Anecdote
THE LINDBERGH BABY KIDNAPPING
On March 1, 1932, Charles and Anne Murrow Lindbergh’s nineteen-month-old baby boy Charles, Jr. was taken from his second story bedroom in Hopewell, New Jersey. The kidnapper left a note with a symbol on it. The note demanded $50,000. It had a lot of spelling and grammar mistakes. “Dear Sir! Read more
Anecdote
THE GREAT EMU WAR
One of the most unusual wars in history occurred in Australia in 1932. And the bad guys won. If you can call birds bad guys, that is. When Australian soldiers returned from the Great War, they were rewarded with farm land. Surprise, the government screwed them. The free land Read more
Anecdote
DAILY LIFE OF A ROMAN LEGIONARY
Wake up at dawn in the barracks or tent you share with seven other soldiers. Put on your tunic, belt, and sandals. Breakfast of porridge or bread. Don armor and go to morning muster. Daily tasks – clean latrines, clean bathhouse, guard duty Lunch – more porridge or bread Training Read more
Anecdote
THE BOMBARDMENT OF ELLWOOD
The first enemy attack on American soil since the British attacked Washington during the War of 1812 occurred on Feb. 23, 1942. In the period after Pearl Harbor, the Japanese sent seven subs to roam the California coastline in search of warships and merchant ships. They sank two merchant Read more
Anecdote
GEORGE WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY
NAME – George Washington NICKNAME(S) – The Old Fox / The Sage of Mount Vernon BIRTH / DEATH – Feb. 22, 1732 Westmoreland County, Va. / Dec. 14, 1799 Mount Vernon FATHER – planter (died when he was 11) MOTHER – housewife COLLEGE – did not attend WIFE – Martha Read more
Uncategorized
THE HISTORY OF MARDI GRAS
Some historians believe Mardi Gras can be traced back to two Roman celebrations. Lupercalia was a wild day where nude young men ran around and struck women with thongs. Saturnalia also had a party atmosphere. Masters served their slave banquets. Gifts were given, mostly gag gifts. Beans were baked Read more
Anecdote
THE CHICAGO SEVEN
The Democratic Convention of 1968 took place in Chicago. It took place in a year when the anti-Vietnam War movement and the counterculture were peaking. The event attracted 10,000 anti-war protesters. Chaos ensued as police clashed with demonstrators. Mayor Daley was determined to crush the demonstrators. On August 25, Read more
Anecdote
MYTH #12 – Was Aaron Burr a traitor?
Aaron Burr came from a wealthy family. He graduated from the College of New Jersey (today it is Princeton) at age 17. He served with valor in the Continental Army in the Revolutionary War. After the war, he entered politics. He was elected to the New York State Assembly Read more
Anecdote
William Henry Harrison
Today is the anniversary of the birth of the President with the shortest tenure. Here is the information on him that appears on this web site. NAME – William Henry Harrison NICKNAME(S) – Old Tippecanoe / Old Granny BIRTH / DEATH – Feb. 9, 1773 Berkeley, Va. / 1841 Washington, Read more