Columns

As this writer has stated many times in the past — History can take many forms. Today’s article primarily concerns a man that few in DeSoto Parish know or remember, Travis Spears. He and his wife were born here in the early 1900’s and he went to work in the oil fields in the 1930’s for the Standard Oil Co. After working in the drilling or production end for 15 years he was sent to Standard Oil’s South American Division in Venezuela. There he worked his way up to management in production. He and Mrs. Spears moved back to Mansfield with their 5th grade son, Travis, Jr. and they built a nice home on Hwy. 84 West near where Jeff and Jill Heard presently live. Travis, Jr. later became an M.D.

We are both trying to be health conscious and when Susan told me about this simple and good slow-cooker shrimp dish I immediately asked her to make it. You’re gonna love it but first I want to tell you about the interesting day we had.

She has three inside dogs – yes, three …. AND I have an outside cat. Not the best combination you say? Well, we decided that she should bring them down for a visit at my place, you know, get them acclimated and all and introduce them to Mr. Tux (Ha Ha – he said to “Bring those punks down!”) and my backyard and woods.

From time to time the towns of DeSoto Parish have been mentioned but several have asked that an article just on these towns be compiled. The history of the towns of DeSoto is interesting and this writer thinks you will enjoy.

Mansfield, the parish seat if government, was determined by the La. legislature in 1843 and incorporated April 15, 1847. Several names were suggested such as Jackson and Ferdinand however, Thomas Abington gave a very interesting speech for the name Mansfield. Lord Mansfield of England, the only British leader that supported the original 13 colonies, was chosen as the name for our parish capital. The first post office was in 1844, a few months after the Keatchie post office. Mansfield’s most noted historical happenings were the Mansfield Female College that was open from 1854 to 1930 and the April 8, 1864 Battle of Mansfield.

Are you ready for spud season? If you want to grow your own potatoes, it’s time to dig into the dirt and get planting.

Not only are potatoes simple to grow, but they also pack a punch of essential nutrients, including calcium, iron, potassium and vitamins B6 and C. With 2 grams of dietary fiber and 3 grams of protein per serving plus a healthy dose of prebiotic resistant starch, they’re a nutritious addition to any plate and garden.

Planting potatoes in Louisiana kicks off as early as mid-January in the southern region and extends through February. We recommend planting between Jan. 15 and Feb. 15, with north Louisiana starting a little later.

Potatoes originated in South America, tracing back to the Inca of Peru around 8000 to 5000 B.C. Spanish conquistadors brought them to Europe, and Sir Walter Raleigh introduced them to Ireland – the country many of us associate with potatoes – in 1589.

Native Plants, Moon Gardens and Cyber Lime Are Gardening Trends to Watch in 2024

Every year, a series of gardening surveys is conducted to determine evolving trends in home gardening, consumer interests, perspectives and the types of information they value. The title of Garden Media’s 2024 Garden Trends Report, “Eco-optimism,” speaks volumes about the ecological consciousness of home gardeners.

Some interesting findings from the survey: About 67% of Americans aged 18 to 23 report experiencing “eco-anxiety,” described by a persistent fear of environmental catastrophes fueled by the 50% increase in the frequency of climate-related disasters since 2000. Last year ranked among the top 10 warmest years on record, and in the South, we had some record-breaking droughts.

Ketchup or Catsup?

How do you pronounce this famous American condiment? It probably depends on where you’re from – kinda like the different pronunciations of ‘Pee-Can’, ‘Pa-Con’, or ‘Pee-cOn’. AND we Louisianans love to make fun of Yankees saying ‘Cray-fish’ instead of ‘CRAW-Fish’ as God intended.

Anyway, February’s National Geographic had a big article on “How Ketchup Made Food Safer” by Deborah Blum. She belives that we don’t really know where the name came from but, perhaps, from a 6th century Asian sauce made from fermented fish and called “Ke-Tsiap” (Ga- Aaak!). She reports that our “Ketchup” first came on the market in the late 19th century but it was a thin sauce made from tomato scraps and thickened with anything from ground pumpkin rinds to apple pumace and dyed a deceptive red or put in colored glass containers to hide the appearance and condition of the contents.

In case you’ve forgotten, we have three dogs. No, that’s not true. we have two dogs, and Ruger has one. But, as with most family pets, only one person cares for all of them, Rebel is Ruger’s dog, but I feed her and pet her and let her outside and…well, you get the idea.

Recently, John found seven puppies wandering around Firetower Road. I won’t go into the irresponsibility of the action. It happens everywhere and it’s beyond contempt. But one puppy stole John’s heart, and he named the dog on the way to Animal Services. He even texted me pictures, and told the lady at the shelter if no one claimed the puppy she should let him know.

My first reaction was, “We have three dogs – we don’t need a fourth!” John shoved the photo of the brown and black tiny bit of a thing into my face, but I stayed strong. Well, I repeated my words but with less assurance.

History is in many forms and today’s article takes on a whimsical form yet is about one of our true icons of the mid 1900’s – Burma Shave. They introduced in 1925 a different and unique method to advertise their products. Originally a liniment and aftershave made from “Ingredients from the Malay Peninsula and Burma”. It grew into the top shaving creams through a series of road side signs that entertained the children and adults all over America.

Basil Lime Trout

While trying to decide what to cook for a Saturday dinner Susan and I agreed on Healthy, Simple, and Something we could cook together. While knocking several ideas around she asked me if I had any original recipes that I created that would fit the bill? After thinking a minute I remembered one I’d done back when I lived in Baton Rouge and suggested my Basil Lime Trout. She suggested a real Caesar Salad side and adding a Chardonnay we were on!

In cons i d ering local history our neighbor to the south is a must for us to consider. Sabine Parish has been a good neighbor to DeSoto since 1843 and the founding of the two parishes. Sabine was organized two months before DeSoto and it was taken solely from Natchitoches Parish whereas DeSoto took the southern half from Natchitoches and the north from Caddo Parish which was organized in 1838 from Natchitoches. There was some exchange of property with Sabine that straightened the southern boundary line of DeSoto.