Product Description

"It is offered not as a textbook nor as a scientific discussion, but merely as reading entertainment founded on the life history, social struggle, and customs of a little-known people."--From the Preface

C. A. Weslager's Delaware's Forgotten Folk chronicles the history of the Nanticoke Indians and the Cheswold Moors, from John Smith's first encounter with the Nanticokes along the Kuskakarawaok River in 1608, to the struggles faced by these uniquely multiracial communities amid the racial and social tensions of mid-twentieth-century America. It explores the legend surrounding the origin of the two distinct but intricately intertwined groups, focusing on how their uncommon racial heritage--white, black, and Native American--shaped their identity within society and how their traditional culture retained its significance into their present.

Weslager's demonstrated command of available information and his familiarity with the people themselves bespeak his deep respect for the Moor and Nanticoke communities. What began as a curious inquiry into the overlooked peoples of the Delaware River Valley developed into an attentive and thoughtful study of a distinct group of people struggling to remain a cultural community in the face of modern opposition. Originally published in 1943, Delaware's Forgotten Folk endures as one of the fundamental volumes on understanding the life and history of the Nanticoke and Moor peoples.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #971988 in Books
• Published on: 2006-10-31
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 232 pages

Review

"In 1943, Weslager's book helped Delaware's American Indians better understand their history, and now, more than 60 years later, will do so again."—Dover Post

"By carefully searching old state records and antiquated sources, by utilizing all possible anthropological findings, and by making close ethnological investigation among the people themselves, [the author] has prepared a study of profound sociological significance. In a simple, straightforward style he presents a saga of the Nanticokes of Indian River and the so-called Cheswold Moors."—Pennsylvania History

About the Author
C. A. Weslager (1909-94) was an esteemed writer and historian of Delaware. He authored a number of books, including Delaware's Buried Past and Dutch Explorers, Traders, and Settlers in the Delaware Valley, 1609-1644, both published by the University of Pennsylvania Press, and The Nanticoke Indians, Past and Present.

Customer Reviews

Finally Reprinted
I have been anxious to get a replacement copy of this marvelous book since I misplaced mine in the family. Anyone related to the Ridgeways, Morgans, Morris, Hanzers/Hanzors, Clarks and Wrights should have this book. My mother's family traces back to the Durham Hanzor family tree and Dr. Weslager has shared much of the struggle that many went through regarding their identity in this text. Thanks to Dr. Weslager who did a tremendous piece of work for Native American history in Delaware and for our family by writing this story. I am thrilled that it is available again.

Moor roots in North America
For those who do not believe the Moors genesis begins in North America as well as North Africa C.A. Weslager proves this fact. This book tells the story of the plight of a noble people. That was subject to enormous indignIties and injustice. This story sears the mind like a red hot poker. The story is a painful one, but absolutely true for the most part.

C.A. Weslager also mentions the Nanticokes as well as the Croatans, Melungeons, Red Bones, Wesorts, Virginia mix blood bands etc. The fascinating superstitions and folklore of the Moors are mentioned in detail. Weslager even spends a weekend with an amalgamated Moor, and narrates the whole experience to the reader. Weslager lists ancient Moor medicinal remedies, Moor sayings and Moor proverbs. The photographs of Moors and Nanticokes illustrate how their hue has amalgamated over the years. Weslager's "The Delawares a History" would be a great companion. I would also highly recommend "The Huevolution of Sacred Muur Science Past and Present" by Noble Timothy Myers-El

Legendary book lives up to expectations
This book provided great insight into the history and culture of the Nanticokes and Moors of Delaware. Weslager really depicts the lifestyles and barriers faced by these proud people. It also demonstrates how Delaware's "race laws" helped to divide and almost eliminate the groups. A must read for people interested in Native American, African American and Delaware history.