Episode 214 - Episode 213 - Winter Wonderland on the Frontier Part 2: Libbie Custer's Christmas Legacy
This week on the Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery podcast, Jennie and Dianne continue their fascinating discussion with author Pamela McColl about Elizabeth "Libbie" Custer, the resilient wife of General George Armstrong Custer. In part one, they explored her pioneering experiences living with Custer in the West. Now, they're diving deeper into the incredible changes she witnessed during her lifetime - from the Civil War to the dawn of the 20th century, through World War I, and into the Great Depression. They examine how Libbie's own experiences as a widow fueled her mission to support others navigating life after the death of a beloved husband. They also discuss how Christmas evolved into a cherished tradition after the Civil War, bringing people together during an Ordinary Extraordinary time of great change not only for America, but much of the world navigating new found identities.
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Need an Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery Podcast tee, hoodie or mug? Find all our taphophile-fun much here:
https://oecemetery.etsy.com
Links to Libbie Custer's books:
"Boots and Saddles"; Or, Life in Dakota with General Custer
And
"Tenting on the Plains"; or, General Custer in Kansas and Texas
Can both be ready for free on Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/40799
Physical Copies can be purchased here:
https://www.abebooks.com/book-search/author/custer-elizabeth-bacon/
Resources used to research this episode include:
Monnett, John H. "Christmas With the Custers: In Bitter Cold and Battles, Libbie Custer Fought for Holiday Cheer ." https://www.historynet.com/. 24 Dec. 2016. www.historynet.com/frontier-christmas-custers/. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Enright, Gary. "The Life of Libby Custer ." https://www.sdpb.org/. 3 Oct. 2017. www.sdpb.org/images-of-the-past/2017-10-03/the-life-of-libby-custer. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
, Mandan Historical Society . "Elizabeth Clift [Bacon] Custer (1842-1933)." http://www.mandanhistory.org/. www.mandanhistory.org/biographiesac/elizabethcuster.html. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Hufford, Deborah . "Elizabeth Custer—The Great Woman Behind the Man ." https://www.notesfromthefrontier.com/. 18 Aug. 2020. www.notesfromthefrontier.com/post/elizabeth-custer-the-great-woman-behind-the-man.
Pamela McColl
Author/Historian
Author, historian, and vintage book collector Pamela McColl tours America in 2022 speaking on the poem’s vibrant legacy at dozens of museums, bookstores, and libraries. McColl presents the poem’s story in a new book, Twas The Night – The Art and History of the Classic Christmas Poem.
The author calls the masterpiece of juvenile fiction the most often read, recited, reprinted, and collected work in the library of English literature and considers the 200th milestone of this warm-hearted poem cause for celebration.
“In compiling the material for Twas The Night – The Art and History of the Classic Christmas Poem I accessed art collections and combed through archives across America. I made fascinating discoveries including locating the only known to exist photograph of the poet Clement Clarke Moore ( New York 1779-1863) and of the home where the lines were crafted for Christmas Eve 1822.” McColl
“Charles Dickens and Washington Irving may have created Christmas dinner, but it was Moore “The Poet of Christmas Eve” who gave us Santa Claus with all the trimmings.” McColl
“For the very first time, the poem’s own story is presented. It’s a luscious, entertaining tome that took ten years to create. Bravo, author and editor, Pamela McColl! ” David Paul Kirkpatrick, American film producer and writer, former President Paramount Pictures, President Production Walt Disney Pictures, Touchstone Pictures.
“A delightful and informative exploration of “A Visit From St. Nicholas” for the holiday season.” Kirkus Reviews.
“Whether a library is focused on art, history, …
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