In the October 28, 1842 Norwich Courier ran the following weather prediction article right on the front page. “SQUIRRELS AND A SIGN OF A HARD WINTER. – The Detroit Advertiser says a squirrel hunt took place in that city week before last. The number killed was three thousand three hundred and sixty. – Other papers ran similar notices like wholesale slaughters. The Buffalo Commercial Advertiser states that for some weeks past, the woods in the neighborhood of Fort Eerie, across the river, have literally swarmed with squirrels. Within the past week or two, they have crossed the Niagara to the American side in vast numbers. The width and rapidity of the river prove fatal to many of them, but little armies of them nevertheless succeed in reaching the shore, whence they push off South. On the Allegany River they are so numerous that it has not been deemed worthwhile to waste powder and shot in killing them. Those wishing squirrel pie, stand on the banks of the stream and knock the little “varmint” on the head with a stick, as they swim across. This apparent general emigration of the squirrels to the South is held by the Indians and others knowing in such matters, to be a token of a hard winter [to come].”
For anyone interested in making Squirrel Stew, here is a recipe from a Leffingwell House Museum Fundraiser cookbook and later recipe bookmark collection. The delicious stew has been successfully made with the substitution of cut up chicken breast for the squirrel.
Squirrel Stew
Ingredients:
1 squirrel, cut up (or 1 chicken breast, cut up)
flour
salt and pepper
2 1/2 tablespoons butter
7 cups boiling water
1 teaspoon thyme
1 cup yellow corn
3 potatoes, cubed
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
3 medium onions, sliced
2 cups canned tomatoes with juice
2 cups lima beans
Directions:
Roll the squirrel pieces in flour, salt, and pepper.
Brown in butter.
Add squirrel and all other ingredients, (with the exception of the tomatoes), to the boiling water, cover, and simmer for 1-1/2 to 2 hours.
Add the vegetables and continue to simmer another hour. Serve hot.
P.S. this is great crock pot soup and I add more vegetables because I like them. OK you have discovered that I am not a really big fan of lima beans so I switch them out for other vegetables or beans I care more for. Wondering what to do with the turkey wings? They are a great substitute for the squirrel too. Depending on your sense of humor, cut up the wings with the bones and tell your family or guests its squirrel and watch their faces. Priceless!
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