The Choctaw are very interesting Native Americans. They are interesting not only for their way of life, but how they came up with an alternative way to settling disputes. They resorted to something a little less brutal instead of raging into an all out Native War, instead they played a good game of Ancient Stick ball. Stickball is said to be the oldest field sport in America with a dated recording of this game by a Jesuit priest all the way back in 1729. Who knows when exactly Stick ball was created by the Choctaw Native Americans.
This sport is not a dainty and can be rather brutal in the line of a sport, but it certainly is more a better way to solve dispute issues. There is no protective equipment of any kind, no helmets, knee pads and most of the time no shoes so you can believe there were lots of injuries.
What I find interesting is how far away the goal posts can be, as little as a few feet all the way up to 5 miles away with goal posts in each of the team’s native village. And there is just about no limit to the number of players. Stickball is still played even today especially at the Choctaw Indian Fair in Mississippi.
Choctaw Carrot Bread
Adapted from an early Choctaw recipe. Many Choctaws today live in Oklahoma , but they originally lived in the Southeastern United States to what is now Mississippi
1 ¼ Cups All Purpose Flour
1 ¼ Cups Corn Meal
1 ½ taps. Baking Powder
½ tsp. Salt
¼ tsp. Cinnamon
1 ½ Cups Grated Carrots
1 ¼ Cups Milk
2 Eggs, Beaten
½ Cup Honey
2 Tbs. Butter, Melted
½ Cup Chopped Nuts
Combine dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside. In another large mixing bowl stir together grated carrots, milk, eggs, honey, and melted butter. Gradually stir in dry ingredients till well mixed. Stir in chopped nuts. Pour batter into a 5 x 9 inch greased loaf pan. Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 60 to 70 minutes till bread tests done. (Knife inserted in center comes out clean.)