America Road Ways - HISTORY, PHOTOS - Two on the Loose

New York, New York City

2011-09-20T12:06:00.002-04:00

Go to a familiar city

Find addresses of relatives long gone:

Look them up

Our bucket list so far includes

318 West 21st Street, residence of Robert McClure McConaghy age 28 as of August 3, 1904, recent arrival (perhaps in 19 from County Tyrone, Ireland (date not known), son of Robert McConaghy and mother Sidney Torrens

301 East 26th Street, residence of Louise Lucinda Brien age 26 as of August 3, 1904, recent arrival from County Tyrone, Ireland (date not sure, perhaps 1899?), father William Brien,, and mother Margaret Hilliard.

24 University Place, Manhattan, church of marriage, presided: Ralph K. Hickok

This is the date of their marriage certificate.

B. Places already visited

Woodlawn Cemetery
SW Pt 13158
Aster Plot Sec. 206
Lot Owners: Robert McConaghy and Louise McConaghy, his wife
Deed No. 18502

Record of Interments:
Lot 1. Robert McConaghy 7 years 84903 (or 84843) 5/10/13
Lot 2. Margaret Hilliard, 76 years 156623 2/13/38; Louise McConaghy 87 years 222038 2/11/63
Lot 3. James Hilliard, 16 years, 83962 1/1/13; Frances Hilliard, 54 years 113872 2/7/24

Surrounding family areas: Forman, Niebert, Youngling, Mauser, Peter, Pinzisa, Ahnen. 6 from Filbert Ave, 5 from North Border Ave

Washington DC. Process; Battleground; and Memorials

2010-07-11T13:30:00.003-04:00

Washington DC

An Amalgam of Battlegrounds and Monuments.

A Process to Raise People and Ideas Up; and Cast Them Down.

Who Decides. Who Should.

A nation's capital. Capitol? Capital? Does capital run the capitol? Tour some of it here.

Battlegrounds. Some of our battlegrounds are financial, political and cultural, rather than military: in the mind, and at the voting box, preceded by all sorts of strategies, judgment calls, tricks and honor and sleights of hand with money, etc. As anywhere there are elections. Visit and see where decisions are made and traded, skewed and lifted up, and who does all that. Visit Washington DC.

1. White House.

Think of the White House. Many decisions are shaped there.

The White House, Washington DC

There is a big role for advisors in governing, or sometimes for just getting re-elected. That is ever true, and each President grapples with advisors.

The President has many advisors to ensure he has the accurate, full and factual information, and then a checkback process vetting the emotional reactions, his and others'. Life is also pragmatic. Then he is in a position to exercise his judgment. All presidents have advisors. Having advisors does not mean someone is lacking. It means they have sense.

People, in forming their opinions, are not so well treated. They get truncated. No advisors in their best interest. Unless they work at their own fact-checks, and reviewing multiple sources, people get spinners at favored media outlets. Spinners give out selected information, like "selling" people something, to ensure the people get swayed to the side the spinner wants before the people might find out more facts. The people get an emotional whammy interpretation first. Once hooked, the facts don't matter. Is that so?

2. Capitol Building.

Capitol Rotunda. Here is part of the capitol building interior, the Rotunda, looking up at the ceiling. Dan thought my position to do this was ridiculous.

Capitol Rotunda, Washington DC

Senators and Representatives who pass through here, upright, also may take ridiculous positions, or rude, mean ones; and who knows how they vet, but they also have advisors.

They pick their advisors either to serve a common good, or for partisan constituents, or to get re-elected foremost. Is that so? Vet the advisors. The more Madison Avenue, the less the common good is being served.

3. Washington Monument.

The Washington Monument.

Founders - here the Washington Monument. It is the least original of all - modeled after Egyptian power symbols that have been emulated or trucked about ever after: the impractical, nonfunctional obelisk. It attracts attention, period. And grounds marches and demonstrations.

An obelisk is made by formula (march march march march) and they all look alike, see their history http://mysite.du.edu/~etuttle/classics/obelisk.htm/. The Washington Monument cheats. Real obelisks are not just the shape, but also monolithic - one stone. Our Washington monument is all these little segments and bits piled on. Convenience and budget over authenticity. Shafts. Shafted. Seen one, seen 'em all.

Washington Monument, Washington DC. Dull.

President Washington had high-brow beginnings.

President Lincoln had low-brow. Both had advisors. Here is the Lincoln Memorial:

Lincoln Memorial, Washington DC. One to revisit and revisit.

It is far more interesting than the Washington Monument, even though its design is routine. Lots of classical columns, steps up.

4. War Memorials

We have to stop wars because we are out of space.

World War II Memorial

There are separate arches for the Pacific and Atlantic theaters. It is well designed for learning place names, seeing the truly global scope of a world war.

World War II Monument, Washington DC

The Vietnam War Memorial

This is the patrol, the sculpture, not the wall part.

Vietnam War Memorial, the Patrol, Washington DC

Not everyone who serves in the military is a hero, or is treated as they believe their efforts warrant. Still, they serve and by that are honorable. Think of the many who used existing and legal loopholes to enable them to follow paths of self-serving choice, not service. Some made the right choice in that. Still, cheer those who serve.

Some who did, should not have. Killing others, killed them in many ways. Some who did not, should have. Speak, O Delphic Oracle. Who is to know.

The Korean Conflict Memorial.

Then see these reflected in a polished granite wall beside. Like ghosts.

What issues does a visit to Washington raise? See FN 1 and Alvin Greene, a product of our system, and who, with advisors like anyone else has, may well serve constituents well. Our system may be wiser than we know. Why not put him in? We know the opposition, and it is rude and mean.

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FN 1 Who should decide weighty matters of state and war.

Populists suggest that those of the elite, those in power who have been shaped by it over time, become (perhaps) more self-interested, or more blinded, or so enriched financially, that they get lax, exploiting others. Bad behavior. And shocked, shocked that they are to be held accountable. On that ground alone, say some, clean house and clean senate periodically. Put untainted people put in instead.

Where they can position themselves to make money, become corrupted, lose perspective, etc.

Try another standard.

Put or keep people in who have

common-good ideas,
can express them reasonably,
will surround themselves with the best, most neutral, fact-oriented, diligent advisors in the land, from all sides, and
will govern for long-term stability, a healthy peacetime life for all inhabitants, a good society, a common good society honoring basic freedoms for human beings; not just follow the wind to get re-elected. See FDR's 1941 Four Freedoms speech, full text at ://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/fdrthefourfreedoms.htm/; the Four Freedoms for humans are at the end. Anyone who promotes those Four Freedoms would get my vote.

Consider a contemporary series of events in that regard.

Enter Alvin Greene.

Our election process has given one Alvin M. Greene of South Carolina, elected in a primary as Democratic candidate for Senate, a voice. The process was vetted, and no fraud or outside actionable machinations unearthed. He so far has been courteous, has some blotches on his record but don't we all, is it possible to think that he can arise through his own efforts and with the advisors that all the others have anyway, and serve constituents. Is he - as a college graduate and we understand he earned military honors, see ://seminal.firedoglake.com/diary/54303 - cannier than we think. Is it WYSIWYG for Greene? So far, evidence says yes, and this is based on that. Information may change.

I'd vote for that, over people who shout "you lie" -- then go raise money from other boors equally rude and mean. Everyone can be productive, and deserves respect. Those who resort to boorishness should be out. We all have boorish moments, but we don't have to revel in them.

Respect for all

Go on, Alvin Greene. Let the system play out. I would have you sit at my dinner table and be interested in you, but I wouldn't even invite your opponent. South Carolina, elect Alvin Smith and provide the best support advisors possible, so he makes common-good decisions for his constituents. A very democratic candidate.

Connecticut. Metacomet Trail, CT. King Philip's War; Metacomet; and the Pilgrims in New England

2010-07-09T18:35:00.004-04:00

King Philip. Metacom. Metacomet.
A Native American, Son of Chief Massasoit.
Not a European Monarch

I. Old War - Indian v. Colonist

II. New War - Developer and big interests v. Ordinary folk hiking about who want their way of life

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I. Old War - Metacomet, King Philip

New England and King Philip's War in the time of the Pilgrims, the Colonies.

At issue were the rights of indigenous people against the invaders. That is a topic as old as time. See Studying Wars: Myth and Indigenous Peoples, King Philip.

King Philip is the English name for the Indian whose birth name was Metacom or Metacomet, son of Massasoit. Massasoit was the Indian at Plymouth, who assisted the Pilgrims in their first years. Think of Thanksgiving, as the legend has it; then learn more.

Wetlands, Metacomet Trail, near Hartford CT

How to piece together a verifiable history, when powerful interests prevail in communicating their view. Start with a visit to the Indian Trail, the Metacomet, that traverses much of southern New England. Here it is in the Connecticut area, see http://www.ctxguide.com/ctxguide_232.htm
Move the scroll bar east and south until the West Hartford Reservoir #6 shows.

Woods, Metacomet Trail, Avon Mountain, West Hartford CT

Our photos are from the West Hartford side of Avon Mountain, along the Metacomet. The Avon side is not far behind. The trail covers some 51 miles, blue-blazed. It links to the Monadknock in Massachusetts to the north, and to the Mattabesett to the south.

The Native American for whom the Trail is named is the hero or the demon of King Philip's War, depending on your side.

King Philip's War.

The War began in 1675, see http://www.pilgrimhall.org/philipwar.htm/ It was short in time, but devastating in loss of life. It lasted a year, perhaps two, triggered by the killing of an Indian named John Sassomon, who was a literate Christian convert. His death occurred under circumstances that then each side interpreted to get what it wanted. Some said he had been working with the Colonists, and so was killed by Indians. Who knows.

The Indians who were then accused of murder were executed. But the colonists were not after justice, as seen in their eyes, because far more was at stake. They wanted land, expansion, resources.

And the Indians wanted their way of life, and got in the way of white expansion, so the incursions accelerated.

The result: Destruction of communities, deaths of thousands and thousands, and finally the defeat of the Indians led to their enslavement, many taken abroad as slaves, others killed outright or forced into servitude for the colonists.

The Indians never recovered their strength, but did retain a sense of community and identity. Some early tribes now run Casinos on their land in Connecticut, see Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun, if you must

Tally: Three thousand Indians dead; thirteen colonial towns burned, including Deerfield MA, Brookfield, Northfield MA Farms burned, and an enormous debt for military support incurred. Philip, bold and strong agrees this site, at http://www.usahistory.info/NewEngland/King-Philips-War.html/ King Philip's Cave is said to be in an easily visible cavern in the ridge rock of Avon Mountain - just a long ridge, really, not a "mountain".

USA History site.

We found this slanted. Not objective. Propaganda. Use that site only for chronology. It is full of white supremacist language, spun and berating the "savage" for not standing and fighting - but see how successful the guerrilla tactic, terrorism, was. Considering muskets, what else could they do? Ongoing issues of who has the righteous cause, what is a fair fight, and does that matter when you are against the wall. Better site: http://www.militaryhistoryonline.com/horsemusket/kingphilip/default.aspx

King Philip was finally hunted down in Rhode Island and shot.

II. New wars

Development Wars. See again powerful interests against those of us who just live around here loomed.

Developers coming, Metacomet Trail, Avon Mountain, West Hartford CT

But they were never really fought. Power and money win; and ordinary people can't undertake guerrilla warfare etc. Folks lose. Colonial America and the colonizing goes on, is that so? Developers take over the trail area.

To the east, back sides of megahouses. To the west, mostly sparse, but For Sale signs going up and large tracts of land are up for homes.

Vermont. American Revolution: Mount Independence VT

2008-02-10T19:48:00.002-05:00

Mount Independence, Vermont

Mount Independence, Lake Champlain, Revolutionary War, Vermont

This is a fort site on a peninsula across from Fort Ticonderoga (Ticonderoga is in NY, on Lake Champlain here, on the far side). There had been an old French fort here first, then it became a fort for patriots. There are just ruins now, barely distinguishable foundations, paths, clearings for buildings.

Traces of a colonial army fort, Mount Independence VT, American Revolution

This is a place for those who love their own imaginations. Foundations, graves, depressions for bulwarks and entrenchments, fabulous vistas of Lake Champlain, barracks remains, old rock forms, paths, parts of buildings, but no great preservation as at Fort Ticonderoga. It was built to ensure that the British could be stopped on their way south from Canada to Saratoga - like a pincer place.

However, the Americans did not need it for that, abandoned it, and the British took it over and eventually burned it as they retreated to Canada. See http://www.revolutionaryday.com/usroute7/independence/default.htm. It is off Route 7, a long and old highway through most of New England, north to south. This is a fine leaf-color route in the fall. See its strategic location from the air, at ://www.historicvermont.org/mountindependence/independencemural.htm

There was disease, so a hospital and infirmary area is there, blockhouse, barracks, all that a fort needed. It just fell into disuse. Visit the museum - see in particular how wounds and illnesses were treated or not.

Go anyway and walk - paths and hiking trails, any length, any direction.

Mount Independence, Fort archeological remains, VT, Revolutionary War

In 1776, it took 12,000 soldiers to build the fort. It was a preventive measure, anticipating an attack by the British. That did not happen, and by winter, only 2500 remained and they suffered, hardship, disease, death. In 1777 support troops arrived, but the site was ultimately abandoned. http://www.historicvermont.org/mountindependence.

Fort constructed and later abandoned, and now a fine park and history lesson starting point.

New York, Saratoga. American Revolution: Battle of Saratoga NY

2008-02-08T11:25:00.002-05:00

Battle of Saratoga

The Revolutionary War - Refresh your memory with a loop around several battlefields related to the Revolutionary War and its memorials. We chose 1) Saratoga NY; 2) Ticonderoga NY; and 3) Bennington VT general route.

Saratoga.

The War had begun in 1775, and the British had hopes of ending it at this battle at Saratoga. There were three prongs to the attack planned by the British - 10,000 soldiers from Canada under General Burgoyne (who had just retaken Fort Ticonderoga to the north; the Patriots had earlier taken it from the British), a second British army from Lake Ontario to the Mohawk River, and a third British army under General Howe from New York. There were Germans fighting with General Burgoyne, other nationalities also represented.

On this Battlefield, General Benedict Arnold fought with distinction - see his later status as a "turncoat" to the British, at Studying Wars: Benedict Arnold, "Turncoat". He had his reasons, and much contributed to it.

Saratoga National Park cannon

The American plan was to keep the British divided. There were only about 8500 Americans. See the battles history at http://www.nps.gov/sara/historyculture/index.htm. There is a fine drive around and through the battlefield, with markers and narratives explaining.

There is an annual re-enactment of the battle, see http://www.saratoga.org/battle1777/reenact.html

Saratoga Surrender Memorial Tower, Victory, NY.

A pedestal is empty, for Arnold.

Then, go to the Saratoga National Cemetery nearby for the many war heroes and veterans there.

Saratoga National Cemetery.

Prepare for a surprise.

Here is veteran Wilbert Thomas Lagassse in the cemetery named after Gerald Brooks Hunt Solomon, a NY congressman. See http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=S000675. Fields of rows of headstones, and Mr. Lagasse claims the best tan. America. Would Mr. Solomon admire the humor of this lucky one, not killed in battle, or not so much?

Lake Saratoga, NY.

Near the battlefield, home of the fine old Victorian resort at Saratoga Springs and racetrack, see http://www.nyra.com/index_saratoga.html

Many fine Bed and Breakfasts. There is no need to call ahead for reservations. Choose one with a view.

Environmental issue: Food chain broken. No bugs. What have we done to the food chain?

Bug alert. Ominous. With a 5-day overall trip, in summer, our windshields were almost clean. No bugs. A few butterflies, very few, on the vast battlefields. Have we finally broken the food chain? Remember when each stop for gas meant scraping the windshield, hard, with that liquid, just to get those millions off? And the wings in the grille?

New York, Fort Ticonderoga. American Revolution: Fort Ticonderoga NY

2008-02-08T11:13:00.004-05:00

Fort Ticonderoga, New York

Fort Ticonderoga NY, fife and drum

If you are lucky or a planner, your visit will include a re-enactment. Fort Ticonderoga is in NY State, north of Saratoga. For a timeline on the Revolutionary War, see http://members.aol.com/ntgen/hrtg/revtmln.html.

There is a fine drive to the Fort, through woods with markers and narratives for the battles and skirmishes. See where the Black Watch regiment fought for the British. Follow the memorials. Costumed guides are at the main fort.

Benedict Arnold, here a colonel I understand, fought with distinction. He was later despised as a turncoat, one who is disloyal and deserts his prior cause, see http://www.thefreedictionary.com/turncoat/ There is more to it than that, but he was nonetheless brilliant. Nothing is simple. See Studying Wars: Benedict Arnold. It looks more like swiftboating Benedict Arnold. Is that so? Check it out. A kind of bullying against adults also takes its toll.