It's funny how time can get away from you in the summer... It took me a little longer to nest than I thought it would, but it was really enjoyable to get re-acclimated with Missoula. My writing didn't begin until after my adventures at Camp Choate (on lovely Lake Coeur d'Alene) over the Fourth of July.
However, once focused, I completed a manuscript for submission to North Dakota History: Journal of the Northern Plains. It will be a while before I know whether it is accepted for publication, but my proofreaders seemed to enjoy it. The working title is: "Letters from Yule: Janet and Sophia Lang Through the Lens of Western Women's History." I finished the final revisions minutes before heading off to one of my summer music events.
This did seem to be the summer of music for me. I was able to take in the National Folk Festival in Butte, and was truly impressed with the breadth and depth of talented musicians in uptown Butte. I'll be sure to take advantage of that venue for the next two years because it was a great event. I saw Bela Fleck (Sparrow Quartet) at the Wilma, Buckwheat Zydeco at the Top Hat, and have plans to attend a few more events down the road before summer is officially over. In addition to the concerts, I've signed up for guitar lessons, which will begin this week.
In order to prepare for the transition back to the reality of a new school year, this past weekend I made a return pilgrimage to the St. Gertrude's Monastery in Cottonwood, ID. The retreat was a birthday gift to myself. The sisters build their ministry on the values of hospitality, simplicity, and peace-making - and those values are transparent in the rituals of the monastery.
Countdown: 9 days to my first PIR workshop!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Sunday, June 8, 2008
All Aboard - Last Stop...
From Miles City to Helena, (the last research stop of my sabbatical year), I took as much of the more scenic route as possible along Highway 12 from Forsyth to the Martinsdale cut-off. I missed out on the famous beans of Ingomar, but caught a few more pictures of rural county courthouses to add to the collection I started two summers ago. I also fell in love with the views of the rolling hills and distant mountains of central Montana, near Two Dot.
Staying with friends just north of Boulder and south of the Wickes tunnel, I "commuted" for three days to the Montana State Historical Society research room. Tracing the various family brands was productive, and the historic Sanborn maps of Baker and Wibaux were illuminating; but I had little success with early Montana newspapers (other than getting eye strain from reading microfilm reels) and photo archives.
Now that I have been back in Missoula for a couple of weeks, getting settled back into a routine and reclaiming my house and yard, it's time for the writing to begin. My focus will be two journal articles; one each for the North Dakota and Montana Historical Society publications. Here's to a productive summer!
Staying with friends just north of Boulder and south of the Wickes tunnel, I "commuted" for three days to the Montana State Historical Society research room. Tracing the various family brands was productive, and the historic Sanborn maps of Baker and Wibaux were illuminating; but I had little success with early Montana newspapers (other than getting eye strain from reading microfilm reels) and photo archives.
Now that I have been back in Missoula for a couple of weeks, getting settled back into a routine and reclaiming my house and yard, it's time for the writing to begin. My focus will be two journal articles; one each for the North Dakota and Montana Historical Society publications. Here's to a productive summer!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Cowboy Country!
I left Medora and made a few short stops in both Beach, N.D. (where I found a 1904 article from the Billings County Republican at the Golden Valley County Museum) and Glendive, MT (where I stopped at the public library and took a quick hike in Makoshika State Park) enroute to Miles City. The purpose of my research there was to retrace the final steps of Sophia's youngest brother, whose funeral was hosted by the local Elks Lodge, of which he was a member from 1908-1923. Through the good graces of my excellent hosts (who ranch in Kinsey), I even got a guided tour of the lodge, which is quite a spectacular old building. A stopover in Miles City is never complete without a visit to the Range Riders Museum, where the last remaining officer's quarters of Fort Keogh are on display, along with some pretty impressive portraits of early area ranchers. Before I left, I also had some success in the Custer County Clerk & Recorder's office and the Miles City Public Library.
My visit to Miles also happened to coincide with the world famous Bucking Horse Sale: with it's parade, quick draw art auction, and horse racing, you can't beat a weekend like that for entertainment! The Art Center (located in the retrofitted wastewater plant) had a great western art exhibit in conjunction with the bucking horse sale, and the Ursuline Convent (with it's wooden roller-skating floor on the third level) is also not to be missed.
My visit to Miles also happened to coincide with the world famous Bucking Horse Sale: with it's parade, quick draw art auction, and horse racing, you can't beat a weekend like that for entertainment! The Art Center (located in the retrofitted wastewater plant) had a great western art exhibit in conjunction with the bucking horse sale, and the Ursuline Convent (with it's wooden roller-skating floor on the third level) is also not to be missed.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Medora, N.D.
I took the scenic route from Bismarck to Medora. I headed northwest through Double Ditch, Fort Mandan, the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center in Washburn, Knife River Indian Villages, Garrison Dam, White Shield, the Three Affiliated Tribes Museum and Crow Flies High Butte in New Town (on the Fort Berthold reservation); then southwest to Watford City and through the north unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Whew!
In Medora, I wandered through the Theodore Roosevelt National Park Visitor Center, to discover the brand of the family I'm studying prominently displayed next to Roosevelt's ranch brands. There was also a display of a map of the Little Missouri River area that appeared on an endpiece in Hagedorn's Roosevelt in the Badlands, which was drawn by Lincoln Lang (brother to the woman whose letters I'm studying).
My next stop was the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. The historic ranch "my" family established was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006. They have quite a little library in their brand new space, and I found some helpful background information. A Joisey girl like me can't be expected to know everything about ranching!
The Billings County Museum housed a treasure trove of early county record books in it's vault, and the curator was very friendly. The Clerk and Recorder's office also held quite a number of official records (dusty though they were) from the mid-1880's, which was very helpful to my research. Gregor Lang (Sophia's father) was an early-day Billings County commissioner, even though he had to ride 40 miles (one way) to the meetings in Medora.
My tourist stops in and around Medora included: Sully Springs (a Maah Daah Hey trailhead), Theordore Roosevelt National Park, Chateau de Mores, a leaisurely drive down East River road to Amidon, and Buffalo Gap. I was going to visit the site of the original shack at the confluence of the Little Missouri River and the Cannonball Creek, but the snowstorm in South Dakota a few days before my arrival flooded the Little Missouri, and it was both impassible and impossible to visit, (especially on horseback).
Fear not, there was plenty of horse action at my next stopover!
In Medora, I wandered through the Theodore Roosevelt National Park Visitor Center, to discover the brand of the family I'm studying prominently displayed next to Roosevelt's ranch brands. There was also a display of a map of the Little Missouri River area that appeared on an endpiece in Hagedorn's Roosevelt in the Badlands, which was drawn by Lincoln Lang (brother to the woman whose letters I'm studying).
My next stop was the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame. The historic ranch "my" family established was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006. They have quite a little library in their brand new space, and I found some helpful background information. A Joisey girl like me can't be expected to know everything about ranching!
The Billings County Museum housed a treasure trove of early county record books in it's vault, and the curator was very friendly. The Clerk and Recorder's office also held quite a number of official records (dusty though they were) from the mid-1880's, which was very helpful to my research. Gregor Lang (Sophia's father) was an early-day Billings County commissioner, even though he had to ride 40 miles (one way) to the meetings in Medora.
My tourist stops in and around Medora included: Sully Springs (a Maah Daah Hey trailhead), Theordore Roosevelt National Park, Chateau de Mores, a leaisurely drive down East River road to Amidon, and Buffalo Gap. I was going to visit the site of the original shack at the confluence of the Little Missouri River and the Cannonball Creek, but the snowstorm in South Dakota a few days before my arrival flooded the Little Missouri, and it was both impassible and impossible to visit, (especially on horseback).
Fear not, there was plenty of horse action at my next stopover!
Monday, May 12, 2008
North Dakota Heritage Center
After being in Bismarck for a little over two weeks, I can honestly say I love North Dakota. There are wide open spaces, friendly people, and good clean fun.
The holdings of the library and archives are incredible, and kept me busy for nine of the ten days I spent there. (The other day was due my inefficiency, not the fault of the collection.) I read manuscripts, poured over historic brand books, read archival newspapers, searched National Archives microfilm for Post Office site applications and volunteer Weather Observer monthly reports, did some online genealogical searching, read and photocopied a number of articles from the North Dakota History journals, etc... (you get the idea)!
In addition to research, I was quite a good tourist; visiting such places as the state capitol grounds (including the exhibits at the Heritage Center), Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park (beginning of the Keogh trail, and home to Custer's 7th Cavalry), Camp Hancock, the former governor's mansion, and Fort Yates and Fort Manuel Lisa on the Standing Rock reservation.
My free time was spent riding my bicycle to Mandan (among other places along the Bismarck trail system), visiting Five Nation's Art in the old train depot, attending my first-ever Day Lily Society meeting (really), celebrating Cinqo de Mayo at Fiesta Villa, attending a Japanese tea ceremony, and watching the annual band night parade march right past my rental house (now there's another story).
But alas, all good things must come to an end - and so did my time in the capitol of the great state of North Dakota. Ever onward...
The holdings of the library and archives are incredible, and kept me busy for nine of the ten days I spent there. (The other day was due my inefficiency, not the fault of the collection.) I read manuscripts, poured over historic brand books, read archival newspapers, searched National Archives microfilm for Post Office site applications and volunteer Weather Observer monthly reports, did some online genealogical searching, read and photocopied a number of articles from the North Dakota History journals, etc... (you get the idea)!
In addition to research, I was quite a good tourist; visiting such places as the state capitol grounds (including the exhibits at the Heritage Center), Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park (beginning of the Keogh trail, and home to Custer's 7th Cavalry), Camp Hancock, the former governor's mansion, and Fort Yates and Fort Manuel Lisa on the Standing Rock reservation.
My free time was spent riding my bicycle to Mandan (among other places along the Bismarck trail system), visiting Five Nation's Art in the old train depot, attending my first-ever Day Lily Society meeting (really), celebrating Cinqo de Mayo at Fiesta Villa, attending a Japanese tea ceremony, and watching the annual band night parade march right past my rental house (now there's another story).
But alas, all good things must come to an end - and so did my time in the capitol of the great state of North Dakota. Ever onward...
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Western North Dakota
On my way from Wibaux, MT to Bismarck, ND, I wasn't in any particular hurry. As a matter of fact, Shirley had set helped me set up an appointment with another lovely couple, Paul and Mert Popiel, who run the Golden Valley County Museum in Beach. I visited with them at the museum, pouring through some local histories, and then we went for coffee at the Dairy Queen. I'll be giving them a call on my way back through - they were so helpful and nice!
My next side-trip was to Sentinel Butte. I hoped to find the old railroad depot - and I was just curious about how that town has survived the passing of years. I spoke with the postmaster, whose father used to work on THE ranch (just a fluke of luck), and she has his old brand book. I was referred to another resident and located the foundation of the old depot, which is all that remains.
My biggest obstacle in this research project has been the passage of time - not only one, but two generations have now disappeared. It is a little sad that there is so little historic preservation, but I am thankful for what remains; ultimately, it makes me a better sleuth!
My next side-trip was to Sentinel Butte. I hoped to find the old railroad depot - and I was just curious about how that town has survived the passing of years. I spoke with the postmaster, whose father used to work on THE ranch (just a fluke of luck), and she has his old brand book. I was referred to another resident and located the foundation of the old depot, which is all that remains.
My biggest obstacle in this research project has been the passage of time - not only one, but two generations have now disappeared. It is a little sad that there is so little historic preservation, but I am thankful for what remains; ultimately, it makes me a better sleuth!
Mingusville
Leaving the ranch, I arrived in Wibaux to the comfort of the Nunberg N Heart Ranch B&B, owned by Shirley and Fred Nunberg. They are a wonderful couple, making me feel right at home. I will post a photo of their barn, as their farmstead was just enrolled on the Historic Register.
Shirley is also the assistant librarian at the Wibaux Public Library, and I spent the better part of the next day in their Montana Room, reading through local histories and such; only breaking long enough for some split pea soup (delicious) at the Palace Cafe.
The museum was not offically open yet, but I did meet with the museum director and gathered some information relevant to the Nellie (Cooper) Wibaux (Mingusville)/ Sophia C. Lang (Yule) connection. There was no local newspaper in that era, so I'll have to dig elsewhere.
My only observation of the area is that there is very little difference between far eastern Montana and western North Dakota. As a matter of fact, it is a local call to Beach, ND from Wibaux, but long distance to Glendive, MT. Go figure!
Shirley is also the assistant librarian at the Wibaux Public Library, and I spent the better part of the next day in their Montana Room, reading through local histories and such; only breaking long enough for some split pea soup (delicious) at the Palace Cafe.
The museum was not offically open yet, but I did meet with the museum director and gathered some information relevant to the Nellie (Cooper) Wibaux (Mingusville)/ Sophia C. Lang (Yule) connection. There was no local newspaper in that era, so I'll have to dig elsewhere.
My only observation of the area is that there is very little difference between far eastern Montana and western North Dakota. As a matter of fact, it is a local call to Beach, ND from Wibaux, but long distance to Glendive, MT. Go figure!
THE Ranch!
On my way to Wibaux on April 22, 2008, I finally got the opportunity to visit the ranch! Turning east at the sign to Carlysle on my way north, I drove about 25 miles on red dirt road - and my bike knows it! Along the way, I encountered a herd of antelope, two herds of mule deer; and numerous pheasant went running for cover!
I had a great conversation with the current owners of the old Lang ranch at Yule; and they shared some local history with me, as well as another photograph of the original "new" house, built in 1892. There is only one building of the era left standing (the old storehouse), which has been remodeled into a home.
I was treated to a tour of the ranch headquarters in a Polaris Ranger (a new experience for me, not being raised on a ranch). I took some pictures, trying to capture the same vantage as the photo that is posted on the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame website.
I am deeply indebted to the ranch owners for allowing me to visit the ranch during a busy spring season. Please join me in praying for some rain for the area!
I had a great conversation with the current owners of the old Lang ranch at Yule; and they shared some local history with me, as well as another photograph of the original "new" house, built in 1892. There is only one building of the era left standing (the old storehouse), which has been remodeled into a home.
I was treated to a tour of the ranch headquarters in a Polaris Ranger (a new experience for me, not being raised on a ranch). I took some pictures, trying to capture the same vantage as the photo that is posted on the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame website.
I am deeply indebted to the ranch owners for allowing me to visit the ranch during a busy spring season. Please join me in praying for some rain for the area!
O'Fallon country!
Really - I don't know why I bothered to post the little "quiz." Nobody posted any guesses; but I don't blame you. I post so infrequently (due to limited access on the road) - and it was quite out of the ordinary, considering I usually keep this blog directly related to my sabbatical...
On my way to Baker on Thursday, April 17th, 2008, I actually stopped at Pompey's Pillar. I had never been there before - always seeming to be in too much of a hurry to stop; but it's minutes from the freeway - and a very pastoral (and historical)setting. I saw lots of praitie dogs and some geese (one was actually nesting on the top of the pillar, acting as a sentinel).
When I arrived in Baker, I immediately went to the O'Fallon Museum because the director was so helpful to me via e-mail prior to my visit. Let's just say I hit the jackpot in Baker in terms of photos and biographies of the Lang family (after they left the ranch in Yule, ND). I also used the back issues of the Baker Sentinel, which were housed in the Fallon County Library; found the wills of Janet and William in the Clerk of Court's office, discovered deeds recounting land holdings of the Lang's home and businesses in the Clerk and Recorder's office, and read minutes of the early meetings of the town council from the early 1900's.
While I was in the area, I also visited Ekalaka (the Carter County Museum) and the Medicine Rocks State Park, which is just as an incredibly spititual place today, as it was to the early Indians.
On my way to Baker on Thursday, April 17th, 2008, I actually stopped at Pompey's Pillar. I had never been there before - always seeming to be in too much of a hurry to stop; but it's minutes from the freeway - and a very pastoral (and historical)setting. I saw lots of praitie dogs and some geese (one was actually nesting on the top of the pillar, acting as a sentinel).
When I arrived in Baker, I immediately went to the O'Fallon Museum because the director was so helpful to me via e-mail prior to my visit. Let's just say I hit the jackpot in Baker in terms of photos and biographies of the Lang family (after they left the ranch in Yule, ND). I also used the back issues of the Baker Sentinel, which were housed in the Fallon County Library; found the wills of Janet and William in the Clerk of Court's office, discovered deeds recounting land holdings of the Lang's home and businesses in the Clerk and Recorder's office, and read minutes of the early meetings of the town council from the early 1900's.
While I was in the area, I also visited Ekalaka (the Carter County Museum) and the Medicine Rocks State Park, which is just as an incredibly spititual place today, as it was to the early Indians.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Blog Quiz
O.K. So, it's been awhile, but I'm back on the road...
It's time for some fun.
If you saw this sign, where would you be???
Post your guesses as comments!
It's time for some fun.
If you saw this sign, where would you be???
Post your guesses as comments!
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Early March in Utah
At the beginning of the month, I left Boise and drove to a resort town in southern Utah by the name of Brian Head. Never heard of it? Neither had I! But fate intervened, and I had access to a timeshare there for about 5 days. The resort is at 10,000 feet - and the x-country skiing was great, especially around the Cedar Breaks National Monument and the Ashdown Gorge Wilderness area. I have to admit to having some respiratory symptoms (altitude sickness?) the first day - but it was blizzarding anyway, and I stayed in to study.
I also reviewed and organized my data (again) in preparation for my trip to the Family History Library in Salt Lake. After being at the library for two long days of research, I understand why it has such a stellar reputation for their genealogical collection! The staff was very friendly and helpful. I walked each day from my hotel to Temple Square - and I'd like to say I did a lot of sight-seeing, but that wasn't the case this trip. I actually kept my nose to the grindstone, and there was a payoff. I finally retrieved copies of the naturalization papers I'd been seeking. I can also recommend two very fine (and relatively cheap) restaurants near downtown SLC!
I am returning to Missoula to file my taxes before my last extended trip of the year - to North Dakota. I have my letters of introduction all written, and I'm more than ready to tackle the most promising materials of the year...
I also reviewed and organized my data (again) in preparation for my trip to the Family History Library in Salt Lake. After being at the library for two long days of research, I understand why it has such a stellar reputation for their genealogical collection! The staff was very friendly and helpful. I walked each day from my hotel to Temple Square - and I'd like to say I did a lot of sight-seeing, but that wasn't the case this trip. I actually kept my nose to the grindstone, and there was a payoff. I finally retrieved copies of the naturalization papers I'd been seeking. I can also recommend two very fine (and relatively cheap) restaurants near downtown SLC!
I am returning to Missoula to file my taxes before my last extended trip of the year - to North Dakota. I have my letters of introduction all written, and I'm more than ready to tackle the most promising materials of the year...
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
February in Boise, ID
Once I returned to Missoula from my family vacation in Australia, I checked out another armload of background reading materials from the Mansfield library, and hit the road (again).
Since winter time driving conditions prevailed, I kept to the Interstates and stayed one night in Dillon, where I was treated to a special tour of the Beaverhead County Museum. Of particular interest was the bird exhibit (and the Lewis and Clark diorama by Rudy Autio).
My final destination was Boise, ID. I stayed with a former colleague and great friend from my teaching days at Hellgate Elementary school, which seems a lifetime ago! I fell into a nice rhythm of exploration, exercise, and scholarship. My background readings on western women pioneers is almost complete, and I've begun to research the phenomenon of eastern (and foreign) money financing western ranching enterprises.
I am committed to not taking so long to post my next adventures. I know... promises, promises!
Since winter time driving conditions prevailed, I kept to the Interstates and stayed one night in Dillon, where I was treated to a special tour of the Beaverhead County Museum. Of particular interest was the bird exhibit (and the Lewis and Clark diorama by Rudy Autio).
My final destination was Boise, ID. I stayed with a former colleague and great friend from my teaching days at Hellgate Elementary school, which seems a lifetime ago! I fell into a nice rhythm of exploration, exercise, and scholarship. My background readings on western women pioneers is almost complete, and I've begun to research the phenomenon of eastern (and foreign) money financing western ranching enterprises.
I am committed to not taking so long to post my next adventures. I know... promises, promises!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Oz - the Land Down Under
And boy, does it ever take a long time to get there and back...
Ben and I left for Australia right after New Year's and returned home on January 19th, 2008. We flew into Sydney and spent time with my extended family at their home in Narrawallee (on the Sapphire Coast); then took a road trip through Pambula, Thredbo (in the Snowy Mountains), and Beechworth, before reaching our destination of Melbourne.
Staying in a serviced apartment sandwiched between the high rise central business district and the more funky Brunswick Street, (and convenient to the tram), we set out to discover Melbourne in temperatures exceeding 100 degrees fahrenheit. We ate every type of ethnic foods we could get our hands on (Chinese, Greek, Thai, African), and we cherished the taste of the local brew - Coopers (Pale Ale, Sparkling Ale, Lager, Nut Brown, Stout - they're all good) in a neighborhood bar called Gertrudes Brown Couch.
We were able to learn about opals in the Opal Museum, stroll through Fitzroy Gardens, visit the Melbourne Gaol, the Victoria Gallery of Art, and the Melbourne Museum. We left the rest of the family in Melbourne, and Ben and I flew back to the Sydney area (New South Wales) again.
Staying at the Sydney Travelodge (which also houses the NSW Football Club), we were conveniently located to the Domain, Royal Botanical Gardens, Opera House, Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, and the Aquarium. We took a ferry to Manly Beach, and were treated to the sight of a giant sandcastle (a work of art, really) and some yacht club races.
After renting a car, we drove (yes, on the left) to Leura in the Blue Mountains National Park (home to the Three Sisters), where we dined on Indian food and hiked. Then we set off for the Hunter Valley, where we ate Japanese food and went on a wine tour.
We capped off our trip with a show (Le Grand Cirque) in the Sydney Opera House.
Ben and I left for Australia right after New Year's and returned home on January 19th, 2008. We flew into Sydney and spent time with my extended family at their home in Narrawallee (on the Sapphire Coast); then took a road trip through Pambula, Thredbo (in the Snowy Mountains), and Beechworth, before reaching our destination of Melbourne.
Staying in a serviced apartment sandwiched between the high rise central business district and the more funky Brunswick Street, (and convenient to the tram), we set out to discover Melbourne in temperatures exceeding 100 degrees fahrenheit. We ate every type of ethnic foods we could get our hands on (Chinese, Greek, Thai, African), and we cherished the taste of the local brew - Coopers (Pale Ale, Sparkling Ale, Lager, Nut Brown, Stout - they're all good) in a neighborhood bar called Gertrudes Brown Couch.
We were able to learn about opals in the Opal Museum, stroll through Fitzroy Gardens, visit the Melbourne Gaol, the Victoria Gallery of Art, and the Melbourne Museum. We left the rest of the family in Melbourne, and Ben and I flew back to the Sydney area (New South Wales) again.
Staying at the Sydney Travelodge (which also houses the NSW Football Club), we were conveniently located to the Domain, Royal Botanical Gardens, Opera House, Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, and the Aquarium. We took a ferry to Manly Beach, and were treated to the sight of a giant sandcastle (a work of art, really) and some yacht club races.
After renting a car, we drove (yes, on the left) to Leura in the Blue Mountains National Park (home to the Three Sisters), where we dined on Indian food and hiked. Then we set off for the Hunter Valley, where we ate Japanese food and went on a wine tour.
We capped off our trip with a show (Le Grand Cirque) in the Sydney Opera House.
Holidays
It was so nice to be home after an absence of almost six months...
I made a scrapbook for my youngest son (long overdue), worked dilligently on a wedding gift for my friend Carla and her new husband Matt (fashioned after something I had seen in an art gallery in Ireland), and decorated the house for the holidays (sans Christmas tree). I was happy to be included in a few Christmas gatherings, and I sang a few Sundays with the choir at church. Our immediate family enjoyed a very informal and low-key holiday together. But the main event was Carla's wedding reception on New Years Eve, which was by all accounts a great success.
(I had even postponed my departure for Australia until afterwards...)
I made a scrapbook for my youngest son (long overdue), worked dilligently on a wedding gift for my friend Carla and her new husband Matt (fashioned after something I had seen in an art gallery in Ireland), and decorated the house for the holidays (sans Christmas tree). I was happy to be included in a few Christmas gatherings, and I sang a few Sundays with the choir at church. Our immediate family enjoyed a very informal and low-key holiday together. But the main event was Carla's wedding reception on New Years Eve, which was by all accounts a great success.
(I had even postponed my departure for Australia until afterwards...)
The Journey Home
I can't believe that two months has passed since I've posted to my blog!
After my last post, I bid a fond farewell to family and friends on the East Coast and started my jouney back home. My car packed and ready to go, the morning of December 3, 2007 witnessed an ice storm, as only they can occur in the east. My car had a quarter inch of ice encrusted on it, which had to be chipped away before my departure. I made my way (slowly) down to the nearest interstate highway before the wrap job around my bicycle came loose. Leaving the plastic wrap behind in a motel garbage can, I went forth. I encountered heavy winds in Pennsylvania, which gripped my car with a strength I had underestimated; but eventually arrived unscathed in Indianapolis, IN at day's end. I even had enough energy left to play a little prank on Krissi upon my arrival! We had a nice evening, eating at the Jazz Kitchen and hanging out with her sister and friend.
My destination the next day was Minneapolis, home to my friend Terri. For the most part, the weather cooperated (at least until the Dells, WI when it began to snow). Inadvertently earlier that day, I had dropped my debit card at a gas station in Remington, IN - and, of course, didn't notice until I needed gas next. (Three weeks later, we were reunited...) Upon entering Minneapolis, I took 694 toward Silver Lake and encountered the worst traffic jam (due to the bridge collapse earlier this year), coupled with icy conditions (many vehicles in the median ditch) that I have ever experienced. What should have been a 20 minute drive turned into a two hour ordeal. Thank goodness I was planning on spending two nights in Minneapolis, so as to get some rest in-between the legs of my journey.
After spending a great day in Minneapolis with Terri (including snowshoeing around Silverwood Park, and dining in Dinkeytown at the Loring Pasta Bar), she escorted me through the back roads of Minneapolis to get me headed in the right direction out of town (to avoid the traffic congestion of 694). I took the interstate toward Albert Lee to avoid secondary highways because it had started snowing again (imagine that - snow in December!), and then turned west on 80 toward Rapid City, SD, which was my destination for the evening. Some folks had asked me whether or not I was going to do any sight-seeing on my way back home, and I hadn't planned on it. But the signs beckoned and piqued my curiousity; so I got a wild hair, and ended up at The Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD. Never been there? Hmmm... The snow started in earnest around Kadoka, and the surreal orange glow of the Air Force Base outside of Rapid freaked me out - but I arrived at Jim & Heidi's (who live IN the Black Hills) just in time for dinner (and wine). I learned a lot from Jim about some of the lesser-known exploits of my eldest son when he was a teenager...
The next morning I was headed for home. There were sketchy moments with snow (mostly around Sundance and Livingston), but it was nice to be driving along familiar highways, and I made it home safe and sound to a nice reunion with my boys and my dog.
After my last post, I bid a fond farewell to family and friends on the East Coast and started my jouney back home. My car packed and ready to go, the morning of December 3, 2007 witnessed an ice storm, as only they can occur in the east. My car had a quarter inch of ice encrusted on it, which had to be chipped away before my departure. I made my way (slowly) down to the nearest interstate highway before the wrap job around my bicycle came loose. Leaving the plastic wrap behind in a motel garbage can, I went forth. I encountered heavy winds in Pennsylvania, which gripped my car with a strength I had underestimated; but eventually arrived unscathed in Indianapolis, IN at day's end. I even had enough energy left to play a little prank on Krissi upon my arrival! We had a nice evening, eating at the Jazz Kitchen and hanging out with her sister and friend.
My destination the next day was Minneapolis, home to my friend Terri. For the most part, the weather cooperated (at least until the Dells, WI when it began to snow). Inadvertently earlier that day, I had dropped my debit card at a gas station in Remington, IN - and, of course, didn't notice until I needed gas next. (Three weeks later, we were reunited...) Upon entering Minneapolis, I took 694 toward Silver Lake and encountered the worst traffic jam (due to the bridge collapse earlier this year), coupled with icy conditions (many vehicles in the median ditch) that I have ever experienced. What should have been a 20 minute drive turned into a two hour ordeal. Thank goodness I was planning on spending two nights in Minneapolis, so as to get some rest in-between the legs of my journey.
After spending a great day in Minneapolis with Terri (including snowshoeing around Silverwood Park, and dining in Dinkeytown at the Loring Pasta Bar), she escorted me through the back roads of Minneapolis to get me headed in the right direction out of town (to avoid the traffic congestion of 694). I took the interstate toward Albert Lee to avoid secondary highways because it had started snowing again (imagine that - snow in December!), and then turned west on 80 toward Rapid City, SD, which was my destination for the evening. Some folks had asked me whether or not I was going to do any sight-seeing on my way back home, and I hadn't planned on it. But the signs beckoned and piqued my curiousity; so I got a wild hair, and ended up at The Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD. Never been there? Hmmm... The snow started in earnest around Kadoka, and the surreal orange glow of the Air Force Base outside of Rapid freaked me out - but I arrived at Jim & Heidi's (who live IN the Black Hills) just in time for dinner (and wine). I learned a lot from Jim about some of the lesser-known exploits of my eldest son when he was a teenager...
The next morning I was headed for home. There were sketchy moments with snow (mostly around Sundance and Livingston), but it was nice to be driving along familiar highways, and I made it home safe and sound to a nice reunion with my boys and my dog.
Monday, November 26, 2007
New York City
This will be my last post before returning to Missoula for Christmas (and to see whether or not the National Endowment for the Humanities will fund six months of my research project)...
Shortly before I left for the city, my photo duplication request from the Houghton Library at Harvard arrived in the mail. I can't wait to get a chance to organize my treasures from the Theodore Roosevelt collection!
On Wednesday, November 14th, 2007, I ventured into the Big Apple for a combination research trip and reunion with two friends from Missoula. I had secured my aunt's apartment on the Upper East Side for the duration of our stay, which worked out well (since it was so close to the #6 subway stop at Lexington and 96th).
I spent the first two days at the Regional National Archives building on Varick and Houston, which also happens to be the headquarters for the Regional Homeland Security Division (so the entrance had particularly tight security). I was disappointed to find that their microfilm passenger arrival lists for the Port of New York are the very same as the ones I had already consulted in Washington, D.C. The first day I found the librarians particularly unfriendly and I would've gone away from that experience with a bad taste in my mouth, had I not returned the following day and been treated to much better service.
In the afternoon of the second day, I took the #1 subway down to Battery Park to visit the site of Castle Garden, the first immigration station in New York (used before Ellis Island was built in 1892). The facade is still there, and there is a small National Park exhibit on immigration, but the rest of the grounds are now used to sell tickets for admission to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
In the reading room at the New York Public Library I consulted a reference book on passenger ship manifests, which explained the reasons for my frustration in trying to document early immigration solely with primary sources. The worst case scenario is that I may have to piece together that part of the story through secondary sources (including the letters of Theodore Roosevelt, who may be deemed a fairly reliable secondary source). While I was there I also visited the Jack Kerouac Exhibit (featured on the banner hanging from the front entrance in the accompanying picture).
The only other task I completed in NYC was to locate (and photograph) the former homes of Theodore Roosevelt, where he was living when he corresponded with members of the family I am researching. They were both in very fashionable neighborhoods! One is now an Italian pizzeria and barber shop - and the other is Club Monaco with a very high-end woman's clothing store on the street level.
Now, as to our sightseeing in New York... We went through Central Park in a hansome cab (pulled by Norman and driven by Emmett), played in FAO Schwarz (the toy store with the piano featured in the movie "Big"), visited Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Times Square, and the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. I spent two half days at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Most notable among the special exhibitions I saw were: Tapestry in the Baroque, Gifts for the Gods (Egyptian temple artifacts), and The Age of Rembrandt (very crowded). Regular exhibition favorites were: Silversmiths to the Nation (Fletcher and Gardiner), and the new galleries of Oceanic Art (terrific wood carvings).
I came out of the city last Wednesday on the Lakeland Bus Line from Port Authority and was able to spend Thanksgiving on the east coast with my family for the first time in many years. The weekend was chock full of fun events, good company and delicious food for which I was indeed, grateful.
Shortly before I left for the city, my photo duplication request from the Houghton Library at Harvard arrived in the mail. I can't wait to get a chance to organize my treasures from the Theodore Roosevelt collection!
On Wednesday, November 14th, 2007, I ventured into the Big Apple for a combination research trip and reunion with two friends from Missoula. I had secured my aunt's apartment on the Upper East Side for the duration of our stay, which worked out well (since it was so close to the #6 subway stop at Lexington and 96th).
I spent the first two days at the Regional National Archives building on Varick and Houston, which also happens to be the headquarters for the Regional Homeland Security Division (so the entrance had particularly tight security). I was disappointed to find that their microfilm passenger arrival lists for the Port of New York are the very same as the ones I had already consulted in Washington, D.C. The first day I found the librarians particularly unfriendly and I would've gone away from that experience with a bad taste in my mouth, had I not returned the following day and been treated to much better service.
In the afternoon of the second day, I took the #1 subway down to Battery Park to visit the site of Castle Garden, the first immigration station in New York (used before Ellis Island was built in 1892). The facade is still there, and there is a small National Park exhibit on immigration, but the rest of the grounds are now used to sell tickets for admission to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
In the reading room at the New York Public Library I consulted a reference book on passenger ship manifests, which explained the reasons for my frustration in trying to document early immigration solely with primary sources. The worst case scenario is that I may have to piece together that part of the story through secondary sources (including the letters of Theodore Roosevelt, who may be deemed a fairly reliable secondary source). While I was there I also visited the Jack Kerouac Exhibit (featured on the banner hanging from the front entrance in the accompanying picture).
The only other task I completed in NYC was to locate (and photograph) the former homes of Theodore Roosevelt, where he was living when he corresponded with members of the family I am researching. They were both in very fashionable neighborhoods! One is now an Italian pizzeria and barber shop - and the other is Club Monaco with a very high-end woman's clothing store on the street level.
Now, as to our sightseeing in New York... We went through Central Park in a hansome cab (pulled by Norman and driven by Emmett), played in FAO Schwarz (the toy store with the piano featured in the movie "Big"), visited Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Times Square, and the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. I spent two half days at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Most notable among the special exhibitions I saw were: Tapestry in the Baroque, Gifts for the Gods (Egyptian temple artifacts), and The Age of Rembrandt (very crowded). Regular exhibition favorites were: Silversmiths to the Nation (Fletcher and Gardiner), and the new galleries of Oceanic Art (terrific wood carvings).
I came out of the city last Wednesday on the Lakeland Bus Line from Port Authority and was able to spend Thanksgiving on the east coast with my family for the first time in many years. The weekend was chock full of fun events, good company and delicious food for which I was indeed, grateful.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Washington, D.C.
I returned to Washington, D.C. (via Fredericksburg and Arlington, VA) on Sunday, October 28th, 2007. I stayed with my new friend Kathy, whom I met this summer (my first time through Washington, D.C.). I commuted each day via the METRO (on the orange line) from East Falls Church.
At the National Archives, I looked through passenger manifests of vessels sailing between Liverpool, England, and Queenstown, Ireland to the New York Harbor. I had some information regarding the sailing of the men in the family, but not a clue about the passage of the women I am studying. The indices of the passenger lists (including ancestry.com, library edition) have huge date gaps - and wouldn't you know, the dates I am searching for fall within those gaps! A lot of microfilm for a little reward... (and I got dizzy, too).
Tuesday morning I poured over historical maps in the Map Division of the Library of Congress, Madison building. This past summer (during the teacher institute) we had a tour of the Map Division, and it was satisfying to put the knowledge from that training to use on my own project. In the afternoon I went to the Photograph and Print Division to find images relating to my research. The librarians in these divisions were very helpful and accommodating.
Wednesday I spent the day in the Manuscript Division selecting, requesting, and reading microfilm copies and original files seeking letters written back and forth between members of the family and Theodore Roosevelt. I was sidetracked momentarily by a woman's love letter to T.R., her last name being the same as the family I am studying...
Thursday I tied up loose ends in each of the divisions I had researched; collecting price lists, downloading images, and checking references. Then I went to the Current Newspaper and Periodical Division to find the institutions which have holdings of the historical newspapers I will need to consult. I also walked across the hall to the Film Division and watched a brief promotional film produced by the Northern Pacific Railway about North Dakota. I was aghast as I watched the 'spin' on acculturation of the American Indians. In the afternoon, I walked back to the National Archives to find an unusual discovery about my subject (which may contradict some earlier findings).
Since I had a few hours to kill in the late afternoon, I decided to visit the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial (island) and Georgetown, so I jumped on the METRO, and off I went. I walked so much that day, that I wore a hole in one of my socks!
On Friday, I drove back to northwest New Jersey (about a 5-6 hour drive). En route I finally took the time to visit the Gettysburg National Military Park, which was amazing. At first, I thought I'd be satisfied to stretch my legs and walk around the cemetery, but then I decided to walk the route of the 2 hour auto tour, which I accomplished in an hour! (Of course, I didn't read every inscription along the way... but I highly recommend a visit for anyone who happens to be in the area!)
Next stop - New York, New York.
At the National Archives, I looked through passenger manifests of vessels sailing between Liverpool, England, and Queenstown, Ireland to the New York Harbor. I had some information regarding the sailing of the men in the family, but not a clue about the passage of the women I am studying. The indices of the passenger lists (including ancestry.com, library edition) have huge date gaps - and wouldn't you know, the dates I am searching for fall within those gaps! A lot of microfilm for a little reward... (and I got dizzy, too).
Tuesday morning I poured over historical maps in the Map Division of the Library of Congress, Madison building. This past summer (during the teacher institute) we had a tour of the Map Division, and it was satisfying to put the knowledge from that training to use on my own project. In the afternoon I went to the Photograph and Print Division to find images relating to my research. The librarians in these divisions were very helpful and accommodating.
Wednesday I spent the day in the Manuscript Division selecting, requesting, and reading microfilm copies and original files seeking letters written back and forth between members of the family and Theodore Roosevelt. I was sidetracked momentarily by a woman's love letter to T.R., her last name being the same as the family I am studying...
Thursday I tied up loose ends in each of the divisions I had researched; collecting price lists, downloading images, and checking references. Then I went to the Current Newspaper and Periodical Division to find the institutions which have holdings of the historical newspapers I will need to consult. I also walked across the hall to the Film Division and watched a brief promotional film produced by the Northern Pacific Railway about North Dakota. I was aghast as I watched the 'spin' on acculturation of the American Indians. In the afternoon, I walked back to the National Archives to find an unusual discovery about my subject (which may contradict some earlier findings).
Since I had a few hours to kill in the late afternoon, I decided to visit the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial (island) and Georgetown, so I jumped on the METRO, and off I went. I walked so much that day, that I wore a hole in one of my socks!
On Friday, I drove back to northwest New Jersey (about a 5-6 hour drive). En route I finally took the time to visit the Gettysburg National Military Park, which was amazing. At first, I thought I'd be satisfied to stretch my legs and walk around the cemetery, but then I decided to walk the route of the 2 hour auto tour, which I accomplished in an hour! (Of course, I didn't read every inscription along the way... but I highly recommend a visit for anyone who happens to be in the area!)
Next stop - New York, New York.
Friday, October 19, 2007
In between visits to research collections
What, may you ask, do I do in between research trips? Well, I've been staying at my brother's home in northwest New Jersey, and spending most of my days (and some nights) at my friend's cottage on Swartzwood Lake, which is very conducive to quiet study and reflection. (My brother and his wife are currently experiencing the trials and tribulations of bathroom remodeling.)
While primarily I read, study and take notes on various background readings, I do get in an occasional bike ride, some kayaking, and plenty of photography. When I find a spare moment, I try to keep up with my journal and blog. And, although I haven't done a lot of serious writing for my project yet (due to the unfinished nature of my research), I have written some poetry!
I've become a casual observer and fan of swan behavior. There is a flock who make the cove right outside the cottage their home. I've seen more black bear and wild turkey in this area than I've ever seen in Montana - and I saw a bald eagle right before my trip to Boston.
When my son Colin was here, I took him to some of my favorite old haunts near the Delaware Water Gap. He was feverishly snapping digital pictures. I asked him why. He said, "Nobody in Montana will believe that there's a dirt road in New Jersey."
Who would've thought - in Joisey?
While primarily I read, study and take notes on various background readings, I do get in an occasional bike ride, some kayaking, and plenty of photography. When I find a spare moment, I try to keep up with my journal and blog. And, although I haven't done a lot of serious writing for my project yet (due to the unfinished nature of my research), I have written some poetry!
I've become a casual observer and fan of swan behavior. There is a flock who make the cove right outside the cottage their home. I've seen more black bear and wild turkey in this area than I've ever seen in Montana - and I saw a bald eagle right before my trip to Boston.
When my son Colin was here, I took him to some of my favorite old haunts near the Delaware Water Gap. He was feverishly snapping digital pictures. I asked him why. He said, "Nobody in Montana will believe that there's a dirt road in New Jersey."
Who would've thought - in Joisey?
Harvard Research
On Monday, October 8th (Columbus Day) I drove to Newton, MA, where I stayed with Emily's folks (John and Sheila) to begin my research at Cambridge. I hopped the "T" every morning at rush hour to begin my day at the Houghton Reading Room precisely at the 9:00 a.m. opening hour (very civilized). Upon my arrival Tuesday morning, the curator greeted me with a book truck full of resources specific to my subject. (We had been in touch via e-mail leading up to my arrival on the Harvard campus.) For the next three days, I discovered little treasures among the resources in the Theodore Roosevelt collection, among them the Anna Cowles letters and the notes of biographers Carleton Putnam and Hermann Hagedorn.
One evening I stayed in Boston to meet a friend and take in just a few of the sights - most notably the North End, where I've never tasted better canolis. If I had one regret about my time there, it would be that I didn't take full advantage of the sightseeing opportunities - but it's a mere four hour drive from north Jersey, so perhaps I'll return.
On my way back I took the long, scenic route, driving through places like Walden Pond, and Robert Frost and Norman Rockwell country. I stayed overnight in Bennington Vermont, took plenty of photos of covered bridges, and bought up the state's surplus of maple syrup. As the east coast has been having some unseasonably warm weather this fall, the leaves have not yet attained their peak color; however, the deciduous countryside is still beautiful and I'm continually amazed by the quaintness of the small towns of the New England and mid-Atlantic states.
One evening I stayed in Boston to meet a friend and take in just a few of the sights - most notably the North End, where I've never tasted better canolis. If I had one regret about my time there, it would be that I didn't take full advantage of the sightseeing opportunities - but it's a mere four hour drive from north Jersey, so perhaps I'll return.
On my way back I took the long, scenic route, driving through places like Walden Pond, and Robert Frost and Norman Rockwell country. I stayed overnight in Bennington Vermont, took plenty of photos of covered bridges, and bought up the state's surplus of maple syrup. As the east coast has been having some unseasonably warm weather this fall, the leaves have not yet attained their peak color; however, the deciduous countryside is still beautiful and I'm continually amazed by the quaintness of the small towns of the New England and mid-Atlantic states.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Summer in September
A little birdie told me it was time to update my blog, and indeed, it's been over a month since I posted any news - so here is the first installment...
When I returned from Europe, I spent the month of September at my home on Long Beach Island, New Jersey. I have never been able to enjoy it outside of the high tourist season before, and I found it a wonderful way to collect my thoughts about the research I collected overseas and do some serious reading, note-taking, and a little writing.
Since my "summer" spent in Europe was on the chilly side, the sunny days and warm temperatures (high 70's, low 80's) were welcome. The days intertwined into one another so seamlessly that I really lost track of time down there. The first week (immediately following Labor Day), there was plenty of extended family around, which made for pleasant company. The second two weeks of the month, I had the house to myself (with the exception of a very fun mid-week visit from a dear childhood friend). The last week, my son Colin came to visit and we spent most of our time there, the exception being a brief trip to Sussex County to visit family and some of my old stomping grounds near my hometown.
This trip to the shore made for some pleasant memories. I was able to enter the Forsythe Wildlife Refuge at the southern end of the island for the first time, since it's usually closed for the nesting birds (piping plovers and black terns) during the summer. I walked the length of the 3 1/2 mile beach (during low tide) to the tip where the ocean meets the bay. (One gets a distant view of Atlantic City from there.) I bought another used (ocean-going) kayak, and learned to use it, which is a whole different experience than kayaking on rivers and lakes! (That's all I'm saying in case my orthopedic surgeon is reading this...) I missed seeing the brown pelicans, but saw my first dolphins one morning at sunrise, at first mistaking their dorsal fins for sand sharks, where I had just been kayaking the day before. I also volunteered as "road crew" for the inaugural "Endless Summer Triathlon," which was a sprint race. (I'm not sure they knew what they were doing when they sent me to a street corner on the bicycle route with a reflective vest, flag AND STOP sign!)
Then, of course, I saw innumerable sunrises and sunsets, rode my bicycle almost everywhere I needed to go (I took my car out only twice during the month), as well as feasted on almost every kind of seafood known to humankind (culminating the last weekend in September with "Chowderfest"). I also tried to get back into some semblance of physical shape, since I had way too many full Irish breakfasts and not enough exercise in Europe (save for the walking in Edinburgh, which my hip flexor didn't enjoy as much as I did.)
When I returned from Europe, I spent the month of September at my home on Long Beach Island, New Jersey. I have never been able to enjoy it outside of the high tourist season before, and I found it a wonderful way to collect my thoughts about the research I collected overseas and do some serious reading, note-taking, and a little writing.
Since my "summer" spent in Europe was on the chilly side, the sunny days and warm temperatures (high 70's, low 80's) were welcome. The days intertwined into one another so seamlessly that I really lost track of time down there. The first week (immediately following Labor Day), there was plenty of extended family around, which made for pleasant company. The second two weeks of the month, I had the house to myself (with the exception of a very fun mid-week visit from a dear childhood friend). The last week, my son Colin came to visit and we spent most of our time there, the exception being a brief trip to Sussex County to visit family and some of my old stomping grounds near my hometown.
This trip to the shore made for some pleasant memories. I was able to enter the Forsythe Wildlife Refuge at the southern end of the island for the first time, since it's usually closed for the nesting birds (piping plovers and black terns) during the summer. I walked the length of the 3 1/2 mile beach (during low tide) to the tip where the ocean meets the bay. (One gets a distant view of Atlantic City from there.) I bought another used (ocean-going) kayak, and learned to use it, which is a whole different experience than kayaking on rivers and lakes! (That's all I'm saying in case my orthopedic surgeon is reading this...) I missed seeing the brown pelicans, but saw my first dolphins one morning at sunrise, at first mistaking their dorsal fins for sand sharks, where I had just been kayaking the day before. I also volunteered as "road crew" for the inaugural "Endless Summer Triathlon," which was a sprint race. (I'm not sure they knew what they were doing when they sent me to a street corner on the bicycle route with a reflective vest, flag AND STOP sign!)
Then, of course, I saw innumerable sunrises and sunsets, rode my bicycle almost everywhere I needed to go (I took my car out only twice during the month), as well as feasted on almost every kind of seafood known to humankind (culminating the last weekend in September with "Chowderfest"). I also tried to get back into some semblance of physical shape, since I had way too many full Irish breakfasts and not enough exercise in Europe (save for the walking in Edinburgh, which my hip flexor didn't enjoy as much as I did.)
Friday, September 14, 2007
Baaack to Ireland
During my second week in Scotland, I decided to change (and extend) my travel itinerary to accommodate a return trip to Ireland. I needed to secure some more family information during regular business hours of some government and church offices that I had missed on my first trip through Dublin. (FYI - don't trust that the out-of-country, toll-free customer support number that Expedia provides will actually work overseas!)
I had one day, traveling by a "Rambler" bus pass from my airport complex hotel to visit the General Register House and the Representative Church Body Library; in addition to return trips to the National Library and the National Archives in Dublin. I found birth records for Sophia (and her brothers), her older sister's death and burial records, and her youngest brother's baptismal record. I'd have to say that the most amazing records have been preserved by Ireland's RCB, with parish records I consulted (for Clonsilla) dating back to 1830! The information gleaned from civil and church records was most useful to me in terms of establishing addresses and the father's occupation. Sophia's father was, indeed, a jack of all trades.
On my first visit to the National Library I had not searched the Dublin reference resource, Thom's Directory back far enough in time (because I was unsure how long the family lived in Ireland). This time I hit pay dirt! All in all - even though a whirlwind tour back through Dublin, a much more successful one. It's a good thing I knew where some of the government offices were - otherwise I might have run out of time (and had to stay longer)! Awww...
I had one day, traveling by a "Rambler" bus pass from my airport complex hotel to visit the General Register House and the Representative Church Body Library; in addition to return trips to the National Library and the National Archives in Dublin. I found birth records for Sophia (and her brothers), her older sister's death and burial records, and her youngest brother's baptismal record. I'd have to say that the most amazing records have been preserved by Ireland's RCB, with parish records I consulted (for Clonsilla) dating back to 1830! The information gleaned from civil and church records was most useful to me in terms of establishing addresses and the father's occupation. Sophia's father was, indeed, a jack of all trades.
On my first visit to the National Library I had not searched the Dublin reference resource, Thom's Directory back far enough in time (because I was unsure how long the family lived in Ireland). This time I hit pay dirt! All in all - even though a whirlwind tour back through Dublin, a much more successful one. It's a good thing I knew where some of the government offices were - otherwise I might have run out of time (and had to stay longer)! Awww...
Fulbright Reunion in Carlisle
My last weekend in the U.K. was spent in Carlisle (Cumbria), rekindling a friendship initiated last December during an exchange trip to England.
Cath and Katy picked me up from the train station and we went to the Continental Market in the Carlisle square. We visited her dear neighbors, who live in a quaint English countryside cottage; enjoying some afternoon tea and biscuits. We had a delicious gourmet meal that evening in Cath's lovely hilltop home prepared by her husband, Nigel. We took a walk the next morning by Jockey Shields overlooking the northern Pennines; and visited the stained glass windows at St. Martin's church in Brampton, as well as the Lanercost Priory.
A quick but worthwhile trip, since neither of us will be in place for the return exchange between Cumbria and Hellgate this fall.
Cath and Katy picked me up from the train station and we went to the Continental Market in the Carlisle square. We visited her dear neighbors, who live in a quaint English countryside cottage; enjoying some afternoon tea and biscuits. We had a delicious gourmet meal that evening in Cath's lovely hilltop home prepared by her husband, Nigel. We took a walk the next morning by Jockey Shields overlooking the northern Pennines; and visited the stained glass windows at St. Martin's church in Brampton, as well as the Lanercost Priory.
A quick but worthwhile trip, since neither of us will be in place for the return exchange between Cumbria and Hellgate this fall.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Family Background Research
I flew to Edinburgh, Scotland on Aug. 6th - and stayed through August 27th. And although my primary purpose was to conduct family background research, the Edinburgh and Fringe festivals were in full swing, so I did attend quite a few music, dance, and comedy events while I was there. As a matter of fact I was drawn into Fred MacCauley's comedy act from the balconey in Queen's Hall during my visit, where I became known as the "Montana Lady." It was high tourist season even though the weather (during my whole trip across the pond I might add) was "soft" and cool. Temperatures hovered around 59 or 60 degrees, and I saw at most (during nearly six weeks of travel) four days of sunshine. However, what the weather lacked, the research made up for...
During my first week I transcribed letters, scanned photographs and other family documents, and visited places important to the family history. Most noteable among my travels was a short bus trip to the "borders" area of Scotland, in particular a place called Jedburgh, where Sophia's (the subject of my study) mother's family resided. I stayed with my friend's sister, whose husband is the farm manager on the Mellerstain estate. Jedburgh was a quaint little town, and I was able to discover (and photograph) the house where the family lived according to the 1861 census. There are also references in the letters to shopping for suits at the tailor shop there.
Among the places where I conducted research during my second week were: the General Register House, the National Archives, the National Library (including the Map Division), the City Library, and the Grange Cemetery (with telephone help from the Mortonhall Crematorium).
Scotland has the most amazing archival and civil records! Most of the librarians, curators, and civil servants were friendly, helpful, and accommodating. I was lucky enough to document most of the family background history, including locating and printing the will of Sophia's grandfather (circa 1883), which verified a reference to an inheritance in the letters. The most surprising discovery was that Sophia's family lived in Ireland for over twenty years, instead of the two or three years that I had earlier surmised - so that led to a brief return trip to Ireland when I left Scotland. (See next post.)
There are still a few questions left unanswered, but I'm hoping that future research among the places in my work plan will lead me to the answers. Worst case scenario - I may have to fly to London to research the archives there. :-)
During my first week I transcribed letters, scanned photographs and other family documents, and visited places important to the family history. Most noteable among my travels was a short bus trip to the "borders" area of Scotland, in particular a place called Jedburgh, where Sophia's (the subject of my study) mother's family resided. I stayed with my friend's sister, whose husband is the farm manager on the Mellerstain estate. Jedburgh was a quaint little town, and I was able to discover (and photograph) the house where the family lived according to the 1861 census. There are also references in the letters to shopping for suits at the tailor shop there.
Among the places where I conducted research during my second week were: the General Register House, the National Archives, the National Library (including the Map Division), the City Library, and the Grange Cemetery (with telephone help from the Mortonhall Crematorium).
Scotland has the most amazing archival and civil records! Most of the librarians, curators, and civil servants were friendly, helpful, and accommodating. I was lucky enough to document most of the family background history, including locating and printing the will of Sophia's grandfather (circa 1883), which verified a reference to an inheritance in the letters. The most surprising discovery was that Sophia's family lived in Ireland for over twenty years, instead of the two or three years that I had earlier surmised - so that led to a brief return trip to Ireland when I left Scotland. (See next post.)
There are still a few questions left unanswered, but I'm hoping that future research among the places in my work plan will lead me to the answers. Worst case scenario - I may have to fly to London to research the archives there. :-)
Friday, August 10, 2007
Brief Ireland Research Stint
Although I visited Ireland for two weeks, only three days was spent researching in Dublin. I accessed reader's cards in the Berkely Library at Trinity College ("home" to the famous Book of Kells - there's a story there), The National Library of Ireland (where there was a fabulous exhibit on W.B. Yeats), and the National Archives. I must admit that I was a little dissappointed to find that I did not have enough background information to secure much information of value to my project. Perhaps I should have visited Edinburgh first, but alas - a return trip to Ireland would not be much of a burden!
In addition to my research, I was able to visit the National Gallery of Art, the Museum of Archeology, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and of course, the Grafton St./St. Stephen's Green Park areas. I traveled on foot through Dublin, but took the commuter trains in and out each morning from a town called Donabate, where I was staying.
In addition to my time in Dublin, I traveled around the Irish countryside quite a bit - thanks to my friend, Noel. I visited the Hill of Tara, where the High Kings of Ireland resided, as well as Trim Castle (where Braveheart was filmed). I explored the burial and mesolithic community sites of Knowth and Newgrange. I walked to the Hill (and Castle) of Slane (very near Noel's home). The picture I'm posting today was taken there. We drove across the border to Northern Ireland and back again through the Cooley mountains, where the I.R.A. used to train, and along the Irish Sea through places like Laytown, Skerries, Rush, and Lusk.
We also took a road trip to the west (Atlantic) coast, avoiding the traffic going to the Galway races, where possible. I spent my birthday visiting the Burren near Ballyvaughan. The next day we visited the Cliffs of Moher, went to the seaside town of Lahinch (famous for it's golf course), and into the village of Lisdoonvarna (known for it's fall match-making festival). We heard some delightful traditional Irish music that night at the Rathbaun Hotel by an all-girl "band."
And, if you've never seen an Irish hurling match, you're missing out! It can only be described as a combination of rugby, soccer and cricket. Hurlies are used to knock the slithers either through the goal (three points) or over the goalposts (one point). I became a fanatic while I was there. Cork and Waterford played a quarterfinal rematch the day before I left, with Waterford coming out on top to advance to the semifinals of the All-Ireland.
In addition to my research, I was able to visit the National Gallery of Art, the Museum of Archeology, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and of course, the Grafton St./St. Stephen's Green Park areas. I traveled on foot through Dublin, but took the commuter trains in and out each morning from a town called Donabate, where I was staying.
In addition to my time in Dublin, I traveled around the Irish countryside quite a bit - thanks to my friend, Noel. I visited the Hill of Tara, where the High Kings of Ireland resided, as well as Trim Castle (where Braveheart was filmed). I explored the burial and mesolithic community sites of Knowth and Newgrange. I walked to the Hill (and Castle) of Slane (very near Noel's home). The picture I'm posting today was taken there. We drove across the border to Northern Ireland and back again through the Cooley mountains, where the I.R.A. used to train, and along the Irish Sea through places like Laytown, Skerries, Rush, and Lusk.
We also took a road trip to the west (Atlantic) coast, avoiding the traffic going to the Galway races, where possible. I spent my birthday visiting the Burren near Ballyvaughan. The next day we visited the Cliffs of Moher, went to the seaside town of Lahinch (famous for it's golf course), and into the village of Lisdoonvarna (known for it's fall match-making festival). We heard some delightful traditional Irish music that night at the Rathbaun Hotel by an all-girl "band."
And, if you've never seen an Irish hurling match, you're missing out! It can only be described as a combination of rugby, soccer and cricket. Hurlies are used to knock the slithers either through the goal (three points) or over the goalposts (one point). I became a fanatic while I was there. Cork and Waterford played a quarterfinal rematch the day before I left, with Waterford coming out on top to advance to the semifinals of the All-Ireland.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Summer Teacher Institute - Library of Congress
The Summer Teacher Institute at the Library of Congress was an amazing experience...
There were 22 teacher/librarians in attendance from all over the United States and representing all different kinds and levels of schools; public, private, elementary and secondary. We had been selected from a field of approximately 180 applicants for the institute, and were feeling rather grateful to be there. Perhaps that's why this particular group of teachers was better behaved during instruction than I had ever encountered before in any workshop I've attended in my 20 years of teaching! It was either that - or the wonderful food and hospitality that was offered to us each day.
We were given tours of the three building Library of Congress complex, each named for a president (Madison, Jefferson, and Adams). We were instructed on the use of various kinds of resources, focusing primarily on the American Memory Project. We had tours of the Map and Manuscript Divisions, as well as a presentation of the Photograph Division. The institute culminated in hands-on computer lab time to explore the resources on a selected unit of study, and to prepare a brief multimedia presentation of our unit, which we shared with our peers.
I highly encourage anyone who has an interest in the American Memory Project and the Library of Congress to apply for this first-rate experience. What, may you ask, was my favorite part of the institute? Professionally, I was most taken with the presentation in the Manuscript Division, but personally I was most fulfilled when I used my Library of Congress Reader's Card for the first time! Rest assured, I'll be applying for the continuation of this institute next summer, right Danna? (Pick me, pick me!)
There were 22 teacher/librarians in attendance from all over the United States and representing all different kinds and levels of schools; public, private, elementary and secondary. We had been selected from a field of approximately 180 applicants for the institute, and were feeling rather grateful to be there. Perhaps that's why this particular group of teachers was better behaved during instruction than I had ever encountered before in any workshop I've attended in my 20 years of teaching! It was either that - or the wonderful food and hospitality that was offered to us each day.
We were given tours of the three building Library of Congress complex, each named for a president (Madison, Jefferson, and Adams). We were instructed on the use of various kinds of resources, focusing primarily on the American Memory Project. We had tours of the Map and Manuscript Divisions, as well as a presentation of the Photograph Division. The institute culminated in hands-on computer lab time to explore the resources on a selected unit of study, and to prepare a brief multimedia presentation of our unit, which we shared with our peers.
I highly encourage anyone who has an interest in the American Memory Project and the Library of Congress to apply for this first-rate experience. What, may you ask, was my favorite part of the institute? Professionally, I was most taken with the presentation in the Manuscript Division, but personally I was most fulfilled when I used my Library of Congress Reader's Card for the first time! Rest assured, I'll be applying for the continuation of this institute next summer, right Danna? (Pick me, pick me!)
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