suggests the name comes from two well known and traveled roads which crossed in the middle of the town. Today, the town is a well-known Amish settlement. Again, it is amazing how meanings of some names have changed and how we view them today.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Rabbit Hash, KY


Rabbit Hash, KY - The town acquired its name from the events of a major flood that happened in the area. The name came into existence in 1847. A huge flood ravished the settlement during this time. A large rabbit population retreated into this area from the rising waters and became the main food source for the citizens. There were so many rabbits that the local people created a special stew called “hash”. The dish became so popular that the community adopted the name of “Rabbit Hash”. The town was completely submerged in 1937 by another flood. Today, only the Rabbit Hash General Store stands in this community. I’m not sure about the rabbit population!

Rabbit Hash Recipe - FYI!

1 1/2 to 2 cups of cooked rabbit

1/3 cup of shortening

3 potatoes

3 onions

½ teaspoon of celery salt

½ teaspoon of salt

½ teaspoon of pepper

PS - The town mayor is always an animal! (cat, dog, horse etc)



LUCY LOU (Dog) was newly elected mayor in 2008! Really!