.jpg)
Theodore Roosevelt was never supposed to be President. At least that's what the Republican party bosses all agreed on. TR was a progressive, reforming, crusading loose cannon that they couldn't control, so they pressured him to take the job of death, where he would have no responsibilities, no attention, and his political career would end in stagnant mediocrity: the Vice-Presidency. Then, their worst nightmare realized, President McKinley was assassinated, and Loose Cannon was President.
However, TR promised American voters that he would not seek more than one full term in office. On June 16, 1908, at the Chicago Republican Convention, he anointed his successor, William Howard Taft. TR's huge popularity made him an easy winner.
Taft was an unlikely friend of TR. TR was athletic, energetic, always in action. Taft was always slow, sedentary, non-athletic, and big-boned, but he was intelligent, progressive, and able to get things done. TR thought Taft would continue his crusade.
Taft never wanted to be President. His dream was to sit on the Supreme Court, but TR and Helen "Nellie" Taft bullied him into it. Mrs. Taft desperately wanted to be First Lady. (Unfortunately, a stroke a few months after inauguration dampened her ability to enjoy the job.) Taft hated everything about the job, and he was a stress eater, ballooning up to 350 pounds (but probably never really getting stuck in the bathtub - no real evidence).
TR was angered by Taft's performance and returned in 1912 to challenge him, calling him names, ignoring him in public, reducing Taft to tears, and ending their friendship.
Read Doris Kearns Goodwin's The Bully Pulpit.
Place.
So, yeah. The Taft stuck in a bathtub story probably never happened even though it's been repeated over and over again and made the subject of a children's book called President Taft Is Stuck in the Bath by Mac Barnett.
The story never appeared anywhere until a 1934 memoir by a White House usher. There is no real first-hand documentary evidence of this ever happening. However, Mr. Taft at 6 feet and over 350 pounds, was a big man. (I can relate.), and he enjoyed his bath time. He did have larger tubs installed wherever he lived, but even the famous photo of four men in his tub was not the White House tub. It was custom made for a warship that carried President-Elect Taft to Panama for a tour of the Canal construction. It was 7 feet and a few inches long, 41 inches wide, and weighed over a ton. He had similar tubs out in the White House, the Presidential yacht, and in his brother's home in Texas.
Taft was always the butt of fat jokes - pun intended - and he usually was quick to make them himself, too. Once, Supreme Court Justice Brewer said, "Taft is the politest man in Washington; the other day he gave up his seat in a streetcar to three ladies."
While governor of the Philippines, there were reports if him being unwell. The Secretary of War sent a telegram inquiry. Taft responded that the was fine and had just taken a 25 mile horseback ride. Secretary Root cabled back "How is horse?"
After he lost the election of 1912, a Yale University representative suggested that he accept a Chair of Law at the University. Taft replied that a Chair wouldn't do, but if they offered a Sofa of Law, he would consider it
So, yeah. The Taft stuck in a bathtub story probably never happened even though it's been repeated over and over again and made the subject of a children's book called President Taft Is Stuck in the Bath by Mac Barnett.
The story never appeared anywhere until a 1934 memoir by a White House usher. There is no real first-hand documentary evidence of this ever happening. However, Mr. Taft at 6 feet and over 350 pounds, was a big man. (I can relate.), and he enjoyed his bath time. He did have larger tubs installed wherever he lived, but even the famous photo of four men in his tub was not the White House tub. It was custom made for a warship that carried President-Elect Taft to Panama for a tour of the Canal construction. It was 7 feet and a few inches long, 41 inches wide, and weighed over a ton. He had similar tubs out in the White House, the Presidential yacht, and in his brother's home in Texas.
Taft was always the butt of fat jokes - pun intended - and he usually was quick to make them himself, too. Once, Supreme Court Justice Brewer said, "Taft is the politest man in Washington; the other day he gave up his seat in a streetcar to three ladies."
While governor of the Philippines, there were reports if him being unwell. The Secretary of War sent a telegram inquiry. Taft responded that the was fine and had just taken a 25 mile horseback ride. Secretary Root cabled back "How is horse?"
After he lost the election of 1912, a Yale University representative suggested that he accept a Chair of Law at the University. Taft replied that a Chair wouldn't do, but if they offered a Sofa of Law, he would consider it
Things.
Many people know that Theodore Roosevelt inspired the creation of Teddy bears. On a Mississippi bear hunting trip, TR's friends tied a young bear to a tree and invited him to shoot it. He refused. A cartoonist drew a cartoon of the story, a Brooklyn candy store owner and stuffed animal maker saw it, and he and his wife started selling Teddy's Bears.
Well, TR's successor, William Howard Taft, had his own stuffed animal, Billy Possum. In January 1909, Taft was the guest of honor at a banquet in Atlanta. The President-Elect was served possum and taters - an 18 pound possum and baked sweet potatoes. After the dinner, the hosts gave Taft a small plush possum. Taft lived the dinner and the toy. Entrepreneurs immediately formed the Georgia Billy Possum Company and started making thousands of stuffed Billy Possums. Billy even had a sidekick, named Jimmy after VP James Sherman. The market was flooded with Billy Possum merchandise, and a ragtime song was even composed. Unfortunately, Billy didn't catch on, and the whole craze died within a year.
Many people know that Theodore Roosevelt inspired the creation of Teddy bears. On a Mississippi bear hunting trip, TR's friends tied a young bear to a tree and invited him to shoot it. He refused. A cartoonist drew a cartoon of the story, a Brooklyn candy store owner and stuffed animal maker saw it, and he and his wife started selling Teddy's Bears.
Well, TR's successor, William Howard Taft, had his own stuffed animal, Billy Possum. In January 1909, Taft was the guest of honor at a banquet in Atlanta. The President-Elect was served possum and taters - an 18 pound possum and baked sweet potatoes. After the dinner, the hosts gave Taft a small plush possum. Taft lived the dinner and the toy. Entrepreneurs immediately formed the Georgia Billy Possum Company and started making thousands of stuffed Billy Possums. Billy even had a sidekick, named Jimmy after VP James Sherman. The market was flooded with Billy Possum merchandise, and a ragtime song was even composed. Unfortunately, Billy didn't catch on, and the whole craze died within a year.
.jpg)
Persons.
While we're on the subject of TR, (Did you catch the History Channel series? It's great to see some actual history on the History Channel these days.) here's another great book, about an explosive event that threatened his presidency just as it began
On October 16, 1901, TR had a couple of guests to dinner in the Executive Mansion, which TR started calling the White House. One of those guests was black educator, civil rights advocate, and formerly enslaved person Booker T Washington. While black people like Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth and a few black musicians had been received at the White House, this was a first, a black man, and former slave, sitting down for a meal.
The next day, a simple White House press release made note of the guest, and southern newspapers and politicians were outraged. Fiery editorials were published for weeks, some calling for secession, assassination, riots, bombing the White House, and Civil War and arguing that the next step was forced interracial marriage. Senator Ben Tillman of South Carolina said "we shall have to kill a thousand n------ to get them back in their places."
Some black newspapers and leaders were also angered, calling Washington hypocritical for accepting the invitation.
The White House was caught off guard. The first action was denial of the entire event, then saying it was a luncheon, not a dinner. Neither Washington nor Roosevelt commented, and things finally blew over.
Deborah Davis wrote a great book about the incident called The Guest of Honor.
While we're on the subject of TR, (Did you catch the History Channel series? It's great to see some actual history on the History Channel these days.) here's another great book, about an explosive event that threatened his presidency just as it began
On October 16, 1901, TR had a couple of guests to dinner in the Executive Mansion, which TR started calling the White House. One of those guests was black educator, civil rights advocate, and formerly enslaved person Booker T Washington. While black people like Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth and a few black musicians had been received at the White House, this was a first, a black man, and former slave, sitting down for a meal.
The next day, a simple White House press release made note of the guest, and southern newspapers and politicians were outraged. Fiery editorials were published for weeks, some calling for secession, assassination, riots, bombing the White House, and Civil War and arguing that the next step was forced interracial marriage. Senator Ben Tillman of South Carolina said "we shall have to kill a thousand n------ to get them back in their places."
Some black newspapers and leaders were also angered, calling Washington hypocritical for accepting the invitation.
The White House was caught off guard. The first action was denial of the entire event, then saying it was a luncheon, not a dinner. Neither Washington nor Roosevelt commented, and things finally blew over.
Deborah Davis wrote a great book about the incident called The Guest of Honor.
Place.
As "progressive" as Theodore Roosevelt was, 1906 brought a huge stain on his presidency. On August 12-13, violence erupted in Brownsville Texas, where the black 25th regiment Buffalo Soldiers were stationed at Fort Brown. Since their arrival on July 28, the soldiers had been segregated from white citizens of Brownsville. On August, there was a reported attack on a white woman. The commanders of the 25th immediately accounted for their men and ordered an early curfew and lockdown for the soldiers to avoid any trouble
On August 13, a bartender was killed and a policeman was wounded by gunshots in town, source unknown. Townspeople immediately blamed the Buffalo Soldiers for all three incidents even though their white officers all swore that every man was accounted for and no one has left the barracks. Contradictory and clearly manufactured evidence was introduced.
The Army Inspector General recommended dishonorable discharge for their "conspiracy of silence", i.e. refusing to name guilty parties. Roosevelt, without a full investigation and proof of guilt and with racially inflammatory bluster, ordered 167 troops dishonorably discharged, denying them pensions, benefits, and future government jobs. Booker T Washington and other black leaders pleaded with Roosevelt to reconsider, but he refused.
In 1972, Congress ordered the Army to re-open the investigation. The new investigation found all of the men innocent, and President Nixon issued full pardons and honorable discharges to all. Two of the men were still living at the time
As "progressive" as Theodore Roosevelt was, 1906 brought a huge stain on his presidency. On August 12-13, violence erupted in Brownsville Texas, where the black 25th regiment Buffalo Soldiers were stationed at Fort Brown. Since their arrival on July 28, the soldiers had been segregated from white citizens of Brownsville. On August, there was a reported attack on a white woman. The commanders of the 25th immediately accounted for their men and ordered an early curfew and lockdown for the soldiers to avoid any trouble
On August 13, a bartender was killed and a policeman was wounded by gunshots in town, source unknown. Townspeople immediately blamed the Buffalo Soldiers for all three incidents even though their white officers all swore that every man was accounted for and no one has left the barracks. Contradictory and clearly manufactured evidence was introduced.
The Army Inspector General recommended dishonorable discharge for their "conspiracy of silence", i.e. refusing to name guilty parties. Roosevelt, without a full investigation and proof of guilt and with racially inflammatory bluster, ordered 167 troops dishonorably discharged, denying them pensions, benefits, and future government jobs. Booker T Washington and other black leaders pleaded with Roosevelt to reconsider, but he refused.
In 1972, Congress ordered the Army to re-open the investigation. The new investigation found all of the men innocent, and President Nixon issued full pardons and honorable discharges to all. Two of the men were still living at the time
Thing.
Only weeks after becoming President and moving into the White House, perhaps Theodore Roosevelt and his staff were not prepared for the firestorm of controversy that erupted when he hosted Booker T Washington and a few other guests to dinner, the first time a black guest had dined with the president. As these cartoons and headlines attest, reactions were mixed, with support from some northern newspapers and condemnation and outrage from southern newspapers. Meanwhile, many black newspapers applauded the event, but several Washington rivals called him hypocritical for supporting segregation while enjoying white approval
Only weeks after becoming President and moving into the White House, perhaps Theodore Roosevelt and his staff were not prepared for the firestorm of controversy that erupted when he hosted Booker T Washington and a few other guests to dinner, the first time a black guest had dined with the president. As these cartoons and headlines attest, reactions were mixed, with support from some northern newspapers and condemnation and outrage from southern newspapers. Meanwhile, many black newspapers applauded the event, but several Washington rivals called him hypocritical for supporting segregation while enjoying white approval
.jpg)
Persons.
On June 18, 1912, the Republican Convention and party were split between President Taft and former President Theodore Roosevelt. After Taft won the nomination, TR formed the Progressive or Bull Moose Party, allowing Wilson to win the White House. As was his nature, TR dealt with his disappointment by going as far from civilization as he could manage.
This time, he decided to accompany accomplished Brazilian explorer Candido Rondon on a trip to map an unexplored tributary of the Amazon called the River of Doubt. Mrs. Roosevelt, concerned about TR's age and health, convinced their son Kermit to go as well. Kermit had often accompanied his father on wilderness trips and was already working in Brazil.
Rondon was already famous for having established telegraph lines and exploring western Brazil. He has also made first contact with numerous indigenous tribes and later became the first director of Brazil's Indian Protection Service.
The expedition was extremely difficult. Two men died, one drowning, the other murdered. They got lost and went without food. TR and Kermit both caught malaria. TR was in so much pain from a leg infection that he considered suicide by morphine so that he would not be a burden. Finally, the men reached the end of the trip, the river was renamed Rio Roosevelt, and TR write a best selling book.
Kermit went on to a career in business, and he served in both world wars, but his lifelong battle with depression ended in 1943 in Alaska when he committed suicide.
Read Candice Millard's account, The River of Doubt for more. There is also a four part dramatic series about the trip on HBO Max called The American Guest.
On June 18, 1912, the Republican Convention and party were split between President Taft and former President Theodore Roosevelt. After Taft won the nomination, TR formed the Progressive or Bull Moose Party, allowing Wilson to win the White House. As was his nature, TR dealt with his disappointment by going as far from civilization as he could manage.
This time, he decided to accompany accomplished Brazilian explorer Candido Rondon on a trip to map an unexplored tributary of the Amazon called the River of Doubt. Mrs. Roosevelt, concerned about TR's age and health, convinced their son Kermit to go as well. Kermit had often accompanied his father on wilderness trips and was already working in Brazil.
Rondon was already famous for having established telegraph lines and exploring western Brazil. He has also made first contact with numerous indigenous tribes and later became the first director of Brazil's Indian Protection Service.
The expedition was extremely difficult. Two men died, one drowning, the other murdered. They got lost and went without food. TR and Kermit both caught malaria. TR was in so much pain from a leg infection that he considered suicide by morphine so that he would not be a burden. Finally, the men reached the end of the trip, the river was renamed Rio Roosevelt, and TR write a best selling book.
Kermit went on to a career in business, and he served in both world wars, but his lifelong battle with depression ended in 1943 in Alaska when he committed suicide.
Read Candice Millard's account, The River of Doubt for more. There is also a four part dramatic series about the trip on HBO Max called The American Guest.
Place.
From December 1913 to April 1914, the Roosevelt-Rondon Scientific Expedition completed a harrowing journey down the 470 miles of the previously unexplored River of Doubt, later renamed the Rio Roosevelt (sometimes called Rio Teodoro because Portuguese speakers have difficulty with pronouncing Roosevelt). The river arises in the state of Rodonia, named after the Brazilian explorer and joins the Aripuana which ultimately joins the Amazon.
From December 1913 to April 1914, the Roosevelt-Rondon Scientific Expedition completed a harrowing journey down the 470 miles of the previously unexplored River of Doubt, later renamed the Rio Roosevelt (sometimes called Rio Teodoro because Portuguese speakers have difficulty with pronouncing Roosevelt). The river arises in the state of Rodonia, named after the Brazilian explorer and joins the Aripuana which ultimately joins the Amazon.
Thing.
Theodore Roosevelt's likeness and bigger than life personality and exploits led to the creation of numerous illustrations, posters, cartoons, and objects - more than just teddy bears. This photo and description were taken from a Heritage Auctions, Inc. website, apparently sold in 2021.
Theodore Roosevelt: Possibly Unique "Hellydid" Figurine From 1914 "River of Doubt" Expedition. 6.75" tall plaster figurine on a 6" x 6" case, captioned "The Hellydid From the River of Doubt". It depicts a whimsical, mythical creature with large ears, facial tusks and a toothy grin. Some chipping to brown finish, easily touched up or repaired if so desired by the new owner. The back of the base has an incised inscription: "Pat. App. For © H. W. F. C. 1914". A newspaper account of the time described the "Hellydid" as the "Roosevelt-toothed kewpie-fish from the River of Doubt." We have been able to find no other examples. For many years, it was a prize possession of one of the foremost TR collectors in the hobby.
This mythological creature is from the Roosevelt-Rondon Scientific Expedition, the survey expedition in 1913-14 to follow the path of the Rio da Dúvida ("River of Doubt") in the Amazon basin. The expedition was jointly led by Theodore Roosevelt and Colonel Cândido Rondon, the Brazilian explorer who had discovered its headwaters in 1909. Sponsored in part by the American Museum of Natural History, they also collected many new animal and insect specimens. The river was eventually named "Rio Roosevelt" for the former president, who nearly died during the voyage.
Theodore Roosevelt's likeness and bigger than life personality and exploits led to the creation of numerous illustrations, posters, cartoons, and objects - more than just teddy bears. This photo and description were taken from a Heritage Auctions, Inc. website, apparently sold in 2021.
Theodore Roosevelt: Possibly Unique "Hellydid" Figurine From 1914 "River of Doubt" Expedition. 6.75" tall plaster figurine on a 6" x 6" case, captioned "The Hellydid From the River of Doubt". It depicts a whimsical, mythical creature with large ears, facial tusks and a toothy grin. Some chipping to brown finish, easily touched up or repaired if so desired by the new owner. The back of the base has an incised inscription: "Pat. App. For © H. W. F. C. 1914". A newspaper account of the time described the "Hellydid" as the "Roosevelt-toothed kewpie-fish from the River of Doubt." We have been able to find no other examples. For many years, it was a prize possession of one of the foremost TR collectors in the hobby.
This mythological creature is from the Roosevelt-Rondon Scientific Expedition, the survey expedition in 1913-14 to follow the path of the Rio da Dúvida ("River of Doubt") in the Amazon basin. The expedition was jointly led by Theodore Roosevelt and Colonel Cândido Rondon, the Brazilian explorer who had discovered its headwaters in 1909. Sponsored in part by the American Museum of Natural History, they also collected many new animal and insect specimens. The river was eventually named "Rio Roosevelt" for the former president, who nearly died during the voyage.
.jpg)
Person.
In 2004, Jack Weatherford published Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World, a narrative of the rise of and influence of Khan and his successors. Weatherford argued that Khan was often portrayed as an "excellent, noble king" prior to the Enlightenment, when he started being portrayed as a brutal and savage pagan.
While Khan's brutality is without question, and sometimes inconceivable, Weatherford argued that his rule encouraged the spread of paper and printing, gunpowder, musical instruments, and the compass which were important factors leading to the Renaissance in Europe. He credits Khan and the Mongols for prioritizing things like meritocracy, religious tolerance, rule of law, paper money, roads and trade, and diplomatic immunity. While some historians find fault in his book, others have said that he raised an important discussion and reevaluation.
On this Father's Day, we also have to talk about Khan's prolific contribution. Beginning around 2003, geneticists made an astounding discovery while studying Y-chromosomal lineage (from the male) in Asian populations. So far, DNA specialists have determined that Genghis Khan may have had as many as 16 million male descendants so far; maybe 8% of some groups of Asian males display this lineage and as much as 0.5% of males in the world, according to one study.
In 2004, Jack Weatherford published Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World, a narrative of the rise of and influence of Khan and his successors. Weatherford argued that Khan was often portrayed as an "excellent, noble king" prior to the Enlightenment, when he started being portrayed as a brutal and savage pagan.
While Khan's brutality is without question, and sometimes inconceivable, Weatherford argued that his rule encouraged the spread of paper and printing, gunpowder, musical instruments, and the compass which were important factors leading to the Renaissance in Europe. He credits Khan and the Mongols for prioritizing things like meritocracy, religious tolerance, rule of law, paper money, roads and trade, and diplomatic immunity. While some historians find fault in his book, others have said that he raised an important discussion and reevaluation.
On this Father's Day, we also have to talk about Khan's prolific contribution. Beginning around 2003, geneticists made an astounding discovery while studying Y-chromosomal lineage (from the male) in Asian populations. So far, DNA specialists have determined that Genghis Khan may have had as many as 16 million male descendants so far; maybe 8% of some groups of Asian males display this lineage and as much as 0.5% of males in the world, according to one study.
Place.
In 2004, Jack Weatherford published Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World, a narrative of the rise of and influence of Khan and his successors. Weatherford argued that Khan was often portrayed as an "excellent, noble king" prior to the Enlightenment, when he started being portrayed as a brutal and savage pagan.
Genghis Khan, born Temujin circa 1162, came to power as the first Great Khan (Emperor) of the Mongol Empire by uniting numerous nomadic tribes of the Mongol steppe. Once proclaimed the universal ruler of the Mongols, or Genghis Khan, he launched Mongol invasions that conquered much of Asia, ultimately creating the largest contiguous empire in history. His military campaigns reached as far west as Poland and as far south as Gaza. Under his rule , the Mongol Empire made Mongol law and the Uhyghur script writing system universal across much of Asia. By bringing the Silk Road under one cohesive rule, he facilitated trade and communication between Mongol Asia, Muslim Asia, and Christian Europe.
In 2004, Jack Weatherford published Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World, a narrative of the rise of and influence of Khan and his successors. Weatherford argued that Khan was often portrayed as an "excellent, noble king" prior to the Enlightenment, when he started being portrayed as a brutal and savage pagan.
Genghis Khan, born Temujin circa 1162, came to power as the first Great Khan (Emperor) of the Mongol Empire by uniting numerous nomadic tribes of the Mongol steppe. Once proclaimed the universal ruler of the Mongols, or Genghis Khan, he launched Mongol invasions that conquered much of Asia, ultimately creating the largest contiguous empire in history. His military campaigns reached as far west as Poland and as far south as Gaza. Under his rule , the Mongol Empire made Mongol law and the Uhyghur script writing system universal across much of Asia. By bringing the Silk Road under one cohesive rule, he facilitated trade and communication between Mongol Asia, Muslim Asia, and Christian Europe.
Thing.
In 2004, Jack Weatherford published Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World, a narrative of the rise of and influence of Khan and his successors. Weatherford argued that Khan was often portrayed as an "excellent, noble king" prior to the Enlightenment, when he started being portrayed as a brutal and savage pagan.
Before Genghis Khan's death more than 800 years ago, he made it known to those around him that he didn't want the location of his tomb known. When he died, his most trusted officers and soldiers carried his body away for burial, killing anyone they met to preserve the secrecy. After burial, soldiers galloped 1000 horses back and forth over the site to obscure it.
The site remains undiscovered, although it is strongly implicated that the most likely location is somewhere in the vicinity of the Mongol sacred mountain of Burkhan Khaldun in the Khentii mountain range. Or it could be somewhere entirely different. Archaeologists have searched for decades, using the latest technology including satellite imaging,with no luck.
There is speculation that the tomb may include great treasures.After all, he ruled an empire that stretched from the Pacific Ocean to the Caspian Sea, but nobody knows. Marco Polo recorded uncorroborated tales that he heard of thousands of slaves and soldiers being murdered or committing suicide after the burial to keep it secret.
In 2004, Jack Weatherford published Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World, a narrative of the rise of and influence of Khan and his successors. Weatherford argued that Khan was often portrayed as an "excellent, noble king" prior to the Enlightenment, when he started being portrayed as a brutal and savage pagan.
Before Genghis Khan's death more than 800 years ago, he made it known to those around him that he didn't want the location of his tomb known. When he died, his most trusted officers and soldiers carried his body away for burial, killing anyone they met to preserve the secrecy. After burial, soldiers galloped 1000 horses back and forth over the site to obscure it.
The site remains undiscovered, although it is strongly implicated that the most likely location is somewhere in the vicinity of the Mongol sacred mountain of Burkhan Khaldun in the Khentii mountain range. Or it could be somewhere entirely different. Archaeologists have searched for decades, using the latest technology including satellite imaging,with no luck.
There is speculation that the tomb may include great treasures.After all, he ruled an empire that stretched from the Pacific Ocean to the Caspian Sea, but nobody knows. Marco Polo recorded uncorroborated tales that he heard of thousands of slaves and soldiers being murdered or committing suicide after the burial to keep it secret.
.jpg)
Person.
On June 20, 1893, a jury acquitted Lizzie Borden of the ax murders of her father and stepmother in Fall River Massachusetts. While the victims did not receive forty and forty-one blows with an ax as the old rhyme suggests, the killer did deliver 18 blows to Abby Borden upstairs in the guest bedroom and ten or eleven blows to Andrew Borden downstairs in the sofa.
Lizzie Borden (1860-1927) and her older sister Emma, grew up in a very frugal household even though Andrew Borden was of considerable wealth, accumulating an estate that would be worth $9.5 million today, as a merchant, property developer, and banker. Following the trial, Lizzie and Emma used their inheritance to move into a large modern house in the much more prestigious The Hill neighborhood, with several servants. Emma moved out in 1905, following an argument. Lizzie died of pneumonia in 1927.
The Borden murders are perhaps the most infamous unsolved murders in American history, fueling lots of speculation in books, plays, musicals, and movies. Lizzie was one of several suspects, including her sister Emma, the family maid Bridget Sullivan, a guest in the house named John Morse, another visitor William Borden, or an unknown intruder as Lizzie's lawyers opined.
Cara Robertson, an attorney by profession, has studied the Borden case for over twenty years, and she applied her legal training to the case, going over transcripts of the trial, contemporary press accounts, unpublished local documents, and recently discovered letters written by Lizzie herself. The result, published in 2019, is The Trial of Lizzie Borden.
On June 20, 1893, a jury acquitted Lizzie Borden of the ax murders of her father and stepmother in Fall River Massachusetts. While the victims did not receive forty and forty-one blows with an ax as the old rhyme suggests, the killer did deliver 18 blows to Abby Borden upstairs in the guest bedroom and ten or eleven blows to Andrew Borden downstairs in the sofa.
Lizzie Borden (1860-1927) and her older sister Emma, grew up in a very frugal household even though Andrew Borden was of considerable wealth, accumulating an estate that would be worth $9.5 million today, as a merchant, property developer, and banker. Following the trial, Lizzie and Emma used their inheritance to move into a large modern house in the much more prestigious The Hill neighborhood, with several servants. Emma moved out in 1905, following an argument. Lizzie died of pneumonia in 1927.
The Borden murders are perhaps the most infamous unsolved murders in American history, fueling lots of speculation in books, plays, musicals, and movies. Lizzie was one of several suspects, including her sister Emma, the family maid Bridget Sullivan, a guest in the house named John Morse, another visitor William Borden, or an unknown intruder as Lizzie's lawyers opined.
Cara Robertson, an attorney by profession, has studied the Borden case for over twenty years, and she applied her legal training to the case, going over transcripts of the trial, contemporary press accounts, unpublished local documents, and recently discovered letters written by Lizzie herself. The result, published in 2019, is The Trial of Lizzie Borden.
Place.
In the first pictures, you see the Andrew Borden house in Fall River Massachusetts, where the murders took place. Several years ago, it was converted into a bed and breakfast. In 2021, it was purchased for $2 million. Fortunately, for those, like me, who haven't made the visit yet, it will continue as a B & B.
The second group of pictures is of Maplecroft, the mansion in The Hill neighborhood that Lizzie and Emma moved to following the trial. It has also been restored and intended as a B & B, but it went in the market in 2020, for $890,000, and I'm not sure what happened afterwards.
In the first pictures, you see the Andrew Borden house in Fall River Massachusetts, where the murders took place. Several years ago, it was converted into a bed and breakfast. In 2021, it was purchased for $2 million. Fortunately, for those, like me, who haven't made the visit yet, it will continue as a B & B.
The second group of pictures is of Maplecroft, the mansion in The Hill neighborhood that Lizzie and Emma moved to following the trial. It has also been restored and intended as a B & B, but it went in the market in 2020, for $890,000, and I'm not sure what happened afterwards.
Thing.
Could this be the Borden murder weapon? Fact is, the police in Fall River did very little to properly collect evidence in their investigation of the murders. Of course, the idea of forensic evidence and the ideas of preserving and properly investigating a crime scene were not very well known in 1892.
As soon as the police showed up, Lizzie Borden started giving strange and contradictory answers to their questions. They did not search her room because Lizzie told them that she felt ill. Returning the next day (August 5), police found two hatchets, two axes, and a hatchet-head without a handle, but none of them was removed from the house. Lizzie and Emma stayed in the house overnight, along with a female friend and Mr. Morse, the house guest. On August 6, police returned, inspected the sisters' clothing and taking the broken-handled hatchet-head.
Could this be the Borden murder weapon? Fact is, the police in Fall River did very little to properly collect evidence in their investigation of the murders. Of course, the idea of forensic evidence and the ideas of preserving and properly investigating a crime scene were not very well known in 1892.
As soon as the police showed up, Lizzie Borden started giving strange and contradictory answers to their questions. They did not search her room because Lizzie told them that she felt ill. Returning the next day (August 5), police found two hatchets, two axes, and a hatchet-head without a handle, but none of them was removed from the house. Lizzie and Emma stayed in the house overnight, along with a female friend and Mr. Morse, the house guest. On August 6, police returned, inspected the sisters' clothing and taking the broken-handled hatchet-head.
.jpg)
On June 21, 1822, Denmark Vesey (aka Telemaque c. 1766-1822) was arrested and charged with conspiring to lead a slave rebellion in Charleston South Carolina. Born enslaved in the Caribbean, he was taken to Charleston by Captain Joseph Vesey. He won a lottery in Charleston at about age 32 and used the winnings to purchase his freedom. He supported himself as a carpenter and became a minister. He was one of the founders of the founders of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, called Mother Emanuel, one of the earliest AME churches (oldest in the South) organized after the denomination was founded in Philadelphia.
According to his accusers, Vesey used his position as a minister to recruit rebels from church congregations and home meetings. His plan called for thousands of enslaved and free people in Charleston (Almost half of all enslaved Africans who were brought to North America passed through Charleston.) to rise up on July 14, seize weapons from the arsenal, kill slaveowners, and sail for freedom in Haiti in commandeered ships from the harbor.
City officials learned of the insurrection talk from a few enslaved men. Talk of insurrection spread fear among the white Charleston population, which numbered just over 10,000, while the black population was over 14,000 with thousands more in nearby plantations. The mayor created a city militia which started making mass arrests, and a new court began holding secret hearings in which the accused, including free men like Vesey, had no right to confront witnesses against them. Some enslaved witnesses had been tortured and threatened into testifying. Vesey and five others were convicted and hanged in July 2. City leaders blamed slave literacy and black churches; Mother Emanuel was ordered destroyed. Church members continued meeting in secret until a new church was built in 1865.
Following the horrendous hate crime committed at Mother Emanuel in 2015, Kyle and Roberts wrote Denmark Vesey's Garden about Vesey and his legacy in the city.
Place.
Denmark Vesey, arrested in June 21, 1822, and hanged for attempting to lead a slave rebellion, was a founding minister of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, also called Mother Emanuel. Founded in 1817, a year after the first AME Church was founded in Philadelphia, Mother Emanuel became home to 10% of the city's black residents. Despite support from some white clergymen, the church was almost immediately and continuously harassed by city officials for violating city ordinances that limited black services to daylight hours, required a white majority congregation, and forbade black literacy.
After Denmark Vesey's alleged plot was defeated, city leaders blamed black literacy and black churches. Mother Emanuel was ordered demolished. Congregants worshipped in secret home meetings for decades. A new church wasn't built until after the Civil War in 1865.
On June 17, 2015, a racist shot and killed nine members of Mother Emanuel in the church as they gathered in Bible study.
Denmark Vesey's Garden examines Vesey, his alleged plot, and the portrayal of slavery and racism in Charleston over time.
Denmark Vesey, arrested in June 21, 1822, and hanged for attempting to lead a slave rebellion, was a founding minister of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, also called Mother Emanuel. Founded in 1817, a year after the first AME Church was founded in Philadelphia, Mother Emanuel became home to 10% of the city's black residents. Despite support from some white clergymen, the church was almost immediately and continuously harassed by city officials for violating city ordinances that limited black services to daylight hours, required a white majority congregation, and forbade black literacy.
After Denmark Vesey's alleged plot was defeated, city leaders blamed black literacy and black churches. Mother Emanuel was ordered demolished. Congregants worshipped in secret home meetings for decades. A new church wasn't built until after the Civil War in 1865.
On June 17, 2015, a racist shot and killed nine members of Mother Emanuel in the church as they gathered in Bible study.
Denmark Vesey's Garden examines Vesey, his alleged plot, and the portrayal of slavery and racism in Charleston over time.
Thing.
Beginning in the 1990s, there were calls to create a monument to Denmark Vesey. In 2014, a statue was erected in Hampton Park, portraying Vesey as a carpenter holding a Bible.
Denmark Vesey's Garden examines Vesey, his alleged plot, and the portrayal of slavery and racism in Charleston over time.
Beginning in the 1990s, there were calls to create a monument to Denmark Vesey. In 2014, a statue was erected in Hampton Park, portraying Vesey as a carpenter holding a Bible.
Denmark Vesey's Garden examines Vesey, his alleged plot, and the portrayal of slavery and racism in Charleston over time.
.jpg)
Person
On June 22, 1633, Galileo Galilei, the man whom Einstein called "the father of modern physics - indeed of modern science altogether", was forced by the pope to recant his view that the Earth orbits the Sun. He remained under house arrest for the rest of his life, and his writings were banned. Not to worry though, the Catholic Church formally admitted that it was wrong and he was right in 1992.
In 2011, Dava Sobel published Galileo's Daughter, a biography of the man, and his daughter, told through the surviving letters of his daughter, a cloistered nun, Sister Maria Celeste.
Sister Maria Celeste was named Virginia when born in 1600, but Galileo never married the mother of his three children, making them illegitimate and unsuitable for marriage in Renaissance Italy, so he sent Virginia and her younger sister to live in a convent at the ages of 13 and 12. Virginia "took the veil" in 1616, becoming Sister Maria Celeste.
Galileo and Maria Celeste wrote many letters to each other. He was her contact with the outside world, and she was genuinely interested in his scientific work. She was very intelligent herself and served as the convent's apothecary, developing a great knowledge of medicinal herbs. She also managed the convent's finances. In her letters to her father, she often offered her own opinions, both in his scientific work and his home life. She often acted as a mediator between her father and her brother.
She died of dysentery in 1634, aged 33. After Galileo's death in 1642, 124 letters from Maria Celeste were discovered among his papers, but his letters to her have been lost
On June 22, 1633, Galileo Galilei, the man whom Einstein called "the father of modern physics - indeed of modern science altogether", was forced by the pope to recant his view that the Earth orbits the Sun. He remained under house arrest for the rest of his life, and his writings were banned. Not to worry though, the Catholic Church formally admitted that it was wrong and he was right in 1992.
In 2011, Dava Sobel published Galileo's Daughter, a biography of the man, and his daughter, told through the surviving letters of his daughter, a cloistered nun, Sister Maria Celeste.
Sister Maria Celeste was named Virginia when born in 1600, but Galileo never married the mother of his three children, making them illegitimate and unsuitable for marriage in Renaissance Italy, so he sent Virginia and her younger sister to live in a convent at the ages of 13 and 12. Virginia "took the veil" in 1616, becoming Sister Maria Celeste.
Galileo and Maria Celeste wrote many letters to each other. He was her contact with the outside world, and she was genuinely interested in his scientific work. She was very intelligent herself and served as the convent's apothecary, developing a great knowledge of medicinal herbs. She also managed the convent's finances. In her letters to her father, she often offered her own opinions, both in his scientific work and his home life. She often acted as a mediator between her father and her brother.
She died of dysentery in 1634, aged 33. After Galileo's death in 1642, 124 letters from Maria Celeste were discovered among his papers, but his letters to her have been lost
Place.
On June 22, 1633, Galileo Galilei, the man whom Einstein called "the father of modern physics - indeed of modern science altogether", was forced by the pope to recant his view that the Earth orbits the Sun. He remained under house arrest for the rest of his life, and his writings were banned. Not to worry though, the Catholic Church formally admitted that it was wrong and he was right in 1992.
In 2011, Dava Sobel published Galileo's Daughter, a biography of the man, and his daughter, told through the surviving letters of his daughter, a cloistered nun, Sister Maria Celeste.
The Basilica di Santa Croce is the largest Franciscan Church in the world. Located in Florence Italy, construction began in 1294, and it was consecrated in 1442. Galileo and his daughter, Sister Maria Celeste, were buried in the Basilica (third tomb picture, with the three figures). Other famous Florentines have been buried or commemorated in the Basilica, including Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Leonardo (commemorated), Dante (commemorated), Ghiberti, Guglielmo Marconi (commemorated), and Enrico Fermi (commemorated).
Many famous artists' works may be found in the Basilica as well, including Cimabue, Donatello, Giotto, Henry Moore, and Giorgio Vasari.
On June 22, 1633, Galileo Galilei, the man whom Einstein called "the father of modern physics - indeed of modern science altogether", was forced by the pope to recant his view that the Earth orbits the Sun. He remained under house arrest for the rest of his life, and his writings were banned. Not to worry though, the Catholic Church formally admitted that it was wrong and he was right in 1992.
In 2011, Dava Sobel published Galileo's Daughter, a biography of the man, and his daughter, told through the surviving letters of his daughter, a cloistered nun, Sister Maria Celeste.
The Basilica di Santa Croce is the largest Franciscan Church in the world. Located in Florence Italy, construction began in 1294, and it was consecrated in 1442. Galileo and his daughter, Sister Maria Celeste, were buried in the Basilica (third tomb picture, with the three figures). Other famous Florentines have been buried or commemorated in the Basilica, including Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Leonardo (commemorated), Dante (commemorated), Ghiberti, Guglielmo Marconi (commemorated), and Enrico Fermi (commemorated).
Many famous artists' works may be found in the Basilica as well, including Cimabue, Donatello, Giotto, Henry Moore, and Giorgio Vasari.
Thing.
On June 22, 1633, Galileo Galilei, the man whom Einstein called "the father of modern physics - indeed of modern science altogether", was forced by the pope to recant his view that the Earth orbits the Sun. He remained under house arrest for the rest of his life, and his writings were banned. Not to worry though, the Catholic Church formally admitted that it was wrong and he was right in 1992.
In 2011, Dava Sobel published Galileo's Daughter, a biography of the man, and his daughter, told through the surviving letters of his daughter, a cloistered nun, Sister Maria Celeste.
Galileo did not invent the telescope; Dutch opticians did. He improved it. The first telescopes used two lenses, and could magnify up to three times, but their image was upside down. He added a third lens, and his first telescope magnified 8 times and showed them right side up. Eventually, he achieved 30x magnification.
With his telescopes, Galileo discovered the craters and mountains on the moon, the phases of Venus, four of Jupiter's moons, and the stars of the Milky Way.
On June 22, 1633, Galileo Galilei, the man whom Einstein called "the father of modern physics - indeed of modern science altogether", was forced by the pope to recant his view that the Earth orbits the Sun. He remained under house arrest for the rest of his life, and his writings were banned. Not to worry though, the Catholic Church formally admitted that it was wrong and he was right in 1992.
In 2011, Dava Sobel published Galileo's Daughter, a biography of the man, and his daughter, told through the surviving letters of his daughter, a cloistered nun, Sister Maria Celeste.
Galileo did not invent the telescope; Dutch opticians did. He improved it. The first telescopes used two lenses, and could magnify up to three times, but their image was upside down. He added a third lens, and his first telescope magnified 8 times and showed them right side up. Eventually, he achieved 30x magnification.
With his telescopes, Galileo discovered the craters and mountains on the moon, the phases of Venus, four of Jupiter's moons, and the stars of the Milky Way.
Person.
Last month Julian David Stone released a biographical fiction novel called It's Alive! Based on the days leading up to the production of the classic horror movie "Frankenstein," the book focuses on the young studio executive determined to make the movie and prove to his studio founder father that he was capable of leading the company. It also focuses on two rivals for the role of the Monster, rivals who each went on to become legends in Hollywood Horror and who worked together several times.
Bela Lugosi was a big star on the Hungarian stage before arriving in Hollywood, and he was still riding high on his fame as "Dracula" when the novel opens, believing g that he is too big a star to play a thing with no real lines.
Boris Karloff, born William Pratt in London in 1887, was just trying to make a living as an actor in Hollywood. He started acting in Canada but supported himself doing manual labor and driving trucks. In Hollywood, he managed to find small parts, a day or two here and there. He was about to give it all up when "Frankenstein" came his way. He thought he would be an embarrassment to his family: him a failed actor, of all things, when his father and brothers had distinguished British Foreign Office careers.
Despite the physical hardships of the role --- it took up to four or so hours in the makeup chair daily, and each shoe weighed 11 pounds --- Karloff made a spectacular debut as a lead actor, He really created an iconic character that has appeared in hundreds of films, and he went in to have a very successful career.
It's Alive! is a fun read about classic 1931 Hollywood.
Last month Julian David Stone released a biographical fiction novel called It's Alive! Based on the days leading up to the production of the classic horror movie "Frankenstein," the book focuses on the young studio executive determined to make the movie and prove to his studio founder father that he was capable of leading the company. It also focuses on two rivals for the role of the Monster, rivals who each went on to become legends in Hollywood Horror and who worked together several times.
Bela Lugosi was a big star on the Hungarian stage before arriving in Hollywood, and he was still riding high on his fame as "Dracula" when the novel opens, believing g that he is too big a star to play a thing with no real lines.
Boris Karloff, born William Pratt in London in 1887, was just trying to make a living as an actor in Hollywood. He started acting in Canada but supported himself doing manual labor and driving trucks. In Hollywood, he managed to find small parts, a day or two here and there. He was about to give it all up when "Frankenstein" came his way. He thought he would be an embarrassment to his family: him a failed actor, of all things, when his father and brothers had distinguished British Foreign Office careers.
Despite the physical hardships of the role --- it took up to four or so hours in the makeup chair daily, and each shoe weighed 11 pounds --- Karloff made a spectacular debut as a lead actor, He really created an iconic character that has appeared in hundreds of films, and he went in to have a very successful career.
It's Alive! is a fun read about classic 1931 Hollywood.
Place.
Universal Pictures was founded in 1912 by Carl Laemmie Sr and several others, and it is the oldest surviving film studio in the US and fifth oldest in the world. Incorporated in New York, Universal endured several legal battles with Edison Studios, as the inventor sought to keep a monopoly in filmmaking. Laemmie soon bought out his cofounders and moved the studio to California. When he started doing things that Edison refused to do, like give billing and screen credits to performers and creators and marketing stars, he started attracting top talent, and Universal took over.
The advent of talkies in the late 1920s stumped Laemmie for a bit, but he wisely turned leadership over to his son, Carl Jr. Carl Jr. had lots of ideas to revitalize the studio and make it more cutting edge. "Dracula" and "Frankenstein" were both huge successes, despite Carl Sr's misgivings. Unfortunately, the Laemmies did not survive the Depression, even though the studio did. Both Laemmies were unceremoniously dumped by the board in 1936.
Universal Pictures was founded in 1912 by Carl Laemmie Sr and several others, and it is the oldest surviving film studio in the US and fifth oldest in the world. Incorporated in New York, Universal endured several legal battles with Edison Studios, as the inventor sought to keep a monopoly in filmmaking. Laemmie soon bought out his cofounders and moved the studio to California. When he started doing things that Edison refused to do, like give billing and screen credits to performers and creators and marketing stars, he started attracting top talent, and Universal took over.
The advent of talkies in the late 1920s stumped Laemmie for a bit, but he wisely turned leadership over to his son, Carl Jr. Carl Jr. had lots of ideas to revitalize the studio and make it more cutting edge. "Dracula" and "Frankenstein" were both huge successes, despite Carl Sr's misgivings. Unfortunately, the Laemmies did not survive the Depression, even though the studio did. Both Laemmies were unceremoniously dumped by the board in 1936.
Things.
The Frankenstein's monster boots worn by Boris Karloff in the original 1931 movies were 14 inches long with six inch heels, and they weighed 11 pounds each.
The Frankenstein's monster boots worn by Boris Karloff in the original 1931 movies were 14 inches long with six inch heels, and they weighed 11 pounds each.
No comments:
Post a Comment