"A book is made with one's own flesh and blood of years. It is cremated youth. It is all yours-no one gave it to you."
-Personal interview
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Cather's childhood home Cather was nine when the family first came to Nebraska in 1883. The family lived on the grandparent's homestead/farm, 16 miles northwest of Red Cloud during the first year. The home built in 1879, was five years old when the Cathers moved in (1884). Willa's father rented the house for 20 years. Willa lived in the house from the ages of 10 through 16. She graduated from Red Cloud High School in 1890 and left for the University of Nebraska, but she continued to come home for vacations and visits.

Nebraska State Historical Society Site