On Sunday, February 21st, author D.R. Haskin will discuss the fascinating history of one family settling in northeast Nebraska in the early 1870s, sharing from his 2009 publication, The Hills of Mars. Drawing from diaries, obituaries, photos, land records and other documents, and heavily on family stories passed down through the generations, the author develops a poignant and realistic look at early Nebraska. The title refers to the name of a settlement in northern Antelope County near the Verdigris River called Mars, founded by a group of hearty pioneers from Baraboo, Wisconsin, headed by one Samuel J. Haskin, great-great grandfather of the author. The elder Haskin was a cooper by trade, married to a half-Mohawk woman named Annie, and living in New York. Many life changes led them to Wisconsin and eventually to Nebraska; the last move initiated by both sadness at the death of a young daughter and the opportunities afforded he and his neighbors under the newly established Homestead Act. Haskin's respect for Native cultures promoted good relations between him and the Ponca in the area; in fact, Mon-e-ga-he (Arrow Chief) of the Ponca helped Haskin choose and stake out his claim, and helped bury one of the members of the party. Weddings, funerals, blizzards, harvests, births, trade, and just keeping the community together as it grew were all challenges faced by any early settlers, yet this little book written in informal narrative form captures the sense of being privy to the thoughts and actions of the Haskin family and friends. As the author states, "He turned his sadness into great pride over the legacy he created. His legacy is my heritage." The original homestead is still in family hands and tours are available to see the pioneer dugouts and the wagon trails, and hear stories while standing on the very ground where they took place.
The program begins at 2:00 PM and is free and open to the public. A reception with refreshments will follow. The author's books can be purchased for signing.
