 |
| Lancaster Intelligencer from April 11, 1837. Click on images to enlarge them. |
 |
| Story titled MAN AND WIFE |
 |
| The Lancaster Intelligencer with its logo. |
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
The "Newspapers From The Past" Story
It was an ordinary day. Searching the files of LancasterOnline, reading newspapers from the 1800s. Since Lancaster Newspapers inventoried and digitized all their newspapers dating back to the late 1700s, I have enjoyed reading the news from different periods in the history of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Since I am a subscriber to the print edition of the daily newspaper, I also have the chance to check out the digital issues each day. And...the digital newspaper is updated several times a day which gives me up-to-date history of my community. I also have the chance to search their archives which is very interesting. Looking up relatives from the past, athletic teams I may have played on as a child and young boy and events that influenced myself and the city since the late 1700s. The original newspapers were mostly 4 pages in length which were set in metal type, by hand, and printed on the Ben Franklin press that is on display in their museum.
Today I picked out a few dates and began reading some of the news and stories on life in 1837 and 1888. The story from Tuesday, April 11, 1837 came from the 4-page Lancaster Intelligencer which had an Old English masthead. A 6-column newspaper which looked to be perhaps 10 point type in order to accommodate the 6 columns. A bit hard to read, but that may have been because the original paper that they digitized was very light in color due to the ink getting lighter over age. One of the stories I found on the back page was titled "Man and Wife". I have posted it below so you can attempt to read it for yourself. A rather unusual story that told about life in Lancaster in 1837. I really had a hard time believing that it was a real story, but as I searched the rest of the paper, it seems that all the stories were fact and not fiction. Read for yourself the story which is rather hard to read due to the printing being rather worn. Remember to click on image to enlarge it.
The second newspaper I explored was the Lancaster Intelligencer from Friday, June 15, 1888. The paper had one more column than the first one I read, but seemed to be easier to read since the type was darker. Still seemed to be in 10 point type, but it may have been 12 point. The paper cost 2 cents and had news, advertisements and stories in it much like the other paper I read. I chose a story from the back page to share with you that was titled, "The Bones Should Be interred". It is about a new candy factory being built over the site of an old cemetery and finding the human remains of those buried in the graveyard.
Read it and see what they did! Both newspapers had very interesting news articles, but it was the stories that seemed to be a bit more than just news that made reading it much more interesting. Do we have articles in our newspapers today such as these? I don't think so unless you live in an area where you get a newspaper only every week or so. I also realize that many readers don't have the chance to subscribe to a newspaper, and for you...I am truly sorry that you don't have the chance to explore your town and surrounding area by reading about it. Too many newspapers are finding it not profitable to print a paper anymore and are closing. So sad to see the history of a city or town not being documented for the sake of history. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.
Monday, June 15, 2020
The "Rock Climbing Family" Story
It was an ordinary day. Reading a story in the 2018 Lancaster Newspaper about a boy, no...make that a young man, by the name of Cameron Hörst. Cameron happens be the son of one of my favorite students I had while teaching photography and graphic arts at Manheim Township High School by the name of Eric Hörst. Eric was a top notch student as well as a fantastic rock climber. Eric began climbing in 1977 at the age of 13 with his older brother Kyle. In high school, Eric was a member of the high school gymnastics team, specializing in the still rings. In 1979 he teamed up with two other school-aged climbers, Jeff Batzer and Hugh Herr. Eric and Jeff were avid climbers who climbed over 300 times in Pennsylvania and New York. And then one day, in January of 1982, Jeff and Hugh headed to Mount Washington in New Hampshire to climb. Luckily Eric had something else he had to do, so he missed the trip. Batzer and Herr got lost in a snowstorm on Mount Washington and were finally saved after three days. Frostbite robbed Batzer of his left lower leg and fingers of his right hand. Herr lost both legs. Eventually both resumed climbing using artificial limbs. Batzer became a pastor due to his experience and Herr devoted his life to finding ways to help disabled become more mobile. He founded the Hugh Herr Institute for Human Rehabilitation in Cambridge, Mass. I still remember Eric telling me how lucky he was that he didn't go along. Eric graduated from Penn State University in 1986 and has been an adjunct faculty and staff member at Millersville University since 1988. Eric also became an on-line meteorologist at TV Channel 8 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
He was the founder of the Campus Weather Service and the Millersville Weather Information Center where he is now the director. Today, along with his job at Millersville, he is an expert storm analyst and forecaster. Eric has two sons of his own who are making a name for themselves in the sport of climbing. Cameron was an outstanding athlete at Manheim Township High School where he was a three-year starter for the Blue Streaks football team. But, climbing is still his love and during high school the left wall in the two-car garage of the Hörst family's home is covered in harnesses, ropes, helmets, backpacks, hiking shoes and climbing shoes. A thick climbing rope and hanging rings dangle from a horizontal beam that cuts across the open ceiling above the living room in the home. A weight room fills part of the basement while another room contains a treadmill for climbers. It's here where Eric and his two sons train for rock climbing.
Eric's wife, Lisa Ann, is also a former Penn State golfer and current LPGA golf pro who was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. Seems that Cameron and his brother Jonathan have made tougher climbs than their dad in recent years. In rock climbing, they are considered prodigies.
When Cameron was 14, he climbed a route graded 5.14b, which in layman's terms is among the highest grades for a climb. The following year Jonathan, 10 years old at the time, was proclaimed Climbing Magazine's "the youngest ever" to complete a 5.14 ascent. They have climbed rock faces all across the world. Cameron became a professional climber after graduating from high school. Today, after one year of professional rock climbing, Cameron has been promoted by three climbing brands, La Sportiva, DMN and Maxim and a supplement company Physivantage.
Cameron promotes these sponsors on social media and at various climbing clinics and festivals throughout the year. He also has the support of his mom and dad in his endeavors. Eric has published eight books on rock climbing and has a popular climbing-focused YouTube page. Cameron had plans to travel to Spain in March, but the COVID-19 virus put his trip on hold. When Eric was in my classes at Manheim Township, I knew he was going to do something impressive with his life and he most certainly did that. What a success story for the entire Hörst family. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.
 |
| Eric working at Millersville University |
 |
| Eric with sons Cameron and Jonathan and wife Lisa Ann. |
 |
| Cameron during one of his climbs. |
 |
| Eric on one of his climbs. |
Sunday, June 14, 2020
The "Bringin' In The Troops...Who Were Those Guys?" Story
It was an ordinary day. June 6, 2020 in the small town known as Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania and the troops have arrived! A local group had organized a "Black Lives Matter" rally in the center of town. As people began to assemble about lunchtime for the rally, someone noticed a fellow up on the roof of a nearby business carrying semi-automatic weapons as well as a sidearm. Very well equipped to go to war! And, he wasn't the only one! So, who invited these guys and who are they, anyway. It was insane and dangerous, to say the least. The Elizabethtown Police Chief was notified and he said he had been notified the night before that a few of the local businesses planned to have security inside their shops. But, evidently it is not unlawful to carry a weapon if you have a permit to do so.
Then it was noticed that store owners were wearing a piece of green tape on the front of them. Why? They did not say if they had, or had not, invited these armed men to town, but the green tape telling the gunmen who they were not to harm made them look pretty suspicious. A Lancaster Newspaper reporter asked one of the gunmen, who was recognized as an Elizabethtown resident, what group it was that he belonged to and why where they at the rally. The guy, who refused to give the reporter his name, said he belonged to a group called the Domestic Terrorism Response Organization. The group has about 300 members in central Pennsylvania and is dedicated to protecting businesses, citizens and homes. So, who are they protecting, and from whom? All rally participants were marching peacefully along the sidewalks. One black man, Alaak Deu, a 21-year-old walked up to a white policeman who was standing along the street, and asked him, "Is being Black a crime in Elizabethtown?" Policeman Dustin Ryan replied, "Absolutely not!" And then the two hugged!! Well, it turned out that there were two militia groups in attendance on June 6. One of the groups was known as the Carlisle Light Infantry and are a direct descendent of the Carlisle Light Infantry that marched with George Washington against the Whiskey Rebellion in western Pennsylvania and fought for the Union in the Civil War. The other group, now calling itself the Domestic Terrorism Response Organization, identified itself as "Anti-ANTIFA" on a newly created Facebook page June 1, but changed it to Domestic Terrorism Response Organization shortly after President Trump declared the loosely organized American anti-faxcist movement to be a domestic terror group. One of the gunmen told a newspaper reporter he was there to protect everybody...store owners, police and protesters. The newly incarnated Carlisle Light Infantry, in its modern incarnation, now describes itself on its website as the "living, breathing, operational element of the 2nd Amendment as defined by the signers of the constitution of the United States as 'a well regulated militia.'" On their website they say: "We live in a time where we as citizens are apprehensive, even afraid of our uniformed officers. We're doubtful and suspicious of our local elected officials. Our leaders do not have our best interests, our families and our livelihoods in mind as they make decisions that effect every aspect of our daily lives. We therefore live in a time where it's our personal and civic duty to stand up for what's right and protect what matters most." Wow! They claim to not discriminate against anyone, but there isn't a single black or brown face in any of the photos posted on the website. Many members say they have lost faith in this country and its institutions, including the political system, the police and the military. But, they also have a fear of people of color, immigrants, diversity and a world not dominated by white people. And, could it be, just maybe, that they did show up in Elizabethtown just in case the Black Lives Matter rally got out of control so they could step in with their weapons and quell the situation? Well, another rally is scheduled at Elizabethtown's Borough Park for today at 1:00 PM. They claim they haven't been requested by any business for assistance, so they won't be here. We will see! It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.
 |
| A lone gunman stands watch on a rooftop in Elizabethtown. |
Saturday, June 13, 2020
The "A Book They Will Never Forget!" Story
 |
| Cover of the 2020 Landis Run Intermediate School Yearbook |
 |
| Title page of the yearbook |
 |
| Final pages submitted days before school was terminated. |
 |
| The book had pages showing clubs and organizations, class pages, faculty pages, 5th & 6th grade classes, and pages showing musical groups. |
The "Happy Sint Maarten Flag Day!" Story
It was an ordinary day. June 13 and it's Sint Maarten Flag Day. All began on November 11, 1985 when the Dutch side of the island known as St. Martin/Sint Maarten hoisted their new flag for the first time. Shortly after that it was established by Island Degree that June 13 would be Sint Maarten Flag Day. On the days leading up to the June 13 activities, persons and businesses in the community were asked to show their pride and patriotism by flying the Sint Maarten flag on vehicles and buildings, or wherever they deem appropriate.
Over the years, Flag Day was marked as a Day of Observance where citizens should view the flag as the symbol that exemplifies the highest sense of patriotism. The merging of Sint Maarten and Flag Day annually has the potential of bringing out the desired heightened sense and spirit of patriotism. Sint Maarten is a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and occupies the southern half of the island of Saint Martin. The flag was designed by 17 year old Roselle Richardson and was adopted on June 13, 1985. The design features a horizontal bicolor of red and blue with the coat of arms of Sint Maarten on a white chevron, thus incorporating the colors of the Dutch flag.
The red symbolizes solidarity and courage, the blue symbolizes the environ- ment such as skies, beaches and seas while the white is for peace and friend- liness. The Coat of Arms consists of an orange-bordered azure shield prominently displaying the white Court House in Philipsburg, as well as a bouquet of yellow sage (the national flower) in the upper left, and the silhouette of a Dutch-French friendship monument in the upper right; the shield is surmounted by a gold rising sun in front of which is a dune grey pelican in flight; a gold scroll below the shield bears the motto: SEMPER PRO GREDIENS (Always Progressing) in letters of azure. All citizens are asked to engrave the motto that is in gold scrolled below the field in our hearts and minds and become the forward looking, thinking and aspiring people, while remaining respectful and mindful of the past, that our flag challenges us to be. I would like to wish the citizens of Sint Maarten a memorable Flag Day today. My wife and I consider the beautiful island as our second home! Just love to visit the island and greet those whom we have met over the past 20 years of visits to the island. We hope to return as soon as it is physically and medically safe. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.
 |
| The Sint Maarten flag flying majestically above the island. |
 |
| Sint Maarten Flag (click to enlrge) |
Friday, June 12, 2020
The "Has The Civil War Never Ended?" Story
It was an ordinary day. Reading an online article that told about the five things you never knew about the Civil War. I must admit there are more than five things I don't know about any war, since I was never a good student in any history class I ever took both in high school and college. History just never interested me...until about 20 years ago when I began to write this blog. I have learned more world, national and local history in the past 20 years than I had in the 55 years before that. Not only learned more, but I actually joined the Lancaster Historical Society so I could visit their library and display rooms to see what I missed in the first two-thirds of my life. I recently read quite a bit about the Civil War on a trivia website I enjoy visiting from time to time. The Civil war began in 1861 and ended in 1865. Why is it that so many wars lasted 4 years? The Civil War set Americans against Americans, and it affected everyone in the United States. The Battle of Gettysburg occurred about 50 miles from my hometown in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. When Carol and I travel to visit our daughter and her family that live in neighboring Maryland, we travel West along the old Route 30. Every town along the way has memorial signs along the road telling of the Civil War. The Civil War was between the United States (the Northern States) and the 11 Southern States. It was the deadliest war on American soil with 620,000 deaths which was about 2% of the total population. And, it all started due to uncompromising differences between the Northern States, who were mainly free, and slave states over the position of the national government to disallow slavery in the territories that had not yet become states. Lancaster's own James Buchanan was President of the United States before the war began and it seems as if he did nothing to try and stop the war. He is called our nation's worst President because of that.
In the 1860 election, Abraham Lincoln ran on a pledge to block the institution of slavery in the new territories. In retaliation, a Confed- erate States of America was created by seven Deep South states that separated from the Union. It was feared that a Confederate secession would lead to the dissolution of the United States and divide our country into two countries. In the course of the war, 385 battles took place. Many of those battlefields have since been developed and turned into housing developments and shopping malls. Veterans and concerned citizens are trying to identify all battlefields and mark them with plaques for the sake of history. The bloodiest battle of the Civil War took place in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania with 51,112 casualties. 23,049 Northern soldiers were killed and 28,063 Southern soldiers died. The battle ran from July 1 to July 3 of 1863. Battles in Chickamauga, Georgia (34,624 deaths); Chancellorsville, Virginia (30,099 deaths); Spotsylvania, Virginia (27,399 deaths); Antietam, Maryland ( 26,134 deaths); the Wilderness, Virginia (25,416 deaths); and the Battle of Second Manasas, Virginia (25,251 deaths) were the deadliest battles of the war.
The article I was reading on the trivia site said the reasons for the deaths were: musketry (50.6%); cannons (5.7%); pistol/ buckshot (1.2%); saber (0.2%); bayonet (0.2%) and unknown (42.1%). As I read those numbers, I wondered how, and why, someone would take the time to tally up all the deaths and how they occurred. Was it just for history's sake? The total number of soldiers who fought for both sides was 2,128,948 for the North and 1,082,119 for the South. I have stated earlier that about 620,000 died, but a more recent study said that perhaps it was as high as 850,000. The soldiers naturally got paid for their service with white union soldiers getting $13 a month while black union soldiers got $7 a month. Confederate soldiers were paid $11 a month. At times there wasn't enough money to pay the soldiers, so they might have gone months without pay. The Confederates called a truce in April of 1865 and the United States allegedly prevailed. Did the war mean anything? At times I believe it did, but at other times it looks as if it did nothing to stop the divide between the whites and the blacks. I could write here that only time will tell, but time seems to mean nothing anymore. Many people still believe the war has never ended. Is it not why we are still fighting today? It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.
 |
| President Abraham Lincoln visiting the troops. |
 |
| General Robert E. Lee leads his troops into battle. |
The "Life And Legacy Of Episcopal Priest Enmegahbowh" Story
It was an ordinary day. Checking the website for my church, St. James Episcopal, when I came upon an interesting story. The story began telling about a fellow named John Johnson. After becoming confused while reading, I began a search for information about the fellow known as John Johnson. Needless to say, there are many sites to check, unless I can narrow the name down a bit. John Johnson was supposed to be the first Native American to be ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church in the United States. But, seems his name was at one time Enmegahjbowh which derives from Enami'egaabaw (which means "He that prays for his people standing.") Enmegahbowh was born about 1820 and was the only child of the chief of an Ojibwe Band on Rice Lake near Peterborough, Canada. I found that this group of Ojibwe "trade Indians" remained behind while others moved farther up the Great Lakes in search of furs.
Enmegahbowh was raised in a Christian village near Petersburg which was affiliated with the Methodists. An Episcopal clergyman, Rev. Armour, persuaded Enmegahbowh's parents to send him to read and speak English. After three months the young boy ran away and after two days of roaming, found his own people. Enmegahbowh's grandfather was a medicine man and inducted him into the tribal religious organization known as Midewiwin. At the age of 21 he married, are you ready for this, Biwabikogeshigequay (aka Iron Sky Woman, but baptized Charolette) who was the niece of Hole-In-The-Day. It was at that time in his life that he met Rev. Ezekiel Gilbert Gear, the chaplain at Fort Snelling at the point where the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers met, and became an Episcopalian. Rev. Gear eventually introduced Enmegahbowh to the Rev. James Lloyd Bruce, a missionary who had arrived in the area in 1851, who baptized Enmegahbowh.
In 1859 Enmegahbowh was ordained a deacon and went to Crow Wing, Minnesota to assist in founding St. Columba Mission. Eventually Mille Lacs, known as Chief Fine-Day, took over the mission in 1861. Now, to back up just a bit, in 1821 the Sioux Indians along the upper Minnesota River entered into two treaties with the US Government which gave millions of acres of Sioux land to the US. In return the Sioux were to receive a reservation and annual payments totaling more than two million dollars. Well, you know how that went. They ultimately got a few trade goods, since the money was taken by white traders. When Minnesota became a state in 1858, the Sioux sent representatives, led by Little Crow, to Washington, D.C. to complain. Once again, you know had that ended. Due to the resentment that resulted, the Dakota War of 1862 began. Enmegahbowh, who was living in the reservation, escaped and traveled to Fort Riipley to warn them of an impending Indian attack. When all was settled, Enmegahbowh was ordained a priest in 1867 by Bishop Whipple. In March of 1880, Enmegahbowh and Chief Fine-Day traveled across the eastern United States for three months in order to raise money for a new St. Columba Episcopal Church at White Earth. Over $6,000 was raised, but Chief Fine-Day died in the process. Enmegahbowh recommended that a stained glass window be placed in the church to memorialize him. Enmegahbowh died on June 12, 1902 at the age of 95 and is buried in St. Columba's churchyard. Every June, during the White Earth Pow-Wow, Enmegahbowh is honored. The Episcopal calendar of Saints remembers Enmegahbowh on June 12. He will be remembered today in Episcopal churches around the world. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.
 |
| Enmegahbowh |
 |
| The Rev. Enmegahbowh |
Thursday, June 11, 2020
The "The Artwork of Giselle Ayupova" Story
It was an ordinary day. Reading the blog of Giselle Ayupova. A few years ago I made a visit to her website to examine a bit of her artwork that I had seen online on another site. She was born in Russia, but currently lives in Hoboken, New Jersey with her husband Brian.
She is a very talented artist and I enjoy making visits to her sight to view the artwork, much of which tells the tale of the island of St. Martin. Giselle became interested in art in childhood while looking through her parents art magazines. She enjoys the mediums of watercolor, acrylics and oil. She studied at the National Academy School of Fine Arts and the Art Students League of New York. She enjoys painting in abstract or a more realistic style. You can fine her work at: www.gisellesyupova.com. As much as I enjoy viewing her paintings, I also enjoy her blog where she tells about her visits to Saint Martin, Aruba, New York, Montreal and...Russian Candy!
Now, that's what caught my eye! It was back in January of 2015 that I wrote a story about a woman who was a resident at Beacon Place, a housing complex in Gaithers- burg, Maryland where my daughter was the property manager. Seems a woman gave Brynn pieces of Russian chocolate candy quite often for being so nice to her. Brynn passed along some of the candy, both chocolate as well as hard candy, which I had the chance to sample. Well, today when I opened Giselle's blog, one of the entries was titled "Russian Candy and Chocolate.
Knew I just had to read it to see what I may have eaten five years ago. She tells in her blog story that when she goes to Russia to visit her family, she drinks tea several times a day and when you drink tea, you have to eat candy. She said that practically nobody drinks tea without sweets. Sometimes it cake, sometimes it's cookies, sometimes both and candy is almost always present on the table.
She can still remember the packaging design of the candy from her childhood. Alenka and Little Red Riding Hood were some of the chocolates she remem- bered. In villages on a market day you can find a variety of candy. Today you can fine more chocolate bars that have cocoa content such as the famous Babaevsky confectionery.
Another favorite is a milky cream candy called Korovka (little cow) which has an image of a cow on the package.
Another favorite is the Iriski which is a chewy caramel candy. Now, if you know me, you probably figure I am heading to the candy drawer for one of my favorite chocolate covered caramels with sea salt on top. Giselle uses some of the table settings of candy and tea cups as models for her paintings. Below you can view a few of her paintings. If you care to see more, visit her website at the above address and perhaps buy one of her paintings. You now know the story behind most of her paintings that you will see on her website. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.
 |
| Giselle Ayupova |
 |
| Russian sweets. |
 |
| Alenka and Little Red Riding Hood. |
 |
| The Babaevsky Confectionery. |
 |
| The Korovka (little cow) milky cream candy. |
 |
| A table setting in her home in Russia. |
 |
| This photograph and the two beneath it are samples of her artwork of candy. |
The "The Polaroid Lady" Story
It was an ordinary day. Looking at the three large manipulated Polaroid prints I have in my den at the corner of our home we call the Beach House. The prints themselves are 18 inches square, but 16 inches square including the frame. They now occupy the den, since I had to remove them from the gallery where they were on sale. The owner decided to downsize and asked if I could remove the prints since they take up too much wall space. And...she is right. I had been taking Polaroids for close to 20 years and manipulating the soft emulsion between the two layers to make the photographs look like paintings. Then, Polaroid discontinued their Polaroid line and I went out of business. I still have about 100 or so that I can reproduce, but no new ones for many years now. I recently read about a woman who began taking Polaroids in 1980, but what she did was quite different than what I did. Her camera weighed 200 pounds and produced prints two feet high. I would have loved to have had a camera such as that for what I did. Woman's name was Elsa Dorfman and she lived in Boston, Massachusetts.
The camera was a Godzilla of a device that totally dwarfed her. The more I read the more I realized that the camera could not have been more different from the small Polaroid that she, and I, used to take photos of friends and scenics. She used it to take photos of poets like Allen Ginsberg and Anne Waldman. But, she also loved the power to render a painting-size image so rapidly that she and her subject could watch it appear almost instantly. Polaroid developed the huge cameras as a public relations tool and tried to make sure famous photographers would have one. Ms. Dorfman didn't fit into that category, but she relentlessly bugged them until they finally agreed to let her lease one for herself.
Over the next 30 years she gave Polaroid so much exposure they probably should have paid her for what she did for them. She worked in the basement of an office building in Cambridge, Mass. Her portraiture studio saw newlyweds, new parents, grandparents and extended families. She also photographed in large scale dying cancer patients, circus clowns, lesbian motorcycle gang members and a handful of celebrities. Her portraitures were amazing, both in size and in composition. Some are now in major museum collections. Elsa died on May 30 of this year. She was 83 years old. Her husband, Harvey Silverglate, said the cause was kidney failure. In 2016 filmmaker Errol Morris did a documentary on Ms. Dorfman's invention with the Polaroid. She told him it was to try and get as close as possible to what she saw and felt, a mission she pursued with a sense of almost tragic humility. The documentary is called "The B-Side: Elsa Dorfman's Portrait Photography." She said in the documentary, "If you're a photographer always nailing down 'What's the now?' It doesn't matter how much you try. The now is racing beyond you."
Polaroid at the time was facing a decline in it's products due to photographic technology. Eventually in 2008 it ceased mass production of the film and chemicals needed to make prints. I felt the pinch in my Polaroid photographaphs I took and Ms. Dorfman felt it too. At first we both relied on the stockpile that Polaroid had on hand, but that eventually disappeared. But, she never gave up putting the film in the huge camera's body, snapping the photograph and removing it after exposure. She ran the camera alone for 30 years which was almost impossible since it was made to be operated by at least 2 and sometimes 3 people. She wanted her subjects to be able to present themselves as they saw fit. She called it "sonomama", which is the Japanese word for total naturalness. She said her camera was like a fork or spoon. An instrument to eat your soup with. Elsa was born on April 26, 1937 in Cambridge, Mass. Her father was a fruit and vegetable buyer for a grocery chain while her mother was a homemaker. She studied at Tufts University and eventually moved to New York City where she was a secretary at Grove Press. She befriended many poets. Poet Gary Snyder sent her a Mamiya camera from Japan in 1967 and she was hooked. She said, "I looked at everything and stared at everyone." Mr. Ginsberg managed to get her the Polaroid camera she wanted. The deal was that the company would subsidize a photo shoot of Ginsberg and his partner Peter Orlovsky if she would take only 10 exposures. Before anyone knew it, she had taken 30. She was hooked. Her first photographic show was at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. She regarded her photography as a way of life. "Seeing you for the first time, I recognized you without the slightest hesitation," was Ms. Dorfman's saying. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.
 |
| Elsa with her camera in 2007. |
 |
| Elsa Dorgman in 2015 at her frame shop in Cambridge, Mass. |
 |
| A Polaroid of Julia Childs in 1992 |
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
The "Are You In Need Of Some Help?" Story
It was an ordinary day. Driving through the area of Lancaster City known as Cabbage Hill on my way home. A few months ago I wrote a few stories telling of the people and events that make Cabbage Hill so interesting an area in which to live. Well, today is another example.
As I was heading East on West Vine Street, I came upon a black metal mailbox that had white, hand-painted letters on the sides that read: PRAYER REQUEST BOX. The house is in great shape with a brick facade, light-brown wooden trim and a very interesting stained-glass front door. A wrought-iron railing went across the small concrete porch and down the few steps to the pavement in front of the home. I found that the Fisher family live in the home and it is Brittany and Bert Fisher who are responsible for the mailbox. Inside the mailbox are note cards, pencil, Bible verses and brochures for the Journey Church in nearby Ronks, Pennsylvania. That is where the Fisher's are members. Brittany really cares about her neighbors and their spiritual lives. So, when someone leaves a request for a prayer in her mailbox, she tries to offer a prayer for the person who left it. Doesn't have to be signed, just has to have a request for a prayer. According to a recent Lancaster Newspaper article, the majority of the requests deal with health issues. One recent prayer request told of a person who was living with their father who was retired and in his 70s. Seems the father had a medical problem, but the prayer request was also meant for the writer of the request who is the caregiver who also has medical problems. They reported that they really need many prayers.
The prayer mailbox is a way for the Fisher's to offer help to others. They lived in Brickerville for many years before moving to the city six years ago. They did so believing that they were needed in the city to do God's work. They also believe that God helped them find the house at 645 West Vine Street, since when they visited the home for the first time, the current owner's hit it off with Bert's grandson. A call from the realtor, after they had left the home, told them that the owners had just taken it off the market, since they felt the Fisher's were the proper family to live there. Bert and his wife are care team leaders at Journey Church and provide meals for people who are sick or who have had a baby or may need help moving. The program is known as the "Hands and Feet of Jesus." Many people use the black prayer box in front of their home to send "Thank You" notes to them for help they may have given them. Mr. Fisher and his wife both lived in Lancaster County before their move to 645 West Vine Street. They now feel that this is where they are supposed to be. One neighbor placed a card in the box saying that they were praying for the Fishers. And, the neighborhood, which is known as the "SoWe" neighborhood due to being in the South-West of downtown Lancaster, is a beautiful place to live. I will keep a note in the back of my head about this place I happened upon this morning. Never know when a note in the box may help me! It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.
 |
| An intersection near the Prayer Request Box in Lancaster, PA. |
 |
| The Prayer Request Box at 645 West Vine Street. |
The "Some Of The Best Waterin' Holes & Eateries In The USA" Story
It was an ordinary day. Carol and I were talking about where we might be able to have our evening meal, since just about every one of our favorite restaurants is open only for Pick-Up. We do feel better not making a visit until we can safely eat without a mask, but we also miss all our favorites. We began to think back to the days when we would visit Woody's in Northeast or The Bayard House in Chesapeake City. Then Carol said, "How about The Chesapeake Inn in Chesapeake City. Remember the crab ravioli you would get and the Lobster grilled cheese I enjoyed." Well, we're hoping by the end of the summer that we will be able to take a drive to the Chesapeake for lunch once again and stop at one of our favorites. Always a fun day! The conversation about eating out began earlier in the day when I found an online story telling about America's oldest restaurant and bar.
Found out that it was a place called the White Horse Tavern in Newport, Rhode Island. They opened in 1673 and even though the town was filled with Puritans and Quakers, they still had plenty of thirsty patrons at the local watering hole. The building itself was constructed in 1652 as a two-story residence for Francis Brinley which made it one of the oldest buildings in the U.S. There was a short time when it was closed during prohibition, but the White Horse Tavern still serves food and drinks today. The 17th century architecture shows a tiny front hall and cavernous fireplaces with giant beams and a small stairway against the chimney. Not only is it the oldest in the United States, but it is the 10th oldest operating restaurant in the world. Over the years it has gone through many owners with a Newport-based group being the ninth owner in the over 350-year history of the Tavern.
The second oldest restaurant and bar in the U.S.A. is the Fraunces Tavern in New York City's financial district. It opened in 1762 and 21 years later George Washington dined as well as addressed his troops while probably eating one of their famous rich and creamy pot pies. The warmth and charm of the dark oak paneling exudes the historic vibes of the place.
Next in line is the 1776 Griswold Inn known to all as the "Gris". The historic inn and pub has been serving the public for close to 250 years. Can you imagine the celebrations that will be part of the 250th year of the Gris. The inn is located between Hartford and New York City and serves traditional America fare in a cozy, warm setting. It is considered one of the oldest continuously operating inns in America.
The Union Oyster House in Boston, Mass. opened in 1826 in a building that dated back to 1742 and once housed an import business known as the spot for some "wicked good chowder." Many New England favorites can be found on the menu while the place is steeped in old world charm.
In 1840 the French-Creole restaurant known as Antoine's opened in New Orleans. It is still owned and operated by the original family. Antoine's son, Jules, is credited with creating Oysters Rockefeller within this famous establishment. Today the recipe remains a closely guarded secret. Each dining area in the restaurant is uniquely themed and the walls throughout the eatery are adorned with pictures and historic memorabilia. There's even an original Thomas Edison lightbulb remaining in the building.
The Tadich Grill is sill the same as it was when it opened in 1849 in San Francisco, California. It is known as the oldest restaurant in California and is famous for having the freshest expertly prepared seafood around. The "no reservations" makes for a packed place at all times.
1856 was the start of Washington D.C.'s first recorded saloon. Needless to say, Old Ebbitt Grill has served an impressive list of U.S. Presidents. The antique clock placed above the original revolving door has maintained its signature charm for the days when Theodore Roosevelt was a regular. The animal heads on the walls were said to be trophies from Teddy.
McGillin's Olde Ale House opened in Philadelphia in March of 1860. If you happen to be in town on St. Patrick's Day, you must stop at this place. They are the oldest continuously operating tavern in the city and serving the usual pub grub. If you can't find it, ask any cop or cabby, since it's in an alleyway, but certainly well worth the scavenger hunt.
Denver, Colorado is the home of the Buckhorn Exchange which opened in 1893. It served not only cattlemen, but miners and Indian Chiefs. Five Presidents and countless Hollywood celebs have stopped at this restaurant. Today you can still feast on bison, elk and quail while surrounded by taxidermy. A truly Wild West experience!
Another old restaurant in the USA is a place called Louis' Lunch which opened in 1895 in New Haven, Connecticut. It was opened as a small lunch wagon and was one of the first places in the U.S. to serve steak sandwiches. The tiny red brick building has been recognized by the Library of Congress as the Birthplace of the Hamburger. The original cast-iron grills are still used to make the burgers. Each burger is placed on white toast with the limited topping options of cheese, onion and tomato. There is no mustard or ketchup in this place, since it would spoil the quality of the fine meats that go into the legendary sandwiches. The restaurant is owned and operated by 4th generation descendants.
There are many historical taverns and pubs in just about any city or town in the United States. I'm sure you have your favorite, just as Carol and I have a few in towns we enjoy to visit. Always fun to have a good home-cooked meal at your own house, but just as much fun to not have to clean up after yourself by going out to eat. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.
 |
| The White Horse Tavern |
 |
| The Fraunces Tavern |
 |
| The "Gris" |
 |
| Union Oyster House |
 |
| Antoine's |
 |
| The Tadich Grill |
 |
| Old Ebbitt Grill |
 |
| McGillin's Olde Ale House |
 |
| Buckhorn Exchange |
 |
| Louis Lunch |
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
The " My 3rd Base Hero" Story
It was an ordinary day. Reading about one of my favorite baseball players, Don Wert. Never heard of him before? Well, Don was born in nearby Strasburg, Pennsylvania and played his college baseball at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA. He was signed as an amateur free agent in 1958 and played several years in the minor leagues. He finally reached the majors in 1963 at the age of 24 and became the Detroit Tigers' regular third baseman from 1964-1970.
As I was growing up and playing little league baseball, I was both a first basemen and a third baseman. Was placed at the "hot corner" by my midget coach (ages 14-16), since I was one of the few kids on the team that could throw it across the diamond with some accuracy and speed. The more I played the position, the more I enjoyed it and became fairly competent at the position. Actually was picked to play in the end-of-the-year all-star game at third base. And, naturally I try to model myself after Don Wert who at the time was working his way up through the minor leagues. Don earned a reputation as one of the best fielding third basement in the American League and in 1965 played all 162 games for the Tigers at third base and led all American League third basement with a .976 fielding average. He also led the Tigers with 159 hits, had a .341 on-base percentage and a career-high 73 walks.
Actually hit 12 home runs even though he wasn't known as a power hitter. In 1965 he was awarded the 1st annual "Tiger of the Year" award by the Detroit chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America and finished 310 in the American League for Most Valuable Player. So, you get the idea as to why I wanted to model myself after Don Wert. Then, on June 24, 1968, Don was struck in the head in the 6th inning of a game by Cleveland Indians pitcher Hal Kurtz. The pitch shattered his helmet and he was carried off the field on a stretcher. He was held at the hospital for two nights and missed several games.
He never regained the hitting technique he had before the accident. He was selected to the American League All Star Team that year by team manager Dick Williams and doubled off Tom Seaver in the 8th inning. I, as well as all Detroit Tiger fans, remember him the most for his game-winning hit on September 17 to clinch the American League pennant. He was mobbed by hist teammates and fans came pouring on the field after his pennant-winning single. I found the radio broadcaster, Ernie Harwell, description of what happened that day which follows:
This big crowd here ready to break loose. Three men on, two men out. Game tied, 1-1, in the ninth inning. McDaniell checkin' his sign with Jake Gibbs. The tall right-hander ready to go to work again, and the windup, and the pitch...He swings, a line shot, base hit, right field, the Tigers win it! Here comes Kaline to score and it's all over! Don Wert singles, the Tigers mob Don, Kaline has scored...The fans are streaming on the field...And the Tigers have won their first pennant since 1945. Let's listen to the bedlam here at Tiger Stadium!!
 |
| One of his baseball cards. |
 |
| An old black and white of Don. |
 |
| His pennant clinching hit to win the 1968 AL pennant. |
This big crowd here ready to break loose. Three men on, two men out. Game tied, 1-1, in the ninth inning. McDaniell checkin' his sign with Jake Gibbs. The tall right-hander ready to go to work again, and the windup, and the pitch...He swings, a line shot, base hit, right field, the Tigers win it! Here comes Kaline to score and it's all over! Don Wert singles, the Tigers mob Don, Kaline has scored...The fans are streaming on the field...And the Tigers have won their first pennant since 1945. Let's listen to the bedlam here at Tiger Stadium!!
 |
| Game 3 in Detroit - Teams line up before Game 3 of the 1968 World Series at Tiger Stadium. |
But, he wasn't done yet. He singled in Detroit's final run of the 1968 World Series, driving in Dick Tracewski with two outs in the top of the 9th inning in St. Louis, completing the Tiger's comeback to top the defending Series champs, 4-1, wining the series, 4 games to 3. What a season...and I was pulling for him all the way.
On July 15 of the following season, with President Richard Nixon in atten- dance, Don started a triple play on a ground ball hit by Ed Brinkman. On October 9, 1970, Don and Denny McLain were traded to the Washington Senators in an eight-player deal. Wert ended up being released from the Senators the following year. During nine years in the Majors, Don played in 1,100 games and had a batting average of .242 with 929 hits, 417 runs scored, 389 walks, 366 RBIs, 129 doubles and 77 homers. He played 1,043 of his games at third base and collected 914 putouts, 1,987 assists, and 173 double plays. And, I had finished my baseball career by that time and was playing slo-pitch softball. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.
 |
| 1968 Tigers infield: Don Wert, Ray Oyler, Dick McAuliffe, Norm Cash |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
