667. Part 2 of our conversation with Kathleen Kass Byrd about her book on the history of

Natchitoches. "Kathleen M. Byrd’s Natchitoches,

Louisiana, 1803–1840 is an examination of one French

Creole community as it transitioned from a fur-trading and

agricultural settlement under the control of Spain to a critical

American outpost on the Spanish/American frontier and finally to

a commercial hub and jumping-off point for those heading west.

Byrd focuses on historic events in the area and the long-term

French Creole residents as they adapted to the American

presence. She also examines the effect of the arrival of the

Americans, with their Indian trading house and Indian agency, on

Native groups and considers how members of the enslaved

population took advantage of opportunities for escape presented

by a new international border. Byrd shows how the arrival of

Americans forever changed Natchitoches, transforming it from a

sleepy frontier settlement into a regional commercial center and

staging point for pioneers heading into Texas" (LSU

Pr.). Kathleen M. Byrd (nicknamed Kass) is a distinguished

anthropologist, archaeologist, and historian specializing in the

history and prehistory of Louisiana, particularly the

Natchitoches region. A native of Connecticut, she earned her

B.A. from Marquette University, an M.A. from LSU (focusing on

coastal subsistence patterns), and a Ph.D. from the University

of Florida. She served as Louisiana's state archaeologist for 15

years before joining Northwestern State University (NSU) in

Natchitoches in 1994, where she later became director of the

School of Social Sciences for 12 years until her retirement. 

The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it

as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in

print for the first time in 222 years. Order your copy today!

Cat.

    Frosty's heritage, in great measure, came

from his renegade father. Incapable of fearing anything, he

was sufficient unto himself and he'd known that from the first

day he'd opened his eyes and looked around the shed. There was

not and never would be a situation with which he could not

cope or a foe from whom he would run in panic. His

self-confidence was almost as vast as his curiosity. He would

stand alone, or with kindred spirits. Never would he place

himself at the mercy of, or pay homage to, one who was not

kindred.

    He liked the woman. She was unfailingly

kind and gentle. She knew exactly how to pet him and she ' a

small point ' brought his food. But he would not, as the gray

kittens did, unbend so far as to met her at the door. She was

not his superior.

Orleans kicks off its first Mardi Gras.

cancelled on February 27, 1979 due to the New Orleans Police

strike.  Some Orleans Parish parades were rescheduled in

Jefferson Parish.

Kisatchie National Forest ' Valentine Lake Recreation Area

Valentine Lake Road

Forest Hill, LA 71430

Open year‑round; February is ideal for cool‑weather hiking and

quiet lakeside visits

Website: fs.usda.gov/kisatchie

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (318) 473‑7160

Valentine Lake is one of Kisatchie's most peaceful recreation

areas, offering scenic trails, birdwatching, and lakeside

relaxation during the mild late‑winter season:

pine forest with excellent wildlife viewing.

shoreline, perfect for quiet afternoons.

bream, and catfish.

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