From the April 13, 2012, Lancashire (UK) Telegraph "Titanic Centenary: Colne's heroic bandmaster and the fiancee he left behind" by Peter Magill.
Maria Robinson lived in relative obscurity after that fateful night. She died from stomach cancer in Bridlington in June 1929. She was the daughter of a prominent Yorkshire industrialist and remained heartbroken for the rest of her days over the death of her beloved Wallace Hartley.
She never married and lived with her mother and sister until 1930. He brother took over her father's firm.
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Maria Robinson-- Part 1: Fiancee of Wallace Hartley, the Titanic's Bandleader
Back in 2014, I wrote about Wallace Hartley, bandleader on the Titanic. He left a fiancee named Maria Robinson. They became engaged in 1910 and had plans for marriage in the summer of 1912.
In February 2012, researcher Jill Pengelly found a photograph of Maria Robinson at Wallace Hartley's funeral.
She died in 1939 and is buried in an unmarked grave in a cemetery near Leeds.
The Titanic organization is raising funds to mark her grave.
In February 2012, researcher Jill Pengelly found a photograph of Maria Robinson at Wallace Hartley's funeral.
She died in 1939 and is buried in an unmarked grave in a cemetery near Leeds.
The Titanic organization is raising funds to mark her grave.
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Titanic Bodies Recovered by C.S. Minia-- Part 2
Victuallizing crew would be the ones providing food for the passengers and crew.
Howell, Arthur-- 31, victuallizing crew, saloon steward, #319
King, Ernest-- 28, victuallizing crew, clerk (1st class), #321
Moen, Sigurd-- 27, 3rd class, 7 pounds 13 shillings, carpenter/joiner, #309
Mullin, Thomas-- 20, victuallizing crew, 3rd class steward, #328
Stanbrook, Augustus-- 30, engineering crew, fireman, #316
Wiklund, Jakob-- 18, 3rd class passenger, 6 pounds 9 shillings, 11 d, general laborer, #314
Wittman, Henry-- 30, victuallizing crew, bathroom steward 1st class, #315
Yousseff, Gerios-- 26, 3rd class passenger, 7 pounds 4 s., Shoemaker, #312
Howell, Arthur-- 31, victuallizing crew, saloon steward, #319
King, Ernest-- 28, victuallizing crew, clerk (1st class), #321
Moen, Sigurd-- 27, 3rd class, 7 pounds 13 shillings, carpenter/joiner, #309
Mullin, Thomas-- 20, victuallizing crew, 3rd class steward, #328
Stanbrook, Augustus-- 30, engineering crew, fireman, #316
Wiklund, Jakob-- 18, 3rd class passenger, 6 pounds 9 shillings, 11 d, general laborer, #314
Wittman, Henry-- 30, victuallizing crew, bathroom steward 1st class, #315
Yousseff, Gerios-- 26, 3rd class passenger, 7 pounds 4 s., Shoemaker, #312
Titanic Bodies Recovered by Minia-- Part 1
From the Encyclopedia Titanica.
The number after the name, age and occupation is the Body Number
Cartwirght, James, 32, victuallizing crew, Saloon Steward, #320
Donati, Italo, 17, restaurant staff, assistant waiter, #311
Elliott, Everett, 24, engineering crew, trimmer, #317
Fynney, Joseph, 35, 2nd class passenger,. ticket 25 pounds, businessman, #307
Gatti, Gaspare, 37, restaurant staff a la carte, restaurant manager, #313
Hays, Charles, 55, 1st class passenger, ticket 93 pounds 10 shillings, businessman, #307
The number after the name, age and occupation is the Body Number
Cartwirght, James, 32, victuallizing crew, Saloon Steward, #320
Donati, Italo, 17, restaurant staff, assistant waiter, #311
Elliott, Everett, 24, engineering crew, trimmer, #317
Fynney, Joseph, 35, 2nd class passenger,. ticket 25 pounds, businessman, #307
Gatti, Gaspare, 37, restaurant staff a la carte, restaurant manager, #313
Hays, Charles, 55, 1st class passenger, ticket 93 pounds 10 shillings, businessman, #307
Monday, June 27, 2016
NIU's Basketball Hall-of-Famer Jerry Zielinski
Last week, I wrote about the death of one of Northern Illinois' greatest basketball coaches, Tom Jorgensen, in 2013.
One of his best-players, and my own personal favorite from when I attended that school was Jerry Zielinski. games back then were played at Evans Field House, a glorified high school gymnasium (before the state-of-the-art Convocation Center was built). And, the games were exciting, much of it due to Zielinski's accurate long-range shots.
He'd get the ball way outside and the crowd would start yelling, "Zee, Zee, Zee!!" I sure did that a lot of yelling. he was Mr. Excitement.
He averaged 19.2 points a game and notched 1,402 career points in the era before the three-point shot was instituted. Imagine how many more he would have had
The "Zee" was on that great NIU 1971-1972 team that went 21-4 and beat national power house Indiana which wa sranked #5 at the time. His career high was against SIU with 46 points.
"Zee" played his high school basketball at Putnam County High School in Granville, Illinois.
"Zee" Shoots, He Scores!!!" --DaCootZee
One of his best-players, and my own personal favorite from when I attended that school was Jerry Zielinski. games back then were played at Evans Field House, a glorified high school gymnasium (before the state-of-the-art Convocation Center was built). And, the games were exciting, much of it due to Zielinski's accurate long-range shots.
He'd get the ball way outside and the crowd would start yelling, "Zee, Zee, Zee!!" I sure did that a lot of yelling. he was Mr. Excitement.
He averaged 19.2 points a game and notched 1,402 career points in the era before the three-point shot was instituted. Imagine how many more he would have had
The "Zee" was on that great NIU 1971-1972 team that went 21-4 and beat national power house Indiana which wa sranked #5 at the time. His career high was against SIU with 46 points.
"Zee" played his high school basketball at Putnam County High School in Granville, Illinois.
"Zee" Shoots, He Scores!!!" --DaCootZee
American Legion Baseball in High Gear Here: Going to Tonight's Game Against Lake Zurich
The Fox Lake Bulldogs of Post 703 in Fox Lake, Illinois, travels to Lake Zurich for a game tonight. I'll be there.
From the American Legion Site:
"American Legion Baseball is a national institution, having thrived through a world war, several nation tragedies, and times of great prosperity as well as great despair."
The 2016 American Legion World Series will be August 11-16 this year in Shelby, North Carolina.
One of the notable Major League Baseball players who played Legion ball was Bob feller.
The best-named team is the Hooker Horny Toads of Hooker Oklahoma in the panhandle area. They are sponsored by the Jack Goosen Post #137. They report great tee-shirt sales, including the one I bought when passing through.
Teams play in June and July.
From the American Legion Site:
"American Legion Baseball is a national institution, having thrived through a world war, several nation tragedies, and times of great prosperity as well as great despair."
The 2016 American Legion World Series will be August 11-16 this year in Shelby, North Carolina.
One of the notable Major League Baseball players who played Legion ball was Bob feller.
The best-named team is the Hooker Horny Toads of Hooker Oklahoma in the panhandle area. They are sponsored by the Jack Goosen Post #137. They report great tee-shirt sales, including the one I bought when passing through.
Teams play in June and July.
Friday, June 24, 2016
American Legion in High Gear Around Here-- Part 2: Fox Lake Bulldogs Are 4-1
From Wikipedia.
American Legion baseball is amateur baseball played by teenage boys in all fifty states.
The American Legion Department of South Dakota established it in 1925 in Millbank, South Dakota. The inaugural season was in 1926. According to the American Legion: "The purpose is to give young men an opportunity to develop their skills, personal fitness, leadership qualities and to have fun."
The states of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin are in the Great Lakes Division.
Illinois has 84 teams, Minnesota the most with 320, Hawaii 2 and Alaska 1.
The National Champs in 2013 and 2014 was Brooklawn, New Jersey, Post 72.
--RoadBat
American Legion baseball is amateur baseball played by teenage boys in all fifty states.
The American Legion Department of South Dakota established it in 1925 in Millbank, South Dakota. The inaugural season was in 1926. According to the American Legion: "The purpose is to give young men an opportunity to develop their skills, personal fitness, leadership qualities and to have fun."
The states of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin are in the Great Lakes Division.
Illinois has 84 teams, Minnesota the most with 320, Hawaii 2 and Alaska 1.
The National Champs in 2013 and 2014 was Brooklawn, New Jersey, Post 72.
--RoadBat
American Legion Baseball in High Gear Around Here-- Part 1
I have recently become aware of the existence of a baseball team at our American Legion Post 703 here in Fox Lake, Illinois, of which I am a member of the Sons of the American Legion because of my grandfather, a World War I veteran.
The teams in area, the Illinois 10th District American Legion Baseball are in high gear with their season which runs from mid-June to mid-July. All the boys on our team also play on the Grant High School baseball team. Home games are played at Grant High School here in Fox Lake.
Last year, there were 14 teams in the league and Lake Zurich came in first with a 12-0 record. Our Fox Lake team, the Fox Lake Bulldogs, were 8-4-1. Other teams were also all from Lake County: Lake Villa, Zion, Waukegan, Deerfield, Grayslake, Mundelein, Libertyville, Lake Forest, Gurnee and Wauconda.
Play Ball!!--Cooter
The teams in area, the Illinois 10th District American Legion Baseball are in high gear with their season which runs from mid-June to mid-July. All the boys on our team also play on the Grant High School baseball team. Home games are played at Grant High School here in Fox Lake.
Last year, there were 14 teams in the league and Lake Zurich came in first with a 12-0 record. Our Fox Lake team, the Fox Lake Bulldogs, were 8-4-1. Other teams were also all from Lake County: Lake Villa, Zion, Waukegan, Deerfield, Grayslake, Mundelein, Libertyville, Lake Forest, Gurnee and Wauconda.
Play Ball!!--Cooter
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Death of Former NIU Basketball Coach Tom Jorgenson-- Part 3
I saw three seasons of "Jorgy" Ball between 1969 and 1973. Unfortunately, I was at the University of Georgia in that glorious 1971-1972 season, but sure followed the team.
From Wikipedia.
Records of NIU Jorgenson teams:
1966-1967 8-12
1967-1968 10-14
1968-1969 13-11
1969-1970 13-12
1970-1971 13-10
1971-1972 21-4
1972-1973 17-8
Tom Jorgenson attended Parker High School in Chicago in the Engklewood neighborhood.
NIU basketball is generally not very good in the record department, but these were sure some exciting years.
From Wikipedia.
Records of NIU Jorgenson teams:
1966-1967 8-12
1967-1968 10-14
1968-1969 13-11
1969-1970 13-12
1970-1971 13-10
1971-1972 21-4
1972-1973 17-8
Tom Jorgenson attended Parker High School in Chicago in the Engklewood neighborhood.
NIU basketball is generally not very good in the record department, but these were sure some exciting years.
Death of Former NIU Basketball Coach Tom Jorgenson in 2013-- Part 2
During his tenure as head coach, Tom Jorgenson coached NIU Hall of Famers Jim Bradley, Bradley Smith, Billy Hanson and Jerry Zielinski.
From 19966 to 1973, "Jorgy" teams went 96-71. He was an advicate of the wide-open offense.
As assistant coach at Michigan for six years, he won three consecutive Big Ten Championships 1963-1965 with Cazzie Russell. There were back-to-back NCAA Final Fours in 1964 and 1965. As a player, he was a 66 consecutive game starter. at Michigan.
More to Come.
From 19966 to 1973, "Jorgy" teams went 96-71. He was an advicate of the wide-open offense.
As assistant coach at Michigan for six years, he won three consecutive Big Ten Championships 1963-1965 with Cazzie Russell. There were back-to-back NCAA Final Fours in 1964 and 1965. As a player, he was a 66 consecutive game starter. at Michigan.
More to Come.
Death of Former NIU Basketball Coach Tom Jorgenson in 2013-- Part 1
From the November 29, 2013, DeKalb Daily Chronicle "Former NIU basketball coach Jorgenson passes away."
NIU Hall of Fame men's basketball coach Tom Jorgenson who put Northern Illinois on the national college basketball map with a Top Twenty ranking died November 29.
Known as "Jorgy," he was the first to have NIU post a 20-victory season with a 21-4 season 1971-1972 and was coach with the school's first-ever victory over a Big Ten team, Indiana, in the same season.. Same season, Northern was ranked #20 at one point. A member of his 1969 team, Jim Smith, was NIU's first NBA draft pick.
Other honors for "Jorgy" was a first Division 1 college basketball championship for the 71-72 team in the Midwestern Conference and its first college All-American, Jim Bradley that same season.
More to Come.
NIU Hall of Fame men's basketball coach Tom Jorgenson who put Northern Illinois on the national college basketball map with a Top Twenty ranking died November 29.
Known as "Jorgy," he was the first to have NIU post a 20-victory season with a 21-4 season 1971-1972 and was coach with the school's first-ever victory over a Big Ten team, Indiana, in the same season.. Same season, Northern was ranked #20 at one point. A member of his 1969 team, Jim Smith, was NIU's first NBA draft pick.
Other honors for "Jorgy" was a first Division 1 college basketball championship for the 71-72 team in the Midwestern Conference and its first college All-American, Jim Bradley that same season.
More to Come.
Death of Former NIU Basketball Coach Tom Jorgenson in 2013-- Part 1
From the November 29, 2013, DeKalb Daily Chronicle "Former NIU basketball coach Jorgenson passes away."
NIU Hall of Fame men's basketball coach Tom Jorgenson who put Northern Illinois on the national college basketball map with a Top Twenty ranking died November 29.
Known as "Jorgy," he was the first to have NIU post a 20-victory season with a 21-4 season 1971-1972 and was coach with the school's first-ever victory over a Big Ten team, Indiana, in the same season.. Same season, Northern was ranked #20 at one point. A member of his 1969 team, Jim Smith, was NIU's first NBA draft pick.
Other honors for "Jorgy" was a first Division 1 college basketball championship for the 71-72 team in the Midwestern Conference and its first college All-American, Jim Bradley that same season.
More to Come.
NIU Hall of Fame men's basketball coach Tom Jorgenson who put Northern Illinois on the national college basketball map with a Top Twenty ranking died November 29.
Known as "Jorgy," he was the first to have NIU post a 20-victory season with a 21-4 season 1971-1972 and was coach with the school's first-ever victory over a Big Ten team, Indiana, in the same season.. Same season, Northern was ranked #20 at one point. A member of his 1969 team, Jim Smith, was NIU's first NBA draft pick.
Other honors for "Jorgy" was a first Division 1 college basketball championship for the 71-72 team in the Midwestern Conference and its first college All-American, Jim Bradley that same season.
More to Come.
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Looking Back to 1916: Will the Real Patriots Please Stand Up
From the June 1, 2016, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois) "Looking Back."
The Sycamore movie theatres recently showed the "Battle Cry of Peace," and when the national anthem was played by the orchestra, a couple of true blooded Americans arose to their feet as they had been taught to do. However, the audience would not stand for the loyalty and shouted for them to sit down.
"It is queer how many unpatriotic people are in the world."
Remember, This Is Before "Talkies." --Cooter
The Sycamore movie theatres recently showed the "Battle Cry of Peace," and when the national anthem was played by the orchestra, a couple of true blooded Americans arose to their feet as they had been taught to do. However, the audience would not stand for the loyalty and shouted for them to sit down.
"It is queer how many unpatriotic people are in the world."
Remember, This Is Before "Talkies." --Cooter
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Looking Back to 1916: Sycamore's Beautiful Shade Trees Getting Severely Trimmed
From the June 1, 2016, MidWeek "Looking Back."
1916, 100 Years Ago. "It is a matter of keen regret to most citizens the severe trimming which many of our beautiful shade trees are being subjected to in order to give a clear path to the stringing of electric light wire on the new poles which have been set by the Northern Illinois Utilities Company.
--Cooter
1916, 100 Years Ago. "It is a matter of keen regret to most citizens the severe trimming which many of our beautiful shade trees are being subjected to in order to give a clear path to the stringing of electric light wire on the new poles which have been set by the Northern Illinois Utilities Company.
--Cooter
Buffalo Soldiers- Part 2
He said that he was one of the last group of Buffalo Soldiers, but that there were still some members from World War II and the Korean War alive, but not at this reunion.
He was looking forward to the Buffalo Soldier reunion to be held in Houston the last weekend in July and that at least nor World War II veteran was going to be there and that though he was in his early nineties, he still gets around.
Sadly, there are only around fifty Buffalo Soldiers still alive that they know of.
I told him I always felt it was a shame that these men, who risked their lives for their country would have been treated so poorly in the segregated military back then. That would include the Tuskegee Airmen and Montfort Marines.
A Great Experience Meeting This Man.
He was looking forward to the Buffalo Soldier reunion to be held in Houston the last weekend in July and that at least nor World War II veteran was going to be there and that though he was in his early nineties, he still gets around.
Sadly, there are only around fifty Buffalo Soldiers still alive that they know of.
I told him I always felt it was a shame that these men, who risked their lives for their country would have been treated so poorly in the segregated military back then. That would include the Tuskegee Airmen and Montfort Marines.
A Great Experience Meeting This Man.
Saturday, June 18, 2016
Buffalo Soldiers- Part 1
There is a big reunion of black veterans here at the Best Western in Goldsboro, N.C.. Most are from the Vietnam era, so a lot of white hair, like me.
This morning at breakfast (great breakfasts at Best Western Pluses) I saw an older man at the front desk with a fanny pack with the words "Buffalo Soldier" on it. He then got breakfast and sat down next to us. What a great opportunity, so I initiated a conversation.
For those of you who don't know, Buffalo Soldiers were blacks who fought the Indians in the years after the Civil War and up until President Truman integrated the military in 1951.
He had been among the last members. of the all-black Buffalo Soldiers.
A Proud Unit, A Proud Man.
This morning at breakfast (great breakfasts at Best Western Pluses) I saw an older man at the front desk with a fanny pack with the words "Buffalo Soldier" on it. He then got breakfast and sat down next to us. What a great opportunity, so I initiated a conversation.
For those of you who don't know, Buffalo Soldiers were blacks who fought the Indians in the years after the Civil War and up until President Truman integrated the military in 1951.
He had been among the last members. of the all-black Buffalo Soldiers.
A Proud Unit, A Proud Man.
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Looking Back: 1916: Chief Shabbona Wants Compensation for Land Taken
From the June 1, 2016, MidWeek "Looking Back."
1916, 100 Years Ago. Mot-We-Quah, son of Shabonna, late chief of the Pottawatomies, who roved northern Illinois, is seeking compensation from the state for land in DeKalb County said to have been taken long ago without due process of law."
Let's Be Fair About This. --Cooter
1916, 100 Years Ago. Mot-We-Quah, son of Shabonna, late chief of the Pottawatomies, who roved northern Illinois, is seeking compensation from the state for land in DeKalb County said to have been taken long ago without due process of law."
Let's Be Fair About This. --Cooter
Friday, June 10, 2016
100th Running of the Indy 500
From the May 26, 2016, Indianapolis Star "Sellout elevates security, lifts long-time TV blackout."
** Sunday's Indy 500 will be the first sellout for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 100 years of trying. Because of the sellout, the race will be televised live throughout the whole state of Indiana for the first time since 1950.
** That sellout would be around 350,000 people. That's 100,000 more than the usual crowds of 250,000.
** For the third year, the Indianapolis 500 has earned a level 2 Special Event Assessment Rating from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This allows the Indy 500 to receive federal help to support security efforts.
** People were told to arrive at least two hours earlier than usual to make sure they get in on time.
** Largest single-day sporting event.
** World War II veterans to get victory lap in parade.
--DaCootEarlyBird
** Sunday's Indy 500 will be the first sellout for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 100 years of trying. Because of the sellout, the race will be televised live throughout the whole state of Indiana for the first time since 1950.
** That sellout would be around 350,000 people. That's 100,000 more than the usual crowds of 250,000.
** For the third year, the Indianapolis 500 has earned a level 2 Special Event Assessment Rating from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This allows the Indy 500 to receive federal help to support security efforts.
** People were told to arrive at least two hours earlier than usual to make sure they get in on time.
** Largest single-day sporting event.
** World War II veterans to get victory lap in parade.
--DaCootEarlyBird
Indianapolis' Crown Hill Cemetery-- Part 3: Still More Racing Folks Buried There
Drivers George Amick, Erwin "Cannonball" Baker, and Tony Bettenhausen, Jr.
Floyd Davis, Jimmy Drywalt, Ronnie Duman, Jerry Hoyt.
Jim Hurtbise, Herbert Jones, Chet Miller and Paul Russo.
Harry C. Stutz, owner of the Stutz Auto Company.
Also, Depression-era bank robber John Dillinger.
--Cooter
Floyd Davis, Jimmy Drywalt, Ronnie Duman, Jerry Hoyt.
Jim Hurtbise, Herbert Jones, Chet Miller and Paul Russo.
Harry C. Stutz, owner of the Stutz Auto Company.
Also, Depression-era bank robber John Dillinger.
--Cooter
Indianapolis' Crown Hill Cemetery-- Part 2: Others With IMS Ties Buried There
From Wikipedia.
Captain Joseph Hammond, RAF in World War I, was killed in an air race in 1918 and buried in Carl Fisher's mausoleum.
Early Indy-based auto manufacturer Daniel Marmon of Nordyke Marmon & Company. The first Indy 500 race in 1911 was won by a Marmon Wasp car.
David M. Parry, founder of the Parry Auto Company.
Charles H. Black and Frank P. Fox, Indy driver and owner of the Pope Motor Car Company
Auto company partners and brothers Walter C. Marmon and Howard Marmon.
Auto industrialists August Duesenberg and Frederick S. Duesenberg.
And, Even More to Come. --DaCoot
Captain Joseph Hammond, RAF in World War I, was killed in an air race in 1918 and buried in Carl Fisher's mausoleum.
Early Indy-based auto manufacturer Daniel Marmon of Nordyke Marmon & Company. The first Indy 500 race in 1911 was won by a Marmon Wasp car.
David M. Parry, founder of the Parry Auto Company.
Charles H. Black and Frank P. Fox, Indy driver and owner of the Pope Motor Car Company
Auto company partners and brothers Walter C. Marmon and Howard Marmon.
Auto industrialists August Duesenberg and Frederick S. Duesenberg.
And, Even More to Come. --DaCoot
Even More Indy 500 History At RoadDog's RoadLog Blog
The Indy 500 sure does have a lot of history as I have been writing about this past week or so in this blog.
I also have been writing about it in my RoadDog's RoadLog Blog this past week which you can get to by typing it in or going to the My Blog List to the right of this page.
You will find the information under 500 Facts About the Indy 500 entries.
--Cooter
I also have been writing about it in my RoadDog's RoadLog Blog this past week which you can get to by typing it in or going to the My Blog List to the right of this page.
You will find the information under 500 Facts About the Indy 500 entries.
--Cooter
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Indianapolis' Crown Hill Cemetery-- Part 1: Final Resting Place of Many Associated With the Indy 500
Even though the article I've been covering "Check Out 7 secret Indy 500 Remnants" by Will Higgins in the May 27, 2016, Indianapolis Star didn't actually mention it other than the graves of Wilbur Brink (see June ) and Erwin "Cannonball" Baker (see June 8 and today), a lot of people associated with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy 500 are buried at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis.
To start with, the Father of the IMS, Carl Fisher, is buried there as are the other three "founding Fathers" James A. Allison, Frank Wheeler and Arthur Newby.
That alone would make a trip to the cemetery worthwhile, but there are many others, including the 1919 Indy 500 winner Howdy Wilcox and 1931 winner Louis Schneider. Two others racing in the 1911 first-ever Indy 500, Frank Fox and Charles Merz are also there.
And, There Are More. --DaCoot
To start with, the Father of the IMS, Carl Fisher, is buried there as are the other three "founding Fathers" James A. Allison, Frank Wheeler and Arthur Newby.
That alone would make a trip to the cemetery worthwhile, but there are many others, including the 1919 Indy 500 winner Howdy Wilcox and 1931 winner Louis Schneider. Two others racing in the 1911 first-ever Indy 500, Frank Fox and Charles Merz are also there.
And, There Are More. --DaCoot
Seven Secret Indy 500 Remnants-- Part 12: Records and the "Cannonball Run"
In 1915, "Cannonball" Baker coast-to-coasted in a Stutz Bearcat Roadster in 11 days, 7 hours and 15 minutes. The next year, driving a Cadillac, he shaved four days off this record. In 1933, the roads having been improved, Baker went from New York to Los Angeles in a Graham-Paige Blue Streak 8 in 53 1/2 hours, a record that stood until 1971.
The famous and totally unsanctioned "Cannonball Run" cross-country race, the subject of at least four movies (two of them starring Burt Reynolds), is named for Baker, who died in 1960 of natural causes at the age of 78.
--CooterFirst.
The famous and totally unsanctioned "Cannonball Run" cross-country race, the subject of at least four movies (two of them starring Burt Reynolds), is named for Baker, who died in 1960 of natural causes at the age of 78.
--CooterFirst.
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Seven Secret Indy 500 Remnants-- Part 11: Grave of the "Canonball"
GRAVE OF ERWIN GEORGE "CANNON BALL" BAKER (1882-1960): CROWN HILL CEMETERY, 700 W. 38TH STREET, SECTION 60, LOT 150.
Baker won the first motorized race ever held at the the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a motorcycle race on August 14, 1909. The new track's unusual surface, a combination of "asphaltum oil" and crushed limestone proved treacherous to rubber tires. of the 30 riders who started the race, only four finished. And, it was just a four lap sprint. Baker went on to win 52 more races.
Baker is best-known for his record-setting cross-country runs. In 1914, he went from San Diego to New York on an Indian motorcycle in 11 days, 11 hours and 11 minutes -- 3,379 miles, only four of them on paved roads. He beat the previous record by nine days.
--DaCootBike
Baker won the first motorized race ever held at the the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a motorcycle race on August 14, 1909. The new track's unusual surface, a combination of "asphaltum oil" and crushed limestone proved treacherous to rubber tires. of the 30 riders who started the race, only four finished. And, it was just a four lap sprint. Baker went on to win 52 more races.
Baker is best-known for his record-setting cross-country runs. In 1914, he went from San Diego to New York on an Indian motorcycle in 11 days, 11 hours and 11 minutes -- 3,379 miles, only four of them on paved roads. He beat the previous record by nine days.
--DaCootBike
Seven Secret Indy 500 Remnants-- Part 10: House That Stutz Built
THE HOUSE THAT STUTZ BUILT, 3190 N. MERIDIAN STREET.
In the early days of auto racing, the drivers of the cars may not have made much money, but the owners of the companies that built the cars did well. One of these was Harry C. Stutz, whose eponymous, Indianapolis-based company entered cars in the early Indy 500s, as well as other races, in addition to selling luxury cars to the public.
Stutz built this house in 1919. Formerly occupied by a nonprofit that helped incarcerated juveniles re-enter society, the house is now owned by the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. It is not currently in use. Museum officials declined to say what they intend to do with the house.
I am thinking it must be a mansion.
--CooterManse
In the early days of auto racing, the drivers of the cars may not have made much money, but the owners of the companies that built the cars did well. One of these was Harry C. Stutz, whose eponymous, Indianapolis-based company entered cars in the early Indy 500s, as well as other races, in addition to selling luxury cars to the public.
Stutz built this house in 1919. Formerly occupied by a nonprofit that helped incarcerated juveniles re-enter society, the house is now owned by the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. It is not currently in use. Museum officials declined to say what they intend to do with the house.
I am thinking it must be a mansion.
--CooterManse
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Seven Secret Indy 500 Remnants-- Part 9: Umbrella Mike's Garage
Boyle's chief mechanic was the vaunted Harry "Cotton" Henning, whose brother (this is beside the point of being an interesting point in itself) was the TV visionary Paul Henning. Paul Henning dreamed up the 1960s sitcoms "The Beverly Hillbillies" and "Petticoat Junction" and was executive producer of "Green Acres."
The garage is basically a pile of bricks now, but a nonprofit group has come together to try to restore it. Progress has been made. the asbestos and other environmental hazards have been cleared away from the site, and earlier this month some 300 people attended a fundraiser that raised $60,000 for the effort.
For more information on the restoration project go to www.indianalandmarks.org.
--DaCootGarage
The garage is basically a pile of bricks now, but a nonprofit group has come together to try to restore it. Progress has been made. the asbestos and other environmental hazards have been cleared away from the site, and earlier this month some 300 people attended a fundraiser that raised $60,000 for the effort.
For more information on the restoration project go to www.indianalandmarks.org.
--DaCootGarage
Seven Secret Indy 500 Remnants-- Part 8: Umbrella Mike's Garage
UMBRELLA MIKE'S GARAGE, 1701 GENT STREET.
After decades of neglect this building had deteriorated badly, but in the 1920s and 1930s it was the headquarters of one of the most successful racing teams in Indianapolis 500 history, the Boyle Racing Team. The boss was "Umbrella" Mike Boyle, a shadowy labor leader from Chicago who twice did prison time, once for jury fixing, once for violating an anti-trust law.
Motorsports website Speedway Sightings said that Boyle "walked the fine line between crooked politicians and the Chicago Mob."
Still, his was a top-notch race team, employing as its driver the great Wilbur Shaw, a three-time Indy winner.
--CooterMob
After decades of neglect this building had deteriorated badly, but in the 1920s and 1930s it was the headquarters of one of the most successful racing teams in Indianapolis 500 history, the Boyle Racing Team. The boss was "Umbrella" Mike Boyle, a shadowy labor leader from Chicago who twice did prison time, once for jury fixing, once for violating an anti-trust law.
Motorsports website Speedway Sightings said that Boyle "walked the fine line between crooked politicians and the Chicago Mob."
Still, his was a top-notch race team, employing as its driver the great Wilbur Shaw, a three-time Indy winner.
--CooterMob
Monday, June 6, 2016
Seven Secret Indy 500 Remnants-- Part 7: Wilbur Brink in Crown Hill Cemetery
HERE LIES WILBUR BRINK, CROWN HILL CEMETERY, 700 W. 38TH STREET, SECTION 70, LOT 1062.
Wilbur Brink (1919-1931) is the only person to die as a result of an auto racing accident at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway while not on IMS grounds. He was 12 years old, playing in his front yard at 2316 Georgetown Road when, on lap 162, a wheel came loose from a race car (one did on the 100th Running as well) driven by defending 500 champion Billy Arnold as Arnold crashed at Turn 4. The wheel bounded across the road, struck young Mr. Brink and killed him.
Arnold and his riding mechanic, Spider Matlock, were injured but not seriously. A few years ago Brink's death became the subject of a song written and performed by the Swedish pop band Norma. The song was called "Bad Luck for Wilbur Brink."
Definitely Bad Luck.
Wilbur Brink (1919-1931) is the only person to die as a result of an auto racing accident at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway while not on IMS grounds. He was 12 years old, playing in his front yard at 2316 Georgetown Road when, on lap 162, a wheel came loose from a race car (one did on the 100th Running as well) driven by defending 500 champion Billy Arnold as Arnold crashed at Turn 4. The wheel bounded across the road, struck young Mr. Brink and killed him.
Arnold and his riding mechanic, Spider Matlock, were injured but not seriously. A few years ago Brink's death became the subject of a song written and performed by the Swedish pop band Norma. The song was called "Bad Luck for Wilbur Brink."
Definitely Bad Luck.
Seven Secret Indy 500 Remnants-- Part 6: White Front Tavern
WHITE FRONT, 3535 W. 16TH STREET
Here is where racing people of yore hunkered down after a day at the track and hoisted a beer or six. Bill Vukovich, A.J. Watson, Bobby Unser and on-and-on.
Here A,J, Foyt, who is a four-time Indy 500 champion, but was not good at drinking, once was tricked into downing too many screwdrivers and ended up tossing his cookies (though possibly not until he got back to his motel room).
The place is no longer the White Front. It is now Club Venus, a gentleman's club. It is windowless and dark. From the outside, the old building is practically unchanged, but the only trace of the interior of the venerable watering hole is in the men's room, where the old ceramic-style cinderblock walls are still out in the open and look just like they did when the great Foyt either hurled there or didn't.
Not Me. --Cooter
Here is where racing people of yore hunkered down after a day at the track and hoisted a beer or six. Bill Vukovich, A.J. Watson, Bobby Unser and on-and-on.
Here A,J, Foyt, who is a four-time Indy 500 champion, but was not good at drinking, once was tricked into downing too many screwdrivers and ended up tossing his cookies (though possibly not until he got back to his motel room).
The place is no longer the White Front. It is now Club Venus, a gentleman's club. It is windowless and dark. From the outside, the old building is practically unchanged, but the only trace of the interior of the venerable watering hole is in the men's room, where the old ceramic-style cinderblock walls are still out in the open and look just like they did when the great Foyt either hurled there or didn't.
Not Me. --Cooter
Friday, June 3, 2016
Seven Secret Indy 500 Remnants-- Part 5: Actors Wore Hinchmans for Movies
Hollywood got the Hinchmans when Steve McQueen filmed "LeMans," he wore won. And when Elvis Presley made the movie "Speedway" he was also wearing one.
The last Hinchman involved in the business was Lew, the son of J.B., who sold the company in 1998 to two employees. One of them, Nancy Chumbley, still operates the company, but in a new location on Gasoline Alley on Indianapolis' Westside.
Today Hinchman no longer outfits most Indy racers, but there are still a few. This year, Alex Tagliani will wear a Hinchman retro job made to resemble the one A.J. Foyt wore decades ago: black with a red stripe across the chest.
Hinchman also sells replicas of its earlier suits. You can get one of McQueen's "LeMans" one for just $1,999.
Reckon I'll take a Pass On It. --DaCootTooBroke
The last Hinchman involved in the business was Lew, the son of J.B., who sold the company in 1998 to two employees. One of them, Nancy Chumbley, still operates the company, but in a new location on Gasoline Alley on Indianapolis' Westside.
Today Hinchman no longer outfits most Indy racers, but there are still a few. This year, Alex Tagliani will wear a Hinchman retro job made to resemble the one A.J. Foyt wore decades ago: black with a red stripe across the chest.
Hinchman also sells replicas of its earlier suits. You can get one of McQueen's "LeMans" one for just $1,999.
Reckon I'll take a Pass On It. --DaCootTooBroke
Seven Secret Indy 500 Remnants-- Part 4: Ghost of Hinchman
GHOST OF HINCHMAN, 607 S. ILLINOIS ST.
"J.B. Hinchman Inc.," it says, fadingly, on the side of a low, windowless neglected bunker of a building on Indianapolis' Southside. Hinchman makes racing suits for drivers and has for nearly 100 years. When Pete DePaolo won the Indy 500 in 1925, he was wearing a Hinchman. So did many of the top Indy racers through the years: the Unsers, Mario Andretti and Foyt.
Hinchman was the first racing suit tailor to use fire resistant Nomex in his designs.
Throughout the second half of the 20th century the Hinchman suits were made in this little building on South Illinois Street.
--CooterSuit
"J.B. Hinchman Inc.," it says, fadingly, on the side of a low, windowless neglected bunker of a building on Indianapolis' Southside. Hinchman makes racing suits for drivers and has for nearly 100 years. When Pete DePaolo won the Indy 500 in 1925, he was wearing a Hinchman. So did many of the top Indy racers through the years: the Unsers, Mario Andretti and Foyt.
Hinchman was the first racing suit tailor to use fire resistant Nomex in his designs.
Throughout the second half of the 20th century the Hinchman suits were made in this little building on South Illinois Street.
--CooterSuit
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Seven Secret Indy 500 Remnants-- Part 3: Vuky's Son and Grandson Also Raced at Indy
Bill Vuckovich's body was taken directly to the nearby Conkle Funeral Home. The funeral home was, and still is, located just a few yards from the back door of the Thompson home.
That night the house was the scene of a star-studded wake, with Vukovich's fellow competitors and their mechanics paying their respects to his widow.
Vukovich's son, 11-year-old Bill II, was back home in Fresno, California. He had learned of his father's death while listening to the race on the radio. Both he and his son, Bill Vukovich III, became race car drivers, and both raced at Indianapolis. Bill III was killed in a sprint car race in Bakersfield, Cal., in 1990.
--DaCoot
That night the house was the scene of a star-studded wake, with Vukovich's fellow competitors and their mechanics paying their respects to his widow.
Vukovich's son, 11-year-old Bill II, was back home in Fresno, California. He had learned of his father's death while listening to the race on the radio. Both he and his son, Bill Vukovich III, became race car drivers, and both raced at Indianapolis. Bill III was killed in a sprint car race in Bakersfield, Cal., in 1990.
--DaCoot
Seven Secret Indy 500 Remnants-- Part 2: Vuky's Death in 39th Indy 500
In May 1955, Bill Vukovich, Esther and his brother Mike were staying at the at the Thompson Speedway house while Vukovich pursued his favorite hobby. Vuky qualified third fastest for the 39th 500. He had won the two previous 500s and was the favorite to win his third in a row.
He was leading the race on lap 57 when an accident in front of him caused him to lose control of his car which vaulted over a wall on the south end of the back stretch, flipped end over end, and burst into flames, killing Vukovich.
Esther, sitting with Mrs. Thompson on the main straightaway, did not see the crash. But she had a bad feeling when her husband's car failed to appear as the field circled the oval and returned to the main straightaway.
"It's him. Something's happened," Esther told Mrs. Thompson.
--Cooter
He was leading the race on lap 57 when an accident in front of him caused him to lose control of his car which vaulted over a wall on the south end of the back stretch, flipped end over end, and burst into flames, killing Vukovich.
Esther, sitting with Mrs. Thompson on the main straightaway, did not see the crash. But she had a bad feeling when her husband's car failed to appear as the field circled the oval and returned to the main straightaway.
"It's him. Something's happened," Esther told Mrs. Thompson.
--Cooter
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Seven Secret Indy 500 Remnants-- Part 1: Bill Vuckovich
From the May 27, 2016, Indianapolis Star "Check out 7 secret Indy 500 Remnants" by Will Higgins.
"Not all Indianapolis 500 history happened at the track. Lots happened off the grounds all over the city-- funny stuff and awful stuff, fancy stuff and working class stuff, touching stuff. here are seven Indy 500 remnants that still exist, at least physically."
VUKY'S HOME AWAY FROM HOME, 4946 W. 15TH ST., SPEEDWAY.
In the early and mid-1950s, Bill Vuckovich, the greatest Indy driver of his time, rented a room in this house during the month of May. The house was an eighth of a mile from the track's front gate and he could walk to work. He also got to know the house's owners, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Thompson quite well. Vuky's wife, Esther, would sit with Mrs. Lawrence on race day.
The room was inexpensive (racers didn't make much money in those days). Even superstars like Vuky, also known as the "Mad Russian" or the "Silent Serb" were blue collar people. Vuckovich considered racing as a hobby and made his real money at a gas station in Fresno, California, where he lived in a five-room bungalow with Esther and their three children.
--DaCoot
"Not all Indianapolis 500 history happened at the track. Lots happened off the grounds all over the city-- funny stuff and awful stuff, fancy stuff and working class stuff, touching stuff. here are seven Indy 500 remnants that still exist, at least physically."
VUKY'S HOME AWAY FROM HOME, 4946 W. 15TH ST., SPEEDWAY.
In the early and mid-1950s, Bill Vuckovich, the greatest Indy driver of his time, rented a room in this house during the month of May. The house was an eighth of a mile from the track's front gate and he could walk to work. He also got to know the house's owners, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Thompson quite well. Vuky's wife, Esther, would sit with Mrs. Lawrence on race day.
The room was inexpensive (racers didn't make much money in those days). Even superstars like Vuky, also known as the "Mad Russian" or the "Silent Serb" were blue collar people. Vuckovich considered racing as a hobby and made his real money at a gas station in Fresno, California, where he lived in a five-room bungalow with Esther and their three children.
--DaCoot
Palatine High School's Gerald "Chic" Anderson
From the December 30, 2013, Chicago Tribune.
GERALD "CHIC" ANDERSON, 84 (1928-2013)
Palatine High School (Illinois) athletic director for nearly 20 years. The football field and soccer complex is named the Chic Anderson Stadium.
Illinois Athletic Director of the Year in 1979.
Nickname "Chic" given to him by his father.Taught at Palatine High School beginning in 1958 before going to Fremd High School in 1962 and then was at Conant High School.
GERALD "CHIC" ANDERSON, 84 (1928-2013)
Palatine High School (Illinois) athletic director for nearly 20 years. The football field and soccer complex is named the Chic Anderson Stadium.
Illinois Athletic Director of the Year in 1979.
Nickname "Chic" given to him by his father.Taught at Palatine High School beginning in 1958 before going to Fremd High School in 1962 and then was at Conant High School.
A Look At Some of Hampton Roads' Most Famous Ships-- Part 5: USS Forrestal
** The Original "Super Carrier"-- Launched at Newport News on December 11, 1954, the USS Forrestall (CVA-59) was 1,039 feet long. It was the first aircraft carrier designed and built for use by jet aircraft.
** First Nuclear-Powered Carrier-- Commissioned November 25, 1961, the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), was 1,123 feet long and still ranks as the largest naval vessel ever built.
--DaCooterprise
** First Nuclear-Powered Carrier-- Commissioned November 25, 1961, the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), was 1,123 feet long and still ranks as the largest naval vessel ever built.
--DaCooterprise
A Look At Some of Hampton Roads' Most Famous Ships-- Part 4: The "Big E"
** The United States' most-decorated aircraft carrier, the second of two Yorktown-class carriers completed at Newport News in the late 1930s. the USS Enterprise (CV-6). It was longer and faster than the USS Ranger and called "The Big E," it earned 20 battle stars during World War II.
** The Backbone of the Fleet, the first of the new longer, wider and more powerfully armed aircraft carriers, the USS Essex (CV-9) was completed at Newport News in July 1942. It won 12 battle stars in 68 combat operations in the Pacific. It and its 20 sister ships became the backbone of the U.S. Navy.
--CooterCraft
** The Backbone of the Fleet, the first of the new longer, wider and more powerfully armed aircraft carriers, the USS Essex (CV-9) was completed at Newport News in July 1942. It won 12 battle stars in 68 combat operations in the Pacific. It and its 20 sister ships became the backbone of the U.S. Navy.
--CooterCraft
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