Elder Conklin and Other Stories

"Elder Conklin and Other Stories" by Frank Harris is a compilation of short stories set in the American frontier of the late 1800s. The stories look into the lives and challenges of characters like Elder Conklin and his family, examining the themes of respect, affection, disagreement, and the relationships within communities as new people start settling the American West. For example, in the initial story, the reader meets Elder Conklin's daughter, Miss Loo Conklin, along with a new teacher named George Bancroft. As Loo and George talk on a nice evening there is playful tension and talk about their feelings, and what is expected of them. They all end up at a house-warming party that sets the scene where love might begin. The party also sets the scene for a potential argument with Seth Stevens, who is seen as a rival. The beginning shows how intricate the relationships are, and how desires and battles are part of frontier life.