The History Book Club discussion

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COFFEE, TEA AND CONVERSATION > THE HISTORY OF WHERE YOU LIVE

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message 101: by Morgiana (new)

Morgiana | 137 comments Becky wrote: "Well, I grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, which, when you look deeply, has a fascinating history. I actually wrote my thesis focusing on a small section of Omaha where my Army Reserve unit met. My Reserv..."

Becky, thanks for posting it, was a really interesting read!


message 102: by Jill H. (new)

Jill H. (bucs1960) All these posts are so enlightening about the wonderful areas of our world.....some which we have visited, many which we have not................great word pictures and stories!!!


message 103: by Harry (last edited Jan 04, 2012 07:39PM) (new)

Harry (harryj) | 81 comments I live in Atlanta Ga.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,grew up in Birmingham, Ala; yet, even though these places have quite interesting histories, I'm going to point out the history of the structure I reside in as it has a unique past. If you can't figure it out from my bookshelves; I collect and restore antique automobiles and study the history of this mode of transportation; the marques,the companies, the men, etc. I am also a member of The Society of Automotive Historians. I live in a building which I lofted out. Turns out, even though I was unaware when I purchased it this is the old home of the Atlanta Speed Shop (one of the birthplaces of speed). Here is a link to their present website. And if you click on the "history" tab and scroll to the third picture down you can see my abode. http://www.atlantaspeedshop.com/Our_H...


message 104: by Alisa (new)

Alisa (mstaz) Harry, is that a hydroplane in front of the shop? Cool!


message 105: by Harry (new)

Harry (harryj) | 81 comments Alisa, It's called a "dragster".


message 106: by Alisa (new)

Alisa (mstaz) I thought one of the pics had a boat-like item. Maybe it wasn't in front of your shop.


message 107: by Morgiana (new)

Morgiana | 137 comments Harry wrote: "I live in Atlanta Ga.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,grew up in Birmingham, Ala; yet, even though these places have quite interesting histories, I'm going to point out the history of the structure I reside..."
Harry, that's right cool, really love the old automobiles!


message 108: by Bryan (new)

Bryan Craig Very cool, Harry, thanks for sharing. Some great cars and history there.


message 109: by Jill H. (new)

Jill H. (bucs1960) Thanks for the website, Harry. We have something in common besides the love of history. My husband and I are members of the AACA and the Golden Oldies Car Club (local). He restores antique and classic cars (I help....a little bit). It is a great hobby. If you are interested in sharing some pictures, send me a PM.


message 110: by Harry (last edited Jan 05, 2012 06:09PM) (new)

Harry (harryj) | 81 comments Thanx..... folks for the response! History is great! By the way, if you have Google earth; try 640 Angier Ave. 30308.


message 111: by Morgiana (new)

Morgiana | 137 comments Harry wrote: "Thanx..... folks for the response! History is great! By the way, if you have Google earth; try 640 Angier Ave. 30308."

think it is worth of trying;)


message 112: by Jim (new)

Jim | 117 comments Evelyn wrote: "Jim Kings Landing and UCV are often compared by visitors, let me know if you do visit and I will give you a guided tour! what is going on in your neck of the woods for the 1812 celebrations?"

Evelyn: Other than more Federal Government attention, I have to confess I haven't looked into specific 1812 events yet. How about where you are?

http://www.1812.gc.ca/eng/13056548947...

One interpretation of the impact of the war of 1812 for Canadians that I thought was interesting was that it changed many mindsets north of the border from "we'll soon be reconciled with our relatives across the border" to "those *bleeps* burned my farm!"

I visited Fort York in Toronto for the first time last summer -- site of a battle in 1813. It's now curiously surrounded by highways and a kilometre further from Lake Ontario than it used to be. Definitely worth the visit (the rest of the town's okay too) ;-)

http://www.fortyork.ca/


message 113: by Mark (new)

Mark Mortensen Bentley, I'm getting up to speed. Today I spoke with a customer in Guilford, Maine and they stated winter is about to arrive. Maine deserves to be called the vacationland with both a great coast and inland areas. My dad, brother and I used to take a week in early September and fly fish Nesowadnehunk and the surrounding ponds around Baxter State Park. I took my wife Down East and she loved the town of Camden and although I’m not a sailor I had to see the very well made expensive Hinckley boats further north in Southwest Harbor. We then drove inland to the remote King & Bartlett fly fishing camp in Eustis via the final 17 miles of dirt logging roads. My wife was beginning to miss the coastal otters and at 7 months pregnant started to wonder when the inland trip would end. A water plane was ready if needed. Great memories of 23 years ago and we are still to together.


message 114: by Mark (new)

Mark Mortensen I should have mentioned that the first evening in our Eustis, Maine lakeside cabin my wife was relaxed reading her book and beginning to enjoy the remote area. I was proud the day would end so peacefully. We soon found ourselves in total darkness as I forgot to inform her that the local generator shut off promptly each evening at 9:30 pm.


message 115: by Evelyn (new)

Evelyn fidler (curarose) | 12 comments "Evelyn: Other than more Federal Government attention, I have to confess I haven't looked into specific 1812 events yet. How about where you are?" we aren't doing alot as no big battles occured in the maritimes but we did supply alot of the militia to help central Canada. I think of it as the war wherew the US won't admit that they came close to losing


message 116: by Gerald (new)

Gerald | 200 comments Zeljka wrote: "Nice and interesting stories so far :-)

I am also proud of my country, Croatia, and my hometown - Split. Croatia has rich history, as every European country has (although Asians have much much ric..."


Zeljka, what a wonderful "Invitation" to visit your country. I'd really love to do so on my next trip that direction. I'd thought of the Baltic countries or Ireland-Scotland, but I may just think of Croatia.


message 117: by Morgiana (new)

Morgiana | 137 comments Gerald wrote: "Zeljka wrote: "Nice and interesting stories so far :-)

I am also proud of my country, Croatia, and my hometown - Split. Croatia has rich history, as every European country has (although Asians hav..."


Gerald,
this is a very good idea to visit Croatia, it's a beautiful country - was never disappointed;)


message 118: by la' (last edited Jan 13, 2012 06:13AM) (new)

la' (laaurore) | 9 comments The recorded history of my location Jhelum, a district of modern-day Pakistan, covers thousands of years. It has since its creation changed hands from Greek,Persian, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and British rule to present day Pakistan.

The history of the district dates back to the semi-mythical period of the Mahabharata. Hindu tradition represents the Salt Range as the refuge of the five Pandava brethren during the period of their exile, and every salient point in its scenery is connected with some legend of the national heroes. Modern research has fixed the site of the conflict between Alexander and Porus, the famous Battle of the Hydaspes between the armies of Alexander the Great and Raja Porus that took place a few miles downstream from the city centre, though the exact spot at which the Macedonian king effected the passage of the Jhelum (or Hydespes) has been hotly disputed.

Nearby there is also the historic 16th century Rohtas Fort, another historic fort since Sikh era located at the backside of main Bus stand, the 16th-century Grand Trunk Road which passes through the city and also Tilla Jogian; a centuries-long history of the area. The second largest salt mine in the world, discovered by Alexander’s troops, is also located winthin the district http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khewra_S...

The recent name of the city is derived from the words Jal (pure water) and Ham (snow), as the river that flows through the river originates in the Himalayas.


For those who are interested in more http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_...
http://www.richeast.org/htwm/Greeks/a...


message 119: by Bryan (new)

Bryan Craig Amazing history, Aurora, thanks for sharing.


message 120: by la' (new)

la' (laaurore) | 9 comments care to tell how to insert pictures, i would love to show some


message 121: by Bryan (last edited Jan 13, 2012 06:31AM) (new)

Bryan Craig If they are posted on the Internet, then you can share right into your post. However, I don't think you can upload images to Goodreads.

For the internet:
1. Click some html is ok and copy the html code for image: into the post box.

2. delete the stuff between the quotes "" and copy paste the url that has the image between the ""
(the url should end in .jpg or other image related format)


message 122: by Mark (new)

Mark Mortensen Re: Split, Croatia conversation. Louis Cukela was born in Split on May 1, 1888, immigrated to America in 1913 got married and died on March 19, 1956. He and his wife did not have children. Why should we remember such a man? Cukela is considered to be the most decorated U.S. Marine from World War I. He was one of the only six Marines in the 4th Brigade ground forces to receive the Medal of Honor in WWI. Additionally he received the French Croix de Guerre twice and many other honors. He served as a sergeant and 2nd lieutenant in the 66th Company of 1/5. My grandfather was also in that company and possibly Cukela was his platoon leader. Following the war Cukela remained in the Marine Corps and rose to the rank of major. His descendants living back in Split, Croatia should be very proud of Major Cukela!


message 123: by la' (new)

la' (laaurore) | 9 comments thnx^_^


message 124: by Jim (new)

Jim | 117 comments Morgiana wrote: "Gerald wrote: "Zeljka wrote: "Nice and interesting stories so far :-)

I am also proud of my country, Croatia, and my hometown - Split. Croatia has rich history, as every European country has (al..."


In the last year or so, I've come across more and more references to (and video footage of) Croatia, from episodes of House Hunters

http://www.hgtv.ca/ontv/titledetails....

to Michael Palin's New Europe

New Europe by Michael Palin by Michael Palin

It looks like a beautiful country. I'd love to visit some day!


message 125: by Jim (new)

Jim | 117 comments Evelyn wrote: ""Evelyn: Other than more Federal Government attention, I have to confess I haven't looked into specific 1812 events yet. How about where you are?" we aren't doing alot as no big battles occured in..."

Looks like there will be a significant War of 1812 component to Canada Day (July 1) celebrations on Parliament Hill.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto...


message 126: by Jim (new)

Jim | 117 comments The War of 1812 from both sides of the river, from the Rick Mercer Report (CBC TV).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=...


message 127: by JoAnne (new)

JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book) | 12 comments I live in Las Vegas, Nevada and I think everyone knows the history here. But I'm really lucky in that I'm married to a man who grew up near Gettysburg, PA (a stone's throw). I just love going back there to visit whenever we can. All the American History in that area is awesome.....


message 128: by Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief (new)

Bentley | 44291 comments Mod
Great comments everybody and very informative.


message 129: by Karen (new)

Karen (karen-ann) Love this section,so interesting hearing where everyone comes from, just makes me want to get out there and explore it all.

I was born in Guernsey a small island in the English channel just off the French coast its a beautiful island with a lot of history to explore.

http://www.heritageguernsey.com/histo...

For the past 10 years I have lived in the south-west of England just outside the beautiful city of Bath. Bath is a fascinating city if you love history. There is also so much to see and do in the surrounding area one of my favorite places is Avebury for the truly special atmosphere around the stones.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avebury

There is so much more I could say but mostly I feel lucky to have lived in two such special places as Guernsey and Bath.

Karen


message 130: by Mansoor (new)

Mansoor Azam (azam69) | 23 comments gr8 topic and quite interesting pieces of knowledge in here;

i presently live in Peshawar, Pakistan. it is a provincial capital and is located on the eastern end of Khyber pass ( gateway to Afghanistan ). the city has a glorious past. Traditionally it has been the gateway into India for all the invaders into Sub continent. for those who seek further knowledge here's the link
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peshawar


message 131: by Karen (new)

Karen (karen-ann) Thanks for the link Mansoor. What a fascinating place to live with such a long history and a place right in the centre of events which effect the world right now.

A book which has stayed with me is Dervla Murphy's 'Full Tilt' it is not political in anyway but an account of her journey on a bicycle in 1963 riding from Europe through Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and into India. lol I guess I loved it so much because secretly I would love to be brave enough to do something like that.

What is it like living in such a large city as Peshawar? I love visiting cities like London and Paris but not so sure if I would like to live in a large crowded city fulltime.

Karen


Full Tilt by Dervla Murphy by Dervla Murphy Dervla Murphy


message 132: by Bea (new)

Bea | 1830 comments Karen wrote: "Love this section,so interesting hearing where everyone comes from, just makes me want to get out there and explore it all.

I was born in Guernsey a small island in the English channel just off t..."


Somehow, I lived in England for 18 months and did not get to see either Stonehenge or Avebury. Coincidentally, I picked Stonehenge as our structure of the week in the "Architecture" thread. I'd love it if you dropped by.

I live in Indio, California - former date capital of the U.S. It's near Palm Springs. One of the little known facts about this area is that the local Agua Caliente tribe's reservation makes it one of the area's largest landowners. Back in the 1870's, when the U.S. Government made the land grant, this was all desert. That all changed in the 1900's when the area became a fashionable winter resort.

I'm enjoying the beautiful winter weather while it lasts. Come May, I'll be complaining about the heat.

http://www.aguacaliente.org/content/H...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_Spr...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indio,_C...


message 133: by Tami (new)

Tami Lynne | 6 comments Karen wrote: "Love this section,so interesting hearing where everyone comes from, just makes me want to get out there and explore it all.

I was born in Guernsey a small island in the English channel just off t..."


We visited Bath as one of the stops on a tour we took to visit Stonehenge. I was really taken aback by the wealth of history there, and the wonderfully beautiful town that grew around the baths. I envy your living there every day!

I grew up in a very small town along the east coast of Florida. I always thought it was this sleepy little town where nothing had ever happened. Once I started writing HF, I found out there was nothing further from the truth!

Melbourne, Florida was one of the stops of the Florida East Coast Railway when Henry Flagler was building the lines. At that time, the village was called Eau Gallie and was known for its pineapple plantations. Flagler's railway engineer said they preferred not to hire the local men because they would not show up for work when the mullet were running.

Even before this time, though, the coastline along Melbourne was known as a central stronghold for the native people during the initial interactions with the Spaniards. Shipwrecked men would be killed by the natives for the floatsom that would wash ashore, and these items would sometimes be used to lure other travelers from the known paths to their doom.

Central and southern Florida was used as a landing station for many traded goods, some from as far away as the upper Mississippi basin. Carib and Moskito tribes would use canoes to land along the coast, and would sometimes spring attacks on unwitting tribes of the Everglades.

And yes, central Florida is one of the central locations for theme parks in the entire world. :-)


message 134: by Mansoor (new)

Mansoor Azam (azam69) | 23 comments Karen wrote: "Thanks for the link Mansoor.

its not as charming as it might seem from the wiki page. but its not as dreadful as some media channels are portraying. this city has an irresistible charm which is hard to shrug off.... as for the crowded part we avoid roads in the day and venture out in night...


absolutely loving the insight into so many areas ,,, keep it coming people



message 135: by Alisa (new)

Alisa (mstaz) Thanks for sharing your insights. I agree, so interesting to hear about the world around us through the experience of others. Great stuff!


message 136: by Nicole (new)

Nicole I have lived in a few different places in my life, Toronto and environs, Quebec City, Ottawa and Halifax, but currently call Victoria, BC home.

Known as the City of Gardens, Victoria is one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest. Our Chinatown is the oldest in Canada and 2nd oldest in North America (after San Francisco). As well, it is apparently one of the most haunted cities in Canada.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria...


message 137: by Mark (last edited Apr 08, 2012 04:10AM) (new)

Mark Mortensen Mansoor wrote: "gr8 topic and quite interesting pieces of knowledge in here;

i presently live in Peshawar, Pakistan. it is a provincial capital and is located on the eastern end of Khyber pass ( gateway to Afgha..."


It amazes me that back in 1982 Malcolm Forbes took a hot air balloon “Friendship Tour” to several countries including Pakistan. Once on the ground he toured parts of the country on his Harley Davidson motorcycle with American flags flying off the back of the bike while crowds of citizens lining the route waved. How political climates change and history evolves in 30 years. His photographic coffee table book of the tour is called "Around the World on Hot Air and Two Wheels".

Around the World on Hot Air and Two Wheels by Malcolm S. Forbes, Jr. Malcolm S. Forbes, Jr.


message 138: by Morgiana (new)

Morgiana | 137 comments Aurora wrote: "The recorded history of my location Jhelum, a district of modern-day Pakistan, covers thousands of years. It has since its creation changed hands from Greek,Persian, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and British..."


Aurora, this is amazing, thanks for sharing with us:)


message 139: by Craig (new)

Craig Brennan | 4 comments I live in a small town in Liverpool that has a very rich history and a connection to the American civil war.
The town where I live is called Waterloo, named after the famous battle. Edward John Smith the Captain of the Titanic lived here. The owner of the Titanic J Bruce Ismay was born here and number of Titanic victims and survivors were from this town. British Prime Minister William Gladstone spent his childhood here. President Roosevelt came here when he was 6 weeks old to visit his uncle who lived here. St Mary's boy school used to be the US Confederate building and my local pub is apparently where spies conspired to sink the CSS Alabama during the Civil War.


message 140: by Bentley, Group Founder, Leader, Chief (new)

Bentley | 44291 comments Mod
Wow...that is an amazing past for a small town. Thank you so much for sharing.


message 141: by Mansoor (new)

Mansoor Azam (azam69) | 23 comments amazing facts Craig


message 142: by Tim (new)

Tim | 6 comments Zeljka wrote: "Nice and interesting stories so far :-)

I am also proud of my country, Croatia, and my hometown - Split. Croatia has rich history, as every European country has (although Asians hav..."


I have a good Croatian photographer friend in Cape Town called Grada Djeri. He has shown me photos of Croatia and it really looks beautiful. I would love to visit it one day.


message 143: by Tim (last edited May 23, 2012 12:05AM) (new)

Tim | 6 comments When I have time I will post something about where I live, the Eastern Cape of South Africa. You can read about it in Noel Mostert's monumental Frontiers. It's only 1300 pages...

Frontiers: The Epic of South Africa's Creation and the Tragedy of the Xhosa Peo

Frontiers The Epic of South Africa's Creation and the Tragedy of the Xhosa Peo by Noel Mostert


message 144: by Bryan (new)

Bryan Craig Hi Tim:

Don't forget to add the author in your citation:

Frontiers The Epic of South Africa's Creation and the Tragedy of the Xhosa Peo by Noel Mostert Noel Mostert (no photo available)


message 145: by Zeljka (last edited Jun 29, 2012 02:20AM) (new)

Zeljka (ztook) | 83 comments Wow amazing posts everyone. I apologize for not responding to some of the posts directed to me, seems my notifications weren't properly set. I am really sorry, should have been more careful! Thank you for kind remarks! I believe you won't be disappointed if you decide to visit Croatia for real one day.

There are so many wonderful places on the globe to see, even those small ones have rich and interesting history, like Craig's Waterloo. Not to mention exotic places that Europeans (at least I do :) dream to visit, like Pakistan and South Africa...

Mark wrote: "Louis Cukela was born in Split on May 1, 1888, immigrated to America in 1913 got married and died on March 19, 1956. He and his wife did not have children. Why should we remember such a man? Cukela is considered to be the most decorated U.S. Marine from World War I..."

Amazing post, Mark! We all should be proud of such good and honourable men, wherever they come from.

I remember one delightful, funny and interesting article that came in our newspapers about him, probably due to an anniversary of some kind. An original (English) article is still available on the internet, here:
http://www.military.com/forums/0,1524...

Sad only that he didn't have children. From the article on wikipedia, it seems that the only family that survived was his sister in Sibenik.


message 146: by Mark (last edited Jun 29, 2012 05:45AM) (new)

Mark Mortensen Zeljka wrote: "Wow amazing posts everyone. I apologize for not responding to some of the posts directed to me, seems my notifications weren't properly set. I am really sorry, should have been more careful! Thank ..."

Thanks for the website. Cuklea was quite a fearless Marine and should be remembered.

Captain Robert Blake of the 66th Company wrote the Medal of Honor request for Cukela. I keep in touch with Captain Blake’s 91 year old son, Robert W. Blake, who has authored two small books. Last year I sent him a photo of his father standing next to Cukela and he fully appreciated it as he had never seen it before.


From Belleau Wood to Bougainville by Robert Wallace Blake Bayonets and Bougainvilleas by Robert Wallace Blake by Robert Wallace Blake


message 147: by Zeljka (new)

Zeljka (ztook) | 83 comments Mark wrote: "Captain Robert Blake of the 66th Company wrote the Medal of Honor request for Cukela. I keep in touch with Captain Blake’s 91 year old son, Robert W. Blake, who has authored two small books. Last year I sent him a photo of his father standing next to Cukela and he fully appreciated it as he had never seen it before..."

Impressive, he certainly must have been deeply touched, both personally and professionally. That was really beautiful gesture from you.


message 148: by Dennis (new)

Dennis Maley I live five or six doors down the hill from the place where the Urschal kidnapping took place... Machine Gun Kelley, the first kidnapper nabbed by young J Edgar Hoover and his fledgling FBI.

http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/ga...


message 149: by André, Honorary Contributor - EMERITUS - Music (new)

André (andrh) | 2852 comments Mod
Mike wrote: "I'm a life long NYC resident..."

My favorite book for walks through NYC is:

The Heart of the World by Nik Cohn The Heart of the World by Nik Cohn Nik Cohn

He also wrote the article/short story on which they later based the movie Saturday Night Fever.


message 150: by Mansoor (new)

Mansoor Azam (azam69) | 23 comments Zeljka wrote: "Wow amazing posts everyone. I apologize for not responding to some of the posts directed to me, seems my notifications weren't properly set. I am really sorry, should have been more careful! Thank ..."

Pakistan is a lovely land to visit, quite different from what media portrays now a days


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