My dad was an erector for Babcock & Wilcox during construction of the Clifty Creek plant in 1955/1956. I was a small child at the time, and we lived in Hanover, IN, for the 2 years he was on that site.
Actually I think you're on the right track, but go to www.thefreshloaf.com and use the search function to research sourdough starters. You'll find a lot of advise on how to start one, feed it, and use it--plus tons of recipes. There are lots of different ways to get one going. Don't worry...