9464

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9464
• Author: Burton, D. K. and K. M. Irving, eds.
• Title: The Rivers We Know
• USFW Year: 2002.
• USFW - Doc Type: An Anthology of River Experiences,
• Copyright Material: YES

burned down to hot coals the fish were placed in Dutch ovens
for cooking. There must have been at least a dozen Dutch ovens
in the coals. The smell of fish frying or baking in bacon grease
was overpowering. The women added to this meal with home-
made bread, green beans from the garden, pork and beans, pick-
les and everything else a pot-luck fish fry could provide.
When the announcement came that the first batch of fish
was done, dinner was ready and come and get it, we all rejoiced
(especially me)!
After all had eaten their fill and the meal was over the men
sat in the shade of the big old cottonwood tree near the bank of
the Green River. Some drank coffee while others rolled Bull
Durham cigarettes. Crops and politics and a few jokes were the
topics of discussion. The women grouped together, too, exchang-
ing the latest news about the community, as well as local gossip
and homemaking techniques. Children were constantly running
about, playing a variety of games such as tag, steal-the-flag, and
hide and seek. After they got tired and hot from the sun, they
took a refreshing plunge in the cool waters of the river. Occa-
sionally one or two kids paused by the Dutch ovens to grab a
portion of hot, succulent fish, and then dashed off, eating as
they played.
Life was sweet and all was well with the world.

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