Monday, May 30, 2016

A Look at Some of Hampton Road's Most Famous Ships-- Part 3: The First Aircraft Carrier

Aircraft Carrier No. 1.  It was converted from a collier at Norfolk Naval Yard and became the USS Langley (CV-1).  It was anchored in the James River when a Vought biplane piloted by Lt. V.C. Griffin made the Navy's first-ever takeoff from a ship on October 17, 1922.

The first purpose-built aircraft carrier launched at Newport News in 1933, the USS Ranger (CV-4).  It was the first U.S. Navy ship designed from the keel up as an aircraft carrier.  Its island feature established the distinctive profile of all carriers that followed.

--DaCootShip

Thursday, May 26, 2016

A Look At Some of Hampton Roads' Most Famous Ships-- Part 2: America's First Battleship

America's first battleship, the USS Texas (BB-1) had the most modern armament, armor and design.  It was built by the Norfolk Naval Shipyard starting in 1889, but was considered already obsolete by its commissioning in 1895, though it did play an important role in the Spanish-American War.

The USS Pennsylvania was built by Newport News and commissioned in 1915 as the lead ship of a new class of "Super Dreadnaught Battleships."  It was the first major warship to feature four triple-gun turrets mounting 12 massive 14-inch naval guns.

--CooterDread


Wednesday, May 25, 2016

A Look at Some of Hampton Roads' Most Famous Ships-- Part 1: USS Chesapeake

From the January 10, 2014, Stars and Stripes by Mark St. John Erickson of the Hampton Roads Daily Press.  Like I said before, he sure gets the good articles to write.

Two of the most famous shipyards are located in Hampton Roads, Virginia, area: Norfolk Naval Shipyard which launched its first U.S. Navy warship in 1799 and the Newport News Shipbuilding which was founded in 1886.

In 1798, the USS Chesapeake, the fourth and smallest of the original "Super Frigates."  (The USS Constitution was one of them.)  The ship and country were greatly embarrassed when it was boarded by the HMS Shannon off of Cape Henry and the famous "Don't Give Up the Ship" quote came about because of it.

The CSS Virginia, built on the hull of the USS Merimack and fought the famous Battle of Hampton Roads against the USS Monitor.

--Cooter

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Ten Greatest Shipwrecks-- Part 2: SS Carpathia

QUEDAGH MERCHANT--  Indian merchant ship seized by pirate Captain Kidd in 1699.  Found 2007 off Dominican Republic.

HMS VICTORY--  (Not Lord Nelson's HMS Victory, a different one.)  100-gun ship-of-the-line sunk in a storm in the English Channel in 1744.  Wreck discovered in 2008.

USS MONITOR--

SS CARPATHIA--  Rescued survivors of the Titanic in 1912.  Sunk be German U-boat off Land's End, Britain in 1917.  Found 1999.

RHONE--  Sunk 1867

There was more information at the site.

--DaSunkCoot

Ten Greatest Shipwreck Discoveries-- Part 1 HMS Mary Rose

From the September 8, 2014, Telegraph (UK) by Nick Allen.

RMS TITANIC-- Discovered 1985

HMS MARY ROSE--  1971.  Salvaged in 1982, sank in the 1500s.

TERRA NOVA--  Sank 1942, discovered 2012.  Took Robert Falcon Scott on his South Pole expedition.

VASA--  Sweden.  Sank on its maiden voyage in 1628.  Found in the 1950s.  Now housed in a Swedish museum.

SANTA MARGARITA--  Spanish galleon sunk off Florida.  Found in 1980 with huge treasure aboard.

--Cootwreck

Monday, May 23, 2016

Looking Back to 77 Years Ago: What to Do With Chief Shabbona's Old Home

From the October 8, 2014, MidWeek "Looking Back"

October 11, 1939:  "Protest against the purchase of the Smith farm of 190 acres, 80 rods east of the village of Shabbona, as a site for an incorrigible boys home was made by Bert Challand, Shabbona Township supervisor.  ...He stated that the farm is the site of Chief Shabbona's old home, and advocated that the farm should be purchased by the forest preserve district as a shrine."

--Cooter

Looking Back 102 Years, 1914: The War in Europe and Mexican Revolution

From the October 8, 2014, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."

Solicitors will gather up money to send Red Cross nurses to Europe to take care of wounded soldiers.  There is no question but the wounded should be cared for, but why should the United States spend money caring for them while the countries to which they belong are spending money to create wounded soldiers."

They have a point there.

**  "The supervising architect of the post office building now being constructed in Sycamore found in the course of excavation on the site a Greek coin dated 1826. "

**  "There will be no reception of Mexican wounded by American army officers at Naco, Arizona, opposite Naco Sonora, where Villista and Carracista forces are about to engage in another battle."

Wonder What Its Story Was.  --DaCoot

Looking Back 127 Years Ago, 1889: Congrats to DeKalb on New Shoe Factory

From the October 8, 2014, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."

October 9, 1889:  DeKalb (Illinois) has secured the promise of a location in her limits of the A.G. Leonatf & Co. boot and shoe factory.  ...Sycamore feliciates her sister city upon the exhibition of enterprise and hopes that in time she may grow large enough to wear a pair of red-topped, copper-toed boots with a barb in each heel."

Not sure about this compliment.

--CootBoot

Friday, May 20, 2016

FoxLake/Grant Township Historical Society Meeting Tomorrow

Tomorrow, the FL/GT Historical Society will meet at the Grant Hall Museum at 9:30 a.m. at 411 Washington Street in Ingleside, Illinois.

Topic of the day will be "The Curious Tale of Lake County's First Public Execution" and will be given by Ty Rohrer of the Waukegan Historical Society.

Sounds Like a Capital Talk.  --Cooter

Looking Back 127 Years Ago-- Part 1: "Will Is Growing Portly"

From the October 8, 2014, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."

**  "It is hoped that a jury may be secured in the Cronin case before the prisoners all die of old age."  I was unable to find out anything about this case.

**  There was a commendable absence of boys from street corners and church entrances Sunday evening.  About 25 prominent citizens volunteered to act as special policemen, so the boys don't know when they would be safe in cutting up their disagreeable antics."

Did we have gangs back then?  What were the boys' "disagreeable antics?"

**  "Will Savery, with his wife and children, visited Cortland relatives this week.  Will is growing portly."

I Am Sure That Will Appreciated the Comment.  --DaCoot

Looking Back 77 Years Ago-- Part 2: "Surrender and Take Your Medicine"

75 Years Ago, October 18, 1939.

**  "Arthur Stolb surrendered tio DeKalb County authorities Monday.  Stolb was accused of having engaged in a fight on February 10 and to have cut a man.  He escaped in his auto and was a fugitive.

"Judge Kennedy, engaged as his counsel, advised the fugitive to surrender and take his medicine.  he was sentenced to 60 days in county jail and a fine of $200 and costs."

**  Efforts to get numbers on all unnumbered city houses.  Merchants complain that it is hard to make deliveries with no numbers."

Thou Shalt Not Cut.  --Cooter

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Looking Back 77 Years Ago-- Part 1: A Grave Situation in the Cemetery

From the October 15, 2014, MidWeek "Looking Back."

75 years Ago, October 18, 1939.

**  "Sixteen mammoth grotesque heads for as many boys, who will wear them in the Halloween night parade on October 31, are being made in the crafts room of the community center."  (Even before they had the annual Pumpkin festival in Sycamore.)

**  "Suit filed by Harvey Peavey, claims to have purchased the south half of a lot in Kingston Cemetery several years ago and buried his wife there.

"Last spring it was claimed that Edward Brown was buried in the same grave, placing the casket above the one containing Mrs. Peavey."

Real the Real Cadaver Please Stand Up.  --DaBooCoot

Looking Back 102 Years: Forget the War in Europe and Political Campaign, the World Series Is On

From the October 15, 2014, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back:

October 14, 100 years ago.

"It does not matter how many thousands are being killed in Europe, or what the trouble is in Mexico, or what are the great issues of the present political campaign.

"The only question that has occupied the public mind this week is which ball team will win the world series, the Boston Braves or Philadelphia Athletics."

Apathy Way Back then.  --Cooter

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

The Woodstock and Sycamore Traction Company-- Part 2

The line stretched for 26.3 miles, but was never electrified due to a lack of funds, so they used gasoline-powered cars.  Three 55-foot McKeen cars were purchased but proved unsatisfactory and were replaced by two small Fairbanks-Morse cars.

The increased popularity of automobiles put the company out of business.

There is a 56-page book on the company by William L. Robertson offered on the National Business Trader site.

Pylons of the tracks over the Milwaukee Road Railroad tracks near Hampshire still stand.

--DaCoot

The Woodstock and Sycamore Traction Company-- Part 1

From Wikipedia.

Back in April, in a Looking Back post I wrote that John Seymour, a contractor who constructed the Woodstock-Sycamore Traction Line was injured along with three men on a gasoline section car near Genoa.  on March 24, 1915.

The Woodstock and Sycamore Traction Company was a short-lived  interurban railroad that ran from 1911 to 1918 between Sycamore and Marengo.  It never did reach Woodstock as it planned.

The headquarters and repair shop were in Genoa, about half-way between Sycamore and Marengo.

--CooterUrban

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Looking Back 126 Years to March 22, 1890: Got Drunk and Drowned

From the March 22, 2015, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) " Looking Back."

March 22, 1890

**  John Perry fell into a cistern near Hinckley and drowned.  "In the habit of becoming intoxicated and it is thought he was in that condition when the accident occurred."

**  William T. Adee, prominent DeKalb farmer, died at his home in South Grove last Friday.  His parents, Jonathan and Jane Adee were among the earliest pioneers of the county who settled in South Grove in 1843.  Of their 12 children, six are living in DeKalb County, other than one, Thomas Adee, who lives in Rockford.

**  Fishing is good in the Kishwaukee River lately, but it is the belief that some are illegally snared.

**  A citizen timed the middle train from Richardson to Sycamore, a distance of six miles, and found it made the run in just six minutes, a mile a minute!

An, So It Was 126 Years Ago.  --DaCoot

Looking Back to 1941, 75 Years Ago: 85th Anniversary of the True Republican Newspaper

From the January 21, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."

1941, 75 years ago.

"This week marks the 85th anniversary of the True Republican.  The True Republican was founded on January 15, 1857, when its first issue was put out on what would appear now to be a crude newspaper press.

"Its pages were smeared with ink and its print small and hard to read and from the standards of the present day it was unattractive."

Of course, DeKalb County is in the heart of Republican territory, other than perhaps NIU.  This is one newspaper's "congratulations" to another.

--DaCoot

Monday, May 16, 2016

Four Mysteries From Ancient Egypt

From the April 26, 2016, Yahoo! Beauty "4 Mysteries From Ancient Egypt We Still Can't Figure Out" mic.com.

1.  What did ancient Egyptians look like.  Were they white or black or a mixture?

2.  How ere the pyramids built.

3.  How did King Tut die?

4.  What is hidden inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu?

Walking Like an Egyptian.  --CootTut

Looking Back 100 Years: The News of My Death Has Been Greatly Exaggerated

From the January 21, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."

1916, 100 years ago.

**  An error occurred in the obituary notice of Milo Wells which appeared in our last issue.  It was stated that Mrs. Wells was dead.  This was a mistake.  Mrs. Wells is living and is a resident of Chicago.

**  Sandwich (Illinois) schools were closed for a week after the holiday season because of an epidemic of scarlet fever."

**  "Any kind of weather you want a whole lot you don't has come this week.  Tuesday there was snow, Wednesday there was heavy rain and warm weather, and Thursday night the mercury dropped like a plummeted from the forties the temperature fell to 15 degrees below zero on Thursday morning."

Of Course, Living In Chicago Today Is Definitely Dangerous To Your Health If You Live In Certain Areas.  --Cooter

Looking Back 51 Years, 1965: Fire at DeKalb's Suburban Estates

From the November 3, 2015, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."

"A propane gas torch being used to lay floor tile was blamed Thursday aftrenoon for igniting a devastating fire at Suburban Estates northwest of DeKalb.

"The blaze gutted a 32-unit apartment building and caused an estimated $100,000 in damage to the structure and furnishings."

Liz lived at Suburban Estates with her roommate Debbie senior year at NIU, 1972-1973.

Bet Somebody Got Fired. --DaCoot

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Looking Back 51 Years Ago, 1965: NIU Homecoming and Vietnam War Protest

From the November 3, 2015, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back"

1965, 50 years ago.

"NIU's 1965 Homecoming is set for November 6.  In addition, new structures will be dedicated, a Legislative Day Luncheon, a celebration of the Golden Anniversary of Williston Hall which is the first residence hall built on campus.

**  Demonstrators from NIU opposed to the Vietnam War didn't make much of a show Saturday in DeKalb.  Approximately 25 boys and girls gathered at the University Center and paraded down Lincoln Highway to Fourth Street, south to Franklin then west to Huntley Park.

"Carrying placards opposing the fighting, the group sat on the grass and listened to a number of speakers."

These protests certainly increased toward the end of the decade.

--Cooter

Friday, May 13, 2016

Spanish-American War Memorial Dedicated in Goldsboro, NC-- Part 5: The Goldsboro Rifles

The Goldsboro Rifles were a company of volunteers for the Confederacy in the Civil War from the local area.  They were disbanded after Lee's surrender at Appomattox, but reestablished in the 1870s.  It was a company of soldiers and eventually T.H. Bain became their commanding officer with the rank of captain.

When war with Spain broke out in 1898, the U.S. government called for volunteers and many members of the Goldsboro Rifles answered the call.  Diseases in tropical camps claimed as many of the American troops as bullets on the battlefield.

Bain made his request to honor his fallen men in the local newspaper, but nothing ever came of it...until now.

My Great Uncle David M. Prince, whom I wrote about last week, was a member of the Goldsboro Rifles during World War I.

A Big Thanks to Logan Tillman.  --Cooter

Spanish-American War Memorial Dedicated in Goldsboro, NC-- Part 4: Eagle Scout Project

Eagle Scout candidate Logan Tillman said he chose the project because of its historical significance and because he wanted to do something different for his Eagle Scout project.

He held a barbecue chicken fundraiser to get the money for the monument and led the project from start to finish.  he is the son of a very proud Tony and Susan Tillman.

--Cooter

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Spanish-American War Memorial Dedicated in Goldsboro, NC-- Part 3: All Four Died of Disease

Members of the Bain family were on hand to witness the event.  T.H. Bain, the great grandson of T.H. Bain came to the event from Florida and said, "We're really extremely honored that Mr. Tillman not only honored the four men who died but honored Theodore Bain and the Bain family and we're very appreciative as well."

Great granddaughter of Captain T.H. Bain, Georgia Bain Reese, from Wilmington, N.C., was also on hand.

The four men honored on the memorial are: Pvt. Archer C. Hayes, Pvt. Newman P. Jones, Pvt. Charles R. Barnes and Pvt. Thomas R. Edwards.  Hayes and Jones died in a Florida camp and Barnes and Edwards died in Havana, Cuba.

--Cooter

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

North Carolina's Cheerwine-- Part 2: Secret Formula

The exact formula for Cheerwine has never been revealed, and the company  that produces it is still owned and operated by Peeler descendants.

The popularity  of the new drink was so great that the bottling company changed its name in 1924 to the Piedmont Cheerwine Bottling Company.  For many years the drink was only available in western North Carolina where it is still tremendously popular, but in 1981 the company began to expand beyond its traditional market into neighboring states.

In January 2003 Cheerwine became available in Europe for the first time through a licensing agreement with a local bottling company in Norway.

I always stock up with at least four two liter bottles of Diet Cheerwine when I visit North Carolina.

--DaCheerCoot

North Carolina's Cheerwine-- Part 1: World War I Sugar Shortages

From the Encyclopedia of North Carolina "Cheerwine: by Eileen McGrath.

In 1913, L.D. Peeler and several other investors in Salisbury purchased stock in the Kentucky-based Mint-Cola Bottling Company, and Peeler started the local bottling franchise of the company.  When the parent company went bankrupt in 1917, the Salisbury investors purchased their local branch and renamed it the Carolina beverage Corporation.

In the same year, in response to a sugar shortage during World War I, Peeler sought ways to make his cola drink with less sugar.  After experimenting with different formulas, he added wild cherry flavoring to a cola to create Cheerwine.  The name comes from the drink's cherry flavor and burgundy wine color.

--Cooterwine

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Spanish-American War Memorial Dedicated in Goldsboro, NC-- Part 2: Fulfilled Their Captain's Wish 117 Years Later

"One-hundred and seventeen years ago, T.H. Bain, the captain of the Goldsboro Rifles, made a public plea for a monument to be raised in the memory of the four members of his unit who died during the Spanish-American War.

"On Saturday, that wish was finally fulfilled."

I sure would have been there had I known about it and not has a 90th birthday party for my Aunt Louise to attend.

A monument bearing their names was dedicated in the Bain family plot in Goldsboro's Willowdale Cemetery.  The project was guided by Eagle Scout candidate Logan Tillman of Troop 581.

One more reason to like the Boy Scouts.

All four members of the Goldsboro Rifles died of disease.

--Cooter

Monday, May 9, 2016

Spanish-American War Memorial Dedicated in Goldsboro, N.C.-- Part 1

From the May 8, 2016, Goldsboro (NC) News-Argus "Memorial to four men that died during the Spanish-American War dedicated" by Dennis Hall.

**  Eagle Scout candidate Logan Tillman leads project to honor Goldsboro Rifles.

**  Photograph:  Georgia Bain Reese and her brother J.D. Bain stand next to a monument erected in the memory of members of the Goldsboro Rifles who died during the Spanish-American War.

--DaCoot

Sunday, May 8, 2016

World War I's Lt. David M. Prince-- Part 3: His Uniform and Helmet

The Wayne County Museum has David Prince's helmet worn by him in World War I.  The type of helmet was designed in 1917.  German troops called these helmets"salatschussel" meaning salad bowl, which they did resemble.

The logo on it is hand painted with three "Xs," standing for the 30th Division.  If the logo is rotated by turning the helmet, you can read "OH", standing for "Old Hickory," Lt. Prince's division's nickname.

There is also a military coat worn by him during his service along the Mexican border near El Paso, Texas, for six months beginning July 1916.  You can still see the outline of his sergeant's stripes on the sleeves.

--Cooter


Friday, May 6, 2016

World War I's Lt. David M. Prince-- Part 1: Officer Training and World War I

I was in the Wayne County Museum earlier this week and there is a display of a picture, uniform top coat, helmet and his Carnegie Medal.

Lt. Prince was my great uncle.

Lt. David M. Prince, Co. I, 119th Infantry.  Born in Halifax, N.C., August 7, 1896 to David and Minnie Prince.  As a child he moved to Goldsboro.

In May 1915, he joined the North Carolina National Guard and was assigned to Co. E, 2nd N.C. Infantry Regiment and made a sergeant with Lt. Zeno Hollowell.

He went to officer training at Camp Stanley near San Antonio, Texas and rejoined the regiment as a second lieutenant in Company I at Camp Servier, S.C., before deployment to France in May 1918 during World War I.


World War I's Lt. David M. Prince-- Part 2: Died Saving a Young Boy's Life

Lt. Prince returned to the United States in April 1919 and worked as a salesman for Smith Hardware in Goldsboro, N.C..

A few months later, he drowned in a flooded field near the junction of the Little and Neuse rivers near Goldsboro on July 26, 1919.  He was trying to rescue Jefferson Merritt, age 12,  Mr. Prince held the boy's head above the rampaging waters and saved him, but drowned in the process.

David Prince was posthumously awarded the Carnegie Medal for Heroism.

He is buried next to his parents at Goldsboro's Willow Dale Cemetery.


Before Mad... The First Alfred E. Neuman?

From the July 2015 Our State Magazine "Before Mad..."

Mad magazine's familiar face first appeared in "The State" magazine in 1935, and on the magazine's cover in 1938.

"We can't say for sure that the editors of "Mad" magazine were fans of "The State," but the iconic "Mad" mascot debuted in 1954, Alfred E. Neuman, bears a striking resemblance to "Athaletic Al," who graced the cover of "The State" some twenty years before.

"Even Rich Powell, who regularly illustrates comics for "Mad" was surprised by the similarity.

"Turns out, "A;" was actually a popular character in print advertising as far back as the late 1800s."

"What, Me Worry? "  --Cooter

Thursday, May 5, 2016

Vintage Advertising: The Jolly Green Giant

From the May/June 2016, Saturday Evening Post "Scary Giant Finds His Gentler Side."

Created in 1928, the Green Giant was originally the mascot of the Minnesota Valley Canning Company and created to sell their unusually large green peas.  Originally he looked more like a wild-haired caveman wearing a bearskin.

That was until a young Leo Burnett gave him the makeover as he appears today: a green, leafy suit, green skin, a big smile and the word Jolly in front of his name.  It was pointed out that in the first TV ads appeared in 1958, Leo Burnett's agency added the signature "Ho, Ho, Ho" laugh.

To make him even more accessible, a companion, the Little Green Sprout, was added in 1972.

The canning company is now called the Green Giant Company and today is the largest vegetable brand in the world.

And, the Jolly Green Giant has been named one of the top 10 ad icons of the 20th century by Advertising Age magazine.

Ho, Ho, Ho.  --GreenCooter


Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Centennial of Indy 500 This Month-- Part 2: And, I'll Be There

Barney Oldfield continued:  "The track was built with this idea in view. (To test driving skill and car stamina.)  Consequently, instead of two great ends with uniform curving, the track is four-cornered, with four straight curves and a short straightaway between the two corners that go to make up each end.  This cuts down the average speed, but it makes for thrilling racing."

Racing at the Indy track has led to engineering breakthroughs that are in your family vehicle such as disc brakes, independent suspension, high-mileage radial tires and fuel-injection.

I have been to this race the last five years.  We sit high above the track in what is called the catwalk between the 1st and 2nd turns.

Always a Great Time.  --DaVroomer

Centennial of the Indy 500 This Month-- Part 1: From 100 MPH to 230 MPH

From the May/June Saturday Evening Post.

In 1925, when the top speed of a Model T was 45 mph, retired racing pioneer Barney Oldfield, the first man to break the 60 mph speed barrier, wrote in the pages of the Saturday Evening Post of how exciting it was to see cars at the Indy track exceeding 100 mph.

Of course, today you can even go faster than 100 mph in your own car.  At this year's 100th running of the the Indy 500 (and I'll be at it) the winner will be traveling nearly 230 mph.

It is still a hard race.  Back in the September 26, 1925, issue of the Saturday Evening Post, Oldfield wrote: "Conditions at the Indianapolis track are such that they demand driving skill and car stamina, as well as speed."

Vroom! Vroom!  --CootFaster

10 Symptoms of the Modern World That Aren't Modern At All-- Part 2

5.  Amazing advertisements--  Rome

4.  Overpaid, hedonistic sports stars--  Rome

3.  Cash grabs and unimaginative sequels--  Since "The Birth of a Nation" movie.

2.  Modern Disney stories--p  Rapunzel

1.  Listicles--  (Like This) Making lists has been around for a long time.

--Cootlist

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

10 Symptoms of the Modern World That Aren't Modern At All-- Part 1: What About "Selfies?"

From the April 23, 2016, Listverse by Morris M..  Go to the site to read more.

10.  Millenials--  Ancient Greece

9.  New Atheism--  10th century

8.  Selfies--  been around as long as cameras

7.  Insane Fan Fiction--  Bible

6.  Social Media--  There is plenty of graffiti at Vesuvius

--DaCootial

What Was the Greatest Warship of All Time?-- Part 2: What Is a Korean "Turtle" Boat?

The site gives information on the ships and why they were included in the list.

Other top vote-getters:

Korean Turtle Boats  OK, I had to look up these boats.  Never heard of them before.

From 1591, flat-bottomed, convex-covered decks.  70-110 feet and studded with spikes and gunports and loopholes for muskets.

USS Enterprise, aircraft carrier CV-6.

HMS Dreadnaught-- revolutionary design.

USS Iowa  BB-61

USS Nautilus SSN-571--  first nuclear submarine

SMS Emden

--DaCoot

Monday, May 2, 2016

What Is the Greatest Warship of All Time? --Part 1

From the April 8, 2016, Naval History Blog by Jon Hoppe.

The USNI (United States Naval Institute) asked its readers to nominate and vote for the greatest warship of all time.  There were 900 reader-generated answers and 26,000 votes.

One ship led the poll in all aspects.

That ship;  the USS Constitution.

For the other top vote-getters, see tomorrow's blog.

--Cootership

Looking Back: The Cops Mean Business About Those Vehicle Stickers in 1941

From the April 20, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."

1941, 75 years ago.

"May 1 is the deadline for the payment of the city vehicle tax chief of police Horace Feathergill warned Sycamore automobile and truck owners today.  The city officials mean business, Feathergill warned, and automobiles without stickers will provide a case for arrest of the delinquent owners."

Arrested for No Sticker.  DaCoot