If you want to see some good photos from our May 17 program in Edenton, go to the Chowan River Patriot Blog and scroll down to his May 19 post entitled "Civil War Era Maritime History." Thanks to Dean Stephens for giving us this most excellent coverage.
On a rather sad note, the person I am talking to in the first photo of the post is Historic Interpreter Lonnie Kuhn, an employee at the Historic Edenton site. Lonnie suffered a massive, fatal heart attack on May 27, just ten days after this photo was taken. Lonnie was 57 years old, and in a real twist of fate, his only child gave birth to her first child less than 24 hours after his death. It's strange how life works sometimes. Lonnie will be missed. In the brief time I knew him, I came to believe that he was an excellent addition to the staff at that site and was a true museum professional. His passing saddens us all.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Weekly Quote
Yet another quote about a small boat from the Mariner's Book of Days:
The klop, klop of water under the bows of a small boat will cure most troubles in this world. ~Arthur Ransome
The klop, klop of water under the bows of a small boat will cure most troubles in this world. ~Arthur Ransome
Friday, May 23, 2008
Happy Memorial Day!
As we approach Memorial Day weekend, I hope that folks will remember that it's more than just the "official start of the tourist season" as many in eastern NC are all too well aware. Memorial Day has a meaning that I don't think folks should forget, and I know I never will.
My dad served 20 years in the US Marine Corps, including three tours in Vietnam. He had a brother in the Corps and two other brothers that served career stints in the US Army. My younger brother served 8 years in the USMC Reserve. Though I never served in the military, I owe a lot to dad's military experience. I was born at the Naval Hospital on Camp Lejeune and though dad retired when I was only 2 years old, I enjoyed many benefits for the first 21 years of my life, including health care and base privileges. Before dad went into assisted living I used to take him every other month to a breakfast held by the Regiment of Retired Marines. These old farts would get together for breakfast at the base All Ranks Club, have a guest speaker (usually some commanding officer or senior NCO), and do a 50/50 raffle. The proceeds were used to purchase awards for graduates of the base NCO school and other such items. It was always interesting and entertaining to listen to these guys reminisce and tell stories. It really is true, Once a Marine-Always a Marine.
I kind of miss taking dad to those breakfasts. I always hoped to win the raffle, but never did. The winner's draw was always around $100-150. I think dad probably misses seeing those guys too. To update on dad, after three weeks in the hospital and three surgeries (two brain surgeries to remove blood clots, and the third to patch a hole in his stomach after he tore his feeding tube out), he was moved to a nursing home for rehab. His therapy is going OK, but he still can't stand or walk on his own and his feeding tube is still in place. Mom hopes that he will recover to the point of being able to go back to assisted living, but at this point I'm not sure if that will happen. Mom has nine months to go until she can retire, and has cut back to working part-time at least for now. I'm going to see dad on Sunday. I don't know if he's aware that it's Memorial Day, but it's still his holiday whether he realizes it or not.
My dad served 20 years in the US Marine Corps, including three tours in Vietnam. He had a brother in the Corps and two other brothers that served career stints in the US Army. My younger brother served 8 years in the USMC Reserve. Though I never served in the military, I owe a lot to dad's military experience. I was born at the Naval Hospital on Camp Lejeune and though dad retired when I was only 2 years old, I enjoyed many benefits for the first 21 years of my life, including health care and base privileges. Before dad went into assisted living I used to take him every other month to a breakfast held by the Regiment of Retired Marines. These old farts would get together for breakfast at the base All Ranks Club, have a guest speaker (usually some commanding officer or senior NCO), and do a 50/50 raffle. The proceeds were used to purchase awards for graduates of the base NCO school and other such items. It was always interesting and entertaining to listen to these guys reminisce and tell stories. It really is true, Once a Marine-Always a Marine.
I kind of miss taking dad to those breakfasts. I always hoped to win the raffle, but never did. The winner's draw was always around $100-150. I think dad probably misses seeing those guys too. To update on dad, after three weeks in the hospital and three surgeries (two brain surgeries to remove blood clots, and the third to patch a hole in his stomach after he tore his feeding tube out), he was moved to a nursing home for rehab. His therapy is going OK, but he still can't stand or walk on his own and his feeding tube is still in place. Mom hopes that he will recover to the point of being able to go back to assisted living, but at this point I'm not sure if that will happen. Mom has nine months to go until she can retire, and has cut back to working part-time at least for now. I'm going to see dad on Sunday. I don't know if he's aware that it's Memorial Day, but it's still his holiday whether he realizes it or not.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Weekly Quote
Our weekly quote from the Mariner's Book of Days:
There's nothing better than a small boat to teach you orderliness and tidy habits. ~Maurice Griffiths
There's nothing better than a small boat to teach you orderliness and tidy habits. ~Maurice Griffiths
Edenton Follow Up
We had an absolutely beautiful day at Edenton yesterday. The weather was perfect and we talked to approximately 250 visitors. We have talked to the site staff and they've agreed to allow us to expand the program to include multiple time periods. It should be even more fun next year.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Edenton, Here We Come!
Tomorrow will be our second annual living history at Historic Edenton. We had originally wanted to do an Age of Sail program there, but they wanted us to do Civil War. So we talk about the Battle of Albemarle Sound, the Union Navy's brief visit to the town, and the usual displays. If you are in Edenton tomorrow between the hours of 10 and 4 stop by the courthouse green and see us!
The Most Frustrating Activity Known to Man.....
....is finding a place to rent. Sure, it sounds easy, but in our case it really isn't. There are a number of factors that conspire against us at any given time.
1. Rental property in the area we live is a bit more expensive these days as everyone is gearing up for an influx of military personnel over the next few years, which has pushed real estate prices higher. Many of the places we have looked at are out of our price range. Of course, location also works against us in this realm because we are looking for places that are close to the coast. If you can see a puddle of spit, its waterfront and the price goes up. We just can't afford $1500 a month for a house with a ditch in the backyard.
2. We have a dog. She's a small, well-trained dog, but rental property owners are more often than not reluctant to allow pets. I can understand this to some extent, but it makes things even more difficult.
3. My wife is picky. She's very particular about what kind of house she wants to live in. Sometimes I think these proclivities are superficial (and most people would agree with me). Then again, I lived in a trailer for a good portion of my life and most anything is better than that, so I may not be as picky as she'd like. Still, she rejects a lot of places out of hand, that I wouldn't have a problem with. So we keep looking.
You may be asking why we are moving. Well, right now I drive 46 miles to work and she drives 42 miles. Its an even split, but she doesn't like the driving as much as I don't mind it, and I'm willing to shoulder a bit more of it. We like where we live now, so if we don't find a new place it won't be the end of the world. But, my stepdaughter starts high school in the fall and wherever we end up come August is where we will be for the next four years because we don't want to bounce her from high school to high school. The district we are in now is good, but where we are looking is better. It would cut the wife's drive in half, and lengthen mine a little, but not too much. We would buy if we could, but our credit isn't the greatest, we don't have much of a down payment to put forth, and the price issue would come into play as much, if not more, than in the rental market. We want to buy something, but it may have to wait awhile. We looked at two houses today that were both DUMPS! And even I will admit that, so you know they were pretty bad. One of them even had the eviction notice for the previous tenants still taped to the door. Back to the drawing board.
1. Rental property in the area we live is a bit more expensive these days as everyone is gearing up for an influx of military personnel over the next few years, which has pushed real estate prices higher. Many of the places we have looked at are out of our price range. Of course, location also works against us in this realm because we are looking for places that are close to the coast. If you can see a puddle of spit, its waterfront and the price goes up. We just can't afford $1500 a month for a house with a ditch in the backyard.
2. We have a dog. She's a small, well-trained dog, but rental property owners are more often than not reluctant to allow pets. I can understand this to some extent, but it makes things even more difficult.
3. My wife is picky. She's very particular about what kind of house she wants to live in. Sometimes I think these proclivities are superficial (and most people would agree with me). Then again, I lived in a trailer for a good portion of my life and most anything is better than that, so I may not be as picky as she'd like. Still, she rejects a lot of places out of hand, that I wouldn't have a problem with. So we keep looking.
You may be asking why we are moving. Well, right now I drive 46 miles to work and she drives 42 miles. Its an even split, but she doesn't like the driving as much as I don't mind it, and I'm willing to shoulder a bit more of it. We like where we live now, so if we don't find a new place it won't be the end of the world. But, my stepdaughter starts high school in the fall and wherever we end up come August is where we will be for the next four years because we don't want to bounce her from high school to high school. The district we are in now is good, but where we are looking is better. It would cut the wife's drive in half, and lengthen mine a little, but not too much. We would buy if we could, but our credit isn't the greatest, we don't have much of a down payment to put forth, and the price issue would come into play as much, if not more, than in the rental market. We want to buy something, but it may have to wait awhile. We looked at two houses today that were both DUMPS! And even I will admit that, so you know they were pretty bad. One of them even had the eviction notice for the previous tenants still taped to the door. Back to the drawing board.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Weekly Quote
Weekly quote from the Mariner's Book of Days:
When the ship is decked out in all her canvas, every sail swelled, and careening gaily over the curling waves, how lofty; how gallant she appears - how she seems to lord it over the deep! ~Washington Irving
When the ship is decked out in all her canvas, every sail swelled, and careening gaily over the curling waves, how lofty; how gallant she appears - how she seems to lord it over the deep! ~Washington Irving
A Busy Week Coming Up
This may prove to be my busiest week this month. On Tuesday morning I am headed to Raleigh to conduct our History Bowl state championship. I think I've mentioned History Bowl here before, but in case I haven't, it is a competition for 8th grade NC History students that is conducted in a quiz bowl type format. Various historic sites in our Division conduct regional competitions (usually 8, but this year only 7) and the winners proceed to Raleigh for the championship. We host it at the NC Museum of History in downtown Raleigh, which has a very nice auditorium. It is a two-day affair. Tuesday afternoon the students arrive, tour the museum and the State Capitol and attend a reception at the state headquarters of the United Daughters of the Confederacy.
The UDC has co-sponsored this competition since its inception 28 years ago. They provide refreshments and plaques/trophies at many of the regional competitions, and aside from hosting the Tuesday afternoon reception, also provide the trophies and certificates for the state championship. In my opinion, sponsoring these types of activities places the UDC at the top of the heap when it comes to the various "heritage" organizations; it shows that are interested in more than flag waving and propagandizing. UDC sponsorship of this competition has been questioned by a couple of parents in the past year or two, but no strenuous protests have been lodged and I'm glad. The UDC has always been very gracious and loves this program, and we honestly couldn't pull it off without their sponsorship.
Anyway, back to the competition. The teams will spend the night in a residence hall at Peace College on Tuesday and the competition will be played on Wednesday. But wait, there's more. History Bowl isn't the only thing happening in Raleigh on Tuesday and Wednesday. This week is also National Tourism Week and Tuesday is National Tourism Day. There will be activities going on both day and evening, including a Tuesday evening reception at the Museum of History. Our Division always has a booth at this event and likes to have costumed interpreters manning the booth, so yours truly, since I'll already be there anyway, will be manning the booth for the big reception. Its always a nice event and you see a lot of folks from Department staff to legislators. Promotion is the name of the game, and I'll be promoting.
Finally, once all of the History Bowl hoopla is over I will have to retool for a living history program at Historic Edenton on Saturday. More on that later.
The UDC has co-sponsored this competition since its inception 28 years ago. They provide refreshments and plaques/trophies at many of the regional competitions, and aside from hosting the Tuesday afternoon reception, also provide the trophies and certificates for the state championship. In my opinion, sponsoring these types of activities places the UDC at the top of the heap when it comes to the various "heritage" organizations; it shows that are interested in more than flag waving and propagandizing. UDC sponsorship of this competition has been questioned by a couple of parents in the past year or two, but no strenuous protests have been lodged and I'm glad. The UDC has always been very gracious and loves this program, and we honestly couldn't pull it off without their sponsorship.
Anyway, back to the competition. The teams will spend the night in a residence hall at Peace College on Tuesday and the competition will be played on Wednesday. But wait, there's more. History Bowl isn't the only thing happening in Raleigh on Tuesday and Wednesday. This week is also National Tourism Week and Tuesday is National Tourism Day. There will be activities going on both day and evening, including a Tuesday evening reception at the Museum of History. Our Division always has a booth at this event and likes to have costumed interpreters manning the booth, so yours truly, since I'll already be there anyway, will be manning the booth for the big reception. Its always a nice event and you see a lot of folks from Department staff to legislators. Promotion is the name of the game, and I'll be promoting.
Finally, once all of the History Bowl hoopla is over I will have to retool for a living history program at Historic Edenton on Saturday. More on that later.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Artillery School
Today I attended an artillery certification course sponsored by Andrews' Battery and the National Civil War Artillery Association. The course was held at the Goldsborough Bridge Battlefield and lunch was graciously provided by Wayne County Tourism. I knew most of the artillery units present, but there were a few that I was not familiar with. Even though the historic sites in our division are authorized to only use the National Park Service drill, the volunteer artillery units that attend our programs all use the NCWAA drill. That being the case, I think it's important for me to be certified in their drill so that I fully understand both. I think it shows that I am not closed-minded and am willing to learn how they do things. I may not like everything about their drill, but I certainly don't dismiss it as many others might. All in all, it was an enjoyable day and those who had a hand in planning and conducting this course should be thanked and commended. They did a good job and I'm glad I was there.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Housecleaning
I am removing three blogs from my blogroll for various reasons:
1. Museum of Underwater Archaeology - I just don't read this blog as much as I thought I would because it doesn't interest me as much as I thought it would.
2. On the Front Line - I hate to take my buddy Taylor's blog off the list, but he hasn't posted since Christmas. I don't know many folks in their early 20s who would devote much time to blogging so I can't hold this against the boy. If he picks it back up I will add it back to the list (I'll be keeping tabs off blog).
3. Seeing the Elephant - I really like this blog, but he hasn't posted anything in over two months. As with Taylor's blog, I will watch this one from time to time and when he picks it up I will add it back.
1. Museum of Underwater Archaeology - I just don't read this blog as much as I thought I would because it doesn't interest me as much as I thought it would.
2. On the Front Line - I hate to take my buddy Taylor's blog off the list, but he hasn't posted since Christmas. I don't know many folks in their early 20s who would devote much time to blogging so I can't hold this against the boy. If he picks it back up I will add it back to the list (I'll be keeping tabs off blog).
3. Seeing the Elephant - I really like this blog, but he hasn't posted anything in over two months. As with Taylor's blog, I will watch this one from time to time and when he picks it up I will add it back.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
I Almost Forgot
My book review on Mr. Lincoln's Brown Water Navy by Gary Joiner is out in the new edition of Civil War Book Review. Click on the link, scroll to the bottom of the page, click on View Full Issue, and my review is #6! Check it out.
Weekly Quote
While I'm on here blogging I may as well go ahead and post the quote of the week from the Mariner's Book of Days.
Now and then we had a hope that if we lived and were good, God would permit us to be pirates. ~Mark Twain
There is a pirate in all of us. ~George Putz
This week's quote is actually a double. This week in the book is devoted to pirates. I don't much care for the whole pirate hullabaloo, and think that its terribly overdone in our popular culture. The history of piracy is fascinating, but I'd much rather study the navies and privateers (though some would say they were pirates too). I've just seen too many BAD pirate impressions over the years. If you want to read more about one of our local pirates here in eastern North Carolina check out the website for Captain Horatio Sinbad and the Meka II out of Beaufort.
Now and then we had a hope that if we lived and were good, God would permit us to be pirates. ~Mark Twain
There is a pirate in all of us. ~George Putz
This week's quote is actually a double. This week in the book is devoted to pirates. I don't much care for the whole pirate hullabaloo, and think that its terribly overdone in our popular culture. The history of piracy is fascinating, but I'd much rather study the navies and privateers (though some would say they were pirates too). I've just seen too many BAD pirate impressions over the years. If you want to read more about one of our local pirates here in eastern North Carolina check out the website for Captain Horatio Sinbad and the Meka II out of Beaufort.
Otway Burns, 1812 Privateer and so much more
I just finished an encyclopedia entry on Otway Burns for the NC History Project's online encyclopedia of North Carolina. Be on the lookout for it sometime this week. Anyway, Otways Burns was a privateer during the War of 1812, working out of the port of Beaufort (though he was originally from Swansboro). You can find a story about Burns at the Beaufort Blog. The story of his life is much larger than just his privateering exploits, but the privateering is what made him famous. Read the blog entry linked here, and look for my encyclopedia entry for more info. Our living history group portrays Burns' crew at many of our War of 1812 events, and will be doing so again this fall for the New Bern Historical Society's annual Ghost Walk event. More info on that as it approaches. In the meantime here is a photo of Burns' grave in Beaufort, complete with a cannon from his ship, the Snap Dragon, and you'll see a photo of his statue in Swansboro on my blog's main page.
Fun at the 34th Annual Wooden Boat Show
We had a pretty good time yesterday in Beaufort, at the NC Maritime Museum's annual wooden boat show. Due to some last minute, unforeseen issues we had five guys in attendance instead of the eight we thought we would have. Still, we were able to do Civil War US Navy and War of 1812 impressions, complete with steam engineering, navigation, and small arms displays. I conducted numerous musket demonstrations throughout the day and we even fired our unit's swivel gun a few times. We saw about twice the number of spectators as last year, but could have stood a few more. Nonetheless, a good time was had by all. And we even came away with an invitation to serve on board the tall ship Royaliste at the upcoming 1812 Grand Tactical in Maryland. Photos follow.
Sailing Master Jim Greathouse (L) and Quartermaster Chris Grimes (R) portray 1812 privateers
Gene Oakley demonstrates how a steam engine works
Sailing Master Jim Greathouse (L) and Quartermaster Chris Grimes (R) portray 1812 privateers
Gene Oakley demonstrates how a steam engine works
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Off to Beaufort NC this Weekend
Our group will be setting up a multi-period living history display this Saturday for the 34th Annual Wooden Boat Show at the NC Maritime Museum. We'll be doing US Navy from the Civil War period, as well as War of 1812 privateer and possibly Rev War privateer. Last year was our first year doing this program, and it will be on our calendars every year since my wife now works there. The museum staff is very gracious and has treated us very well. We look forward to going to Beaufort and hopefully I will have some photos to post after the event.
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