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Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Did You Know... by C.T. Buttars

 DID YOU KNOW…

… The settlers who came to Laketown and Pickleville were faced with many challenges. They may have anticipated obvious hardships such as obtaining food and shelter, dealing with the natural wildlife, extreme weather conditions, and establishing peaceful interactions with the Indians.  But GRASSHOPPERS and CRICKETS?  Elizabeth Astle and Mary Stuck described it in their article written in 1956: 

In1869, “…these insects came in great numbers and destroyed almost everything green – all the gardens, grain, and much of the hay… One day a strong wind sprung up and continued for twenty-four hours.  It blew the grasshoppers and crickets into the lake and they were drowned.  When the tide came in, they were deposited knee deep upon the beach.  When a person walked through them, they snapped and crackled like dry straw or crisp paper.  As far as the eye could reach, a heavy dark line could be seen against the white sandy shore.  Their prayers had been answered.  After that, plentiful crops were raised…”.   Hardships were common but thankfully the settlers endeavored to persevere!



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