Epidemics – Small Pox 1837-38
Pandemic – How far we’ve come – and how far we have to go Smallpox is one of the most deadly diseases in history. Its exact origins stretch back into the mists of time, but it was likely the disease … Continued
17th Century Justice
Justice was different in the 17th century – this would sure cut down on crime rate and prison crowding – from “The Blue Laws of Connecticut” p. 74 published 1656: (17th Century spelling preserved BURGLARY AND THEFT.Forasmuch as many persons … Continued
Did you know… William Floyd?
Continuing series on the Signers of the Declaration of Independence William Floyd( December 17, 1734 – August 4, 1821) came from early settlers of north-central Long Island, New York. His ancestor Richard came from Wales in 1654 and founded Setauket, … Continued
The man with two birthdays
Benjamin Franklin, signer of the Declaration of Independence Benjamin Franklin is known even to most schoolchildren in the United States. His birthday is given as both January 6, and January 17, 1706, due to the fact that Britain switched from … Continued
Did you know… Benjamin Harrison?
Signers of the Declaration of Independence Benjamin Harrison V(April 5, 1726 – April 24, 1791) was born at Berkeley Plantation on the James River in Virginia, about thirty-two miles southeast of Richmond. His parents were Benjamin Harrison IV and Ann Carter. … Continued
Did you know … Andre Watts?
This week we depart from our usual practice, and highlight a living African American artist. Andre Watts is one of the premiere pianists of the last sixty years. I first heard him play with the Houston Symphony in 1973. This … Continued
What was an Ironclad in the Civil War?
More than just the Monitor and the Merrimack Virtually every student of the Civil War has heard of the epic battle between the Monitor and the Merrimack, two early ironclad warships. But were they the only ones? Not by a … Continued
Why did John Hancock sign the declaration so big?
“There! His Majesty can now read my name without glasses. And he can double the reward on my head!”
Vietnam and African Americans
Webster Anderson and other heroes The Vietnam War was another period of deep division in our nation. The fear of Communism, with Khrushchev banging his shoe at the UN and declaring that the grandchildren of the Boomer generation would live … Continued
Battle of Santa Rosa Island
Harvey E. Brown, a rock on which the Confederacy broke Harvey Brown was born September 6, 1795 in Rahway, New Jersey. He was a disciplined and studious child, entering West Point military academy in 1814, and graduating in 1819, with … Continued