2016 rang in for me in Port Clinton, Ohio. The annual Walleye Drop and local madness can now be struck off my wife's bucket list. For many years I resisted the idea of celebrating New Year's Eve by reeling in the New Year there. However as I get older, it is apparent that time flies (tempus fugit) but also time lies (tempus mendaci). It was time to change, to reach outside my margins, to be more spontaneous as my wife preached.
Time - it flies and it drags. It is precious and it is wasted. It is a gift and it is a thief. When I was younger summers whooshed by in a blur. As a local educator the final five minutes before the dismissal bell lasted an entire geological epoch. In 2015 the nights seemed longer and the year shorter. Time - it seemed I had too much of it on my hands and not enough of it in the day. Time waits for no man / woman, yet supposedly stands still. The bottom line is " Where did the time go?" Time has lost all credibility as we start 2016.
Time is a shape-shifter. The truth is we all have enough time right until the very end. Time is a constant and time stays. It is we who pass. My wish to you in 2016 is the same as always. May this be your best year ever. And if you have read my blogs since 2010 I always challenge you each New Year to volunteer at one of Lake County's local historical sites /organizations. They exist today because the current volunteers continue to pass on that which was passed onto them. Monetary donations are nice but the gift of time to a local society is the one New Year's Resolution that will genuinely keep on giving and defy 'father' time in the process.
Local Historical Societies with volunteer opportunities include-
Fairport Harbor Lighthouse & Marine Museum / Fairport Harbor Historical Society
Indian Museum in downtown Willoughby
Lake County Historical Society in Painesville
Willoughby Hills Historical Society
Wickliffe Historical Society at Coubly Estate
Kirtland Temple
Downtown Willoughby Welcome Center / History Society
Time concept source - Steve Rushin editorial
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Monday, December 21, 2015
C 2015 ...Tis' The Season
Did you know...
Buon Natale Joyeux Noel
Merry Christmas Feliz Navidad
Vesel Bozic Kellemes karacsonyi unnepeket
Hyvaa joulua Vesele Vianoce
Frohe Weihnacthen and to the many county languages and ethnicities I missed...
'Wishing you a joyous holiday season and hope that 2016 will be your best year ever.'
- Aluminum trees were first introduced in 1959. Well received at first, aluminum trees almost fell out of favor entirely in 1965 when Linus and Charlie Brown chose a real tree during their beloved Christmas Special premiere.
- Serious tree decorating began in 1846 when Queen Victoria trimmed a royal tree for her palace.
- Elf on the Shelf, as legend has it is a special scout elf sent from the North Pole to help Santa manage his naughty and nice lists. Once adopted and given a name, the elf receives its Christmas Magic and can visit Santa nightly at the North Pole to share the day's adventures.
- A Book on Every Bed is a relatively modern tradition first introduced during an interview with historian David McCullough. This Pulitzer Prize-winner suggested the giving of a book each year at Christmas- let your child or loved one wake up with a gift that will far outlast any toy. Just an FYI, my wife got her book early this year - Jane Austen Christmas Letters.
Buon Natale Joyeux Noel
Merry Christmas Feliz Navidad
Vesel Bozic Kellemes karacsonyi unnepeket
Hyvaa joulua Vesele Vianoce
Frohe Weihnacthen and to the many county languages and ethnicities I missed...
'Wishing you a joyous holiday season and hope that 2016 will be your best year ever.'
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Get 'Grinched' Again and more this Yuletide Season
December is a perfect time to start family traditions or continue making memories. Yes the 'hustle' and 'bustle' of the shopping season is once again upon us. Black Friday and Cyber Monday have yielded to daily senses of holiday urgencies. Nonetheless there are many local events that can serve to reduce your stress and allow for a few hours of simple, calm holiday nostalgia. Here is but a sampling of some of my enduring favorites as well as some new possibilities. Enjoy the season...
December 3 -- 46th Annual Holiday Lighting Celebration in Willoughby
Downtown Willoughby is the site of this annual evening where merchants, citizens and even Santa officially welcome this most special time of the year.
December 3-- Chardon Square Christmas Lighting
Tonight is a special night on the square that once served as our county seat. Hot Apple Cider, visits by Santa and Mrs. Clau and more await those who attend.
December 4-19-- The Tannenbaum Wine Trail Begins
Grand River Cellars serves as the epicenter for this anticipated trek. Lunch with Santa is held December 5th. Crafts, Corks and Christmas is featured on December 6th. If wineries are your passion, a two week trek across Lake County will allow you to sample some of our areas best!
December 5-- Harbor Holidays and a Grinch visit to the Lighthouse
Two dozen Fairport Harbor businesses participate in a village wide event that offers ethnic foods, arts, crafts, shopping and more. From 11am-4pm the 'Grinch' is on the loose throughout the village stealing giftsfo r all to witness. He and his companion dog Max even visit the local library to autograph his classic Dr. Suess book at noon. That evening the Grinch recites the beloved story from atop the 1825-1925 Lighthouse Tower. Visits with Santa, trolley rides and snacks follow the reading at the park.
December 6-- Mrs. Claus Returns to Chesterland
From noon to 3pm Mrs. Claus will sit in her rocking chair at the historic 1899 Thayer General Store. Kids may write their letters to Santa and rest assured they will be delivered back to the North Pole.
December 11-- "Sing Noel" Madison Chorale's Christmas Concert
This event is hosted by the Trinity Luthern Church in Madison and is a well-kept secret worth a visit.
December 21-- Winter Solstice Candlelight Walk
Celebrate the longest night of the year that features a walk and lesson on the Roman, Viking, Druid and other ancient traditions associated with the day-night. This event is held through the Geauga Park District (440-286-9516)
Thru January 3-- Historic Kirtland Nativity Exhibit
Over 500 nativity scenes await visitors at this free event in Kirtland. This not to be missed experiences shares scenes from all over the world and is ranked as one of the U.S.'s best holiday tours.
Thru December 20 -- Scrooge the Musical
Dickens classic novel A Christmas Carol is the inspiration for this production. ticket information and performance times are available by contacting the Fine Arts Association located adjacent to Andrews-Osborne Academy in Willoughby.
December 3 -- 46th Annual Holiday Lighting Celebration in Willoughby
Downtown Willoughby is the site of this annual evening where merchants, citizens and even Santa officially welcome this most special time of the year.
December 3-- Chardon Square Christmas Lighting
Tonight is a special night on the square that once served as our county seat. Hot Apple Cider, visits by Santa and Mrs. Clau and more await those who attend.
December 4-19-- The Tannenbaum Wine Trail Begins
Grand River Cellars serves as the epicenter for this anticipated trek. Lunch with Santa is held December 5th. Crafts, Corks and Christmas is featured on December 6th. If wineries are your passion, a two week trek across Lake County will allow you to sample some of our areas best!
December 5-- Harbor Holidays and a Grinch visit to the Lighthouse
Two dozen Fairport Harbor businesses participate in a village wide event that offers ethnic foods, arts, crafts, shopping and more. From 11am-4pm the 'Grinch' is on the loose throughout the village stealing giftsfo r all to witness. He and his companion dog Max even visit the local library to autograph his classic Dr. Suess book at noon. That evening the Grinch recites the beloved story from atop the 1825-1925 Lighthouse Tower. Visits with Santa, trolley rides and snacks follow the reading at the park.
December 6-- Mrs. Claus Returns to Chesterland
From noon to 3pm Mrs. Claus will sit in her rocking chair at the historic 1899 Thayer General Store. Kids may write their letters to Santa and rest assured they will be delivered back to the North Pole.
December 11-- "Sing Noel" Madison Chorale's Christmas Concert
This event is hosted by the Trinity Luthern Church in Madison and is a well-kept secret worth a visit.
December 21-- Winter Solstice Candlelight Walk
Celebrate the longest night of the year that features a walk and lesson on the Roman, Viking, Druid and other ancient traditions associated with the day-night. This event is held through the Geauga Park District (440-286-9516)
Thru January 3-- Historic Kirtland Nativity Exhibit
Over 500 nativity scenes await visitors at this free event in Kirtland. This not to be missed experiences shares scenes from all over the world and is ranked as one of the U.S.'s best holiday tours.
Thru December 20 -- Scrooge the Musical
Dickens classic novel A Christmas Carol is the inspiration for this production. ticket information and performance times are available by contacting the Fine Arts Association located adjacent to Andrews-Osborne Academy in Willoughby.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
USCG 1915-2015 and Station Fairport
As the nation's oldest maritime agency the United States Coast Guard history is one of multiple origins. While 2015 is the centennial year of the USCG the history of the service is an amalgam of many Federal agencies dating back to 1787. These agencies, the Revenue Cutter Service, the Lighthouse Service, the Steamboat Inspection Service, the Bureau of Navigation, the Lifesaving Service, and in recent years Homeland Security were independent and overlapping organizations that today fall under the united USCG umbrella.
August 4, 1790 marks the first day of service for 'first' U.S. maritime organization. President George Washington realizing that income was necessary for our new nation signed a Tariff Act. This act authorized construction of ten vessels whose primary duty would be to patrol the eastern seaboard and levy trade taxes. Preventing smuggling and assisting vessels in distress became two additional missions. Growth continued over the ensuing decades as our nation grew. In 1876 a bustling Lake Erie shipping industry created a regional need. Fairport was granted a station. George Francis Babcock, a local resident assumed charge of Station Fairport on September 26, 1876 and remained at his post till his death in 1898. Niels Rasmussen another local Fairporter assumed charge of the station on February 17, 1899 and was still there at its end in 1915. The original station was situated on the east bank of the Grand River just below the hill of the local lighthouse-1825-1925. It was moved by Babcock to combat shoreline congestion in late 1800s to the west bank of the river. The station remained intact with some modifications for nearly one hundred years until a completed remodel / renovation on August 15, 2014 ushered in a new era of local USCG history.
1915 saw an Act of Congress merge the Revenue Cutter Service with the U.S. Life-Saving Service. Remember prior to the establishment of the Navy Department in 1798, this organization was our nation's only armed force afloat. 1939 saw another major change occur as President Franklin Roosevelt transferred the organization to the charge of the USCG. This change became permanent in 1946 when Congress transferred several offices into this final umbrella. Homeland Security became the most recent task added to the history of the USLSS-USCG after 9/11.
From the earliest volunteer groups that spearheaded the first maritime organizations to the early professional pioneers such as Fairport's Francis Babcock and Niels Rasmussen these agencies of service have a history and tradition unsurpassed in the annals of our nation. These stories, artifacts and more may be viewed at the Fairport Harbor Lighthouse & Marine Museum - maintained by The Fairport Harbor Historical Society since 1945.
source: USCG website, USLSS article by Dr. Dennis L. Noble, archives Fairport Harbor Historical Society
August 4, 1790 marks the first day of service for 'first' U.S. maritime organization. President George Washington realizing that income was necessary for our new nation signed a Tariff Act. This act authorized construction of ten vessels whose primary duty would be to patrol the eastern seaboard and levy trade taxes. Preventing smuggling and assisting vessels in distress became two additional missions. Growth continued over the ensuing decades as our nation grew. In 1876 a bustling Lake Erie shipping industry created a regional need. Fairport was granted a station. George Francis Babcock, a local resident assumed charge of Station Fairport on September 26, 1876 and remained at his post till his death in 1898. Niels Rasmussen another local Fairporter assumed charge of the station on February 17, 1899 and was still there at its end in 1915. The original station was situated on the east bank of the Grand River just below the hill of the local lighthouse-1825-1925. It was moved by Babcock to combat shoreline congestion in late 1800s to the west bank of the river. The station remained intact with some modifications for nearly one hundred years until a completed remodel / renovation on August 15, 2014 ushered in a new era of local USCG history.
1915 saw an Act of Congress merge the Revenue Cutter Service with the U.S. Life-Saving Service. Remember prior to the establishment of the Navy Department in 1798, this organization was our nation's only armed force afloat. 1939 saw another major change occur as President Franklin Roosevelt transferred the organization to the charge of the USCG. This change became permanent in 1946 when Congress transferred several offices into this final umbrella. Homeland Security became the most recent task added to the history of the USLSS-USCG after 9/11.
From the earliest volunteer groups that spearheaded the first maritime organizations to the early professional pioneers such as Fairport's Francis Babcock and Niels Rasmussen these agencies of service have a history and tradition unsurpassed in the annals of our nation. These stories, artifacts and more may be viewed at the Fairport Harbor Lighthouse & Marine Museum - maintained by The Fairport Harbor Historical Society since 1945.
source: USCG website, USLSS article by Dr. Dennis L. Noble, archives Fairport Harbor Historical Society
Monday, October 19, 2015
Haunted Ohio - Lake County Trivia
Test your Ghostly I.Q. with these ten Wayward Spirit
teasers…
1. This 1890s
site is situated on 525 acres and was known then as the River Farm Estate. Rumors persist to this day of this
haunted lady . Do you know the name of this uncompleted site?
2. What is the
name of the veiled lady of Kirtland’s Historic North Cemetery?
3. Can you name
any of the six haunted buildings on this Lake County college campus?
4. What is the
name of the young boy who haunts Fairport’s sentinel?
5. Whose name
appears on the solitary gravesite located on Hart Road?
6. In 1943
owner Don Norris fell to his death from a third story floor - Name the haunted
hardware store that is listed at #10 in the book Haunted Ohio.
7. Although not
specific to our county or state, what is the common name of this Ohio Cryptid?
8. Spirits are said to frequent this 1870 Victorian Home in Painesville that once belonged to a Civil War General who married a founding member of the suffrage movement. Name the home!
9. This First Lady is said to haunt the upstairs of their NHS home. Can you name her?
10. The haunting tale led to the demise of this Medical College in Willoughby in the mid-1840s. What future Ohio medical institutions rose from this tragic tale?
Bonus: This 1847
Ohio Cottage is said to be haunted.
Name the community or street location
of this multi-use historic facility?
answers- 1. Squires Castle 2. Hattie Martindale 3. Morley, Kilcawley, Andrews, College Hall, Fine Arts, Fowler 4. Robbie Babcock 5. Levi Smith 6. Willoughby Coal 7. Melonheads 8. Casement Home 9. Lucretia Garfield 10. WRU and OSU bonus - Madison / Middle Ridge
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Fairport Harbor to host Remembrance for the 40th Anniversary of Edmund Fitzgerald Disaster
The SS Edmund Fitzgerald was an American Great Lakes 'workhorse' freighter that sank in a Lake Superior on November 10, 1975. Lost that fateful night were Captain Ernest McSorley and his crew of 29. Launched in June of '58, the Fitzgerald spent her seventeen years carrying taconite iron ore from mines near Duluth, Minnesota to iron works in Detroit, Toledo and other nearby ports. 'Workhorse' was a term often used to describe the Fitz as she set seasonal haul records six times in her storied career.
Captain McSorley and his crew, including Fairport Harbor's Ed Binden left one last time on the afternoon of November 9th. En route to Detroit the freighter and a second freighter the SS Arthur M. Anderson were caught in a sudden and severe winter storm on Lake Superior. Hurricane force winds and waves up to 35 feet high caused its sudden sinking at 7:10pm in Canadian waters on November 10th. They were less than two hours from a safe harbor. At no time was a report of distress or imminent danger reported. This maritime disaster led to major regulatory changes and practices that included survival suits, depth finders, positioning systems, freeboard increases and more.
Fairport Harbor, Ohio was and remains home to two crew members of the Fitzgerald. Ed Binden died that fateful eve. J. William Simko a member on the first crew lives today and recounts the service he and others performed on the mighty Edmund Fitzgerald.
A Tribute and Remembrance Ceremony will be hosted by the Fairport Harbor Historical Society on Monday, November 9, 2015 at 7pm. The program will be held at the VFW Post 7754 site at 540 New Street in Fairport Harbor. All are welcome.
Evening's Schedule:
7pm - "Pride of the American Side: Edmund Fitzgerald Before the Loss" - Chris Gillchrist, The Great Lakes Historical Society will be presenting.
7:45pm - Bill Simko, a member of the first Fitzgerald crew will offer his personal accounts of life aboard the mighty Great Lakes freighter.
8:15pm - Remembrance Ceremony for the '29' - USCG-Station Fairport
Visit - www.fairportharborlighthouse.org
Captain McSorley and his crew, including Fairport Harbor's Ed Binden left one last time on the afternoon of November 9th. En route to Detroit the freighter and a second freighter the SS Arthur M. Anderson were caught in a sudden and severe winter storm on Lake Superior. Hurricane force winds and waves up to 35 feet high caused its sudden sinking at 7:10pm in Canadian waters on November 10th. They were less than two hours from a safe harbor. At no time was a report of distress or imminent danger reported. This maritime disaster led to major regulatory changes and practices that included survival suits, depth finders, positioning systems, freeboard increases and more.
Fairport Harbor, Ohio was and remains home to two crew members of the Fitzgerald. Ed Binden died that fateful eve. J. William Simko a member on the first crew lives today and recounts the service he and others performed on the mighty Edmund Fitzgerald.
A Tribute and Remembrance Ceremony will be hosted by the Fairport Harbor Historical Society on Monday, November 9, 2015 at 7pm. The program will be held at the VFW Post 7754 site at 540 New Street in Fairport Harbor. All are welcome.
Evening's Schedule:
7pm - "Pride of the American Side: Edmund Fitzgerald Before the Loss" - Chris Gillchrist, The Great Lakes Historical Society will be presenting.
7:45pm - Bill Simko, a member of the first Fitzgerald crew will offer his personal accounts of life aboard the mighty Great Lakes freighter.
8:15pm - Remembrance Ceremony for the '29' - USCG-Station Fairport
Visit - www.fairportharborlighthouse.org
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Casement House Highlights Remarkable Lake County Tour Part II
The arrival of Charles Clement Jennings in 1840 began a long and storied history in Lake County. Arriving the same year as the formation of our county, Jennings purchased 300 acres of timeberland from Colonel Storres of the Connecticut Land Company. From this modest start the Jennings Farm would become one of the county's most unique histories.
As the years progressed his family grew. Jennings decided to build a home as a gift for his daughter Frances' wedding in 1868. Three years and $75,000 later the Casement House was dedicated in 1870 to Frances and her husband Civil War General Jack S. Casement. It was a Victorian styled home with a unique partitioned floor plan that made all three floors identical in size and structure. Murals, ornate ceilings as well as heat and light systems were installed. Even a air conditioning system was made possible. The work of many skilled men of the day made this a truly impressive estate. Peter Shelby and Charles W. Heard were the two leading builders / designers. The home remained in the family thru 1953. Robert W. Sidley became only the fourth owner of the home and it remains today in his family and is used as a corporate headquarters for his business. The 300 acres have been repurposed and the history of the property remains intact. Visitors are welcomed at the Casement House and once there can learn the story of General Jack, Francis a foundling member of the suffrage movement and their famous guest Susan B. Anthony.
The story of the Casement House and a look at important heritage homes in Fairport Harbor, Madison and Unionville are part of a Lake Metroparks Bus Tour on October 13th. Included on the tour are Ladd's Tavern, The Arcola House, The Huntington site and more. Visit www.lakemetroparks.com for tour information about many of the upcoming history events.
As the years progressed his family grew. Jennings decided to build a home as a gift for his daughter Frances' wedding in 1868. Three years and $75,000 later the Casement House was dedicated in 1870 to Frances and her husband Civil War General Jack S. Casement. It was a Victorian styled home with a unique partitioned floor plan that made all three floors identical in size and structure. Murals, ornate ceilings as well as heat and light systems were installed. Even a air conditioning system was made possible. The work of many skilled men of the day made this a truly impressive estate. Peter Shelby and Charles W. Heard were the two leading builders / designers. The home remained in the family thru 1953. Robert W. Sidley became only the fourth owner of the home and it remains today in his family and is used as a corporate headquarters for his business. The 300 acres have been repurposed and the history of the property remains intact. Visitors are welcomed at the Casement House and once there can learn the story of General Jack, Francis a foundling member of the suffrage movement and their famous guest Susan B. Anthony.
The story of the Casement House and a look at important heritage homes in Fairport Harbor, Madison and Unionville are part of a Lake Metroparks Bus Tour on October 13th. Included on the tour are Ladd's Tavern, The Arcola House, The Huntington site and more. Visit www.lakemetroparks.com for tour information about many of the upcoming history events.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)