By Carolyn “CC” Cavallaro-Veltre
On July 21st, the Jolley Trolley and the Clearwater Historical Society hosted a kickoff for an exciting new attraction – the Jolley Trolley Haunted Clearwater Tour. Mike Helmstetter, CEO of the Clearwater Jolley Trolley and Allison Dolan, President of the Clearwater Historical Society served as spooky ghost hosts.
A number of members of the Bay Area Concierge Association and other hospitality ambassadors were present at the museum event and the Concierges and Guest Service providers enjoyed learning about the city’s local history so they could share with local residents and visitors.
The new tour is a fun and unique experience. During the ride, passengers listened to strange and twisted tales of the supernatural as told by Joshua Ginsberg, author of several books, including Secret Tampa Bay: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure.
The accompanying music was done by the gifted Charity Ann Brady. Both were in attendance and Charity performed as well.
The event also raised $500 for two causes: Headstones for two unmarked graves in Clearwater’s Municipal Cemetery, one being the resting place of Gertrude Warnick – the nurse who perished with the last patient she tried to save in the Littlefield Nursing Home fire in 1953, after bringing out many others. She rests alongside this patient that she died trying to rescue. In addition, the money raised will be used for the refurbishing project of the pipe organ in Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church, which is also featured as background music during the Haunted Clearwater tour.
The Clearwater Jolley Trolley will be introducing even more educational tours in the near future.
To learn more, visit the following websites:
Clearwater Jolley Trolley:
Clearwater Historical Society: www.clearwaterhistoricalsociety.org
Musician Charity Ann Brady: www.charityannbrady.com
Joshua Ginsberg: https://secrettampabay.com
Bay Area Concierge Association: www.bayareaconcierge.com


|The 65 Anniversary of the Battle of Gapyeong Ceremony|
|2016-05-02 오전 10:47:11||449|
The Korean War veterans from four Commonwealth nations participated in the 65th Anniversary of Gapyeong Battle ceremony in Gapyeong on April 24. The Battle of Gapyeong (April 22-25, 1951) was fought by Australian, British, Canadian, New Zealand and American troops against superior enemy forces. The enemy was trying to reach the Gapyeong crossroads and attack into nearby Chuncheon, then drive south and capture the capital of Seoul. The 1st Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment, 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and A Company, 72nd Heavy Tank Battalion US Army all were awarded the U.S. Presidential Citation. The 16th Field Regiment, Royal New Zealand Artillery was awarded the Korean Presidential Unit Citation. Also fighting in the battle was the 1st Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment.


The last weekend of April the school arranged a Sunday trip to Liverpool (ca 4 hours northwest of Oxford). This meant that to get there and spend the day, we had to get up early. This was something I, as most teenagers, found to be quite the challenge. However, when we arrived in Liverpool I realised that it had been worth it. From what I’d heard of Liverpool i had expected a highly industrial town with not much to look at. I was proven wrong. We arrived at the Albert Dock around 11am and what i saw did not fit with what I had previously thought. Albert Dock was originally built as a port to accommodate large sailing ships to the then, industrial Albert Dock. Now however, the Dock is a highly cultural area of Liverpool with museums, restaurants and exhibition. What caught my eye was the Tate art gallery, world famous for its contemporary art, as well as the Beatles museum.
Exploring the Albert Dock
Due to limited time, and agreement in the group, we prioritised the Beatles museum. The Beatles story, as it is called, is an audio and visual tour telling you about the Beatles rise to fame. We were given headphones with pre-recorded commentary from the members of Beatles, as well as the people close to them, and were then guided through several rooms. Some of the rooms were replicas of key places in the Beatles story. One of these was the Cavern Club, where the Beatles played as up and coming artists in Liverpool, their home town.
The Cavern Club
Along the way, the different members told us of the song writing processes and how the different albums came to exist. Towards the end we also got insight into the famous split of the band, and how their stories continued separately. All in all it was a great, and surprising experience.


Army SSG Jeremie Border was killed September 1, 2012 of wounds caused by small-arms fire while conducting combat operations in the Afghanistan province of Ghazni.
Jeremie graduated from Mesquite High School in 2002, being known as a standout football player and member of the 2001 state championship team which recorded a perfect 15-0 season. He continued his education at McMurry University in Abilene, Texas where he played college football for four years, was a member of the Servant Leadership program and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He graduated McMurry in 2006, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Communications.
Directly after graduating, Jeremie entered military service as an Army Infantryman where he completed basic training, advanced individual training and the basic airborne course at Fort Benning, Georgia. In 2008 he was selected during the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course as a SF Weapons Sergeant, and learned Indonesian at the Special Operations Forces Language Course at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Warfare Center and School. He was later assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Jeremie’s military awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and many more. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
Jeremie is survived by his mother and step-father, Mary Border and Robert Harris, and sisters, DeLaynie, Katie, Ashley and Amanda.
SSG Jeremie Border was 28 years old from Mesquite, Texas, a Hero, and a defender of the oldest idea in the history of man - Freedom.


Talbot's earliest camera images required exposures of an hour or more, but on September 23, 1840, he made a startling discovery that dramatically increased the medium's potential. He found that an exposure of mere seconds, leaving no visible trace on the chemically treated paper, nonetheless left a latent image that would appear when immersed in a solution of gallic acid. This discovery opened up a whole new world of possible subjects for photography. In the days that followed, Talbot trained his camera on various features of Lacock Abbey and its grounds. Made only a few weeks after his September discovery, this photograph reveals Talbot's newly found ability to render the tones and textures of masonry and glass and the myriad architectural details of the sixteenth-century corner tower, built by the Abbey's first lay owner.
William Henry Fox Talbot (British, Dorset 1800–1877 Lacock)


Chasing Freedom: The Life Journeys of Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony, Inspired by Historical Facts, Book
About This Book
Chasing Freedom: the Life Journeys of Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony written by Nikki Grimes and Illustrated by Michele Wood
"What if Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony sat down over tea to reminisce about their extraordinary lives? What would they recall of their triumphs and struggles as they fought to achieve civil rights for African Americans and equal rights for women? And what other historical figures played parts in their stories? These questions led Coretta Scott King Award winner Nikki Grimes to create CHASING FREEDOM, an engaging work of historical fiction about two of the nineteenth century's most powerful, and inspiring, American women.
With breathtaking illustrations by Coretta Scott King Award winner Michele Wood, CHASING FREEDOM richly imagines the experiences of Tubman and Anthony, set against the backdrop of the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, and the Women's Suffrage Movement.
Additional back matter invites curious young readers to further explore this period in history--and the larger-than-life figures who lived it."
From School Library Journal:
“History is often taught in bits and pieces, and students rarely get the notion that these bits and pieces are connected,” writes Coretta Scott King Award–winning author Grimes in her author’s note. Here, she and fellow Coretta Scott King–winning illustrator Wood imagine an afternoon tea conversation between suffragette Susan B. Anthony and Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman, where the women take turns relating interconnected stories from their lives. Each spread, including a page of text and a full-page illustration, tells a single anecdote, including personal turning points in each woman’s life and major historical events, such as John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry. In keeping with both activists’ strong religious convictions, God and biblical references are invoked often, and Wood’s painterly illustrations feature patterns inspired by American patchwork quilts and traditional African motifs. Back matter includes short biographies, additional notes, a bibliography, and an author’s note. Textual voice and bold pictorial color are strong, and Anthony’s and Tubman’s goals maintain relevance at a time when gender and race issues continue to be newsworthy. Skirting the edges of fictionalized biography can be tricky. Although Anthony and Tubman did meet repeatedly, Grimes states that this extended conversation comes purely from her imagination. Younger readers, who may not realize this immediately, may need guidance distinguishing the historical facts from the fictionalized musings. Audiences willing to embrace the unusual concept, though, may view this as a vanguard piece in an engaging new form that mixes nonfiction with historical fiction."
Two iconic women recount their stories.
In New York state in 1904, a suffragist convention is about to begin, and Susan B. Anthony is scheduled to introduce Harriet Tubman. But first the two women meet at Anthony’s home for tea and talk. Grimes artfully creates an afternoon of conversation and reminiscence in carefully constructed, fact-based vignettes that allow each to recount her life, accomplishments and continuing dreams. Each piece—there are 21—consists of both narration and dialogue that draw readers into the world of slavery, the Underground Railroad, the struggle for women’s rights, the fight for temperance and the dangers of public speaking on unpopular subjects. While not a dual biography, there is a plethora of information about both Tubman and Anthony as well as their times. Intended for reading aloud, the text can be an excellent supplement to 19th-century American studies. Wood’s full-page portraits are stunning. The folk-style acrylic-and-oil paintings are vibrant, detailed and emotionally charged. American quilt patterns and African motifs add to the depth of artistry.
A tremendous opportunity for children to understand what these women worked so hard to accomplish—one succeeding and one coming close. (capsule biographies, additional notes, bibliography, author’s note) (Picture book. 8-12)
Grimes (Words with Wings) creates an absorbing fictional conversation, based on historical incidents and documented quotations, between two indefatigable 19th-century crusaders for equal rights. The author imagines Tubman paying a visit to Anthony’s home on the day of the 1904 convention of the New York State Suffrage Association in Rochester, N.Y., where Anthony introduced Tubman as guest speaker. As the two women trade stories about their callings, accomplishments, and aspirations, Grimes adeptly reveals their shared philosophies, faiths, passion, and courage. The women’s distinct personalities also surface, as do Tubman’s storytelling talents and Anthony’s oratory skills. Inspired by American patchwork quilts and African motifs, Wood’s (Going Back Home) primitive acrylic and oil paintings incorporate handsome geometric and floral patterns, but it’s her piercing portraits of these women that stand out most, accentuating their compassion and resolve. Back matter provides relevant historical notes and brief biographies of Tubman, Anthony, and other like-minded contemporaries mentioned in their conversation, including John Brown, Frederick Douglass, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Ages 7–10. Author’s agent: Elizabeth Harding, Curtis Brown. Illustrator’s agent: Caryn Wiseman, Andrea Brown Literary Agency. (Jan.)


The Hon. Pius Nkonzo Langa
- Member since 2000
- Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, President of the Constitutional Court, and Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission (2005-2009).
- Judge of Appeal, Supreme Court of the Republic of Namibia.
Pius Nkonzo Langa was born in Bushbuckridge, South Africa, and was nine years old when the National Party came to power on a policy of greater segregation of whites and blacks. That policy of "apartheid" contended that white people were superior and deserved the exclusive benefits of the nation's resources and goods. As he has described it, "Apartheid was a policy of oppression, seeking to dehumanize the natives so that they could better serve those who colonized them". From 1957, he spent three years working in a shirt factory, and in 1960 he accepted a job as an interpreter and messenger in the South African Justice Department. However, through private study he completed his high school education and then obtained B.Iuris and LL.B degrees, in 1973 and 1976 respectively, by long distance learning through the University of South Africa. He was admitted as an Advocate of the Supreme Court of South Africa in 1977, and practised at the Natal Bar. His practice reflected the struggle against the apartheid system, and his clientele included the underprivileged, various civic bodies, trade unions and people charged with political offences under the oppressive apartheid security legislation. He was a founder member of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers and served as its President from 1988 to 1994. He attained the rank of Senior Counsel in 1994.
During the 1980s and into the 1990s, he was involved in the work of the United Democratic Front, and in the Convention for a Democratic South Africa and its successor, the Multi-Party Negotiating Forum. He was a member of the Constitutional Committee of the African National Congress, and was in the advisor group during the Groote Schuur and Pretoria "Talks-about-Talks". He served as a founder member of the Release Mandela Committee and was a member of the Regional and National Reception Committees formed to prepare for and accelerate the release of political prisoners. He was intimately involved in the processes that led to the establishment of democratic rule in South Africa, including serving on the pre-Constitutional Human Rights Commission, the Police Board, and several commissions of inquiry established at the time.
When the Constitutional Court was established in 1994 in post apartheid South Africa, Pius Langa was appointed together with ten others as the first judges of the new Court. He became its Deputy President in 1997, and in 2001 assumed the position of Deputy Chief Justice of South Africa. In June 2005, he was appointed his country's Chief Justice and head of the Constitutional Court, and Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission. He was also the Chairperson of the Southern African Judges Commission (2003-2009), and a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague.
In 1998, Justice Langa chaired a Commission to probe the Lesotho elections on behalf of SADC, and in 2000 he was appointed the Commonwealth's Special Envoy to assist the Fiji Islands return to democracy. He has participated in the work of the constitutional review commissions in Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Tanzania, and led a delegation to Cameroon, at the request of the Cameroon Government, to review and integrate that country's system of criminal procedure. He was Chancellor of the University of Natal (1998-2004), and Chancellor of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (2003-2006). He is an honorary professor in law faculties in several universities in his country, and is also a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas.
Justice Langa has been awarded Doctor of Laws degrees, honoris causa, by the Universities of Zululand, Western Cape, Cape Town, Unisa, Rhodes, Yale, the National University of Ireland, and the Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas. He was awarded the degree Doctor of the Public Service, honoris causa, by the North Eastern University, Boston, Massachusetts. He has been honoured with awards for the advancement of justice and human rights by the Black Lawyers Association, the National Association of Democratic Lawyers, and the Judicial Council of the American Bar Association. He was the recipient of the 2004 Justice Prize from the Peter Gruber Foundation, USA, and the 2006 Sydney and Felicia Kentridge Award for Service to Justice. In 2008, the President of the Republic of South Africa bestowed on him the Order of the Supreme Counsellor of the Baobab: Gold "for his exceptional service in law, constitutional jurisprudence and human rights".


Old fishing industry structures in the south are fascinating. They are characterized by the wind, salt, and years of disuse giving them a unique and abandoned sort of appeal.
This is one of two iron bridges left in Hancock County, saved by Kay Binford and our county. Going through the bridge seems to take you back in time and is an excellent destination for a Sunday afternoon bike ride.
Cathleen Huffman Watercolors
As part of Indiana's Bicentennial Celebration, I am delighted to have attained Legacy Project Status for my grain elevator work! I will continue to search for historic grain elevators to photograph, sketch, and watercolor paint. This project is sponsored by Greenfield Historic Landmarks and endorsed by Indiana Landmarks. The collection currently contains over thirty paintings of Indiana's grain elevators, but that's not even half of the sites I've documented. Please contact me if you have historic photos, stories, or know of an intact old Indiana elevator. I am trying to capture them before they are gone.


Robert Tonner DollsThe History of Patsy®
One of Effanbee's great success stories was the Patsy® doll designed by Bernard Lipfert and advertised in 1928. She almost was not named "Patsy®". The identical ads advertised her as "Mimi" late in 1927 and then as "Patsy®" in 1928 "Playthings" magazines. Patsy® was one of the first dolls to have a manufactured wardrobe just for her but other manufacturers sold not only accessories but clothing as well. Patsy® was made of all composition and her patent was hotly defended by Effanbee® and what was actually patented was a neck joint that allowed the doll to pose and stand-alone. She portrayed a three year old girl with short bobbed red hair with a molded headband, painted side glancing eyes, pouty mouth, bent right arm and wore simple classic dresses closed with a safety pin. She had a golden heart charm bracelet that fit tightly on her wrist and a gold paper heart tag with her name. Patsy® was so popular she soon had several sisters in sizes from 5 ¾ inches to 29 inches, many factory variations and even a boyfriend, Skippy.
Effanbee® promoted Patsy® sales with a newspaper "The Patsytown News" that went to reported quarter million children. Effanbee® also had an " Aunt Patsy" that toured the country promoting their dolls. In addition they formed a Patsy® Doll Club and gave free metal pinback membership buttons to children who wrote in or bought a Patsy® doll. Effanbee® tied their doll line to popular current events such as producing George and Martha Washington for the bicentennial of George's birth. They costumed a group of dolls like the White Horse Inn Operetta that toured the U.S. During the war years; they fashioned military uniforms for the Skippy dolls and also costumed dolls in ethnic dress (Dutch) or after characters in books like "Alice In Wonderland".
The death of Hugo Baum in 1940 and the loss of income during the war years' brought the Effanbee® success story into a decline. In 1946, Effanbee® was sold to Noma Electric and they reissued a 1946 Patsy and later a new 17-inch Patsy Joan. Since that time the company changed hands several more times, at one time with Stanley Wahlberg as president and Irene Wahlberg as designer.
Limited editions of Patsy Ann™ and Skippy were issued during the 1970s, and Patsy® reappeared in vinyl in the 1980s. Effanbee reissued Patsy Joan in 1995, and continued with a new group of Patsy®, Skippy, and Wee Patsy™ dolls in vinyl painted to look like the old composition ones. In 2002, the Robert Tonner Doll Company acquired Effanbee® from bankruptcy. Tonner, a talented designer had already made a name for himself with his creations of Betsy McCall and fashion dolls like Tyler, Esme and Sydney. It is expected his creativity will enhance Effanbee's entire line.--Patsy Moyer, Author of "Patsy and Friends."


Christmas is coming, and it’s time to start thinking about Christmas presents. What could be better than a trip to the land of Kris Kringle, the German gift-bringer? TourCrafters’ one-week German Christmas Markets Tour makes it easy for mothers and fathers, grandmas and grandpas, to have a jolly good time and bring home lots of gifts as well.
The land-only, escorted tour costs $1,605 and has one departure: December 8, 2013. It includes a hotel transfer from the Frankfurt airport, transportation during the entire tour, 6 nights’ accommodation in 4-star hotels, daily buffet breakfast, tours and excursions, admission to Heidelberg and Neuschwanstein castles, and an English-speaking guide.
Christmas is a magical time in Germany, with sparkling lights, decorated streets, and stalls selling hot chestnuts, grilled bratwurst, gingerbread and Gluhwein (mulled wine) everywhere. Giant Christmas trees and concerts of Yuletide music add to the festivities. And the markets offer traditional crafts—toys, marionettes, jewelry, pottery, teddy bears and lambskin slippers—all hand crafted.
TourCrafters takes in the highlights: Frankfurt, with its 600-year-old market; a sightseeing tour of UNESCO Heritage Site Wurzburg and its historic market; and a tour of the walled medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber and its legendary market. In Nuremberg there’s a city tour and visit to the Old Quarter’s Christkindlesmarkt, Germany’s most famous Christmas market. In Regensburg, an ancient city on the Danube founded by the Romans, there are several Christmas markets.
Munich combines the atmosphere of a charming historic city with that of a modern metropolis. Here you’ll tour the main attractions, including Marienplatz, where the Christmas Market started in 1642. From Munich it’s a short trip to Germany’s winter sports capital, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and a stunning view of the snow-capped Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain. Then it’s on to Neuschwanstein, the definitive fairytale castle built by “Mad" King Ludwig, and Stuttgart to see a winter wonderland on Palace Square and the Mercedes-Benz Museum. The tour ends with the romantic old university town of Heidelberg, where there’s a tour of the picturesque castle on the Neckar River and a Christmas Market spread over five historic squares and—finally—a return to the Frankfurt airport.
So, what are you waiting for? Call us now and apply for a Germany Visit Visa so that you can take this trip and enjoy your Christmas with family! As visa processing may take time, apply for your Visa now, so that you do not regret later.


On August 19th, 2021, members of the Challenger family and a team of supporters launched a campaign to restore and bring the Challenger Map back to its original home at the PNE.
The map is over 6,000 square feet and is the size of two tennis courts. It was constructed out of almost one million pieces of jig-sawed, layered, and hand painted 1/4″ Douglas Fir plywood.
It’s one of the most iconic pieces of heritage in the province and has the potential to become a tool which will educate a new generation of British Columbians about this wonderful place in which we live.
Plans are now underway to assemble a team of experts to restore, refresh, and rehouse the map in the historic Livestock Building in Hastings Park, incorporating modern digital technology to update this once-static relief map.
We are in need of the public’s help to raise the needed funds, and are humbly asking for your help in bringing it home.
Cover Image: John Biehler on Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/retrocactus/
B/W Image: People viewing Challenger relief map of British Columbia in P.N.E. B.C. Building, 1954
City of Vancouver Archives AM281-S8-: CVA 180-5611-: CVA 180-5611.1


Slot machines are one of the most often played betting games. They’re easy to use, and there’s a good chance of winning if you keep playing. Slot machines can be found in nearly every betting business on the planet.
Slot machines have been around for a long time, and in some ways, learning about the machines and how they changed over time can teach you about the history of gambling. We’ll try to describe some of that history below.
Charles Augustus Fey
Charles Augustus Fey is widely credited as the inventor of slot machines. Even if a version of the machine has existed before, there is some truth to it. The difference between the Fey machine and the ones that came before it is that Fey’s machine pays out automatically.
Fruit vending machines
Machines were outlawed in 1902, and the symbols that had previously been utilized were substituted with fruits. The prizes were in the form of fruit-flavored candy rather than cash. These machines are commonly found in stores, salons, and bowling alleys.
Machines that run on electricity
In 1964, electrical slot machines were introduced. To give it a realistic look and feel, the game was still operated by a lever, but there were no moving or mechanical pieces. It made an automated payment of roughly 500 coins, which could be exchanged for cash in betting clubs and other venues.
Slot machines with video
In 1976, video slots were introduced. They were created by a corporation located in Las Vegas, and they represented the next major shift in the way people play slots. It was first accessible in Hilton Hotels in Las Vegas, and it used a customized Sony TV as its display.
The updated and better version of the game was certified by the Nevada Gambling Commission soon after, and once it was deemed cheat-proof, it became available in practically every hotel in Vegas.
The Year 1996 and Onwards
In 1996, the world of slot machines underwent another major transformation. WMS Industries, INC produced “Reel ‘Em” at that time. It was the first slot machine to include a bonus round on the second screen. When the bonus round is activated, a new screen emerges in front of the player, and the additional rounds are played there.
Slot Machines Online
It’s reasonable to say that when slot machines went online, a new chapter in their history was written. You can check out agen slot joker388 now. The game principles are the same as previously, however the way the drums work has changed dramatically. Because the outcome is determined by a random number generator, there are no patterns to look for.
Younger gamers who are accustomed to gambling on their laptops or phones are particularly fond of online slots. This is a rapidly growing demographic, which implies that online slots are now a significant portion of the market.


Welcome to the Local History & Genealogy Room
By: Jocelyn Rayford / Updated: Joni Wood
The local history and genealogy room of the Ozark Dale County Library features an assortment of information about Dale County, the Wiregrass, and the southeastern states. This collection of documents and books is made available to any interested researcher or casual visitor. The only requirement for researchers or browsers is their signature on the sign-in sheet each and every time they enter the room.
Researchers are free to explore the shelves and open file drawers and pull out any file of interest to them. Likewise, they are free to take down and look at any book of interest. Books can be signed out overnight only with permission of the research Librarian. Otherwise, books and documents may be taken out of the room only to be copied on the library's copy machine.
Many of the documents are materials from the Val McGee, Creel Richardson, Rebecca Newsom Dobson (from Coffee County), and the Hazel Matthews Turner (African American) collections. Most of their materials are made available in our movable filing storage unit. The files are arranged into the categories of TOPICAL and FAMILIES and are arranged alphabetically. Some information has been copied and made into notebooks that are arranged around the room for browsing and research.
Topical files include information about communities, churches, sporting events, civic organizations, businesses, professions, schools, hospitals, Creek affairs, WWI, II, etc. This Topical information is not only valuable when researching organizations or events; it is often helpful when researching families and persons.
Family files tend to be generic. Information about all persons with the same last name or same sounding last name are put together in the same file. Research donated by families are often put in a binder and catalogued. Our files are constantly expanding as more materials are researched, donated, and/or catalogued.
Locally made books containing compiled information about persons in the Wiregrass are kept together among the "Dale County Materials" section in the movable filing storage unit. There are books about marriages, land purchases, cemeteries, town, and community histories, church histories, as well as Civil War information. The SOUTHERN STAR and Phone Directory collection is housed behind the Genealogy Room, and the scrapbook collection are located on the back wall. Just past the computers on your right, is our School Census Records, as well as yearbooks from area schools.
Most researchers like to browse through the collection of books about history and genealogy that have been compiled locally. They are generally about Dale County, Alabama and other states. To locate a book quickly, the computer catalogue is available. Those unacquainted with its use should ask the Librarian to assist. When materials are removed from a shelf or file cabinet WHILE BROWSING OR RESEARCHING, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT MATERIALS ARE NOT RETURNED TO THE SHELF BY THE BROWSER OR RESEARCHER. Materials that are left on the table will be counted and put away by the Librarian.
This collection includes many maps, obituaries, papers by Dale County's original historians, W.L. Andrews, and W.E. Matthews (aka Preston) among others. There are digitized copies and bound copies of the SOUTHERN STAR from 1867 through the 21st century.
The Room's greatest treat is free use of the expansive website, Ancestry.com. On this website, a researcher can find information about census data, death certificates, immigration, as well as family tree information in any U.S. state and abroad. Alabama Public Library Services makes it possible for us to provide this invaluable resource to our community. A staff member will assist and/or instruct any person wishing to use it.
The primary resource this research room offers is assistance. Assistance is gladly offered upon request. If help is needed for those who cannot visit the Room, a researcher may contact the Librarian by sending an e-mail to firstname.lastname@example.org or calling us at 334-774-5480.
African American Heritage Ancestry.com, Biographies, Cemeteries,City Phone Directories, County Land Records, Family & Topical Files, Genealogical & Historical Society Meetings' Recordings, Historical Maps, Historical Photos, Histories of Civil War, County, School, Church, Town, Communities, WWI, WII, & Post Offices, Marriage Records Index, Obituaries, and Helen Taylor Andrews' Historical Sites painting
Click here for a list of catalogued resources


1959 - 1970
Carol Johnson began her practice in 1959, with the encouragement of colleagues from The Architects Collaborative, where she had worked the previous year, and taking advantage of projects offered her through contacts she had made as a student at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design and at Wellesley College.
Between 1959 and 1970, Carol operated her practice initially out of her apartment in Cambridge and then out of a small office on Mount Auburn Street in Harvard Square. As the practice expanded, she moved to larger offices and hired additional employees. In 1970, the firm changed its name from Carol R. Johnson, Landscape Architect, to Carol R. Johnson & Associates to reflect the growing importance of the employees to the practice. In September of 1975, the firm was incorporated in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as Carol R. Johnson & Associates, Inc. During these years, the firm did significant work at the U.S. Pavilion for Expo ’67 in Montreal, Canada.
Over the ensuing years, CRJA, as it became known, has grown to become one of the larger landscape architecture firms in the United States, serving a national and international clientele.
During the decades of the 1970’s and 1980’s, CRJA focused on transforming urban spaces, campuses, industrial sites, and waterfronts into celebrated parks and public spaces. Projects reinforced the hallmarks upon which the practice was founded in 1959, by emphasizing traditional values of dedicated public service, and an unrelenting insistence upon quality in landscape design and construction.
The 1970’s saw the completion of the first of many community-based planning projects for CRJA: the North Common in Lowell, MA. The project was an outgrowth of Lyndon Johnson’s Model Cities Program and began a long tradition within the firm of engaging the community in the design process. The Mystic River Reservation in Medford and Somerville, MA, begun in the late 1970’s and completed in the early 80’s, was an early example of the firm’s ability to meld its interest in history (in this case Charles Elliot’s approach to scenic and natural resource values) with state-of-the-art environmental sciences. A separate land reclamation and restoration effort at a former power plant site on Lake Cayuga in upstate New York helped to restore the site to a natural meadow landscape, which would subsequently go through the normal process of becoming forest again.
The 1980's saw the commencement and completion of many of the firm’s most important public waterfront reclamation and open space projects, including the Old Harbor Park along Dorchester Bay in Boston, MA, completed in 1986; the John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, which unites the Charles River Reservation with nearby Harvard Square in Cambridge, MA, completed in 1987; the Lechmere Canal Park in East Cambridge, MA, an important urban revitalization effort in the City, the first phase of which was completed in 1983; and, significantly, the John Marshall Park along Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., completed in 1983.
In tandem with its work on park and waterfront revitalization projects, the firm continued to expand its footprint with design and planning on college and university campuses in the Northeast, undertaking landscape master planning, site design, and restoration efforts at Wellesley College, Williams College, Harvard University and Boston University.
During this decade the firm focused a great deal of energy on Boston’s urban, public realm. We took on the role of Lead Landscape Architect for Boston’s Big Dig project. This 10-year endeavor required as many as 12 full-time staff at various times. Also in this period was work on the Harborwalk and park associated with the Moakley Courthouse, the first major public space in Boston’s Seaport District. This work was coupled with the design of a great number of public schools in the Boston region.
This decade also saw the start of our cemetery planning and design practice, featuring the construction of the massive, Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA.
International landscape architecture design and planning work got underway at this time with projects in Taiwan, Korea and Bermuda. Shae-Tze Island in Taipei and LG Chemical Research Park in Korea were mainstays of this effort.
2000 - 2011
In August of 2001, the firm purchased and renovated a former molasses warehouse on Broad Street in Boston’s financial district. Among seven partners, Carol is the Chairman Emeritus and Harry Fuller is the firm’s President and Managing Partner.
In this decade, CRJA started working seriously in the Middle East. Four major projects gave impetus to this growth: Shams Island Central Park, Abu Dhabi; American University in Cairo Master Plan and New Campus design, Egypt; Marasy Waterfront Residential Complex, Abu Dhabi; and the Marabet Equestrian Community Master Plan outside Cairo. These and other projects in Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Dubai enabled us to establish a branch office in Abu Dhabi for four years from 2007-2011.
To service expanding work in the U.S. Southeast and abroad in China, CRJA opened an office in Knoxville, TN in 2005, and placed our first representative in Beijing in 2010.
2011 - Today
In 2011, CRJA formed a strategic alliance with the IBI Group of Firms, complementing their key areas of Urban Land, Building Facilities, Transportation, and Intelligent Systems. Established in 1974 and headquartered in Toronto, IBI Group has grown over the years both organically and through strategic acquisitions.
Today the firm has dozens of offices located across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. IBI Group professionals exercise a broad and sophisticated knowledge base that spans urban design and planning, building and landscape architecture, engineering, advanced transportation management and traffic systems, real estate analysis, communications specializations and software development.
CRJA-IBI Group is the core of the IBI Group Landscape Architecture department. Leveraging existing relationships and forming new ones through the larger IBI family, we are able to better serve our clients.


Exploring Truth Palace - An abandoned newspaper HQ in Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest is a city which many feel has little to offer visitors. But scratch below the surface and the city is one of the most interesting places I have visited. One fascinating site I encountered was ‘Truth Palace’ (Palatul Adevarul in Romanian), a building which housed the city's first newspaper, back in 1898. Today this huge complex in the very heart of the city, lays empty and crumbling. I went to explore.
Originally designed by architect Stephen Ciocârlan, the building has been controlled by various different powers over its 117 years of life. During the second world war it was requisitioned by the Germans and the “Bukarester Tageblatt” printed. After 1951 the communists printed the “Star” paper which was eventually privatised after the revolution and the offices moved elsewhere.
Today it sits in a very sorry state, with a single guard at it’s door. Slip him a small bribe and in you go…
From the road the building looks rather innocuous, with the entrance leading into a small passageway. But once you emerge out into the courtyard, you suddenly see just how immense this building is.
Like all good explorers we started in the basement, slipping down some stairs from the courtyard. There is still evidence of large machinery down there, and the rooms feel like they went on forever. Junk fills much of them, obviously having build up over years of neglect. Eventually we climbed up and out finding ourselves in another part of the building.
Climbing the floors
The concrete stairs are still somewhat in tact, so climbing up through the building is no problem. And each floor has something of interest, from the theatrical stage with Greek style pillars on each side, to the rotting wooden room dividers, or hidden janitors office. All decorated with the beauty of decay.
Eventually we made it to the roof, the place where all good explorations end. It was a bizarre feeling to be on the top of a such a large derelict building, while surrounded by central Bucharest's hustle and bustle, office blocks and churches. Yet there we were. Taking a well deserved rest, before making our way back out and away into the real world again.


And now here we are in Florence. The first night we arrived after spending the day in Rome, we walked straight to the Cattedral di Santa Maria del Fiore Duomo and had barely enough time to walk up the entire length of the dome to catch the magnificent sunset over the city. The first time I laid eyes on the duomo six years ago, it was such a sight to see and still just majestic standing there as it was before.
We ended the night in search of a great pizzeria and found this place called Pizzeria lo Spuntino. Funny thing was we didn’t end up getting pizzas, but instead I opted for the vegetarian lasagna and oh emm gee, that had to be the best lasagna I’ve had in so long. I highly recommend the place because even now, I want to go back just to order the lasagna again!
After coming back from Cinque Terre and Pisa the day before, we started our morning walking around the mercato near our hotel, the Machiavelli. The hotel’s decor was such a step back into the past with the room’s beautiful vintage layout and the fun heavy traditional key that you leave and pick up at the front desk. The folks there were so kind and helpful and we definitely enjoyed our stay there. As for the mercato, it was held in a huge building that it was hard to miss and we could see ourselves living there each day with a trip to the market for fresh groceries.
ponte vecchio and salvatore ferragamo museum
Then it was off to Ponte Vecchio aka the “Old Bridge”. I missed this bridge the last time I was in Florence and so glad that we made the stop to it finally. When I posted a photo of the bridge on my personal instagram, Jessica from Dining Traveler recommended to see Salvatore Ferragamo museum and so we went. It was amazing to see the evolution of how shoes were made and I even found the wood shoe pattern of my favorite celebrity, Audrey Hepburn.
After the museum, we walked through the Piazza della Signoria where the replica of David stood tall and few other well-known statues. Of course, we definitely couldn’t get enough of gelato and walked past many gelateria but not without walking out with a gelato cone first.
That’s it for Florence. Next stop on the blog is Barcelona, so stay tuned for next week’s installment of this trip. Thanks for reading and have a great one!


Experience the heart-pounding excitement of motorsports at the renowned Charlotte Motor Speedway. Nestled in Concord, North Carolina, this iconic speedway is a mecca for racing aficionados, offering a dynamic blend of adrenaline-pumping events and unforgettable experiences.
As the host of NASCAR events and an array of thrilling races, Charlotte Motor Speedway pulses with the energy of competition. The thunderous roar of engines, the rush of speed, and the cheers of passionate fans create an atmosphere that’s second to none. Whether you’re a seasoned racing enthusiast or someone seeking the thrill of the track for the first time, the Charlotte Motor Speedway promises an unforgettable journey into the world of motorsports.
Discover the legacy of this legendary venue, witness incredible feats of skill and strategy, and be a part of the electric atmosphere that defines the essence of racing. With its rich history, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to delivering top-tier entertainment, the Charlotte Motor Speedway stands as a true testament to the spirit of competition and the enduring appeal of the race track.


Germany’s Winter Carnival
Joseph dons his jester’s cap and heads to the German state of Baden-Wüerttemberg for Fasnet –– Fasnacht –– Carnival. Each town may call it by a different name, but they all agree it’s a non-stop community party that celebrates local culture and chases away the winter blues. Some of the historic carnival characters, like the Narro, date back to the festival’s beginning 500 years ago while others are the products of lively modern-day imaginations. From Konstanz on the shores of Lake Constance to the Black Forest villages of Villingen, Oberndorf, Gengenbach, Elzach and Rottweil, Joseph uncovers the festival’s history and rejoices in the controlled chaos of tolle tage –– Crazy Days!
Travelscope’s Germany Travel Partners
Packed with the gorgeous full-color photographs, detailed illustrations, and 3-D maps for which DK Eyewitness Travel Guides are beloved, Eyewitness Germany truly shows you what other guides only tell you. Comprehensive reviews of hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars complement coverage of museums, historic areas, shopping, and local sights. The guide works equally well for inspiration, as a planning tool, a practical resource while traveling, and a keepsake following any trip.


BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Motorcycle clubs from across the Lehigh Valley met in Bethlehem Tuesday night for a special celebration.
They took off from the parking lot of Lincoln Elementary School and made their way to Charles Kukoda’s home to wish him a happy 99th birthday.
“I feel really glad that some people like me that much that they would do that for me,” said Kukoda, who friends call “Cappy.”
Like is an understatement. Timothy Parsons organized the drive-by. He’s known Cappy since the early ’90s and hails him as a hero for what he went through in World War II.
“He volunteered to go in because he wanted to help this country and be a true American. That’s us, that’s the real deal, he’s a great guy,” Parsons said.
Cappy first started working at Bethlehem Steel after high school. At 24 he went overseas to fight in World War II and was involved in some of the biggest battles of the war, including the Battle of the Bulge which helped defeat the Nazis. Cappy was in a foxhole when that battle began.
“We were still surrounded by the German troops, so there must of been 9-10 of us. A colonel…said I’m going to walk you guys out of this trap, but he didn’t, he walked us into one,” Cappy said.
Cappy fought in that battle for nine days and luckily made it out alive. He returned home and married his wife Pauline in 1946. He worked at Bethlehem Steel until 1982 and was by his wife’s side when she passed away from breast cancer in 2002. As the motorcycles roared past in salute to him he reflected on his 99 years.
“I’m satisfied with my life, and if I go tomorrow I would say that I’m satisfied,” Cappy said.


Elijah Jackson Calhoun, Jr.
WWII - US Navy, March 1942-January 1946 as Chief Petty Officer in Security and Shore Patrol. North Atlantic Theatre, 1942; Sixth Naval Dist., Charleston, SC, 1943-44; Pacific Theatre, Manila, P. I., 1945. Parole Supervisor, State Board of Pardons & Paroles, Savannah, GA, May 6, 1949; Chief Investigator, July 1, 1951; Admn. Assistant, April 1, 1958; Director, July 1, 1963. Married Edna Janette Rainey on June 6, 1944. Children: Margaret Penelope; Ann Elizabeth


Our attorneys at The Pittman Firm, P.A. are proud to be one of many sponsors of the Panama City Beach Memorial Stair Climb Fundraiser. This event began in 2011 as a way to help remember those who were lost in the tragic events of September 11, 2001. This pays tribute to the officers, firefighters, EMS, military, and all civilians who lost their lives that day.
The event involves individuals climbing 110 flights of stairs. This is equal to the height of the World Trade Center Towers that were struck 15 years ago. All proceeds of the fundraiser are donated to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and local memorial activities.
Anyone can participate in this event, whether civilian, law enforcement, firefighters, military, or other. It will take place no matter the weather.
The climb is on Saturday, September 10th, beginning at 10:30 a.m. followed by a celebration dinner later in the evening at The Barn Restaurant.
This is a very special cause and we are honored to help sponsor the event because we know what it means to those who will benefit from the funds. We look forward to this great event and participating in future events to help this wonderful organization.
We hope to see you out there supporting those making the climb.


The Roman villa known as the "Baths of the Queen” is located in Calpe’s town centre, besides the sea, very close to the Ifach’s crag. It constitutes an important archaeological site occupied from the 1st to the 6th century in which the resident zone -endowed with a spectacular ensemble of mosaics-, the waterwheel, the public baths, the baptistery, the necropolis and the fish farm, with the pools excavated into the rock besides the seaside. Calpe’s town hall has taken the initiative with regard to preservation and maintenance of this archaeological site, promoting the contracting of a specialized company. Alebus won the contest and has been the awardee of the works, which will be developed in a first phase during four months, and could extend up to another four months. Archaeologist Alicia Luján and restorer Carolina Mai are members of the intervention team.
On the twenty first of March, at 20:00 pm, Director of the archaeological site Alicia Luján Navas and multidisciplinary team of the Alebus company will be giving a talk about the performed works developed in the intervention of January-February of 2019 at the Saló Blau, Casa de Cultura Jaume Pastor I Fluixà, Avda, Masnou, 1 Calpe.


Come and enjoy downtown loft living on Old Main Street, in Historic Palmetto. This two-story building, built in 1913 originally housed the Globe Dry Goods store. At one time, it was also Palmetto's City Hall. Today, the lower level is home to Norma Rae's restaurant and the upstairs has five loft apartments. The Lofts on Old Main Street are located in the heart of the Palmetto Historic District, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. They are a mere 2 blocks from the Manatee River and less than 2 miles from downtown Bradenton. We currently have a newly renovated studio apartment which is available beginning May 1. Rent includes water and electricity. Sorry, but no pets allowed. Give us a call or send us an email to schedule a showing.


A new wellbeing retreat in the heart of Florence, La Spa at Helvetia & Bristol opened in April 2022. Featuring an extended hydrothermal zone that opens onto a caldarium and continues with an aquamotus (Vichy shower), there are also emotional showers, a sudatorium (Finnish sauna), a frigidarium and a tepidarium (salt room).
The Lacus Quietis offers two pools with water features, built in a space that once served as the vault of the Banco di Roma. The hydro circuit leads to an upper floor with three rooms for individual treatments, including a wellness suite that is equipped with a private Turkish bath.
History meets the modern day The philosophy of La Spa is modelled on the origins of the site itself – a union of the historical and the contemporary. Inspired by the Latin principle of mens sana in corpore sano it recreates the experience of a Roman baths in a contemporary setting. The spa is located on the spot where the Capitoline Baths of the Roman city of Florentia once stood, fragments of whose walls can still
be seen along the wellness circuit. bbspa Group and Starhotels’ architects Silvia Stoppacciaro and Francesca La Rosa have chanelled a minimalist and modern vision of the historic Roman bathing tradition.
“Being in the heart of Florence is already magical – especially in a building with such a rich history – but bringing back to life the ancient Roman bathing traditions is what makes this project so unique,” says Régis Boudon-Doris, founder and CEO of bbspa Group.


Mexico City – Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) announced Monday March 4, 2019 that at least 200 millennium-old ceramic artifacts have been discovered in an underground ritual cave in the Mayan city of Chichen Itza.
The cave, which was discovered 50 years ago but has remained unexplored until now, is called Balamku.
The cave is located 2.7km (1.7 mi) from the Temple of Kukulkan at the Chichen Itza complex on the Yucatan peninsula.
INAH archaeologist Guillermo de Anda told a press conference that this is the most important discovery since the Balamkanche cave was found in the 1950s.
“It’s overwhelming. I believe it is without doubt one of the most important caves of the Yucatan and I also believe I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s the most important find since the Balamkanche cave,” the archaeologist said.
“The greatest treasure” of Balamku, he said, is that “it hasn’t been altered, it was never sacked and we have all the facts about it right here.”
Most of the objects found are censers dedicated to Tlaloc, the water god, used for rituals and as offerings in the late classic period of Maya civilization, from the 7th to 10th centuries.
The many representations of Tlaloc, identified with pre-Columbian cultures in central Mexico, has sparked a debate about how they got to the Yucatan.
The archaeologist said research has discarded the initial hypothesis of a Toltec invasion of Mayan territory, but surmised that “central Mexico must have had an influence on Chichen Itza.”
“In that case, these items will help us establish a chronology,” the researcher said, adding that they expect to discover in Balamku many more artifacts than the 200 already found.
The censers and vessels discovered in Balamku still preserve the charred remains of food, seeds, jade, shells and bones, among other things the Mayas offered their deities in those days.
The difficult access and topography of the cave made depositing these objects and celebrating rituals there difficult, which leads researchers to believe it was a place of great relevance to the Mayas of Chichen Itza.
The archaeologist maintained that this cave is “probably more sacred” than the Sacred Cenote (Sinkhole) itself, a circular sunken pit 60 meters (197 feet) in diameter and 15 meters (49 feet) deep, filled with water and located in Chichen Itza.
De Anda said that Balamku has more importance because “the effort needed to enter it is greater than getting into the Sacred Cenote, which received offerings and pilgrimages from all over Mesoamerica.”
Up to now, the INAH team has carried out a preliminary exploration of the first 450m of the cave, though it is estimated that this is equivalent to just a third of its full length.
According to INAH, Balamku signifies “Jaguar God,” a reference to the divine nature the ancient Mayas attributed to that feline, which, they believed, was capable of entering and leaving the underworld at will.


We perform, present and educate through concerts, lectures and workshops. We tailor our presentations to each specific event. Here are three specific programs that we are currently offering:
Forbidden Music: Women Composers Banned by the Nazis
More than anything or anyone, the Nazis permanently altered the trajectory of music history in 20th century Europe. Join us as we examine the lives and music of women composers dramatically effected by the events of World War II.
Musica Classica Nueva de Latinas
Illuminated by the rich diversity of Latin America, this exploration celebrates the 21st century classical music of women composers from Argentina, Columbia, Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Peru.
Nuns, Nobility and Non-Conformists
Until recently, most middle-class and well-to-do women were expected to abandon careers once the were married. Meet the women of centuries past, who defied convention and became composers and musicians despite societal expectations.


The Marschall Duroc - a Hotel in a historical environment
„Goodbye, my friend“, Napoleon was quoted to say, when he left his dear friend Grand Marshal Géraud Christophe Michel Duroc. On the 22th of may his loyal mate was injured during a battle at the “Horterberg” at the edge of Görlitz. The next day he died from his injuries in a farm house in Markersdorf, which is next to Görlitz. Napoleon bought this property to raise a monument of his Grand Marshal.
After the victorious battle of Bautzen, Napoleons troops pushed the Prussian and Russian troops back. The enemy was hiding in the “cannon Bush” between Reichenbach and Markersdorf.
In the Hotel Marschall Duroc not only the name is historical. In the lobby you will find a portrait of Duroc, which was painted by Günther Hain. A painting in the restaurant shows the Grand Marschall laying on the ground struck by a bullet. Those dramatic events from 1813 are described on the informational board next to the painting.
It was told that Duroc was very educated and wealthy. Napoleon was influenced in his decision by the diplomatic skill of the Grand Marshall. Because of his ambulant merits Durocs name is written in the 15thcolumn in the triumphal arch in Paris. He found his final resting place in the “Dôme des Invalides” in Paris.
Source of historical information: Ratsarchiv Görlitz


All-around 100 A.D., the Anasazi lived on a substantial plateau in an area that is certainly completely different from the rest of the Southwest. Called the Colorado Plateau, this huge mountainous area encompasses the U.S. 4 Corners including the other areas of Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado.
Throughout their heritage of all over 1000 a long time, the Anasazi learned to implement and adapt their distinctive natural environment in addition to the encompassing purely natural sources so as to live and survive. They also realized how to alter their natural environment and develop systems as means for survival.
Making use of Normal Methods
Over the Basketmaker Period of time (one-750 A.D.), the early Anasazi built pit houses by digging shallow depressions (pits) in the bottom. These pit properties are protected that has a canopy of brush and mud.
The grasses have been used to make baskets which functioned as storage and carrying containers. Some of these baskets were woven tight that allowed them to hold water.
Altering The Atmosphere
In the beginning, the Anasazi farmed and lifted corn, squash, and later on beans on little plots of land. They utilized the ways of dry farming and some flood irrigation.
The Anasazi realized to settle down in a single spot upon the introduction of corn to be a farming crop. They continued to hunt and Collect wild crops and animals although looking forward to the crops to become All set for harvest. For over several hundred yrs, their agricultural expertise arrived at an advanced stage which authorized them to Reside and maintain them selves although dwelling permanently within their villages.
Later on, the Anasazi crafted greater villages which have more storage bins to be able to support the amplified yields of corn. This boost suggests how the Anasazi were being able to enhance their farming procedures. Moreover, they had efficiently expanded their buying and selling array.
In five hundred A.D., the Anasazi cultivated beans which happen to be the primary source of protein. Berries, yucca fruit, pinion nuts and wild sport nevertheless manufactured up the most part of their diet regime. To health supplement their food stuff resource, the Anasazi cultivated selected crops for instance squash and crops.
It was during the latter part of the Basketmakers Interval if the Anasazi had made noteworthy improvements in engineering. They produced clay pottery, domesticated turkeys, used enhanced techniques in farming such as more info flood irrigation, adopted the usage of the bow and arrow, and stored food items in storage bins.
The storage bins or containers became really valuable for maintaining surplus meals. The Anasazi acquired undertaking simple gray pottery and in some cases black on white pottery as a way to create their storage bins.
All around 750 A.D., Chaco Canyon turned inhabited by an elite group of Ancestral Puebloans. Among 800-a thousand A.D., this team spread across just about every arable acre that made up the San Juan Basin. In a duration of two generations, they constructed an elaborate trail and street process which authorized them to connect to the outlying villages. Whilst they created much more than 400 miles of mapped out highway methods, there was no existing evidence that indicated their use in the wheel.
The Anasaziâ€™s engineering capabilities is often seen in the development of Pueblo Bonito, probably the most renowned of the great houses in Chaco Canyon. It experienced seven-hundred or maybe more rooms, 37 relatives kivas, and a pair of Local community kivas. Covering an area of over four acres, itâ€™s evident that making Pueblo Bonito essential skillful architectural engineering capabilities the Anasazi experienced come to be recognized for.


Independence Day (Urdu: یوم آزادی; Yaum-e Āzādī), observed annually on 14 August, following its first observance on that day in 1947 (the day before the partition of India officially took effect), is a national holiday in Pakistan. It commemorates the occasion of Pakistan’s creation and was declared a sovereign nation following the partition of India on 15 August 1947. Pakistan came into existence as a result of the Pakistan Movement which aimed for the creation of a separate Muslim state by partition of the north-western and north-eastern regions of undivided India. The movement was led by the All-India Muslim League under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. This was facilitated by the British parliament passing the Indian Independence Act 1947, thereby giving recognition to the new Dominion of Pakistan (later the Islamic Republic of Pakistan) which comprised West Pakistan (present-day Pakistan) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). In the Islamic calendar, the day of independence coincided with Ramadan 27, the eve of which, being Laylat al-Qadr, is regarded as sacred by Muslims.


The greatest battle ever fought
During the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the IAF airstrip at Bhuj was destroyed in combat. Subsequently, 300 local women led by IAF squadron leader Vijay Karnik heroically toiled day in and day out to reconstruct the airbase. This act of resilience was a pivotal moment which not only boosted the morale of the country, but also helped us win the war. The film is a tribute to the unparalleled bravado displayed not only by IAF, but the civilians as well.
Set in the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, the film tells the story of the IAF Squadron Leader Vijay Karnik, and his bravery, patriotism and determination.
Director: Abhishek Dudhaiya
Release: 08/13/2021 (IN)


Genealogy & Local History Resources
How to get started doing genealogy:
The library owns a number of “how to” books to aid the beginning researcher in uncovering his past. In addition there are books on dating photographs, and even scrapbooking your family tree.
Newspapers on Microfilm
The Baird & Callahan County Star 1888-1935; Cross Plains Review beginning in 1911
Local county histories are an invaluable source for genealogists. They not only relate names but events surrounding our ancestors. We have histories on Texas counties such as Andrews, Eastland, McCulloch, Coleman, Brown, Runnels, Callahan and the community of May, Texas. We are especially pleased to have recently acquired the two volume set of Coleman County Histories. We also have some out of state county histories, such as Anne Arundel & Howard County Missouri and Stafford County, Virginia.
Callahan County Marriage Records from the beginning of the county to 1966 and Cemetery Records for Callahan, Brown & Eastland Counties
Some of the other resources available:
Several volumes of the Robertson’s Colony Papers
Indian Depredations in Texas
Numerous Civil War histories.
Early Tennessee Records of various kinds
Search the online catalog using the keyword “genealogy” for a complete list of genealogy books.


Cyril Fryar Bennett (Licensed Surveyor)
1883 - 1962
Cyril Fryar Bennett 1883 - 1962, born at Coorparoo,
youngest son of James S. Bennett secretary of the Land
Council, Department of Lands, Queensland. Grandson of Sir
William Fryar, Surveyor. Bennetts Road, Fryar Street, Ethel
Street, Cyril Street are named after the family and the
original home is still there. Obtained a senior pass and
University matriculation from Brisbane Grammar School and
as he was asthmatic his father believed a dry climate would
be beneficial and arranged for him to be articled to Staff
Surveyor/Shield in the Clermont district where he remained
for three years. Upon returning to Brisbane he obtained a
position in the Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage
Board as a cadet draftsman surveyor and studied for the
surveyors board examination which he passed with credit
and was registered as an Authorised Surveyor in 1917.
During that time he surveyed the route for the
sewerage main from Hamilton to Luggage Point
which is still operative today.
He was retrenched and with the support of a
family friend, Skipper Love of Isles Love, he was
set up with a table and chair on the first floor of
their auction room, which was located in Adelaide
Street, at the present site of Post Office Square.
His first job was a Girls Guide site at (Cleveland
Capalaba Victoria Point see modern map). He was
met at the Camp Hill tram terminus by the land
owner with horse and dray and he shared the
survey fee with his chainman.
The real work was subdividing Nestles Farms at
Toogoolawah for which Isles Love were the selling
agents and was a considerable amount of survey
work that continued for some years.
He developed a very personal survey practice due
to growing up and being educated in Brisbane and
concentrated on connections with solicitors,
architects, engineers, real estate agents, banks,
commercial and industrial land owners.
He was one of the two surveyors who survived in
practice in Brisbane through the 1929-30
depression years. At one stage he surveyed farms
at Stanthorpe, bought a home and operated two
field parties on a profit share basis.
About 1938 he surveyed the residential
resumptions for the approaches to the Story
Bridge for the Co-ordinator General. The Titles
Office did not have sufficient staff to examine and
register the plans within the prescribed time. CF
Bennett was asked to do the work, which at his
request and by special arrangement, was done at
He was the part time lecturer in surveying in the
faculty of engineering of the University of
Queensland during the time of Professor Hawkins,
Fellow of the Institution of Surveyors.
He was President of the Queensland Institution of
Surveyors from 1931 to 1939, Director and
Sergeant at Arms, Rotary Club of Brisbane for
many years and a Director of Brisbane
Crematorium Limited. Always a keen student of
literature he was an eloquent public speaker,
loved Shakespeare, Gilbert and Sullivan and
poetry. He had a gentle manner and a keen sense
of humour. A man of strong character, proud of his
profession, dedicated to a high standard, often
"speed and accuracy" ... or ... "hallmark of quality"
He was a frugal and shrewd business man and at
the same time of compassionate and generous
In 1958, he formed a partnership with
Robin Tremlett Francis.


Most people address Bangalore as an IT or the pub capital of India, but only a few know about its cultural significance and several historical landmarks. The city has been the main center of political activities for the great empires in Southern India. Many great kings of the past, from time to time gave this city huge importance and left many awe-inspiring architectural monuments as their legacy.
The city is home to some of the most beautiful art galleries, museums, monuments, temples that host intricate designs and amazing architecture. The city promises to deliver the best experience to all the travelers or tourists out there. Tourists or Visitors can hire a self drive car in Bangalore to travel around the Historic places.To help you maneuver amongst the places, we have compiled a list of some of the best historical places to visit if you’re a history buff or someone who likes to dig deep into something.
Top 5 Historical Places in Bangalore
The name speaks for itself, as this place is exquisite and grand like those in fairy tales. The place is located amongst the bustling corner of the city and has become a beacon of tradition. The place has been left untouched by the modernization and will give you the old school vibes. The palace is the replica of royal British home located in Berkshire and renders a peaceful vibe all throughout. Today, the palace is known for extravagant parties and its spaces are open for a number of public events. The gothic windows, towering turrets among others are something to look forward to. If you can’t resist but delve deep into history, then this is something meant for you.
National gallery of modern art
A big shout out to all the art lovers out there, the national gallery of modern art is here to give you some deep inspiration. Located on the palace road, the museum is nothing but extraordinary, all thanks to its offerings. The place is housed in a colonial mansion complemented with a garden setting which also has two interconnected wings. You can witness some of the finest pieces of artwork, right from the early 18th century to the pre-independence period. The museum also features some of the works of modern and contemporary artists. There’s also a cafe on the premises of the museum to fill your hunger pangs.
Tipu Sultan palace and fort’s
If you’re a tab bit familiar with the Indian history, you must have heard the name Tipu Sultan. The great king of the past has left not only epic stories but also some extraordinary infrastructures in his memories. The fort is situated near Bangalore fort area, amidst the awe-inspiring nature. The fort of completed in 1791, and still showcases the greatness of Tipu Sultan in its architecture. You can visit the palace at any time between 8:30 am until 5:30 am.
Lalbagh Botanical Garden
The expansive garden was a private Mughal garden in its early life which went onto become the most beautiful garden space in Bangalore. Established by Haider Ali and later extended by Tipu Sultan, the garden drips history lessons in every corner and renders some serious Insta worthy pictures. The garden is spanned over 240 acres of land and its name has been derived from the red roses that bloom throughout the year. The area of focus in the garden is its majestic glasshouse, which was built with the purpose of commemorating the visit of the son of Wale’s king.
The park occupies nearly 300 acres of land in the Bangalore’s business district and is a popular place for morning walkers, joggers etc. You can hang out with your friends in the vicinity of the garden and infuse a sense of nonchalance in your life. The place can also be a perfect way to escape the monotonous routine of life and relax in the tranquility of nature for some time.
The city of Bangalore is a gorgeous mix of past and present, which is a delight for all the travelers out there.


|Battle of Fort Henry|
|General A. S. Johnston|
|General C. F. Smith|
Gott concludes that the Union victory or Confederate defeat was the critical turning point in the war. He says the victory gave "the nation and the world confident assurance of the United States' ability to restore the national union." The triumph "lifted the spirits of the nation" and "showed that the nine months of continuous drilling and disciplining of troops and preparing them for war were not spent in vain." Gott also raises the question of how Johnston's army might have done at Shiloh. "One can only speculate upon the outcome of that battle, and indeed the war, had the bulk of the 21,000 soldiers of Fort Donelson also been present [at Shiloh]."
For additional comments on the this campaign, please see THE Turning Point of the Civil War.


Exploring Takayama’s historical Old Town area
According to the tourist information website, Takayama, which gained importance
as a source of quality timber and masterful carpenters during the feudal ages,
came under direct control of the daimyo and consequently enjoyed quite a bit of
prosperity despite its remote mountain location. Because it was so well-preserved
and exudes a unique historical charm, it is now a popular destination for tourists
coming from near and far.
Exploring the town
Dressed in the traditional Yukata, I headed off to explore the historical buildings,
arts crafts, and of course food of the old town. The beautiful mountains in the
distance provided a picturesque backdrop to the historical scenery in front of me,
while I was walking towards said area.
Speaking of scenery, I noticed many people looking at me quite peculiarly. Walking
through the area, I realized that, no, I wasn’t the only non-Japanese here - there
were, in fact, quite a few foreigners, but I was the only one wearing a Yukata.
It definitely felt special being able to wear such traditional clothing in a historical
town in Japan. Though, if you do decide to don the Yukata, make sure to choose
the right “Getta” (wooden sandals). It didn’t take long for them to wear away the
skin on the side of my foot, which made walking quite painful indeed
So, either wear socks with them, or opt for the lighter, more comfortable variant.
These “shoes” are definitely not meant for walking long distances. It was around
mid-day at this point, and getting quite hot, so I stopped by an ice-cream and
drinks shop for a quick green tea refreshment.
The green tea drink was refreshing indeed, and just what I needed at that point.
Ready to face the heat and eager to explore the town more, I thanked the store’s
clerk for her great tips about Takayama and was off again.
The quaint old town has a certain allure that’s hard to put into concrete words.
There’s an air of ancient history mixed with contemporary charm here.
Many ancient houses have been converted to shops and restaurants. Amidst the
tourist attractions are museums, showcasing artifacts and historical documents
preserved in order to teach people about the vast history in this area. I stopped by
a few places to investigate the history and take photos.
Old crafts were also on display at this museum
There are several areas to explore in Takayama, and the old streets, along with the
plethora of shops to explore will certainly draw you in and can be enjoyed by both
old and young alike.
After that, I had some really good Hamburger / cheeseburger and fries.... kidding,
of course not! When in Rome, as they say, do as the Romans do. Well, Japan is
quite far from Italy, but trying some local specialties should be part of any cultural
trip no matter where you are, so I indulged in Takayama’s renowned steamed buns
with the world-famous Hida Beef inside.
Delectable doesn’t even begin to describe the culinary delight I was experiencing
after the second bite (had to get through the thick bun first). Seriously, if you find
yourself in this town, don’t skip these!
Of course, dessert can’t be left out and luckily I found a great ice-cream shop that
specializes in Green Tea soft-serve ice cream to finish off the this interesting day.
Takayama, with its old-world history and modern charm is really a great place to
spend a day. Whether you’re after scenery, cultural experiences, history, food, or
just meeting some truly friendly people, you can find something special here.
So, should you find yourself in Japan, don’t skip this enjoyable experience in the
heart of Japan.
Here is more information about a special ticket called
Takayama Noritsugi Ticket
And here’s more information about Takayama
↓↓For more information or to purchase, click here! ↓↓
SHORYUDO Bus Pass－ Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa－


The Doctors Hamlin
In 1959 Dr. Reginald Hamlin, a New Zealander, and Dr. Catherine Hamlin, née Nicholson, an Australian, both obstetrician/gynaecologists, came to Addis Ababa in reply to an advertisement in the Lancet Medical Journal. There was a need for a Midwifery School and Dr. Reginald Hamlin, previously a teacher, found that the prospect of teaching midwives appealed to him.
However, what faced them upon arrival at the Princess Tsehay Hospital made them realise that they would not be doing much midwifery training due to the sheer number of patients needing their help at the hospital. They did however train four midwives!
The silent shame
Doctors Reg and Catherine Hamlin in the early days at the Princess Tsehay Hospital
On the evening of their arrival, as the Hamlins were settling into their new home, a fellow gynaecologist came to visit them and told them that “the fistula patients will break your hearts.” The Hamlins had never seen an obstetric fistula before. “To us they were an academic rarity,” Catherine recalls in her book, The Hospital by the River.
Before the Hamlins came to Addis Ababa, there was little treatment available for fistula victims. Most such injured women – and there were thousands – had suffered in silence for years.
Drs. Reginald and Catherine Hamlin studied what they could from the original fistula surgeons who had operated in the mid 1850’s and from doctors who were still operating in places such as Egypt. Obstetric fistula had been virtually eradicated in the United States in 1895 and the first fistula hospital closed its doors in New York City in 1925. The Hamlins refined the surgical technique to close obstetric fistulae, while continuing to treat a broad range of obstetric cases. In their first year in Ethiopia, the Hamlins treated 30 fistula patients.
The founding of a hospital
Through first hand experience, the Hamlins quickly became aware of the suffering endured by women with fistulae. Fistula victims are usually shunned so severely due to their odour that even other patients refuse to be near them. Drs. Reginald and Catherine Hamlin knew the fistula women deserved a hospital of their own. The Hamlins worked for more than a decade to establish a fistula hospital, even through a military coup when most foreigners fled Ethiopia. Finally, in 1974, the Hamlins opened the doors of the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital. It remains the only medical centre in the world dedicated exclusively to fistula repair.
Dr. Reginald Hamlin worked diligently at the Fistula Hospital until his death in 1993. Dr. Catherine Hamlin has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, and the list of her humanitarian awards is impressive. She can still be found seeing new patients in outpatients, checking the sick ones on the wards or performing the delicate fistula repair surgery she pioneered more than 40 years ago.


Elizabeth Boggs: JFK
Elizabeth Boggs: "Some of us knew in 1960, that John Kennedy had a mentally retarded sister, we also knew that the family didn't wish that to be mentioned. We were not entirely prepared for the favorable developments that subsequently occurred. His sister, Eunice Shriver, suggested to the president that he appoint a president's panel. The panel was appointed in the fall of 1961, as a result of the report which was filed with the president in fall of 1962. Two pieces of legislature were drafted and put through the legislative process and signed by President Kennedy in October 1963. Public law 88-156 expanded some of the activities of the children's bureau and the internal and child health program, but also provided money to the states for comprehensive planning in mental retardation."


GeoFort and Fort Asperen
At the banks of the river Linge, south of Leerdam and between the meadows and fruit trees, you can find both Fort Asperen and the GeoFort.
This exciting island is known as GeoFort which was awarded ‘best children’s museum of the world’ in 2016. Everything on display here is about maps and navigation. It is an exciting experience, for both young and old. A true paradise to play in, with its Geo Experience, the escape room and a maze. Enjoy its surroundings too, and have a choice of great snacks and drinks at the terrace.
Fort Asperen is a hub of cycling and walking routes near Asperen on the river Linge. The beatifully designed and restored roof construction as well as the tower and the Tevern’s interior are more than worth a visit. From the terrace, visitors can enjoy a great view of the tower fort and the canals.
Nieuwe Steeg 74
4171 KG Herwijnen
4151 BR Acquoy


- This event has passed.
Eritrea in the News: Photo Exhibition
June 24, 2019 - June 28, 2019
Eritreans – although not at war – have fled their country in their thousands. They sought refuge in neighbouring states or drowned in the Mediterranean in an attempt to reach sanctuary in Europe. Today there is a glimmer of hope. Ethiopia reached out to Eritrea. Their leaders have met and there is the prospect of reconciliation. Yet Eritreans, still long for true freedom. This timely exhibition traces how this tragedy came about and includes rare photographs – some shown for the first time.
For more info see: https://eritrea-focus.org/


Today, we're beginning a three-part virtual visit series treating Gothic architecture and Notre-Dame de Paris. This suite of visits is specially designed to coincide with the one year anniversary of the tragic fire at the cathedral on April 15, 2019. Over the course of these visits, we'll learn about the foundations of Gothic architecture, the history of Notre-Dame specifically, how the cathedral survived the fire, and what we might expect from the restorations in the future.
This first visit is pretty information intensive, but it's intended to be a "primer" that will set the stage for our "deep dive" into Paris' cathedral next week. It'll set you up with all the terminology you need to understand the architectural history of the cathedral, and will give you some more general tips and tricks for identifying Gothic architecture more broadly speaking. You should come away from this virtual visit with an understanding of what makes the Gothic, Gothic (a skill that will be useful for any traveler passing through Europe!).
Our usual reminder: the primary venue for this content is the stories feature on my Instagram page. All of the virtual visits will be saved in my story highlights. The purpose of the blog posts is to allow a greater audience (especially those without social media accounts) to benefit from the same content.
Now, let's learn to identify Gothic architecture!
See you back here on Monday for our extended look at the history of Notre-Dame de Paris!


- ABOUT US -
River Basin Rye brings the history of American whiskey full circle. In the 19th century, New Orleans was the whiskey drinking capital of the nation. Distillers from Tennessee to Pennsylvania shipped their whiskey in oak barrels down the Mississippi River to New Orleans. During this journey, the clear unaged whiskey took on the flavors and color of the wood. When this “oak aged” whiskey was poured in saloons up and down Bourbon Street, it was of amber color with a distinctive woody taste. Thus, the process of aging American whiskey in oak barrels was born.
River Basin Distillery follows this time-honored American heritage. Located where the Mississippi River bends to form the Crescent City, we source our whiskeys from “up the river” just as it was done 200 years ago.
River Basin Rye is a distinctive blend of 95% rye mash aged in new American white oak barrels to produce a rich whiskey that embodies the fiery spirit of the French Quarter with a Big Easy finish of vanilla, cinnamon, caramel and clove.


Hardware has played a pivotal role in shaping the world we live in today, from the invention of the wheel to the development of modern computers. Over the years, hardware has undergone a remarkable evolution, constantly pushing the boundaries of technological advancement. In this essay, we will delve into the past, present, and future of hardware, exploring the key milestones and innovations that have defined each era. From the early mechanical inventions to the rise of digital computing, and now the exciting prospects of quantum computing and artificial intelligence, we will trace the remarkable journey of hardware and its potential to revolutionize our lives in the future.
Exploring the Evolution of Hardware: Past, Present, and Future
Hardware, the physical components of a computer system, has come a long way since its inception. From the early days of bulky mainframes to the sleek and powerful devices we use today, hardware has evolved at an astonishing rate. This article takes a deep dive into the past, present, and future of hardware, examining the significant milestones and innovations that have shaped the technology landscape.
Past: The Birth of Hardware
The roots of hardware can be traced back to the 19th century. The first mechanical computers, such as Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine, laid the groundwork for what would become modern computing. These machines relied on gears, levers, and other mechanical components to perform calculations.
However, it was not until the mid-20th century that electronic hardware began to take shape. The development of the transistor in the late 1940s revolutionized the field, allowing for the miniaturization of electronic components and the birth of the first electronic computers. These early computers, such as the ENIAC and UNIVAC, were massive and consumed significant amounts of power.
The 1960s and 1970s saw the introduction of integrated circuits, or microchips, which brought further advancements in hardware technology. These microchips allowed for the integration of multiple transistors onto a single chip, resulting in smaller, faster, and more efficient computers. This era also witnessed the birth of the personal computer, with companies like Apple and IBM leading the way.
Present: The Age of Mobility and Connectivity
In recent decades, hardware has undergone a significant transformation, driven by the increasing demand for mobility and connectivity. The advent of smartphones and tablets has revolutionized the way we interact with technology. These devices pack immense computing power into pocket-sized packages, making them accessible to a vast majority of the population.
Alongside mobile devices, the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) has brought hardware into our everyday lives in previously unimaginable ways. From smart home devices to wearable technology, hardware is now seamlessly integrated into our homes, workplaces, and even our bodies. This interconnectedness has created a world where hardware is no longer limited to traditional computing devices but extends to a wide range of everyday objects.
Furthermore, advancements in hardware have paved the way for emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and autonomous vehicles. These technologies rely on powerful hardware components like graphic processing units (GPUs) and specialized chips to deliver immersive experiences and intelligent systems.
Future: The Path Ahead
Looking ahead, the future of hardware holds even more exciting possibilities. One of the key areas of focus is the development of quantum computing. Quantum computers have the potential to solve complex problems that are currently beyond the capabilities of classical computers. Although still in its early stages, quantum hardware promises to revolutionize fields like cryptography, drug discovery, and optimization.
Additionally, the demand for more energy-efficient and sustainable hardware solutions is growing rapidly. With concerns about climate change and energy consumption, hardware manufacturers are exploring ways to reduce power consumption, improve recyclability, and utilize renewable materials. This focus on sustainable hardware is crucial to ensure a greener and more sustainable future.
Another area of interest is neuromorphic computing, which aims to mimic the structure and function of the human brain. By leveraging hardware that mimics the brain’s neural networks, neuromorphic computing has the potential to revolutionize AI, enabling faster and more efficient processing of complex data.
In conclusion, the evolution of hardware has been a remarkable journey. From the mechanical computers of the past to the powerful and interconnected devices we have today, hardware has continuously pushed the boundaries of what is possible. As we move into the future, the development of quantum computing, sustainable hardware, and neuromorphic computing promises to shape the technology landscape in unprecedented ways.


Welcome to Old Whiskers Catfish Baits… Designed and Tested by Catfishermen for Catfishermen
Our products are designed and tested by catfishermen for catfishermen. Whether you prefer to fish with Dough Bait or Dip Bait, we have the perfect bait for you.
Old Whiskers was first developed in Burlington, Iowa by Paul Mower and Harry Herman back in 1952. As long-time fishing buddies, they experimented with different recipes and formulas before deciding which one suited them best. Once decided, they began making small batches of Catfish bait and selling it locally.
As years went by, word spread about its results, and more and more bait shops began to stock it. By 1974, Old Whiskers was available from as far south as Pevely, Missouri and as far north as Dubuque, Iowa along the Mississippi River.
About that time, Paul and Harry decided to retire from making bait and go back to just fishing. They sold the business to Rose’s Bait & Tackle in West Burlington, Iowa, where the bait continued to be made until Rose’s Bait and Tackle added additional product lines. In 1971, Rose’s began offering a soft plastic worm for the dip baits as an alternative to sponge hooks, which were prevalent at that time.
In 1996, the Rose family sold their retail and wholesale bait shop, and son Harold moved the manufacturing operation to O’Fallon, Illinois ( just east of St. Louis, MO), where it continues to operate to this day.
The worms and other catfishing related tackle items are top quality – designed to be used by serious fishermen. Compare the durability of our plastic worms with any on the market!


A World History Perspective
‘Involvement and suffering in the First World War were global, going far beyond the Western Front, and many people around the world grapple with the legacy of both the conflict and the peace that followed it to this day. We should therefore remember the world as well as the war; all those involved, all the contributions, all the experiences. All the trauma, and the lasting legacy.’
Remember the World as well as the War – British Council
The Victoria Cross was - and remains to the present day - the highest British military award for gallantry, awarded for "most conspicuous bravery, a daring or pre-eminent act of valour, self-sacrifice or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy".
70 Canadian servicemen were awarded the Victoria Cross during The Great War.
The decoration is in the form of a bronze cross patée bearing the royal crest and the words "For Valour."
British High Commission and the British Council invite you to participate in a competition that seeks to pay homage to the valiant contributions of the World War I recipients of this prestigious award using the moving image to chronicle your stories.
HOW TO ENTER
We want to see your depiction of the inspiring stories behind the medal and/or its recipients using visuals instead of words. Submit an original short film or animation that
- relates a story of a Victoria Cross recipient or
- of the Victoria Cross medal
The story can be about a Victoria Cross recipient narrating the heroic feats that awarded them this honor. It can also be an interpretation of the Victoria Cross medal, its history and significance with a focus on WW1.
If you want to learn more about the Victoria Cross recipients and its history, follow our Facebook page! We will provide you with valuable content to help you in your artistic endeavor!
DEADLINE: 15 APRIL 2015
For queries, please contact us at firstname.lastname@example.org
Terms and Conditions
- The competition is open to all Canadian residents18 years of age or above.
- The closing date for receipt of all entries is 30 April, 2015.
- By entering the Competition, the submitting contestant agrees to allow the British Council to reuse their entries in any promotional materials for a period of up to three years after entering the contest.
- Each contestant can enter a maximum of one entry for this competition.
- The contestant submitting the film for the competition will be the person selected as the winner. Therefore the prize cannot be automatically transferred to a colleague or a collaborator.
- The maximum duration of the film or animation should be 4 minutes.
- Upload your video submission to YouTube or Vimeo, and then send the link to email@example.com.
- Judging Criteria:
a.Creativity and Originality of the concept
b.Relevance and Focus on the topic
- The prize includes a trip to London: 2-day visit to a reputable Film institution, 1-day visit to the British Council offices in London and 2 days for leisure.
- The winning entry will be announced via email in May 2015.
- The trip will be scheduled for June 2015.


The early 20’s bridal attire of the British aristocracy was heavily influential, and set the universal tone for the wedding garments of brides-to-be in Europe and America, extending even to designs of floral bouquets. Needless to say, these beautiful wedding gowns and accessories spared no expense, resulting in a feast for the eyes, even as the fads and trends have changed almost 100 years later.
As for bridal trends of the era, veils remained longer than floor-length, and skirt lengths got shorter, typically ending around the ankles. Satins were in style, with lace trims and exquisite beading.
One of the most famous dresses from the era is that of the Queen Mother. Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon married Prince Albert, Duke of York, in 1923. Her gown was created by Madame Handley Seymour and featured a drop waist silhouette. The hem just barely touched the floor. The gown was made of crepe and featured extensive silver embroidery and pearl embellishments.
Princess Maud, Countess of Southesk married Charles, Lord Carnegie in 1923. This stunning gown, along with the veil and headdress, features heavy amounts of beading.
Princess Mary, daughter of George V, married in 1922, and wore an exquisitely detailed dress of ivory silk with handwoven metallic silver netting. The enormous diamond and pearl pendant she is wearing was a wedding gift from the groom, Viscount Lascelles.
The bridal attire of Edwina Mountbatten, Countess Mountbatten of Burma might seem simple compared to the other gowns listed above, however the 1922 gown and accessories are breathtakingly beautiful nonetheless. The silk satin and simple drop waist silhouette are very on-trend for the early 20’s, and you’ll notice that the hem here is slightly shorter than the other gowns, being several inches above the floor at ankle length. The lace train adds extra feminine detail, and the simple sheath bouquet (this type of bouquet being very common in the early 20’s) compliments the ensemble perfectly.
Personally speaking, I’d love to see a resurgence in this bridal style. The silhouette allows the full front of the gown to be like a blank canvas for a wide variety of ornate embellishments, and I can’t get enough of the headdresses, vastly different from the simple one or two-tiered veils fastened with a comb popular with today’s brides. Something about these early 20’s bridal ensembles just oozes luxury without being distasteful in the least.


We’re excited to share that DAWSON is part of a Hawaii community movement to support the perpetual conservation of Hakipu‘u Lo‘i Kalo. These kalo (taro) patches on O‘ahu’s windward side have been in cultivation for centuries and carry forward a vital Native Hawaiian cultural legacy. We recently donated $5,000 in seed funding to support nonprofit Hō‘ala ‘Āina Kūpono in their initial stewardship and educational programming at the lo‘i. Mahalo to Hawaiian Islands Land Trust, The Trust For Public Land, Hō‘ala ‘Āina Kūpono, Hakipu‘u families, and numerous community donors, all of whom laid the groundwork and raised the funds to place this land in conservation for future generations.
Located on the Hawaiian island of O‘ahu in Kahana Valley, the Hakipu‘u Lo‘i Kalo is a 1.5 acre parcel of land adjacent to Moli‘i fishpond and Kāne‘ohe Bay and will be cared for by Hō‘ala ‘Āina Kūpono in partnership with ancestral descendants of the land. This area of Hakipu‘u has cultural significance as the home of the navigator Kaha‘i. This storied voyaging lineage has been recognized by sailing vessels for centuries; in modern times, Hakipu‘u was the first launching point of Hōkūle‘a in 1975 and was also the launching point for the canoe’s Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage in 2012.