April 2021 • Nebraskaland 105
Portraying a
Simpler Time
By Renae Blum
After decades of participating in mountain man
historical reenactments, Dennis and Peg Souba of
Omaha have gotten a taste of a simpler time, and they
want to share that with others.
During living history events at Arbor Lodge State
Historical Park, Peg demonstrates rigid heddle
loom weaving and Dennis does seed beadwork and
leatherwork. They also helped create Arbor Lodge's
annual Table Creek Rendezvous, a mountain man
reenactment in which volunteers camp on the park
grounds.
"It brings a lot of traffi c into the lodge. [People] see
these white tents and teepees and wonder what the heck
is going on, and so they come in to look," Dennis said.
"They get a real history. They leave with smiles on their
faces and new education that they didn't have before."
The couple is dedicated to helping portray a world in
which it could take an hour to make a cup of coff ee. "It
was a hard life, but it was a real simple life. You didn't
have all the complexities that you have today," Dennis
said. "People don't realize what it was like 150 years ago."
Interacting with visitors is a highlight for both of
them. "When the kids come over and ask you questions,
it really opens your heart," Peg said. "That's what I like,
is to see the spark in their eyes when they ask a question
and I answer it."
N
"Arbor Lodge is a hidden gem in
southeastern Nebraska. It has historical
roots that go across the entire country,"
Dennis said, describing J. Sterling Morton's
establishment of Arbor Day. "More people
need to come and look at it. The staff is so
knowledgeable and friendly, and they can give
you a lot of information."
What you should know about
Arbor Lodge
A Volunteer Profi le
