Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 22, 2017)
Wednesday, November 22, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon GRAVY: Pilgrims’ landing had lasting impact — Continued from page 16 — heritage, even the fact they had unique load- bearing mammals, like horses. These factors combined gave the conquistadors a massive advantage over the sophisticated civilizations of the Aztec and Inca empires. “But weapons alone can’t account for the breathtaking speed with which the indigenous population of the New World were completely wiped out. “Within just a few generations, the conti- nents of the Americas were virtually emptied of their native inhabitants — some academics estimate that approximately 20 million peo- ple may have died in the years following the European invasion – up to 95 percent of the population of the Americas. No medieval force, no matter how blood- thirsty, could have achieved such enormous levels of genocide. Instead, Europeans were aided by a deadly secret weapon they weren’t even aware they were carrying: Smallpox.” Smallpox probably wasn’t the culprit in the case of the Wampanoag (bubonic plague seems most likely), but the point remains valid: The land was cleared for the Pilgrims and other European settlers in large part by germs. The Pilgrims, as was their wont, attrib- uted this to God. The Wampanoag, no less metaphysical in their orientation, may have done the same. Of course it is important to recognize that there is no agency here. Although there were later plots to infect Indian populations with smallpox deliberately, the massive destruc- tion wrought by germs was biological hap- penstance. As the Black Plague reshaped Europe, killing a third of its population, so germs reshaped North America. I take issue with the use of the term genocide to describe the devastation wrought by disease upon the native populations. Genocide is a fraught term, implying a deliberate program of destruction against a targeted group. That isn’t what happened here. But deliberate or not, lack of resistance to European diseases doomed the native peoples, greatly reducing their populations and weakening their base of resistance before the intruders even arrived in force. “We Shall Remain — After the Mayflower” documents the gradual — and probably inevitable — breakdown of the Puritan/ Wampanoag alliance, which ended in King Philip’s War in the 1670s — the bloodiest conflict in American history. Per capita casu- alties were not equaled even in the American Civil War. This was no storybook First Thanksgiving story to warm the heart, but watching it is a family tradition. It isn’t all about football and turkey. The tale is a poignant one for a festive holiday, but one that bears remembering. 21 Beautiful & Histor ic Lake Cree k Lodge Has The Best Holiday Parties On-site chef – Amazing menu Perfect holiday setting for family or business Call now to plan your own event or join us for Christmas Eve dinner at 6 p.m. Reservations required 541.516.3030 lakecreeklodge.com Pott ery Studio S ale An invitati on to sho & d ri i n k s w p and enjoy some a p ith long-tim e Sisters p petizers otters Mitch & M ichelle D eaderick & Sunday , Decemb er 2 & 3 11 Or call fo a.m. to 4 p.m. r a priv Saturday o r alw w a y s sho ate appo intme wing at nt 541.54 H ood A v 8.1704 e. Ar t • 1 Northw est 7 corner of 192 Jordan Rd Cloverdale ., & Jordan Sisters roads Hope to see you there! Sisters Rental Last winter taught Sisters the importance of being prepared. Get ready to deal with the snowfall we know is coming with Sisters Rental’s full line of Ariens snow-blowers. Sisters Rental also offers snow-blower ser- vice for all makes and models, with parts in stock to make sure your equipment is ready for the travails of winter. And if you’re already dreaming of spring, now is a GREAT time to get your yard equipment serviced. Beat the rush and get your power equipment set up with fuel that will stay good through the winter and be ready to fire up when the season turns again. For that hard-to-buy-for person on your list, Sisters Rental offers a complete line of STIHL equipment and apparel, featuring a lifetime guarantee on all hand tools. Stop by the showroom — somebody on your list will be really happy you did! Sutt le Tea Knowing you value your health, the Tosello family opened Suttle Tea, envision- ing an unhurried environment where they would reintroduce a form of refreshment steeped in ancient tradition. As well, they’d offer delicious and dis- tinctive new signature tea drinks. Two years later, Suttle Tea is so much more, having become a kind of community living room, a popular gathering place for locals and travelers. This holiday season, the Tosellos invite you to sip tea and shop local. Enjoy all-natural, handcrafted tea or coffee drinks while finding the perfect gift. Crepes, pastries, fine chocolates. Suttle Tea features ample seating, free WiFi, and board games. They’re open late on weeknights! Stop by and take a little break from that holiday rush, and go home with something won- derful for the folks on your list. HOLIDAY TRADITIONS Pick up your Christmas Tree Permit and rent or purchase a Chainsaw or Handsaw to cut it down! 506 N. Pine St. 541-549-9631 Sales • Service • Rentals • Accessories • www.sistersrental.com Latte • Chai • Bubble Tea • Matcha Crepes • Pastries • Fine Chocolates Gift certifi cates Loose tea & accessories Try our Christmas blend! 450 E. Cascade | 541-549-8077 Open Mon.-Fri. 9 am-7:30 pm, Sat. 10 am-6 pm, Sun. 12-6 pm
