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Quiz for Document 17–2: Mattie V. Oblinger to George W. Thomas, Grizzie B. Thomas, and Wheeler Thomas Family, June 16, 1873

Choose the best answer to each question.

1. Why did Oblinger think that her Nebraska homestead was not entirely away from all “civilization”?

A Methodist preacher had visited the region and was considering building a preaching place there.

The nearby town had just built a new theater and small opera house.

The nearby town of Lawrence was building an agricultural college.

Her family enjoyed easy access to two different railroad stations.

2. Why did homesteaders prefer to live in sod houses?

Sod houses provided better protection against cold winter winds.

Sod houses were easier to build than frame construction houses.

Homesteaders could not afford any other building materials.

Sod houses were cooler during the hot summer months.

3. What appealed to Oblinger about homesteading?

The lack of overcrowding on the plains

The ease of improving the land and growing crops

The sense of self-sufficiency

The favorable environment for raising children