Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Heald College -- April 28, 2015

San Francisco Call, 25-December-1910
Many years ago I taught data processing and computer applications at Heald Business College.  The school had recently become a non-profit. 

In 2009, Corinthian College took over and converted the chain into a for-profit.  I think for-profit education is generally a bad idea.  Corinthian shut down all of its schools over the weekend, leaving students with little recourse and owing, in many cases, large amounts of money.  I'm very sorry to see this happen. 

Over the years Heald gave many people a good education in the shortest possible time.  I missed a chance in 2013 to write about the school's 150th anniversary.  I was there for the 125th. 

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Capture of the Assassin Booth !! -- April 26, 2015


On the night of 14-April-1865, Good Friday, President Abraham Lincoln and his wife Mary went to Ford's Theater to see Laura Keene in the comedy Our American Cousin.  The coward John Wilkes Booth entered the presidential box during the third act and shot Lincoln in the back of the head.  Booth fled and was the subject of a huge manhunt for the next twelve days.  He spent much of the time squatting in a swamp, which seems appropriate.  On 26-April-1865,  Soldiers of the 16th New York Cavalry Regiment found him at the Garrett Farm.  Sergeant Boston Corbett put him out of his misery and allowed him to cheat the hangman.  Notice that Davey Herold's family name is spelled at least three different ways. From the 27-April-1865 Washington Evening Star.

EXTRA.
THRILLING NEWS!!
CAPTURE OF THE ASSASSIN BOOTH!!
HIS IGNOMINIOUS DEATH!!
CAPTURE OF HEROLD ALIVE!
BOOTH TAKEN IN A BARN!
HE FIRES ON OUR MEN!!
THE FIRE RETURNED.
BOOTH SHOT IN THE NECK.
HE DIES IN THREE HOURS.
THE BODY BROUGHT TO THE NAVY YARD.
Official Bulletin.
War Department, Washington, D. C., April 27, l865.
Major Gentral Dix, New York:

J. Wilkes Booth and Harrold were chased from the swamp in St. Mary's county, Md., pursued yesterday morning to Garrett's farm, near Port Royal, on the Rappahannock, by Col. Baker's force.

The barn in which they took refuge was fired.

Booth in making his escape was shot through the head and killed, lingering about three hours, and Harrold taken alive.

Booth's body and Harrold are now here.

Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War.



FURTHER PARTICULARS

The thrilling intelligence of the capture and ignominious death Of the assassin Booth was received with profound satisfaction here, the only shade of alloy being in the fact that the villain met any end less disgraceful than in having his neck stretched.

To Col. L. C. Baker, special detective of the War Department, and his admirably trained detective force, and to the New York cavalry, the active participators in the seizures, the country owes a debt of gratitude for this timely service.

It seems that a detachment of the 16th New York cavalry, numbering about twenty-five men, which was dispatched from this city on Monday under the direction of Colonel L. C. Baker, special detective of the War Department, in command of Lieut. Dogherty, accompanied by some of Col. Baker's officers, captured and killed Booth and captured Herold one of his accomplices alive.

The cavalry, after leaving here, landed at Belle Plain in the night, and immediately started out in pursuit of Booth and Herold, having previously ascertained from a colored man that they had crossed the river into Virginia at Swan Point, in a small canoe, hired by Booth from a man for $300.

Proceeding on towards Bowling Green, some three miles from Port Royal, Lieut. Dogherty, who was in command of the cavalry, discovered that Booth and Herold were secreted in a large barn, owned by a man named Garrett. and were well armed.

The cavalry then surrounded the barn and summoned Booth and his accomplice to surrender. Herold was inclined at first to accede to the request, but Booth accused him of cowardice, then they both peremptorily refused to surrender and made preparations to defend themselves,

In order to take the conspirators alive, the barn was fired, and the flames getting too hot for Herold he approached the door of the barn and signified his willingness to be taken prisoner. Herold then came out of the barn and gave himself up. and was securely handcuffed. Booth maintained a defiant attitude, refusing to surrender, and in braggadocia style challenged his pursuers to fight him by turns singly. As the roof of the barn was about falling in, and Booth manifested a disposition to make a bolt, be was shot by Sergeant Boston Corbett, of the 16th New York, the ball taking effect in the neck, from the effects of which he died in about three hours.

Booth, before breathing his last, was asked if he had anything to say, when he replied. "Tell my mother that I died for my country."

Herold and the body of Booth was brought into Belle Plain at eight o'clock last night, and reached the Navy Yard here at one o'clock this morning, on board of the steamer John S. Ides, Capt. Henry Wilson.

The statement heretofore published that Booth had injured one of his legs by the falling of his horse, has proven to be correct. After he was shot it was discovered that one of his legs was badly injured, and that he was compelled to wear an old shoe, and use crutches, which be had with him in the barn Booth was shot about 4 o'clock in the morning, and died about 7 o'clock.

Booth had upon his person some bills of exchange, but only $175 in Treasury notes.

It appears that Booth and Herold left Washington together on the night of the murder of President Lincoln, and passed through Leonardtown, Md., concealing themselves in the vicinity until an opportunity was afforded them to cross the river at Swan Point, which they did as above stated.

The man who hired Booth and his accomplice the boat in which he crossed the river was captured, we understand, but afterwards made his escape.

Herold has been lodged in a secure place.

Bowling Green, near which place Booth was killed, is a post village, the capital of Caroline county, Va, on the road from Richmond to Fredericksburg, 45 miles north of the former, and is situated in a fertile and healthy region. It contains 2 churches, 3 stores, 2 mills, and about 300 inhabitants.

Port Royal is a post village in Caroline county, Va., on the right bank of the Rappahannock river, twenty-two miles below Fredericksburg. It has a population of six hundred, and there is a good steamboat landing near the place.



THIRD EDITION
2 O'CLOCK P. M.
THE LAST OF BOOTH.
ANOTHER ACCOUNT.
VERY INTERESTING PARTICULARS.
STATEMENTS OF THE PARTIES WHERE BOOTH LODGED.
HE IS TAKEN THERE AS A WOUNDED MARYLAND SOLDIER.
HE PRETENDS GREAT HORROR OF THE ASSASSINATION.
DESCRIPTION OF HIS BODY.
THE SHOT THAT KILLS HIM ENTERS HIS HEAD VERY NEAR THE PLACE WHERE MR. LINCOLN WAS SHOT!

Booth and Herold reached Garrett's some days ago, Booth walking on crutches. A party of four or five accompanied them, who spoke of Booth as a wounded Marylander, on his way home, and that they wished to leave him there a short time, and would take him away by the 26th, (yesterday). Booth limped somewhat and walked on crutches about the place, complaining of his ankle. He and Herold regularly took their meals at the house, and both kept up appearances well.

One day at the dinner table the conversation turned on the assassination of the President when Booth denounced the assassination in the severest terms, saying that there was no punishment severe enough for the perpetrator. At another time some one said in Booth's presence that rewards amounting to $200,000 had been offered for Booth, and that he would like to catch him, when Booth replied, "Yes, it would be a good haul, but the amount would doubtless soon be increased to $500,000.

The two Garretts who lived on the place allege that they had no idea that these parties (Booth and Herold) were any other than what their friends represented themselves -- paroled Confederate soldiers on their way home. They also say that when the cavalry appeared in that neighborhood, and they heard that they were looking for the assassins, that they sent word to them that these two men were on the place. In other words, they assert that they are entirely innocent of giving the assassins any aid and comfort, knowing them to be such.

The Ida (tug boat) reached here about two o'clock last night with Herold and the two young men above referred to, as well as the body of Booth. Herold was immediately placed in a safe place. He thus far, it is stated, has manifested no disposition to speak of the affair, but as he was known as a very talkative young man, he may soon resume the use of his tongue.

Booth and Herold were dressed in Confederate grey -- new uniforms. Herold was otherwise not disguised much. Booth's moustache had been cutoff apparently with scissors, and his beard allowed to grow, changing his appearance considerably. His hair had been cut somewhat shorter than he usually wore it. Booth's body, which we have above described, was at once laid out on a bench and a guard placed over it. The lips of the corpse are tightly compressed, and the blood has settled in the lower part of the face and neck. Otherwise the face is pale and wears a wild haggard look, indicating exposure to the elements and a rough time generally in his skulking flight.

His hair is disarranged and dirty, and apparently had not been combed since he took his flight. The head and breast is alone exposed to view, the lower portion of the body, including the hands and feet, being covered with a tarpaulin thrown over it.

The shot which terminated his accursed life entered on the left side at the back of the neck, a point, curiously enough, not far distant from that in which his victim, our lamented President, was shot. No orders have yet been given as to what disposition will be made of the body.

Large numbers of persons have been seeking admission to the Navy Yard to-day, to get a sight of the body, and to hear the particulars, but none excepting the workmen, the officers of the yard, and those holding orders from the Department, are allowed to enter.

A Spencer carbine, which Booth had with him in the barn, at the time he was shot by Sergeant Corbett, and a large knife, with blood on it, supposed to be the one which Booth cut Major Rathbone with in the theater box on the night of the murder of President Lincoln, and which was found on Booth's body, has been brought to the city. The carbine and knife are now in the possession of Col. Baker at his office.

The bills of exchange, which are for a considerable amount, found on Booth's person, were drawn on banks in Canada in October last. About that time Booth was known to have been in Canada.

It is now thought that Booth's leg was fractured in jumping from the box in Ford's Theatre upon the stage, and not by the falling of his horse while endeavoring to make his escape, as was at first supposed.

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Friday, April 24, 2015

News of the Week April 24, 1915 -- April 24, 2015


The 24-April -1915 Motography featured "News of the Week as Shown in Films," with items from current newsreels.


"The fruit liner Heredia after her collision near New Orleans.  Copyright 1915 by Pathe News."  On 30-March-1915, the United Fruit Company liner Heredia rammed liner Parisian near the mouth of the Mississippi, then swerved off and sank steamer Weems. 

"Vice-president Marshall speaking at University of California.  Copyright 1915 by Universal Animated Weekly."  Thomas R Marshall of Indiana was Woodrow Wilson's Vice President.  Here he spoke at Cal Berkeley. 


"U. S. divers leave Washington for Honolulu to raise submarine.  Copyright 1915 by Universal Animated Weekly."  USS F-4 sank on 25-March-1915 off of Honolulu.  All hands were lost. 

"General Von Morger and his stall leaving their headquarters near Bolimov, Russian Poland.  Copyright 1915 Hearst-Selig News Pictorial."  I can't find anything about Von Morger.


"Easter parade on boardwalk at Atlantic City, N. J. Copyright 1915 Hearst-Selig News Pictorial."  Easter fell on 04-April-1915. 

"Wm. Hale Thompson, Chicago's new mayor, with Mrs. Thompson.  Copyright 1915 by Pathe News."  Big Bill Thompson (no relation, thank Heaven) was the last Republican mayor of Chicago.  He served from 1915 to 1923, then 1927-1931.  He was known for being profoundly corrupt. 

Friday, April 17, 2015

News of the Week April 17, 1915 -- April 17, 2015


The 17-April -1915 Motography featured "News of the Week as Shown in Films," with items from current newsreels.


"New York fire fighters in new oxygen helmits (sic - JT).  Copyright 1915 by Universal Animated Weekly."  I did not know that firefighters had such equipment available in 1915.  I thought such equipment might have come after the war, inspired by gas masks. 

"Cavalry horses assembled at eastern seacost for shipment to England.  Copyright 1915 Hearst-Selig News Pictorial."  I have mentioned it before, but the armies still depended greatly on animal power. 


"Sixty tons of nitroglycerine exploded in one blast at Riverside, Calif.  Copyright 1915 Hearst-Selig News Pictorial."  I don't know why.  Perhaps it was for railroad construction. 

"President Wilson and ex-President Taft laying cornerstone of Red Cross headquarters.  Copyright 1915 by Pathe News."  The American Red Cross National Headquarters is still in use today. 


"New 14-inch guns just completed for Panama Canal.  Copyright 1915 by Pathe News."  I'm guessing these were 14-inch gun M1907s on disappearing carriages. 

"Testing new U. S. submarines in New York harbor.  Copyright 1915 by Universal Animated Weekly."  I don't know, but this could be an N-class submarine, intended for coastal defense. 

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Assassination of the President -- April 14, 2015


The Civil War was nearing its end.  On the night of 14-April-1865, Good Friday, President Abraham Lincoln and his wife Mary went to Ford's Theater to see Laura Keene in the comedy Our American Cousin.  The coward John Wilkes Booth entered the presidential box during the third act and shot Lincoln in the back of the head.  Fellow conspirator Lewis Powell attacked Secretary of State William Seward and his family at their home.  No one died from that attack.  This article from the 14-April-1865 Washington Evening Star was published, or at least composed, while Lincoln still lived. 

ASSASSINATION OF THE PRESIDENT.

ATTEMPTED MURDER OF SECRETARY SEWARD AND SONS.

Despatches from Secretary Stanton.

War Department,
WASHINGTON, D. C., April 15 -- 1.30 P. M.

Major General John A. Dix, New York:

Last evening, at 10.30 p. m., at Ford's Theater, the President, while sitting in his private box with Mrs. Lincoln, Miss Harris, and Maj. Rathbun, was shot by an assassin who suddenly entered the box. He approached behind the President. The assassin then leaped upon the stage, brandishing a large dagger or knife, and made his escape by the rear of the theater.  The pistol ball entered the back of the President's head. The wound is mortal. The President has been insensible ever since it was inflicted, and is now dying.

About the same hour an assassin, either the same or another, entered Mr. Seward's house and, under pretence of having a prescription, was shown to the Secretary's sick chamber.  The Secretary was in bed, a nurse and Miss Seward with him. The assassin immediately rushed to the bed, inflicting two or three stabs on the throat, and two in the face. It is hoped the wounds may not be mortal. My apprehension is that they will prove fatal. The nurse alarmed Mr. Frederick Seward, who was in an adjoining room, and hastened to the door of his father's room, where he met the assassin, who inflicted upon him one or more dangerous wounds. The recovery of Frederick Seward is doubtful.

It is not probable that the President will live through the night.

Gen. Grant and wife were advertised to be at the theater this evening, but the latter started to Burlington at six o'clock last evening.

At a Cabinet meeting, at which Gen. Grant was present to-day, the subject of the state of the country, and the prospects of speedy peace was discussed. The President was very cheerful and hopeful, spoke very kindly of Gen. Lee and others of the Confederacy, and the establishment of Government in Virginia. All the members of the Cabinet, except Mr. Seward, are now in attendance upon the President. have seen Mr. Seward, but he and Frederick were both unconscious.

E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War

----------------------------

War Department,
Washington, D. C., 3 a.m., April 15, 1865.


Lieutenant General Grant:

The President still breathes, but is quite insensible, as he has been ever since be was shot.  He evidently did not see the person who shot him, but was looking on the stage, as he was approached behind.

Mr. Seward has rallied, and it is hoped he may live. Frederick Seward's condition is very critical. The attendant who was present was stabbed through the lungs, and is not expected to live. The wounds of Major Seward are not serious.

Investigations strongly indicates J. Wilkes Booth as the assassin of the President. Whether it was the same, or a different person that attempted to murder Mr. Seward, remains in doubt.

Chief Justice Cartter (? - JT) is engaged in taking the evidence. Every exertion has been made to present the escape of the murderer. His horse has been found on the road near Washington.

Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War

----------------------------

War Department,
Washington, D. C., 4:10 a.m., April 15, 1865.


Major General John A. Dix, New York:

The President continues insensible, and is sinking. Secretary Seward remains without change.  Frederick Seward's skull is fractured in two places, besides a severe cut upon the head. The attendant is still alive, but hopeless.

Major Seward's wounds are not dangerous.  It is now ascertained with reasonable certainty, that two assassins were engaged in the horrible crime -- Wilkes Booth being the one that shot the President; the other, a companion of his, whose name is not known, but whose description is so clear that he can hardly escape. 

It appears, from a letter found in Booth's trunk, that the murder was planned before the fourth of March, but fell through then because the accomplice backed out until Richmond could be beard from. Booth and his accomplice were at the livery stable at six o'clock last evening, and left there with their horses about ten o'clock, or shortly before that hour.

It would seem that they had for several days been seeking their chance, but for some unknown reason, it was not carried into effect until last night. One of them has evidently made his way to Baltimore, the other has not yet keen traced.

Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War

----------------------------

TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS REWARD

Headquarters Dep't of Washington,
April 15, 1860.

A REWARD OF TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS
will be paid to the party or parties arresting the murderer of the President, Mr. Lincoln, and the assassin of the Secretary of State, Mr. Seward, and his son.

C. C, Auger,
Major General, Com'd'g Department.

----------------------------

GENERAL GRANT ADVISED OF PRES1DENT LINCOLN'S ASSASSINATION.

Philadelphia, April 11.-- General Grant received the news of the attempted assassination of the President when at Walnut street wharf, when about taking the cars for Burlington.

----------------------------

ASSOCIATED PRESS ACCOUNT.

President Lincoln and wife, together with other friends, last evening visited Ford Theater for the purpose of witnessing the performance of the American Cousin. It was announced in the newspapers that Gen. Grant would also be present, but that gentleman, instead, took the late train of cars for New Jersey. The theater was densely crowded, and everybody seemed delighted with the scene before them.

During the third act, and while there was temporary pause for one of the actors to enter, a sharp report of a pistol was heard, which merely attracted attention, but suggesting nothing serious until a man rushed to the front of the President's box, waiving (sic - JT) a long dagger in his right hand, and exclaiming "Sic Semper Tyrannis," and immediately leaped from the box, which was of the second tier, to the stage beneath, and ran across to the opposite side thus making his escape, amid the bewilderment of the audience, from the rear of the theater, and, mounting a horse, fled.

The screams of Mrs. Lincoln first disclosed the fact to the audience that the President had been shot, when all present rose to their feet, rushing toward the stage, exclaiming, "Hang him!" "Hang him!''

The excitement was of the wildest possible character, and, of course, there was an abrupt termination of the theatrical performance.

There was a rush towards the President's box, when cries were heard. "Stand back" "Give him air!" "Has anyone stimulants!"

On a hasty examination it was found that the President had been shot through the head, above and back of the temporal bone, and that some of the brain was oozing out. He was removed to the private residence of Mr. Peterson, opposite to the theater, and the Surgeon General of the Army and other surgeons sent for to attend to his condition.

On examination of the private box blood was discovered on the back of the cushioned rocking chair in which the President had been sitting, also on the partition and on the floor.

A common single barreled pocket pistol was found on the carpet.

A military guard was placed in front of the private residence to which the President had been conveyed.

An immense crowd was in front of it, all deeply anxious to learn the condition ot the President. It had been previously announced that the wound was mortal, but all hoped otherwise.

The shock to the community was terrible.

At midnight the Cabinet, with Messrs. Sumner, Colfax, Farnsworth, Judge Cartter, Gov. Oglesby, General Meigs, Major Hay, and a few personal friends, with Surgeon General Barnes and his medical associates, were around his bedside. The President was in a state of syncope, totally insensible, and breathing slowly, the blood oozing from the wound at the back of his head. The surgeons were exhausting every possible effort of medical skill, but all hope was gone. The parting of his family with the dying President is too sad for description.

The President, and Mrs. Lincoln did not start to the theatre, till fifteen minutes past eight o'clock. Speaker Colfax was at the White House at the time, and the President stated to him that he was going, although Mrs. Lincoln had not been well, because the papers had advertised that General Grant and themselves were to be present and, as General Grant had gone North, he did not wish the audience to be disappointed. He went with apparent reluctance, and urged Mr. Colfax to go with him; but that gentleman had made other engagements, and with Mr. Ashmun, of Massachusetts, bade him good-bye.

When the excitement at the theatre was at its wildest height, reports were circulated that Secretary Seward had also been assassinated.

On reaching this gentleman's residence a crowd and a military guard were found at the door, and, on entering, it was ascertained that reports were based upon truth.

Everybody was so much excited that scarcely an intelligible account could be gathered. But the facts are substantially as follows: About ten o'clock, a man rang the bell, and the call having been answered by a colored servant, he said he had come from Dr. Verdi, Secretary Seward's family physician, with a prescription, at the same time holding in his hand a small piece of folded paper, and saying, in answer to a refusal that he must see the Secretary, as he was intrusted with particular directions concerning the medicine. He still insisted on going up, although repeatedly informed that no one could enter the chamber.

The man pushed the servant aside and walked heavily toward the Secretary's room, and was there met by Mr. Frederick W. Seward of whom he demanded to see the Secretary, making the same representation which he did to the servant. What further passed in the way of colloquy is not known, but the man struck him on the head with a billy, severely injuring the skull, and falling him almost senseless.

The assassin then rushed into the chamber and attacked Major Seward (paymaster United States army) and Mr. Hanseil, a messenger of the State Department, and two male nurses, disabling them all. He then rushed upon the Secretary, who was lying in bed in the same room, and inflicted three stabs in his neck, but severing, it Is thought and hoped, no arteries, though be bled profusely.

The assassin then rushed down stairs, mounted his horse at the door and rode off before an alarm could be given; and in the same manner of the assassin of the President.

It is believed the injuries of the Secretary are not mortal, nor those of either of the others. although both the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary are very seriously injured.

Secretaries Stanton and Welles, and other prominent officers of the Government, called at Secretary Seward's house to inquire into his condition, and hearing there of the assassination of the President, proceeded to the house where he was lying, exhibiting, of course, intense anxiety and solicitude.

An immense crowd was gathered in front of the President's house, and a strong guard was also stationed there, many persons evidently supposing that be would be brought to his home.

The entire city last night presented a scene of wild excitement, accompanied by violent expressions of indignation, and the profoundest sorrow. Many persons shed tears.

The military authorities have despatched mounted patrols in every direction, in order, if possible, to arrest the assassins, while the Metropolitan police are alike vigilant for the same purpose. The attacks, both at the theater and at Secretary Seward's, took place at about the same hour -- ten o'clock -- thus showing a precented plan to assassinate these gentlemen.

Some evidence of the guilt of the party who attacked the President is in possession of the police.

Vice President Johnson is in the city, and his hotel quarters are guarded by troops.

2 1/2 a. m.-- The President is still alive, but is growing weaker. The ball is lodged in his brain, three inches from where it entered the skull. He remains insensible, and his condition utterly hopeless

The Vice President has been to see him, but all company except the Cabinet, his family, and a few friends, are rigidly excluded.

Large crowds still continue in the street, as near to the house as the line of guards allow.

----------------------------

IMPORTANT ORDER BY A. O. RICHARDS, SUPERINTENDENT OF THE METROPOLITAN POLICE.

The following was issued by Superintendent Richards at 3 o'clock this morning:
In view of the melancholy events of last evening, I am directed to close all places where liquor is sold to be closed during this day and night.

The sergeants of the several precincts will see that this order is enforced.

A. C. Richards, Superintendent.

----------------------------

FURTHER PARTICULARS OF THE ASSASSINATION.

[From the Chronicle.]

"At half-past ten o'clock last night, in the front upper left hand private box in Ford's Theater, while the seond scene of the third act of 'Our American Cousin' was being played, a pistol was fired, and Abraham Lincoln shot through the neck and lower part of the head.  A second after the shot was fired, a man vaulted over the baluster of the box, saying 'Sic Semper tyrannis.' and, adding another
sentence, which closed with the words, 'revenge for the South,' ran across the stage with a gleaming knife, double-edged and straight, in his right hand. The man was of middle stature, well-built, white faced and beardless save that he wore a black moustache. His hair and eyes were black.

"The crowd ascended the stage; the actresses, pale beneath their rouge, ran wildly about. Miss Keene, whose benefit night it was, came forward, endeavoring to quiet the audience. Several gentlemen climbed to the box, and finally the audience were ordered out by some gentlemen.

" Mrs. Lincoln, Miss Harris and Maj. Rathbnrn were in the box with the President."

The assassin left behind him his hat and spur, which have been identified as belonging to the suspected man, (J. W. Booth.)

The ball entered three inches below the left ear and behind it a little, just beneath the base of the brain, taking an upward direction and lodging in the brain, where it could be felt by the surgeons, but not dislodged.



Friday, April 10, 2015

News of the Week April 10, 1915 -- April 10, 2015


The 03-April -1915 Motography featured "News of the Week as Shown in Films," with items from current newsreels.


"Cardinal Farley and Mayor Mitchell reviewing St. Patrick's Day parade in New York.  Copyright 1915 by Universal Animated Weekly."  John Cardinal Farley was Archbishop of New York from 1902 to 1918.  John Purroy Mitchel was Mayor of New York from 1914 to 1917. 

"Armless wonder driving car from coast to coast.  Copyright 1915 by Pathe News."  I have not been able to find the armless wonder's name. 


"Columbia crew off for the first spin of the year.  Copyright 1915 by Pathe News."  I'll bet most of these young men were in the military two or three years later. 

"German Red Cross caring for wounded at Lowicz, Poland.  Copyright 1915 Hearst-Selig News Pictorial."  The Germans were attacking towards Warsaw to try to distract the Russians from East Prussia. 


"English Chancellor reviewing troops at Llandudno, Wales.  Copyright 1915 Hearst-Selig News Pictorial."  Richard Haldane, former Secretary of State for War, was probably Lord Chancellor at this time. 

"Lloyd George inspects Welsh brigade at Llandudno, Wales.  Copyright 1915 by Universal Animated Weekly."  Welsh Liberal politician David Lloyd George had been Chancellor of the Exchequer.  He became Minister of Munitions during the 1915 Shell Crisis. 

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Surrender of Lee and His Whole Army -- April 9, 2015


Robert E Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia.  The Civil War was not over, but it was close.  From the 10-April-1865 New York Sun. 

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Billie Holiday 100 -- April 7, 2015

www.listal.com

Happy 100th birthday to Lady Day, Billie Holiday, who was born on 07-April-1915.  Her singing was influenced by jazz musicians and her singing influenced jazz players and singers. 


Monday, April 6, 2015

Lon Simmons, RIP -- April 6, 2015


I was sad to learn that Giants broadcaster Lon Simmons has died.  I grew up listening to Lon broadcast Giants games on KSFO.  He started with the Giants, working with Russ Hodges, when the Giants came to San Francisco in 1958.  I was sad when he retired in 1973 and happy when he came back in 1976.  I was very sad when he went to the Oakland Athletics in 1981.  I was happy again when he returned from 1996 to 2002.  He entered the Hall of Fame in 2004.  I liked his sense of humor and his dry delivery.  I will miss his voice. 

Sunday, April 5, 2015

Happy Easter, 2015 -- April 5, 2015


Happy Easter, everyone. Here is a view from the parking lot of Good Shepherd Church before the Easter Vigil.

Friday, April 3, 2015

News of the Week April 3, 1915 -- April 3, 2015


The 03-April -1915 Motography featured "News of the Week as Shown in Films," with items from current newsreels.


"Twenty-ninth U. S. Infantry leaves New York for Panama Canal zone.  Copyright 1915 by Pathe News."  The 29th Infantry Regiment stayed in the Canal Zone until September, 1918. 

"Rescuing all that was left of Lincoln Beachey and his ill-fated machine.   Copyright 1915 Hearst-Selig News Pictorial."  Lincoln Beachey was the featured aerial performer at San Francisco's Panama Pacific International Exposition, where he died on 14-March-1915 when his new monoplane crashed into the bay, where he drowned, trapped in the wreckage:
http://cablecarguy.blogspot.com/2015/03/lincoln-beachey-plunges-mile-out-of-sky.html


"The Kaiser on the battlefield in North Poland.  Copyright 1915 by Universal Animated Weekly."  Kaiser Wilhelm II was visiting his troops who had driven the Russians back after they invaded East Prussia. 

"Rome, Italy visited by a great flood that swept through the city.  Copyright 1915 by Pathe News."  Rome's Tiber River flooded frequently.  The flood of 1915 lasted a long time.


"Launching the U. S. S. Pennsylvania at Newport News.  Copyright 1915 Hearst-Selig News Pictorial."  Dreadnaught USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) was launched on 16-March-1915.  During the Pearl Harbor attack, she was in drydock, but her anti-aircraft guns fought back.  15 of her crew were killed, but she was able to sail to San Francisco for repairs.

"A mile-a-minute on skiis at Montreal, Canada.  Copyright 1915 by Universal Animated Weekly."  I assume this is a ski jump competition.