Though potato is a household name today in India, it came to this ancient land only about 400 years ago during Mughal dynasty. After its introduction from Europe in the beginning of 17th century, it remained an insignificant crop till independence, largely because of poor productivity of introduced European varieties that were adapted to temperate agro-climate and were suitable for cultivation in hills of India as summer crop. The Government of India established the ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute in the year 1949 to harness the potential of this promising crop for food security. The institute developed suitable varieties and technologies that virtually transformed the temperate potato crop to sub-tropical one enabling its spread from cooler hill regions to the vast Indo-Gangetic plains as a rabi crop. It triggered a revolution in potato production causing very fast growth in area, production and productivity during next five decades.


Nestled in the northern portion of Middle Tennessee, this rural county has a current population just over 7000 scattered over its beautiful hills and lush valleys. Farming, largely tobacco, was the economic base that formed this county, and it is still prevalent today. Many area families came to this fertile land from Virginia and North Carolina when their tobacco-growing families could not subdivide their lands any further. Tennessee was a new state looking for settlers, and this area of the Highland Rim was an ideal location to build a homestead.
The county seat is located in Hartsville, and other communities include Barthelia, Beech Grove, Cato, Gravel Hill, Halltown, Kings (Beasley's Bend), Providence, Puryears Bend, Shady Grove, Templow, Walnut Grove, and Willard.


Tudor Barn Wedding Photographer, London.
The Tudor Barn, is a historical grade 2 listed building and a hidden gem right in Eltham. Situated in wonderful grounds and gardens with its own semi-moat it is a great venue to hold your wedding. Edith Nesbit, author of the Railway Children once resided here.
Michelle Walsh Photography is a recommended Tudor Barn Wedding Photographer in Eltham, London SE9 and I have shot many weddings at the Tudor Barn. One of South East London’s best Wedding Venues in my opinion for a warm and inviting feeling, particularly in the winter season too.
If you are visiting the Tudor Barn Wedding Fayre in Eltham tomorrow, here’s a couple of photos to wet your appetite.
I can’t wait to meet with you this Valentines weekend to discuss your wedding photography, whether you’re getting married at the Tudor Barn in Eltham or elsewhere in London or the surrounding areas. Come down and grab a glass of champagne and some hot show offers!
Sunday 12th February 2017, Tudor Barn Eltham, 11am – 4pm
Well Hall Pleasaunce, Well Hall Road, Eltham SE9


Earlier this month we had the pleasure of guiding a three day multi-day trip in the Bay of Fundy, along the shoreline of Cape Chignecto Provincial Park. This seldom visited coastline features the highest cliffs on the mainland of Nova Scotia, impressive sea stacks and rock spires, sea caves, and of course the incredible tides of the Bay of Fundy. In addition to the unique geology, the coastline has a rich history. From our camp at Refugee Cove where we found evidence of an old mill, we hiked up to French Lookout, where the Acadians kept a watchful eye out for British ships. All in all, a fascinating coastline to explore. Many thanks to all of those who joined us for a great adventure!


James Nachtwey happened to be in New York the morning of 9/11 and made his way to Ground Zero. Ten years ago, TIME published Nachtwey’s extraordinary pictures from the day, but he had not revisited those 27 rolls of film since. A few weeks ago, we had Nachtwey in the office, poring over his contact sheets, reliving the events of that Tuesday. Here, he shares his edit of those photographs, some previously unpublished (slides: 1, 5, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15), with TIME and spoke with writer David Levi Strauss about the work.
James Nachtwey's 9/11 Photographs - LightBox


This article explores the history of human’s relationship with the yellow metal in the last five centuries. For ease of comprehension, the story is broken up into 11 parts.
Table of Contents
1. Ancient History and Classical era (8th century BC and the 5th century AD)
In Egypt and the Middle East, 5 centuries ago, gold and other metals fulfilled the functions of money, as a medium of exchange, means of payment, and store of value. However, its utility in economic transactions was still not popular.
Lydian King Croesus, in 560 BC, was the first to mint standardized gold coins with the same size and value as a medium of exchange. These standardized gold coins, in addition to their intended purpose, guaranteed the quality of the rare and precious metal.
The Roman Empire, in 225 BC, started using gold coins for economic transactions. This came about as a result of the glut and subsequent crash of their silver currency. The oversupply of silver from the Roman colonies led to this eventuality. Soon, Roman gold coins or Solidus were widely circulated and remained the dominant currency in Europe, Northern Africa, and Asia Minor until the beginning of the 12th century.
2. Medieval Era (5th century to 15th century)
Silver was the preferred metal for coins in the middle ages. Gold served as a store of value rather than as a means of payment because of its rarity and the higher value when compared to silver. Ultimately it was the Crusades and the newly developing long-distance trade that helped in establishing gold as a means of payment. In Europe, during medieval times, gold was valued 10 – 12 times silver.
The hallmarking of gold began in 1300 to ensure the quality of gold. Hallmarking is a system to verify and guarantee the purity of gold. This was started in London and followed elsewhere, thus establishing a common standard for gold purity.
The 14th and 15th centuries witnessed a sudden rocketing of gold values. A decline in gold mining in Europe and a consequent reduction in the new gold supply is considered the main reason for this. This led to an 80% decrease in coin production, making gold coins rarer. The price of this precious metal shot up, paving way for constant deflation.
3. Early Modern Era (15th century to 18th century)
The Discovery of the New World changed the course of history in many ways. When Europeans found their way to the Americas, resulting in the subjugation of the natives and plundering of their resources, vast quantities of gold found its way to Europe in the early 16th century. The arrival of fresh gold supply eased the deflation and ultimately led to inflation in Spain. This trend caught up in the rest of Europe and much later in Asia.
During the late 16th century, the glut of gold from the Americas led to further loss of value for this precious metal. This situation was aggravated by the mixing of other metals such as copper with gold for coins, resulting in its loss of purity. The Seven Years War (1756–1763) forced European countries to mint more of these low-grade gold coins.
The fixed gold-silver conversion rate was introduced in the United Kingdom by Sir Isaac Newton, the warden of the Royal Mint, as a measure to combat the fluctuations in the value of gold coins.
The British Parliament in 1774 introduced the Gold Standard. The Gold Standard is a monetary standard in which the strength of a nation’s currency is determined by its gold reserves, i.e., the quantity of gold it holds.
The 18th and early 19th centuries witnessed the co-existence of gold and silver coins. With the introduction of a fixed conversion rate for the two metals, the European countries and the US began minting coins in both gold and silver simultaneously. In France, from 1795, the fixed conversion rate was set at 15:1. This means gold is 15 times more valuable than silver.
4. Classic Gold Standard (1816 – 1914)
Great Britain made gold its official national currency with Lord Liverpool’s Act on 22nd June 1816. The convertibility of gold and Pound Sterling was legally guaranteed on 1st May 1821. All these lead to other countries pegging their currencies to the British Pound, thus making it the reserve currency. This move established British dominance in international finance and trade relations. By the end of the 19th century, the British Pound was the currency used for two-thirds of world trade and most countries were holding it as their foreign exchange reserve.
American Civil War and Gold Speculation: From 1810 to 1833, the US pursued the de facto silver standard. The gold price stood at USD 19.39 for one ounce of pure gold. The US government set the gold-silver conversion rate at 16:1 by the Coinage Act of 1834. This led to the implementation of the de facto gold standard and the price went up to USD 20.69.
The American Civil War (1861 – 1865) and later on the Black Friday at the New York Stock Exchange on 24th September 1869 triggered skyrocketing gold prices to USD 47.02 and USD 155, respectively. per ounce. In 1879, the US government set the gold price at USD 20.67 and reverted to the gold standard. With the implementation of the Gold Standard Act, 1900, gold was made an official means of payment.
5. Between the Two World Wars (1918 – 1939)
World War forced the central banks to abandon the gold standard to allow them to print more paper currencies to help finance the war. After the end of the First World War, in 1922, at the Genoa conference, the central banks proposed a partial return to the gold standard to encourage international trade and to stabilize the national economies. The proposed partial gold standard means the gold remained in the vaults of the central banks and this gold was represented by paper currencies.
The poor coordination and improper implementation of the partial gold standard paved the way for the overvaluation and undervaluation of important national currencies across the world. This ultimately resulted in the collapse of the new gold standard as a regulatory system of the international monetary system. The last straw that led to this breakdown was the decision of the Bank of England to suspend redeeming gold in 1933. This translated to the stoppage of the system that allowed citizens to exchange paper money for gold.
In 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt, the President of the USA, announced the prohibition of possessing gold by citizens. The citizens were asked to exchange gold of any form – coins, bars, and certificates – for a fixed rate of USD 20.67 per ounce. The sole exception allowed in this order was for the gold used for industrial and artistic purposes. The rationale of this move was the prevention of the circulation of privately-held gold that was threatening of becoming an alternative currency.
A violation of this prohibitory order resulted in a fine of USD 100 or 10 years in prison. The citizens were allowed to possess up to 5 ounces of gold. This means the majority of the population was not affected by the order. This order remained in force for 40 years when it was finally abolished. The Exchange Stabilization Fund was established on 31st January 1934 and the price of gold was fixed at USD 35 per ounce.
6. Bretton Woods System (1944 – 1971)
Named after the New Hampshire hotel where the World War II Allied nations held the conference of Bretton Woods in 1944, the Bretton Woods System is a monetary order that sets the rules for international currency exchange based on the US Dollar and gold. With this agreement, the British Pound lost its status as the reserve currency and was replaced by the US Dollar. The exchange rate for gold was fixed at USD 35 per ounce. This means the currencies of signatory countries of the Bretton Woods Agreement were linked to the US Dollar.
Goal: With the US Dollar being the reserve currency, the exchange rate for gold could be set for long periods in advance. The Bretton Woods Agreement made it obligatory for the United States to redeem the foreign reserves of signatory countries held in the US Dollar for gold.
The purpose of the new system was to enable free trade among the participating countries on fixed exchange rates. To oversee the functioning and implementation of the Bretton Woods System, two institutions were established – International Monetary Fund and the International Bank for Reconstruction.
Triffin Paradox: The Belgian-American economist Robert Triffin was the first to detect a flaw in the Bretton Woods System in 1959. The Triffin Dilemma pointed out the conflict of economic interests between short-term domestic and long-term international objectives for the United States, whose currency served as the global reserve currency. When the US Dollar was elevated as the global reserve currency, foreign nations were holding more of it than the US central bank had gold reserves. To maintain liquidity for international trade, more US Dollars had to be printed. This move would lead to a deficit in the balance of payments for the United States. To overcome this dilemma, Triffin suggested the creation of an artificial currency. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) came up with Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), a supplementary foreign exchange reserve maintained by the IMF.
London Gold Pool: In 1960, when the foreign liabilities of the United States exceeded their national gold reserves, it started threatening the Bretton Woods System. To avert this danger and to sustain the system, the United States and seven European countries decided to pool their gold reserves to maintain the stability of the system and defend the gold exchange rate at USD 35 per ounce as a market intervention in the London Gold Market. The central banks of these eight nations managed coordinated gold sale/buy to counter the fluctuations in the market price of gold.
Crisis: In 1967, Charles de Gaulle, the French President, withdrew France from the London Gold Pool citing the Vietnam War. Simultaneously, the British government devalued the British Pound. These events led to a spike in the demand for gold, upsetting the applecart further.
Collapse: In 1969, multiple signatories of the Bretton Woods Agreement came forward to redeem their foreign reserves for gold. The United States was in no position to honor their commitment to the agreement. The United States could not manage to redeem the dollar reserves of even one participating country because the foreign reserves in the US Dollar of all the signatory nations had reached an all-time high. In 1971, the US President Nixon unilaterally canceled his country’s contractual obligation of direct redemption of the US Dollar to gold, known as the Nixon Shock. This move ultimately resulted in the collapse of the Bretton Woods System, thus ending the fixed pricing of gold at USD 35 per ounce.
7. Bull Market: Upward Trend (1971 – 1980)
The aftermath of the collapse: The major consequence of the cessation of the Bretton Woods System was on the price of gold. Gold started trading freely on world markets. On 1st May 1972, the gold price went beyond USD 50 per ounce for the first time. During the first quarter of 1973, the currency markets had to be shut down for 14 days as a measure to contain the situation. Finally, the Bretton Woods System was abandoned and succeeded by a system of free-floating currencies and flexible conversion rates devoid of pegging to gold and US Dollar.
The beginning of gold trade: On 14th May 1973, the price of gold crossed the milestone of USD 100 per ounce. By 14th November 1973, the US government lifted the restrictions on possession of gold by private citizens. In the coming years, many more countries followed suit by allowing its citizens to own and trade in gold. By 1975, the New York Commodities Exchange was established and trading in gold futures began.
Jamaica Accords: These were a set of international agreements reached in 1976 that ratified the abolishment of the Bretton Woods System and amendment of the ‘articles of agreement’ upon which the IMF was founded. With the Jamaica Accords, an agreement was reached regarding the future of the gold standard and international currencies. The International Monetary Fund eliminated the pegging of gold to the US Dollar and recognized managed floating exchange rates. This made currencies fiat money, not redeemable by gold. Theoretically, the money supply is expandable infinitely.
The 1970s witnessed industrialized countries experiencing stagflation, a period of slow economic growth, low productivity, and high unemployment (stagnation) while prices rose (inflation). The troubles of the decade were made manifold by the uncertainties in the financial world, the oil crisis, a monumental increase of the US national debt, a huge jump in money supply, and an exodus of investors to material assets. The gold price went up 15-fold during this decade.
On 27th December 1979, the gold price soared to a new high of above USD 500 per ounce. By 21st January 1980, the price of gold stood at USD 873 at the New York Commodities Exchange. The Iran crisis and the occupation attempt of Afghanistan by the Soviet Union were cited as reasons for this surge. This all-time high gold price was the beginning of the end of the bullish trend of the markets. This price was not breached for the next 28 years.
8. Bear Market: Downward Trend (1980 – 2001)
1980 witnessed the beginning of a slump in the international markets. The US treasury, as a market initiative to end the economic stagnation, clamped down on the increase of money supply. The short-term effect of this was a steeper recession and a worsening unemployment rate. However, in the long run, this worked well for the economy, gradually stabilizing it and bringing inflation under control. In the 1990s, the United States experienced an extended economic upturn under President Bill Clinton. The New York Commodities Exchange merged with the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) in 1994. By 1999, the gold rate in London had come down to USD 252.80 per ounce.
In 1982, China allowed its citizens to possess gold. The establishment of the Shanghai Gold Exchange in 2002 led to further expansion in the gold trade, resulting in huge demand for the yellow metal. Earlier, it was mandatory to sell gold to the Chinese Treasury. In just five years, China surpassed the United States in gold trade to become the second-largest buyer of gold, after India.
To bring the price of gold under control by regulating its sales, 15 European nations signed the Central Bank Gold Agreement. This agreement places a cap on the annual sale of gold. The cap was fixed at 400 tonnes per year or 2000 tonnes for five years (CBGA 1 1999 – 2004). The consequent second agreement, CBGA II (2004 – 2009), limited the quantity of annual gold sales to 500 tonnes. The third agreement, CBGA III (2009 – 2014), brought down the limit of annual gold sales to 400 tonnes.
9. Bull Market: Upward Trend (2001 – 2010)
After the low of 1999, the price of gold had a slow recovery. Since 2001, the gold price has gone up at a steady rate. The rise in gold price finds a clear correlation with the steady growth of the US national debt and gradual weakening of the US Dollar against world currencies. The year 2005 witnessed a spike in gold prices, reaching USD 500 per ounce for the first time since 1987.
This trend continued and in just three years, in 2008, the price of gold doubled to USD 1000 per ounce. The already upward curve of the gold price was aided by the financial crisis. The demand for physical gold and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) skyrocketed. In 2010, the gold reserves of the largest Gold ETF, SPDR Gold Trust, went up to a record high of 1320 tonnes. This meant that the gold fund possessed and controlled more gold than the Chinese National Bank.
In 2010, many central banks decided to raise their gold reserves, the prominent among them being the Chinese National Bank, the Reserve Bank of India, and the Central Bank of Russia.
December 2010 witnessed gold price soaring to a record new high of USD 1431.60 per troy ounce. At the same time, the US Dollar slumped to an all-time low. The uncertainties about economic recovery, inflation, and growing national debt-fueled this trend. The decrease in gold production since 2001, rising demand for jewelry and strong interest from institutional investors also were contributing factors driving up the price of gold.
10. The Last Decade (2011 – 2020)
By August 2011, the gold price crossed USD 1900 per ounce. Gold once again became a safe investment option due to mounting US national debt, the financial crisis in Europe, and the looming threat of a new recession. From a price of just above USD 250 per ounce in late 1999 to just over USD 1900 per ounce, gold made a gain of almost 650% and an annual return of more than 18%. The closing gold price crossed USD 1900 per ounce only for a single day before it started a downward slide.
The most pronounced fall in the price of gold happened between October 2012 and July 2013. In a span of nine months, the precious metal lost almost a third of its value. The price drop continued to reach a low of USD 1060 per ounce in January 2016, before bouncing back. By June 2020, the gold price was USD 1751 per ounce.
On August 7, 2020, gold hit a new record of USD 2062.50. The economic uncertainty caused by the COVID19 pandemic was the reason for this sudden jump.
Gold Production through history
When the price of gold was doing a roller-coaster ride in the last 50 years after the abandonment of the fixed-rate Bretton Woods System, gold production saw a steady, at times steep increase. Rough estimates suggest an impressive two-thirds of the gold mined in human history happened after 1950.
Until 2006, South Africa was the largest gold producer in the world, its peak production coming in the late 1960s and early 1970s. After 2006, its declining production, coupled with increasing production by other countries led to South Africa losing the top spot to China. In 2019, China produced 383.2 tonnes of gold, accounting for about 11% of the total world gold production. Russia with 329.5 tonnes and Australia with 325.1 tonnes are not far behind.
World gold production witnessed a steep increase from 2500 tonnes in 2010 to 3300 tonnes in 2019. However, gold production seems to have plateaued since 2016. The main reason is the unavailability of ‘easy gold’. The present gold mines have been almost exhausted, which means for quality gold, miners have to dig deeper. This raises additional hazards and environmental concerns, in addition to the spiraling cost of production.
Humans have always been dazzled by the yellow metal and this trend shows no signs of abating. With the gold finding its use not just in jewelry and stakes so high, the demand for gold will continue to rise, driving its price to never before seen highs.


Makhi has gotten pretty good at speaking English, and Batrie and I have been learning some of her language Anyway, we pieced together some history, and here’s what we’ve got so far:
The Golden Age of Otherworld
Legend tells of a time of great devastation, when the five dominions fought bitterly against each other. At last the great Peacock King united them.
The King appointed his most trusted and loyal supporters as the leaders of each dominion, guiding them to rule according to their truest gifts, strengths, and animal natures. Over time, the people of each dominion, and even the land itself, took on the qualities of their leaders.
The Five Dominions of Otherworld entered a golden age of peace and prosperity, with the leaders of each dominion sending the best and brightest to study in the halls of the great University in the King’s shining city.
How the Peacock King Was Betrayed
But nothing lasts forever. As time passed, one boy grew to believe that people should turn away from their animal natures and should only allow their human sides to grow and develop. He became a teacher at the University, and slowly, he developed a following. In secret, he met with his students, teaching them to turn away from their deepest core, to suppress the wildness that tied them to the land.
Together, this teacher, Shried, and his followers, rose up against the Peacock King and slay him while he slept.
How the Fiver Rulers Came to Leave Otherworld
The King’s closest adviser, the Priestess Arjuna, transformed into her Eagle form and carried the tragic news to the Five Rulers. The Five Rulers rushed from their dominions with their guards, but, unused to battle after so many years of peace, they were quickly defeated by Shried’s secret army.
Fearful that Shried’s army would assassinate the five rulers as well, Arjuna, along with the King’s loyal supporters, convinced the five rulers to retreat to the Forest Realm while Arjuna amassed an army. But as the rulers passed one by one through the portal to the Forest Realm, Arjuna betrayed Jarhu, the Bull, slitting his throat in a final embrace. The other four rulers escaped through the portal to the Forest Realm, a legendary world of mountains, rain, and wind.


JUNE 25, 2022 PREVIEW
The eleventh meeting of Templum Phoenix Lodge No.57 will be held on June 25th, 2022 in the quarters of the Masonic Hall, 907 Prospect Street, Fredericton, N.B. commencing at 1:00 pm sharp.
The in-lodge speaker will be Brother Alex DeWare whose topic will be “A New Hope-New Ways of Preserving Old Traditions” Brother DeWare will explore the various avenues open to us that allow for the preservation of our customs and traditions while meeting the needs of the young men who are joining today.
At this meeting we will be embracing technology for the Festive Board presentation, following our meal we will be retiring to the Blue Room where via the Zoom platform Most Worshipful Brother James Jessop will be presenting a talk on The Origins of Prince Hall in the Province of Ontario. Most Worshipful Brother Jessop will take us on a journey from the days of Prince Hall to today’s Prince Hall Freemasonry and the challenges faced along the way.
Most Worshipful Brother Jessop is a past Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Province of Ontario & Jurisdiction and the current Grand Historian.
The menu for the Festive Board is as follows:
Beet and orange salad with micro greens and crispy Pancetta.
Roasted butternut and maple soup.
Chef Dort will be serving Salmon Confit with tomato concasse, seasonal vegetable and a salsa verde
(The main course will be accompanied by your choice of red or white wine and is included in the cost of the meal.)
Boca Negra, Bourbon chocolate cake with raspberry coulis and vanilla cream
Tickets for the Festive Board are $40.00 (including tax and gratuity) and are available beginning June 5, 2022 and are available on a first come first served basis. Ticket sales will close on June 18th, 2022.
There is a limited number of 17 tickets available for the Festive Board. Payment may be made by e-transfer to firstname.lastname@example.org
If you are a first time visitor please review our guidelines for visitors which is found on our website at templumphoenix.ca


The Panama Canal Company bankruptcy in 1889 was the largest financial scandal of the 19th century and caused the financial ruin of thousands of investors. The bankruptcy led to losses of 1.8 billion gold francs, or more than 11 billion U.S. in today’s dollars. Some 800,000 French citizens saw their entire investment wiped out. Ferdinand de Lesseps had been the French developer charged with designing and overseeing the construction of the Suez Canal. He would be the developer in charge of this canal as well. The fact that de Lesseps knew very little about finance or economics didn’t seem to matter. And the French got on board with his idea to replicate the success of the Suez with a lockless canal in Panama. De Lesseps and his sons established the Panama Canal Company. They raised capital mainly from individual investors based on exaggerated prospects from the press, parliamentarians, government ministers, and banks.
De Lesseps handled the vitally important work of promoting and raising money for the project from private subscriptions himself. His balanced confidence in enthusiasm for the project, as well as a dogged faith in the miracle of technology attracted many stockholders. French citizens eagerly invested because public loans too were backed by the French government. It was a safe investment. In fact, investing in the project was regarded as a sort of patriotic public service. Work on the canal got underway in early 1881. But de Lesseps was not adequately prepared for the harsh conditions in Panama. By 1889, they’d moved 50 million cubic meters of earth at the cost of the lives of 20,000 men. Yet only 11 miles of the 45 mile canal were dug. Nearly 300 million had been spent, and suddenly there was no more money. Shareholders voted to dissolve the company, placing it under legal receivership. The canal remained unfinished and the project was deemed a total failure.
The Canal Company stock became almost worthless overnight, and people were furious. The French government conducted an inquiry on behalf of investors. The scandal implicated numerous individuals and institutions, including de Lesseps, who was accused of fraud. De Lesseps was unable to oversee much of the work in person because of his age. And so the project had fallen into the hands of swindlers. The political class was also heavily implicated. Following the chain of bribes, slush funds and influence peddling proved that numerous legislators were involved in the scandal as well. The public was furious that the very reason for their confidence in this investment, the government backing of the loans was instead a key factor in the scandal itself.
Newspapers, deputies, and senators accepted bribes and duped the little guy making the Panama scandal one of the most notorious financial events of the era. Several parties allegedly received bribes from key company financiers Baron de Reinach and Cornelius Herz. Some of the culprits ended up imprisoned and fined, but de Reinach died before he could even be sentenced. Ferdinand and Charles de Lesseps along with Gustave Eiffel were sentenced to prison terms they never served. And Herz fled to England. In the end, despite the inquiries, the people who bore the brunt of the burden were the thousands of French investors left out in the cold.


As a martial arts enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the rich history and impact of the world’s fighting styles.
One such martial art that has captured my attention is karate, a discipline with deep roots that stretch back to ancient times.
With both physical and philosophical elements, karate has long held an important place in the history of martial arts, and it has evolved dramatically over the years to become the beloved sport and practice it is today.
In order to gain a better understanding of karate’s origins, I dug deep into the historical records and studied the notable figures who have left their mark on this discipline.
Beginning my exploration, I discovered that karate originated in the Ryukyu Islands, present-day Okinawa, and was heavily influenced by indigenous martial arts and Chinese martial arts.
As I continued my journey through time, I learned about the underlying philosophies and technical aspects that formed the foundation of karate.
- Karate’s roots can be found in the Ryukyu Islands and has been influenced by diverse martial arts traditions
- The discipline encompasses both physical techniques and philosophical values
- Throughout its evolution, numerous figures and schools have made significant contributions to karate’s history
Origins of Karate
Influence of China
As a martial arts enthusiast, I find it fascinating that the origins of karate can be traced back to ancient China.
Chinese martial arts, also known as Kung Fu, played a significant role in karate’s development.
Legends suggest that Bodhidharma, an Indian Buddhist monk, introduced martial arts to China.
Kung Fu then spread throughout East Asia, influencing other local martial arts practices.
Evolution in Okinawa
Okinawa, a small island in the Ryukyu Kingdom, now part of modern-day Japan, became a melting pot of martial arts in the region.
Okinawan martial arts, such as Tomari-te, were heavily influenced by Chinese martial arts.
The term “China Hand” was used to describe the connection between Okinawan and Chinese practices.
It is here in Okinawa that karate as we know it today began to take shape. Okinawan masters traveled to China and brought back valuable knowledge, which they incorporated into their own martial arts systems, creating a unique Okinawan karate style.
Spread to Mainland Japan
The spread of karate to mainland Japan is an interesting part of its historical journey. In the early 20th century, many Okinawan karate masters decided to introduce their martial art to the rest of Japan.
Gichin Funakoshi, an Okinawan karate master, was pivotal in this expansion. He established the Shotokan Karate style and opened the first karate dojo in Tokyo.
As karate started gaining popularity in Japan, it adapted to and incorporated elements of Japanese martial arts and culture, resulting in the diverse styles of Japanese karate we see today.
Karate’s global influence is undeniable. After World War II, karate masters from Japan began spreading their teachings across the globe, creating a worldwide interest in this martial art.
The World Karate Federation was established, and through their efforts, karate became an Olympic sport recognized by the International Olympic Committee.
Today, karate is practiced by millions of people from all walks of life, showcasing its cultural and historical significance beyond its origins in China, Okinawa, and Japan.
Philosophy of Karate
The Empty Hand Concept
When I think about the philosophy of karate, the first concept that comes to my mind is the “empty hand.” This term represents the unarmed nature of karate practitioners, highlighting the essence of self-defense and self-improvement.
Karate-do, which refers to the “path of karate,” is not merely about acquiring combat skills but also emphasizes the power of the mind, developing discipline, and building one’s character.
Spiritual and Discipline Aspects
In the dojo, or training hall, the spiritual and discipline aspects of karate become evident. As a practitioner, I must follow the requisites of the dojo, which focus on respect, courtesy, and humility.
These elements not only help in harnessing the power of the spirit but also reflect our connection to the greater power – the mind.
Like in other martial arts, the spiritual elements of karate are pivotal in nurturing discipline, mental strength, and the ability to maintain a calm and composed demeanor, even during challenging moments.
Character building is a cornerstone of the karate philosophy. Everyone who embarks on the path of karate-do soon learns that this journey is not just about physical prowess.
The teachings of karate help shape our character, instill courage, and develop respect for ourselves, other karate practitioners, and our surrounding environment.
Through diligent training, karate ingrains self-control, patience, and perseverance, which are attributes essential for personal growth and functioning as an upright member of society.
Karate’s roots extend deep into Japanese culture. As I delve deeper into its practice, I develop a strong understanding and appreciation of this beautiful tradition.
Karate has evolved to encompass both cultural and personal identity, as it remains an inseparable part of Japanese heritage.
By practicing this martial art, I am also preserving, sharing, and celebrating a small yet significant part of Japan’s unique identity.
Technical Aspects of Karate
In my study of karate, I’ve learned that it is a martial art primarily focused on unarmed combat, using a variety of defense techniques to protect oneself.
The foundation of karate includes basic techniques such as striking, kicking, and punching.
As I practice, I pay close attention to form, timing, and strength when executing these moves.
- Striking: Utilizing hands and arms to deliver powerful blows on an opponent. Examples include the knife hand strike (shuto uchi) and the palm-heel strike (teisho uchi).
- Kicking: Presenting an array of kicks to manipulate an opponent’s balance, inflict damage, or maintain distance. Some kicks I practice are the front snap kick (mae geri) and the roundhouse kick (mawashi geri).
- Punching: Using closed fists to deliver quick and precise strikes to an opponent’s body. Among various punches, the straight punch (seiken chudan tsuki) and the uppercut (jodan tsuki) are commonly practiced.
Types of Practice
During my training, I’ve discovered that karate has various types of practice to enhance one’s skills and overall understanding of the martial art.
These include kihon, kata, and kumite.
- Kihon: Fundamental techniques that form the basis of karate practice. In kihon, I work on improving stances, blocks, punches, and kicks through repeated practice.
- Kata: A series of predetermined movements that combine offense and defense techniques. I enjoy practicing kata as it simulates a choreographed fight, allowing me to apply my skills in a controlled environment.
- Kumite: Sparring with a partner, putting my skills to the test in a dynamic situation. Matches vary from pre-arranged kumite, where specific attacks and defenses are practiced, to free sparring, which closely resembles real-life fighting scenarios.
The Gi and Belts
An essential part of my karate journey is wearing the traditional uniform known as the gi. The gi consists of a white jacket, pants, and a belt that represents my rank in the martial art.
The ranking system uses colored belts, starting from white and progressing through various colors until reaching black.
Dan ranks denote the level of proficiency within the black belt ranks.
As I practice and enhance my skills, I am tested and evaluated by my instructors. Through hard work, dedication, and countless hours of training, I aim to progress through the belts and deepen my understanding of this fascinating martial art.
Notable Figures and Schools in Karate History
Martial Artists and Pioneers
It took me a while to appreciate the significance of these karate pioneers and the significant contributions they made to the development of this martial art.
One of the most famous is Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan Karate. He is considered the Okinawan Karate Master who modernized this art form and helped it spread across Japan and the world.
Funakoshi was born in the Ryukyu Kingdom, now known as Okinawa, and revitalized the discipline by introducing it to the Japanese martial arts community.
Another prominent figure in early karate development was the mysterious figure Bodhidharma, who some people believe brought martial arts to China from India.
His teachings later got mixed with native Chinese martial arts, influencing their development in the region.
Development of Different Forms
Through the years, I’ve learned how karate has evolved into different forms, each with its unique style and characteristics.
The origins of karate can be traced back to the Ryukyu Islands, where Okinawan martial artists developed a unique fighting style.
These early fighters incorporated elements from native Okinawan arts as well as Chinese martial arts, making a distinct and effective way of self-defense.
In the early 20th century, the influence of Japanese martial arts, such as Judo and Jujutsu, led to the fusion of various techniques and the development of more standardized karate styles.
For instance, Shotokan was created by Gichin Funakoshi with an emphasis on posture, stances, and powerful linear techniques.
Another major style is Kyokushin, which was developed by Masutatsu Oyama and is renowned for its intense training, rigorous conditioning, and full-contact sparring.
Karate has also made its way into the world of sports. Today, many karateka (karate practitioners) compete in highly regulated competitions.
While some focus on kata (forms), others compete in kumite (sparring) – these competitors showcase their techniques, strength, and skill in an environment that emphasizes discipline, respect, and sportsmanship.
In conclusion, understanding the origins and historical significance of karate has only deepened my appreciation for this martial art.
From its humble beginnings in the Ryukyu Islands to its widespread influence around the world, the history of karate is rich with notable figures and various forms that continue to contribute to its growth and evolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did karate evolve over time?
Karate has a rich history that dates back to ancient China. Over time, it spread to Okinawa, where it further developed and evolved into what we know as modern karate.
The evolution of karate can be observed through the different styles, techniques, and forms that have emerged over the years.
As karate spread from Okinawa to mainland Japan and eventually around the world, it continued to grow and adapt to the unique local cultures and martial arts philosophies.
What are the main styles of karate?
There are numerous styles of karate, each with its own unique techniques, forms, and philosophies.
Some of the most well-known styles include:
- Shotokan: A popular style founded by Gichin Funakoshi, emphasizing long stances and powerful strikes.
- Goju-ryu: A style that combines hard and soft techniques, founded by Chojun Miyagi.
- Shito-ryu: Created by Kenwa Mabuni, this style is known for its fast and powerful techniques.
- Wado-ryu: A style that focuses on fluidity and body movement, developed by Hironori Otsuka.
How is karate different from other martial arts like Kung Fu or Taekwondo?
While there are similarities between karate, Kung Fu, and Taekwondo – such as the use of kicks, punches, and strikes – there are also key differences.
Karate has its roots in Chinese martial arts but has evolved to incorporate elements of Okinawan and Japanese martial arts traditions.
Kung Fu originates from China and often emphasizes fluid, circular movements, while Taekwondo hails from Korea and is known for its high-flying kicks and acrobatic techniques.
Each martial art has its own unique techniques, forms, and philosophies, which set them apart from one another.
What role has Okinawa played in the development of karate?
Okinawa, a chain of islands in southern Japan, played a significant role in the development of karate.
As a melting pot of Chinese, Japanese, and indigenous cultures, Okinawa was an ideal environment for the growth and development of martial arts.
It was here that ancient Chinese martial arts were combined with traditional Okinawan fighting techniques, laying the foundation for what would become modern karate.
The unique history and culture of Okinawa have greatly influenced the techniques, forms, and philosophies that define karate today.
How has karate influenced Japanese culture and history?
Karate has made a lasting impact on Japanese culture and history.
As a martial art that emphasizes self-discipline, respect, and self-improvement, karate has become an important part of Japanese cultural identity.
Karate has also played a role in the development of Japan’s modern martial arts infrastructure, with numerous dojos and organizations spreading throughout the country.
The historical and cultural significance of karate is evident in its widespread popularity not only in Japan but also around the world.
Who are some key figures in the history of karate?
There have been many influential figures in the history of karate, each contributing to its development and growth.
Here are just a few:
- Gichin Funakoshi: Known as the father of modern karate, Funakoshi introduced karate to mainland Japan and founded the Shotokan style.
- Chojun Miyagi: The founder of Goju-ryu, Miyagi expanded upon the traditional techniques of Okinawan karate to develop his own unique style.
- Kenwa Mabuni: Mabuni is known for creating the Shito-ryu style, which combines elements of both Shuri-te and Naha-te, two major Okinawan martial arts traditions.
- Hironori Otsuka: The founder of Wado-ryu, Otsuka played a pivotal role in the development and popularization of karate in Japan.


Memory and the meaning of history
By Jon Malek
An historian once wrote that history is often re-written because every generation has new questions and interpretations of the past.
On the island of Mactan, across from Cebu City, is a monument marking the encounter between Ferdinand Magellan and Lapu-Lapu. The date of this encounter, 27 April 1521, is agreed upon, however the meaning of this event has changed over time. In 1941, during the period of American administration, a plaque was placed that read, “On this spot Ferdinand Magellan died on April 27, 1521, wounded in an encounter with the soldiers of Lapulapu, chief of Mactan Island.” The plaque also notes that a ship from Magellan’s fleet went on to be the first to sail around the earth. Ten years later another plaque was placed stating that “Here on 27 April 1521, Lapulapu and his men repulsed the Spanish invaders, killing their leader, Ferdinand Magellan. Thus Lapulapu became the first Filipino to have repelled the European aggression.”
These are two very different interpretations of the same event, one celebrating Magellan and the other celebrating Lapu-Lapu. The first, from 1941, does not refer to the event as a battle, but rather an “encounter.” It also refers to a major event in European history, the first time a European had sailed around the world. Thus, the larger importance of this “encounter” is about European expansion and exploration. The second plaque, however, refers to the Spanish as invaders and calls Lapu-Lapu the first Filipino who fought against European intruders. The event, now remembered as a repulsion of European invasion, is placed in relation to the Philippines and the development of Filipino nationalism. It also refers to the dark forces of imperialism and colonialism, which Lapu-Lapu is praised as battling against.
Nick Joaquin, a Filipino historian, questioned in 1979 how Lapu-Lapu would react to the interpretation that he was a Filipino hero, a word that he would not have known because it did not exist when he was alive. It is well known that the Philippines was named in honour of King Philip II of Spain, and that until the late 19th century the term ‘Filipino’ did not refer to those native to the islands. Previously, the Spanish had referred to them as either indios (those native to the land) or mestizos (those whose parents were Spanish and Filipino). Yet, even though Lapu-Lapu would not have called himself a Filipino, most histories accept him as a Filipino.
What the Lapu-Lapu memorial on Mactan Island suggests is that history is more than a collection of dates, events, names, and places. It is also about the meaning societies give to those “facts.” How Lapu-Lapu is remembered – as the one who killed the man who would have been the first to sail around the world, or as the one who was the first to defend what would become the Philippines – depends on who is telling the story. The first plaque had been placed in 1941, before the Pacific War and during American colonial rule. Those in power would want to avoid celebrations of Filipino resistance to foreigners such as Magellan, because it would remind the people of the American imperial presence. But in 1951, just years after the defeat of the Japanese occupation and the end of American administration, the Filipinos were in charge of their memory and Lapu-Lapu was celebrated as the first anti-colonial hero by the new Filipino republic.
History and memory can show what a society values, and this is why history can change. How Lapu-Lapu is remembered today is different than it would have been in 1521, because today he is seen as one of many Filipino freedom fighters – how could he have known that the Spanish would control much of the Philippines until 1898, and that his was one of the first attempts at resistance? Or that the United States would occupy the islands for almost fifty years, except for the brief period of time that the Japanese occupied the territory? These things are well known today, and this affects how Filipinos remember Lapu-Lapu’s resistance.
The same goes for our own memories as individuals. Hindsight, being able to see what has happened, affects our memories. Things we have done in the past, such as deciding to move or to change jobs, can have both good and bad results that continue to affect our lives today. Many Filipinos living in Winnipeg, for example, have a shared experience of leaving the Philippines to live in Canada, either temporarily or permanently. To some, leaving was painful and hard for obvious reasons. To some, it was an opportunity for their families to have a better life. To some, it has meant being reunited with family in Canada. For most, though, it means many things at once and those who have immigrated to Canada might remember it very differently depending on their experiences and the meaning they give them. The memories we have of our past actions and decisions may change as time goes on, and the stories we tell will change depending on what we believe is important. As we continue to experience life, we will continue to rewrite our histories as individuals and as societies to answer new questions and to give new meaning.
Jon Malek is a PhD candidate in History at Western University, and an alumnus of the University of Manitoba (B.A., M.A. in History). As part of his research project on the history of Filipinos in Winnipeg, Jon would be happy to talk to members of the community about their life experiences. He can be contacted at email@example.com.


This post is my 500th—whether you’ve been with me from the beginning, or just happened upon this blog recently, I’m glad you’re here!
Five hundred posts ago, I was working on writing down some thoughts about our recent move to Spain, and the various things I was learning. I wrote on new routines, different kinds of differences, Y’all, and My Escort. And I did my first series on Las Fallas (a summary with links can be found here).
It feels like I’ve covered a lot of territory since then. My posting schedule was more fluid in the early months, but these days, at two posts a week, it takes me just under a year to get from milestone to milestone. Taken in a broader context, that’s not very much time at all.
So I asked myself, what was going on five hundred years ago?*
For one thing, Ferdinand Magellan organized the Spanish expedition bound for the Spice Islands:
Titian began a painting called Madona di Ca’Pesaro:
and Leonardo da Vinci died in Amboise, France.
Five years is a tiny time span in comparison, but it’s always interesting for me to look back. In my milestone posts I include links to highlight a few of the posts from the last hundred. Here’s the roundup since my 400th post:
That’s a quick tour of some of the things that I took notes on over the past year. If you have a favorite post of mine from the last year or so, I’d love to hear about it. And here are earlier milestone roundups: 400, 300, 200, 100.
*Worldhistoryproject.org is helpful in providing a window on earlier times.
[Images: news.sap.com, worldhistoryproject x 3; see original posts for their image credits]


Halloween coloring pages feature a captivating array of black and white illustrations centered around one of the oldest celebrations in human history. As autumn descends after the harvest season, communities gathered for a festivity marking the culmination of their field work. An ancient belief held that during this time, the boundary between the human realm and the spirit world grew thin.
To ward off malevolent forces, people fashioned terrifying costumes, creating a barrier against the intrusion of evil spirits. Over time, the iconic pumpkin with its glowing eyes emerged as the holiday’s hallmark. Today, Halloween sees both young and old donning costumes, reveling in festivities, playing pranks on friends, and trick-or-treating from door to door to collect candies. In this section, children will discover an assortment of Halloween-themed elements: bats, cats, witches, ghosts, pointed hats, and broomsticks. We’ve curated a diverse selection of Halloween coloring pages, all available for free download or printing, capturing the essence of this ancient and spirited holiday.


Tattoos have a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years, across different cultures and societies. While tattoos have been a form of self-expression and artistry for centuries, the public perception of tattoos has undergone significant changes over the years. What was once associated with rebellion, subculture, and even stigma has evolved into a widely accepted and celebrated form of self-expression in the 21st century. In this article, we will explore the changing public perception of tattoos and the factors that have contributed to this transformation.
The Stigma of Tattoos
Historically, tattoos were often seen as a mark of rebellion and deviance from societal norms. In many Western societies, tattoos were associated with sailors, prisoners, and biker gangs, reinforcing the perception that tattooed individuals were outsiders or troublemakers. This stigma persisted for decades, making it difficult for individuals with tattoos to find acceptance in certain professional settings and even within their own families.
The Rise of Tattoo Subculture
Throughout the 20th century, tattoos began to gain a foothold in popular culture, thanks in part to prominent figures like musicians, actors, and athletes who proudly displayed their ink. The punk and rock subcultures of the 1970s and 1980s played a significant role in further popularizing tattoos as a form of self-expression and rebellion. Tattoo parlors and studios began to flourish, offering a safe and artistic space for individuals to get inked.
Television and movies also contributed to the changing perception of tattoos. Iconic characters like the heavily tattooed Max Rockatansky in the “Mad Max” film series and the enigmatic Jack Sparrow in “Pirates of the Caribbean” showcased tattoos as symbols of adventure and individualism.
Tattoos as Artistic Expression
In recent years, tattoos have emerged as a respected and celebrated form of art. Tattoo artists are now seen as skilled professionals, and their work is frequently displayed in galleries and exhibitions. With advancements in tattoo technology and techniques, the level of detail and intricacy that can be achieved in tattoos has reached new heights. This evolution has led to a redefinition of tattoos as a legitimate art form.
Celebrities, including actors, musicians, and athletes, have continued to influence the public perception of tattoos. Many public figures now openly flaunt their tattoos, normalizing the practice and reinforcing the idea that ink can be a beautiful and meaningful form of self-expression.
Changing Attitudes in the Workplace
One of the most significant shifts in public perception has occurred in the workplace. In the past, visible tattoos were often seen as unprofessional and could limit career opportunities. However, many modern workplaces have become more accepting of tattoos, recognizing that they do not define a person’s abilities or qualifications. Some companies have even embraced tattoos as a way to showcase diversity and individuality among their employees.
Tattoo acceptance policies now vary widely across industries and organizations. While some professions, such as healthcare and finance, may still have strict guidelines regarding visible tattoos, others have adopted more inclusive attitudes, allowing employees to display their ink without fear of discrimination.
The changing public perception of tattoos over the years is a testament to the evolving nature of societal norms and cultural attitudes. What was once considered rebellious and stigmatized has transformed into a widely accepted and celebrated form of self-expression and artistry. Tattoos have transcended their historical associations with subcultures and deviance to become a mainstream and respected aspect of contemporary culture. As we continue into the 21st century, it’s likely that tattoos will continue to evolve and play an even more significant role in shaping our cultural landscape.


Thanksgiving is a uniquely North American holiday. While there is a long tradition of celebrating and giving thanks for the harvest on both sides of the Atlantic, the whole “turkey and trimmings, pilgrims on the Mayflower” theme of the holiday sets our Thanksgiving apart. Growing up, we were taught to think on this holiday as a time of cooperation between the European settlers and the First Nations who inhabited the continent long before the Age of Exploration.
The first yearly Thanksgiving celebrations after Confederation date back to November 6, 1879 – though the holiday as we know it today actually began in the Province of Canada in 1859. The roots of the holiday run much deeper, to European harvest festivals and First Nations celebrations of thanksgiving. (The Haudenosaunee, in whose traditional territory I was raised, celebrated thirteen different Thanksgiving festivals. Some of these lasted several days at a stretch, like the Midwinter Ceremony around the time of the January new moon: it went on for nine days.)
And although Canadians are very familiar with the lore of the Mayflower and the first Thanksgiving at Plymouth Rock in 1621, we look back to even earlier celebrations associated with explorers like Champlain and Frobisher. You could say that although our official celebrations began in the 19th century, the Thanksgiving tradition in Canada may be rooted in the 17th or even the 16th century.
What Day Does Thanksgiving Fall On?
While our American neighbours celebrate Thanksgiving between Halloween and Christmas, Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated much earlier, on the second Monday in the month of October. Thanksgiving has been fixed on this day since 1957, though the holiday had been celebrated in Canada for hundreds of years before that. This timing coincides with the (controversial) holiday of Columbus Day in the United States.
Thanksgiving is a national holiday in Canada. It is a statutory (paid) holiday in all provinces and territories except the Atlantic provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Canadian Thanksgiving Food Traditions
A traditional Canadian Thanksgiving dinner is pretty similar to an American one. Turkey is usually the main dish on the Thanksgiving menu. The sides include gravy and stuffing (or dressing, as we called it growing up) as well as cranberries, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and other trimmings a family enjoys. I know some people absolutely must eat Brussels sprouts with their turkey dinner, but I’m not aware of it being a particular tradition in Canada. We usually do glazed carrots and maybe a green salad. Mom likes to make broccoli salads these days, and they are very popular with the kids.
The stuffing is usually made with a wheat-based bread and not a cornbread stuffing as is more common south of the border. My mother always made her turkey dressing from the turkey giblets – the turkey liver, to be more precise. She’d chop the liver up into small bits and pan fry it with some onion and celery. The stuffing was made with cubed slices of white bread and seasoned with sage.
Also, we don’t tend to do the candied yam thing here in Canada. And we definitely never got the memo about putting marshmallows on top of sweet potato casserole. Most folks here just bake them and serve them like normal baked potatoes. And it turns out, preparing them this way also boosts their vitamin C content. That’s a huge plus in my book!
In some parts of Canada, a boiled dinner is preferred to a turkey. In Newfoundland, this meal is also known as Jiggs’ dinner. It consists of corned beef or some other salted beef or pork, boiled with cabbage and root vegetables such as turnips, parsnips, potatoes, and carrots. You may also find Canadians who like to serve a Thanksgiving ham.
Pumpkin pies are often on the menu for dessert, but you might also find apple pie since apples are in season around this time. Sweet potato pie is not something you would find on too many Canadian tables. But you might find butter tarts, a traditional Canadian dessert. In British Columbia, Nanaimo bars are popular; in Quebecois you might find sucre à la crème or a tarte au sucre!
The turkey is probably the most popular Thanksgiving symbol in Canada, though we are also seeing a lot more squash and pumpkins now. This may be due to more people eating squash as a regular part of our diet these days. Back in the 70s, I think most of us treated them the same way we did pumpkins: as decor.
The cornucopia, or horn of plenty, is another symbol that all Canadian children used to be taught around Thanksgiving. The horn is filled with vegetables, fruits and nuts that remind us of the abundance of the harvest.
Another symbol we learned to associate with Thanksgiving at an early age is “Indian” corn, otherwise known as flint corn, or sometimes calico corn because of its mottled colouring. Its botanical name is Zea mays var. indurata, a reference to the hard outer layer that protects the soft part inside the kernels. Flint corn is dried and used to make flour, cornmeal, and hominy. We grew up thinking of this corn as a decoration, as we often saw it hung on doors or added to a table centrepiece but we never saw anyone cooking with it. But the First Nations peoples who lived in North America before our European ancestors knew this corn well and grew it for eating.
What Canadian Kids Learned About Thanksgiving
Growing up in Canada in the 70s, we learned about Thanksgiving pretty much the same way that American schoolchildren did. We learned about the pilgrims and the Mayflower, and how the “Indians” (we now call them First Nations or Indigenous peoples) shared their harvest feast with the European settlers on the very first Thanksgiving.
The American Thanksgiving story had migrated north with the Loyalists around the time of the American Revolution and it became part of our culture too, as did many of the foods we now associate with the holiday, like turkey and pumpkin pie (neither of which was probably eaten at the first Thanksgiving meal.)
The Very First Thanksgiving
While Canadian children have been taught the American Thanksgiving story, Canada has contributed some very different chapters to the Thanksgiving story. In part, those contributions relate to just when the very first Thanksgiving took place.
Some people say the first Thanksgiving celebration in North America was not the Plymouth Rock feasts of 1621, but rather Martin Frobisher’s celebration on Baffin island (in what is now the territory of Nunavut) in 1578. This celebration of thanksgiving, more than 40 years before the Mayflower landed in North America, doesn’t seem to have included any Indigenous people. Being that the occasion was one of giving thanks for surviving the rough seas – not for a bountiful harvest – it’s difficult to fit this story into the Thanksgiving narrative. While some Canadian writers have tried, these claims have been criticized.
In 1606, Samuel de Champlain founded l‘Ordre de Bon Temps (“The Order of Good Cheer”) to help keep spirits up in the Habitation at Port-Royal. The French settlers were shocked by the severity of Canadian winters and many had died of scurvy during the previous winter. The Order of Good Cheer was instituted in an effort to boost morale and provide nutritious meals that would keep the settlers healthy throughout the harsh winter months. Champlain’s guests to the bi-weekly dinners included the colony’s elite and members of the Mi’kmaq community. Foods served at the feasts were supplied by French settlers who took turns hunting and trading with their Aboriginal neighbours. The dishes included some foods that were familiar to the Europeans and others that were introduced to them by the First Nations people with whom they interacted.
Because of this festive atmosphere and the cooperation between Europeans and Indigenous people, Champlain’s feasts are also sometimes put forth as a possible origin of Thanksgiving in Canada. While this assertion is also criticized, l‘Ordre de Bon Temps does set a precedent for amicable relations and shared meals between the Europeans and the First Nations with whom they traded.
Canada’s Early Official Thanksgiving Celebrations
Whether we accept or reject the Frobisher and Champlain celebrations as an authentic part of Thanksgiving history in Canada, there is still more to tell. Canada held official Thanksgiving celebrations at various times to give thanks for the end of a war or the survival of a royal heir who had been gravely ill. And beginning in 1859, Protestant clergy members in Canada were petitioning the government to hold official Thanksgiving celebrations of a distinctly nationalistic flavour.
Thanksgiving in Canada was, in part, a reaction to the publication of Darwin’s On the Origin of Species – a book that shocked the world and challenged the creation story of the Bible. A day of prayer that pointed to the abundant harvest as proof that God exists was their way to address the crisis of faith Darwin had stirred up. Thanksgiving promoted a Protestant, English-speaking Canada in a time of conflicting interests from both America and the conquered people of New France.
Over time, Thanksgiving has lost its religious and nationalistic flavour. Apparently, the railways played a role in the secularization of Thanksgiving, marketing the holiday as a time to travel to family gatherings during the early 20th century. Right into the 21st century, Thanksgiving has retained that focus on the family and on taking time away from work for a relaxing break. Unlike our American neighbours, we don’t see it as a time for shopping. If anything, many businesses and stores are closed for the day. And then everyone is back to work on the Tuesday!
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Original content ©2014-2017 Kyla Matton Osborne, aka #RubyWriter
Note: This is an updated edition of an article first published on Bubblews
This article was published on my food blog, 24 Carrot Diet. If you are reading this content anywhere else, it has probably been stolen. Please report it to me so I can address any copyright infringements. Thank you!


The spelling "Milwaukie" lives on in Milwaukie, Oregon, named after the Wisconsin city in 1847, before the current spelling was universally accepted.
Milwaukee has three "founding fathers": Solomon Juneau, Byron Kilbourn, and George H. Walker. Solomon Juneau was the first of the three to come to the area, in 1818. He was not the first European settler (Alexis Laframboise settled a trading post in 1785) but founded a town called Juneau's Side, or Juneautown, that began attracting more settlers. In competition with Juneau, Byron Kilbourn established Kilbourntown west of the Milwaukee River and made sure the streets running toward the river did not join with those on the east side. This accounts for the large number of angled bridges that still exist in Milwaukee today. Further, Kilbourn distributed maps of the area which only showed Kilbourntown, implying Juneautown did not exist or the river's east side was uninhabited and thus undesirable. The third prominent builder was George H. Walker. He claimed land to the south of the Milwaukee River, along with Juneautown, where he built a log house in 1834. This area grew and became known as Walker's Point


From the Driveway to a Dream
Jim Jones established Topside Marine in late 1989 when the auto mechanics of the local Automotive Union went on strike. He made the decision not to return to work at the auto dealership. As side work, Jim had been working on ski boats from his garage in the driveway of his home for years and had a growing customer base.
When his driveway became too small, Jim leased a 2,400 square foot shop in 2001. After four years, a continual increase of customers made it necessary to move to a larger shop in 2005. This 4,000 square foot shop provided much needed space for a parts department and larger service area. Jim dreamed of expanding to include boat storage, as well. For the first time, Jim was able to store a few boats during the winter months. Because of the demand for service, Jim once again found that he needed a larger shop and storage facility.
In late 2009, Jim leased a 23,000 square foot facility with two large buildings on a main thoroughfare in North San Jose. The one building was dedicated for storage while the other is the service center. Since 2010, the building and the outside storage areas have been and remain fully rented. Topside marine has had a waiting list for storage ever since.
We have many loyal customers – many who have been bringing their boats to Jim’s ‘garage’ since the 1980’s. Today, their kids now bring their family boats to us, as well. Topside Marine has grown continually through our customer referrals. Topside Marine’s mantra of providing the very best customer service and craftsmanship has resulted in a reputation second to none. In providing both service and storage, Topside Marine is the “one-stop boat service center.”


New Zealanders have always loved being connected. New Zealand was the first in the world to pass legislation to protect its 'wireless telegraphy' stations in 1903, and the first country in the Pacific to connect to the internet. By 1939, New Zealand had more phones per capita than anywhere but the USA and today, 70% of New Zealanders have a smartphone.
The New Zealand Post Office had been operating for nearly a century and was struggling to service a growing nation thirsty for the latest technology and connectivity when Spark (then called Telecom) was born. On March 31, 1987, the Post Office was replaced by three state-owned enterprises, one of which was Telecom. That year, Telecom launched New Zealand's first mobile phone network.
Two years later, New Zealand got its first internet connection, the telecommunications market was deregulated and in 1990, Telecom was sold for NZ$4.2b in what was then New Zealand's biggest deal. Soon after, it listed on the New Zealand, Australian and New York stock exchanges. In the 90s, calling cards, 0800 and 0900 numbers, voicemail and telebanking were introduced, toll calls became much cheaper, and Telecom launched its first ISP, Xtra.
As we ushered in a new millennium -- surviving the dreaded Y2K bug intact -- Telecom celebrated its millionth mobile customer. Next, it acquired Gen-i (now Spark Digital), greatly expanding its ICT capabilities, and in 2004 launched New Zealand's first 3G mobile network.
Changes to New Zealand's legislation in 2006 saw Telecom reorganize itself into separate retail, wholesale and network operations. Then on August 8, 2014, CEO Simon Moutter heralded Telecom's continuing evolution into a truly transformative provider of digital services like communications, entertainment and cloud computing by rebranding Telecom as Spark New Zealand.


Discover NYC Museums & Theaters near Our Hotel
From botanic gardens and art museums to historic churches and theaters, NYC has it all. Check out a few of our favorite spots below or ask our staff to point you in the right direction.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden (0.8 miles)
Brooklyn Botanic Garden features a 52 acre garden and holds over 14,000 taxa of plants. Discover a "Garden within the Garden" and venture the numerous specialty collections and conservatories. It includes the Steinhardt Conservatory that houses the C. V. Starr Bonsai Museum, three climate-themed plant pavilions, a white cast-iron-and-glass aquatic plant house, and an art gallery.
Brooklyn Museum (1.2 miles)
New York City’s third largest museum, the Brooklyn Museum features an art collection of approximately 1.5 million works. Significant parts of their collection include African, Oceanic and Japanese art and antiquities, specifically their collection of Egyptian pieces spanning over 3,000 years. American art is also heavily represented, starting with Colonial period art.
New York Transit Museum (2.4 miles)
When you think of New York, taxi cabs and subways always come to mind. Learn about the history of mass transportation at the New York Transit Museum, which displays historical artifacts of the NYC subway, bus, commuter rail and bridge and tunnel systems. During your visit, you can board vintage cars, sit at the wheel of a city bus, step through a “time tunnel” of turnstiles and discover the extraordinary engineering feats that made it all possible.
Kings Theatre (2.8 miles)
Kings Theatre is the cornerstone of the Flatbush community and a major fixture to Brooklyn’s vibrant cultural landscape. Inspired by the French Renaissance Revival style of the Palace of Versailles and the Paris Opera House, this classic 20th-Century movie palace features high-curved ceilings, ornate plaster walls, pink marble and a glazed terra cotta ornamental façade. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2012.
Kings Theatre hosts all sorts of events and performances. Check out their event calendar to see what shows are on during your stay.
Additional Museums, Theaters & Cultural Attractions
- Brooklyn Children's Museum, 0.6 mile
- Brooklyn Public Library, 1.6 miles
- BAM Harvey Theater, 1.7 miles
- Music Hall of Williamsburg, 3.3 miles
- New York Aquarium, 9.2 miles
- New York Hall of Science, 11.7 miles


When most people think of the “Back to the Land” movement, the image that generally comes to mind is of hippies retreating to rural communes in the early 1970s. However, in her new book entitled Back to the Land: The Enduring Dream of Self-Sufficiency in Modern America, Dona Brown effectively shows how those back-to-the-landers were simply the latest manifestation of a very old American cultural tradition. As she powerfully demonstrates, the impulse to return to the land can be traced to the era when Americans first began to leave it for life in industrial cities.
A professor of history at the University of Vermont, Dr. Brown buttresses her narrative with numerous examples drawn from her extensive knowledge of the primary sources, beginning with the very first back to the land book. Published in response to the economic crisis of 1857, Ten Acres is Enough initiated a pattern that would continue for more than a century. In moments of crisis when unemployment became rife in the cities, many people came to see owning a farm as a powerful buffer against the vagaries of the market economy (in particular, the movement seems to have appealed to the higher echelons of blue collar workers and the lower middle class). In the time from the panic of 1893 to the First World War, the back to the land impulse became an actual movement, with powerful backers, several magazines, and an extensive number of published books.
The War and the prosperity of the 1920s moderated the movement’s goals and vision, but its radical side reemerged with a vengeance in the 1930s, when some aspects of it were incorporated into the New Deal. Partially in response to that institutionalization, a decentralist, alternative back to the land movement, which was very suspicious of the central government, also emerged during this period, centering in Vermont. This, in turn, laid the groundwork for Vermont to be one of the main stops for the subsequent generation’s own back to the landers.
Outlining in great detail the projects and personalities that characterized the back to the land movement over the course of the past century and a half, Dr. Brown’s book is not only a rich source of information about the past, but also casts many of the projects of the present in a new light. As her work demonstrates, things like food sovereignty and the local food movement exist are not wholly new developments, but descend from a long and venerable lineage. Even Vermont secession, which most contemporary advocates trace back to Frank Bryan’s work in the late 1980s, is shown to have reared its head in previous iterations (Vrest Orton, the founder of the still extant Vermont Country Store, was advocating a second Vermont republic as early as 1928). As such, this book is not only of great interest to those with an affinity for the history of social movements or of Vermont, but it is also essential reading for anyone involved in contemporary projects inspired by the back to the land spirit. Understanding the motivations and experiences of one’s intellectual ancestors is essential to fully comprehending the meaning of one’s own work, and Dr. Brown’s book is the best tool I’ve encountered for cultivating that consciousness. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Back to the Land!


A collection of hammers and other objects that were used to disable a US Navy plane in 2003 were turned over by Shannon gardai to one of the activists who carried out the action.
Veteran anti-war resister Ciaron O’Reilly held a press conference outside Shannon Airport Wednesday July 24th., following the return of hammers used to disable a U.S. Navy war plane at the airport in Feb 03. He brought the hammers and other returned property to the press conference.
O’Reilly was one of the Pitstop Ploughshares group, who along with Deirdre Clancy, Nuin Dunlop, Karen Fallon and Damien Moran were charged with $US 2.5 million criminal damage to a U.S. Navy war plane at Shannon in the build up to the invasion of Iraq. The group were intially imprisoned on remand in Limerick before being put on trial three times at Dublin’s Four Courts. They were eventually acquitted unanimously by a jury at the Four Courts in August 2006. The groups action is the subject of Dublin journalist’s Harry Browne’s forthcoming book “Hammered by the Irish – How the Pitstop Plougshares Disarmed a U.S. War Plane with Ireland’s Blessing!”.


Ray is a good friend of Heartbeat. In 1972, Ray was selling percussion products from his Drums Only store in Vancouver, B.C. In the early 1980s Ray started building his own drum kits under the “Ayotte” brand. In the late 1990’s Ray left the company and joined up with Taye Drums from Taiwan for distribution in Canada and contributing to designing of new products. Then in the 2011 Ray started producing his own drum products under the “Raya” name.
Ray not only plays drums regularly in the Vancouver area, but often handles percussion duties, going back to the ’70s recording with artists such as Heart and Trooper through the years today where you might catch him with The Authentics or other bands.


It was Yogi Bhajan's stated mission to "create teachers not collect students" that led to Guru Dharam initiating the first Kundalini Yoga Instructors course in the UK in 1995 which developed into i-SKY.
Yogi Bhajan passed on 6 October 2004 but his mission continues to thrive. His teachings are now more accessible than ever both through certified teachers and through the searchable Library of Teachings.
History will remember Yogi Bhajan as the person who gave authentic Kundalini yoga to the modern world, breaking the centuries old code of secrecy and elitism, which had previously shrouded this practice.
When Yogi Bhajan came to the West in 1969 he clearly stated his intention; ‘I have come to create teachers not to gather disciples’. He created thousands of teachers since then who are at the heart of an international community called 3HO, the Healthy Happy Holy Organization, which supports, practices and spreads the teachings.
Yogi Bhajan was born Harbhajan Singh Puri on August 26th 1929 in India. His spiritual tutelage began formally at 7 years and at the age of 16 and a half his teacher Sant Hazara Singh pronounced him a Master of Yoga.
At the age of 18 he led 1000 people through the turmoil of the partition of India to safety in Delhi after their village became part of Pakistan.
He married Bibi Inderjit Kaur in 1953 and fathered three children.
He received a Masters degree in Economics from the Punjab University where he excelled both in the debating chamber and on the athletics field. He established a successful career, serving in the Tax and Customs Division of the Indian Government before travelling to the West in 1968. He received a PhD in the Psychology of Communication in 1980 from the University of Humanistic Studies in San Francisco.
Although recognised as a seer, a sage, a healer, a philosopher and a religious leader, Yogi Bhajan is remembered primarily as a spiritual teacher with a global constituency.
He held, independently and concurrently, three major spiritual offices: as Director of Spiritual Education of 3HO; as the Siri Singh Sahib - invited by the leaders of his own faith to become the Chief Religious and Administrative Authority for Sikh Dharma in the Western Hemisphere in 1971; and by a wider constituency as the Mahan Tantric - establishing and directing the practice of White Tantric Yoga around the world.
Yogi Bhajan was lauded and lambasted. He found and lost fame and fortune. As a yogi he knew the pair of opposites and chose neither. He was at home in all circumstances and with all people sharing, inspiring and, above all, teaching the technology of living together in the Age of Aquarius as elevated and radiant human beings.
In the history of the US Congress, only a handful of spiritual leaders have ever inspired a Joint Resolution honouring their life and work, they include Martin Luther King Jr., Pope John Paul II, Mother Theresa and Yogi Bhajan.


Tulips are flowers so beautiful that they don’t need embellishments when photographed.
I’m especially fond of Canova tulips, they represent elegance and grace to me.
Long-stemmed and pale-petalled with lovely crystal-fringed edges, they make a statement of flair and fashion.
Tulip flowers have an odd story. They were first introduced to Europe from Turkey during the sixteenth century and in less than one hundred years they grew so sought-after that the Netherlands literally developed what is called “tulipomania”. The bulbs became object of speculative trade, which eventually led to a crazy spiraling of the prices and generated the first speculative bubble in economic history.
Weird to say, tulips were grown mostly for the love of money rather than for the lovers of the flower itself!
But in spite of the peculiar beginnings, the wide interest kindled by this flower and its consequent extensive cultivation allow us today to admire so many different kinds of fabulous hybrids created over 400 years.


The Wichita Falls Museum of Art at Midwestern State University announces two new exhibitions, one by international artists and one by a local photographer from years past, which will run February 22-April 20, 2013. A free public opening reception will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday, February 22.
Le Temps de líEau (The Time of Water) by the Take Me to the River (TMTTR) project includes works in painting, drawing, photography, video, sound, sculpture, installation and performance. The Take Me to the River Project was founded in 2001 by 12 artists from different countries to promote greater understanding and cooperation among people and nations during these unsettled times. Through art, TMTTR hopes to create a bridge across borders by reflecting both the diversities and similarities among people of different countries.
The river was chosen by the founding members of TMTTR as the metaphoric, unifying theme of the artwork because of the positive, life-affirming connotations associated with rivers and for the role in history that rivers have played as primary sources of commerce and interchange between nations and cultures, and, thus, a critical means of bridging distances between different religions, politics, and philosophies. Artist members of TMTTR all are well-established professionals with extensive national and international exhibition experience.
The second exhibit, Lester Jones Photography Collection: A Look at Wichita Falls, will appeal to those interested in Wichita Falls history. Jones watched Wichita Falls transition from a prairie town to the commercial center of North Texas. Always interested in history, Jones began collecting photographs, which were eventually passed on to his family. His son and daughter-in-law, Frank and Polly Jones, had the original prints and many negatives from all periods of the history of Wichita Falls. As a result of a long-standing interest in the Wichita Falls Museum of Art, Frank and Polly donated the photographs and negatives to the museum in the fall of 1980.
These photographs shed light on the growth and development of Wichita Falls. Some of the photographs convey important events in the cityís history such as the construction of the skyscrapers, whereas others document more personal accomplishments.
This exhibit represents a small selection of the photographs from the Lester Jones Photography Collection contained within the Wichita Falls Museum of Artís Permanent Collection.
For more information, call the Wichita Falls Museum of Art at MSU at (940) 397-8900 or visit www.mwsu.edu/wfma.


Bridie Smith October 05, 2011
A SIMPLE Ottoman kitchen - complete with brick oven - discovered as part of a five-year survey of Gallipoli has highlighted the two extremes of life on the 1915 battlefield.
While the Diggers were eating bully beef and other canned and processed food, their Turkish opponents ate fresh produce prepared in a terraced kitchen.
The field kitchen was built much closer to the front line than the Allied food area, which was littered with tins and jam jars.
Located during the second phase of a combined Australian, New Zealand and Turkish project to survey the battlefield before the 2015 centenary, the Ottoman kitchen was among the most revealing discoveries made last month, according to the survey archaeologist Tony Sagona from Melbourne University.
''One of the things that struck me … was that all the metal food containers that we found came from the Anzac side of the battlefield … The Ottoman army was largely cooking their food brought in from the villages.''
The Allies had field kitchens with camp fires and their diet differed dramatically. Turkish archives suggest soup was a feature on the Ottoman menu.
On the northern front line areas of the battlefield, archaeologists and historians found one of Gallipoli's most significant sites on the peninsula's scrubby vegetation - Malone's Terraces at Quinn's Post, considered a critical part of the Allied line.
The historian Richard Reid said the Ottoman army and the Anzacs would have been no more than 10 metres apart. ''If either side had broken through, that would have been the end of the campaign,'' he said.
The Allied terrace was named after Lieutenant-Colonel William Malone, of New Zealand's Wellington Battalion, who organised the building of the terraces for troops to sleep in. This dramatically improved conditions when the Kiwis took over from the Australians in June 1915.
Malone's Terrace was one of over 30 dugouts, terraced areas and tunnel entrances surveyed last month. More than 1700 metres of trench were also traced, in addition to the 4000 metres of trench mapped last year.
Among more than 130 artefacts retrieved were buttons, belt buckles, bullet shells, shards from medicine jars and three bullet-holed water bottles.


Ayodhya, located just 135 kms from Lucknow, holds immense cultural and religious significance for Hindus globally. Revered as the birthplace of Lord Ram, it attracts pilgrims and tourists from around the world.
The city boasts a rich tapestry of ancient temples and sacred sites, including the newly constructed Ram Mandir, which stands as a symbol of cultural and religious importance and the Hanuman Garhi, a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, known for its intricate architecture and spiritual ambiance. Moreover, the Kanak Bhavan temple, believed to have been gifted to Sita by Kaikeyi, showcases stunning artwork and narratives from the Hindu epic, Ramayana. The ancient city also boasts attractions such as Kanak Bhawan, Dashrath Bhavan, and the scenic banks of the Sarayu River. With the addition of the grand Ram Mandir, Ayodhya is now a prominent pilgrimage site, offering a blend of spirituality, history, and architectural marvels for tourists to explore and experience.


EDA's 100th Anniversary
The Electricity Distributors Association will mark its 100th Anniversary in 2012. Together, our members have delivered a reliable, sustainable source of power to communities across the province for more than a century. As we mark this important milestone, we look forward to sharing the history of our Association and its accomplishments.
A special microsite to commemorate the occasion of our centennial is available at www.eda100years.ca
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Harry and May Davis – Crowan Pottery
‘Simplicity! What a hard thing to achieve.’
Harry and May Davis met at the Leach Pottery, St Ives, and were married in 1938.
They set up Crowan Pottery in the mill house in Crowan in 1946, and stayed until 1962, when they left for New Zealand and opened the Crewenna Pottery near Nelson.
They were eccentric, idealistic and immensely practical, producing functional pottery of great beauty out of very fine stoneware, or porcelain, often decorated with brushwork or wax resist.
All of Crowan and Crewenna output was marked with the same pottery seal shown here, but not always as clearly! The Davises saw their potteries as workshops – not studios – so to them the whole concept of signed work was inappropriate, and only the workshop seal was used.
On some Crowan porcelain we have seen the impressed ‘P.’ mark, shown here, next to the pottery mark. This indicates the piece is porcelain. Perhaps necessary as from the pottery, porcelain had a 25% price mark up over stoneware.
Unknown to us are the impressed ‘II’, ’12’, ’22’ and ‘B’ marks shown here. We have found these on stoneware plates and bowls made at Crowan.
Please get in touch if you have more information on these marks.
Sometimes, painted glaze marks (C21 here) and body mixture marks (59 here) can be found on (mostly Crewenna) pots. These handwritten numbers mean that the glaze or the body of the pot was a test. Only test pots had this numbering and every firing would include a few tests so that the constant experimentation with different glazes and bodies was continued to improve the aesthetic, strength, and crazing properties. Some of these test pots were then sold.
Harry and May never used personal marks on their work.
In the words of Harry and May Davis
“When we were setting up the pottery at Crowan in 1946, we wanted to broaden the current concept of quality with regard to pots and to couple this with something which has since acquired the name of an ‘alternative life style’.
We were looking for rewards and forms of income which were not connected with money. This led to the digging and processing of a large proportion of the raw materials, which greatly added to interest in the doing and also to the quality of the pots.
Quality, we felt, must be extended beyond the narrow obsession with aesthetics which so dominated the craft potting scene at the time. We also intended to take a more integral view of the potter’s role, so that plate making, for instance, became a normal part of a potter’s function. Today few people realise what a novel idea this was in the 1940s and 1950s, when potters neglected plate making altogether.
The stimulation at the back of all this came from our awareness of the fact that traditional potters in numerous cultures and at many different periods had been able to make pots of a highly inspiring and imaginative quality for the simple purpose of domestic use.
We had a strong preference for a rural situation because of the many economic alternatives which country life offered. In this context ‘small’ was seen to be beautiful, even in 1946. A more creative way of working tended to raise the cost of production, and to offset this we endeavoured to give the pots the maximum durability. Indeed, the strength of our pots became something of a legend.
The ‘alternative living’ side offered its rewards in producing the family milk supply from goats and in using the water-wheel to process the raw materials and to provide light and heat. It made possible the production of hay to feed the animals in winter, and provided packing material for our pots the year round. A supply of garden produce goes without saying. The material and psychological satisfaction of all this was considerable.
Apart from tiles, we limited our pots to those which could be made on a wheel. The bulk of our work was stoneware with some porcelain, and the preferred decoration was wax resist, with more recently a good deal of incised decoration.”
Some extracts from May Davis’s autobiography
Crowan mill had seen better days. In 1946 it was milling just cattle fodder and that only once a week, but the water-wheel turned; it worked.
The big stone mill building and the house adjoining it were solid indeed. In true Cornish style, the house walls were about two feet thick and the roof was slate.
At the front was a hoist powered by the water-wheel for taking the sacks of wheat (and later clay) up to the fourth floor.
There was no electricity or water. Candles and oil lamps were fine and water from the stream was good for washing. Drinking water we fetched from a spring at the vicarage down the road.
The old mill made a wonderful workshop. The clay went to the top floor via the outside hoist, powered by the water-wheel. Here it was processed, mixed and passed through the floor to the level below.
As well as the four storey mill there was the throwing room, glaze room and a very big kiln shed.
The kiln we built was large. To load it we would walk in carrying the saggars. These are fireclay containers which we stacked up in piles called ‘bungs’.
The glaze firing lasted 48 hours and contained some 3,000 pots.
A lot of the pots went out by post to retail customers, and for packing we used to collect hay from the churchyard. It was cut by hand with a scythe, or in difficult places a sickle, a laborious business, so the churchwarden was only too glad to have someone turn it and take it away.
As a packing material it was excellent and smelled lovely, so that our customers often thanked us not only for the pots but for the lovely country smell of hay.


Based on one of the oldest surviving documents in English Heritage’s wallpaper archive, this fragment from an embossed leather wall hanging actually predates wallpaper. Panels of embossed and painted leather, usually with a floral pattern, were popular, though expensive modes of decoration in the late 16th and 17th centuries. These panels were sewn together to create large-scale decorative hangings, much in the same way that drops of wallpaper are hung side-by-side to create a much more impressive statement.
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The Jewish House (Judovska hiša) cave proves that the Semič area was inhabited eleven thousand years BC. You can see it in a very special karst cave Jewish House near Stranska vas village. The cave is located not far from the Pero’s mill. The path to it leads across the bridge by Pero’s mill and then slightly uphill through the forest above the Krupa.
The Jewish House is the only known site from the Early Stone Age in the Bela krajina region. Its inhabitants were then engaged in picking fruit and hunting, as evidenced by the finds of stone tools and bones of various animals. The cave was also used as a shelter in the earlier periods of prehistory.
The entrance to the cave is large and open, so visitors feel as if they have stepped into a basement house. Over the millennia, the stone walls in the cave have been furrowed and reshaped by water. The spacious hall in this cave gave the ancient inhabitants a very good shelter. Today, it offers shelter to bats (the lesser horseshoe bat) that reside in hidden and twisted cracks on the ceiling.
The mystery of the name Jewish House remains unsolved. According to oral tradition, unknown strangers, dressed quite differently from the locals, stopped in this cave a long time ago. These seemingly different foreigners may have been called Jews by the locals, and the name has survived to this day. One possible explanation is that the term “Jew” once meant pagans or non-Christians to simple ignorant people.
Not far from the cave, a nice small haystack was set up as part of the Misterion project. It serves as a spot where you can relax on the way along the Karst Educational Trail, or as a classroom in nature, where you can listen to the words of a tourist guide.
Exceptional archaeological finds, such as cave paintings or a bone flute, have not been discovered by archaeologists at the Jewish House. But who knows—the deeper layers of the soil may be hiding another surprise!


Please join us to get a sneak peek into one of Cleveland’s most historic buildings being converted into luxury apartments. Members from the project team will present on the history of the building, the historic tax credit process, and the design & construction aspects of the transformation. The tour will include 3 phases of construction, featuring model suites, new atrium, and penthouse views.
Registration: 11:00 - 11:15
Project Team Overview: 11:15 - 11:45
Tour: 11:45 - 12:45
Boxed Lunch/Networking: 12:45 - 1:30 (Driftwood Catering)
3 seat(s) are availableRegister for Event