2023 Jan NF: The Expedition of the Donner Party and Its Tragic Fate

[Lesle, Appalachain Bibliophile]

Karen wrote: "Following the discussion also inspired me to read this book. It's now in my "to read soon" pile!"

That is wonderful Karen. Our threads stay open once moved to Archived so please let us know what your thoughts are and we will comment as well!!

[Samantha, Creole Literary Belle]

Great to hear the discussion from this book has urged others to read it.

Lesle, I'm glad the articles I posted were helpful in giving a better picture of the history from this event. I always intend to post more info for nonfiction but don't always have the time.

[Lesle, Appalachain Bibliophile]

I finally had to stop reading other stories and articles to finally get through. I am glad I have read this. Do not think I will ever revisit this tale of pioneering again.

Here is my review mostly from my hard time understanding of it all and like Samantha said thankfully I was not from that time frame and had those dreams of free land and adventure: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

If you are still reading this please wait to read my review.

[Lesle, Appalachain Bibliophile]

Sandy, I did read the appendices, it seems as if she felt the need to dispel rumors that she didnt agree with.
Mr Keseberg's statement is what I would want to believe happened to Mrs Donner and Eliza assuredly felt the same.
With all the other readings I am not sure if the devastation she was protesting to did not happen in some degree.

[Chad]

I read them too. I agree with Lesle that they are there because she wanted to set the record straight (as she knew or believed it). Again, we’re dealing with someone who was 4 years old at the time.

[Lesle, Appalachain Bibliophile]

Chad wrote: "Again, we’re dealing with someone who was 4 years old at the time."

I totally agree Chad. Some of this had to come from her older sisters but not really sure how much they would have been honest with her. I do not think it was really discussed that much from the way the statement was during school. She could not have very many, if any memories on her own.

[Blueberry]

Overnight weather at Donner Pass. Winter storm warning. 3-6 ft of snow. Wind gusts 50-75 mph. Blowing snow may cause white out conditions. Down trees and limbs and power outages due to heavy snow and gusty winds. Current temp 13°. At least it doesn't get minus temps in California I believe. Never seen them. It may have been the only thing that could have made it worse for the Donner Party.

[Lesle, Appalachain Bibliophile]

I would think the wind gust would make a wind chill below freezing.

[Samantha, Creole Literary Belle]

Lesle wrote: "I would think the wind gust would make a wind chill below freezing."

Lesle, I think you're absolutely correct. That wind chill would easily be below freezing at 13 F and gusts 50-75 mph. With gusts that strong, I expect the sustained winds of at least around 30 mph. Living in southeast Louisiana, I do not even know what negative temperatures feel like. Brrr!

[Lesle, Appalachain Bibliophile]

Samantha I have that here in Ohio. If its in the teens or less I am freezing and jacking up the furnace. I cannot imagine trying to survive with blankets and regular clothes in a tent!

[Karen]

Lesle wrote: "Samantha I have that here in Ohio. If its in the teens or less I am freezing and jacking up the furnace. I cannot imagine trying to survive with blankets and regular clothes in a tent!"

It's all what you're used to, Lesle. I'm in OH, too, but I like the cool temps. I never have my furnace above 62o. But, that being said, I also can't imagine trying to survive with blankets and regular clothes in a tent under those freezing conditions. It must have been heartbreaking for the parents to see their children suffering so.

[Lesle, Appalachain Bibliophile]

Karen wrote: "It's all what you're used to, Lesle. I'm in OH, too, but I like the cool temps...."

Karen you are so right! Your up on the Lake and I am more southern in Lancaster. I actually am odd. When it is in the 40s & 50s outside I have a least one window open to let the fresh air in. Yes the furnace is still on.

[Karen]

I realize I'm reading the "wrong" book! I'm reading Ordeal by Hunger: The Story of the Donner Party by George Stewart. I find the discussion meaningful, even though my book is not the same.

I cannot imagine suffering such hardships--Indian attacks, horrible weather, mountains to cross over, at least one murder (so far). I'm up to the major snowstorm now. How any of these people lived through this is truly a miracle.

My book was written in 1935 and has maps and timelines, which I find helpful.

[Lesle, Appalachain Bibliophile]

No worries Karen I am sure since it is a true story that it is basically the same.

This is the worst part with the cold and tons of snow. How they managed to stay warm and survive is beyond my thinking. I would not be able to mentally handle such a challenge let alone physically.