Pounding It and Running for Sheriff in 1878

From the June 3, 2020,  MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1878, Many, many Years Ago.

"There were some amusing novelties at the sociable.  The pound party of the Episcopalians  made a good deal of fun.    Each guest brought a pound of something and at nine o'clock,  the 40 or 50 packages were sold at auction.

"When Wilkens gave forty cents for a pound of meal and Filkins 10 cents for a pound of tea, when Pillicoddy got his pound of candies for a  dime and Mulligatawney gave a half dollar for a pound of sand the fun was prodigious."

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"Captain Whittemore asked a man from the south of the county what was the news down there and learned that 'half of our people have been sun-struck, and the rest are  running for sheriff."

--  CootPound

About College and Valentine's Day Back in 1878

From the  June 3, 2020, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois)  "Looking Back."

1877,  Lots and Lots of Years Ago.

"Fifteen or twenty young gentlemen and ladies of Sycamore went to school or college last week, and 15 to 20 parents are receiving letters this week saying, 'Send me a little more money, father, it takes more money than I thought it would."

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"Valentine's Day sent  500 Sycamore children crazy, last Wednesday.  The amount of foolishness sent through the mail was enough to sicken the stomach of a dog.

"The glory of Valentine's Day has departed."

Bah, Humbug.  --DaCootTine

Those Presidents in Order from Shortest Terms to Less Than Four Years

So, here's the short list:

8.  WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON  9th President   (March-April 1841)  Served exactly one month.

7.  JAMES A. GARFIELD    20th President   (March-September 1881)  He and Harrison only presidents to serve less than a year.


6.  ZACHARY TAYLOR   12th president  (March 1849-July 1850)   Served one year, four months and five days.

5.  WARREN G. HARDING    29th President  (March 1921-August 1923)


4.  GERALD FORD   38th  President   (August 1974-January 1977)

3.  MILLARD FILLMORE   13th President    (July 1850-March 1853)


2.  JOHN F. KENNEDY   35th President    (January 1961-November 1963)   Served two years and ten months.

1.  CHESTER A. ARTHUR   21st President   (September 1881-March 1885)

So, Now You Know.  --CootPres

U.S. Presidents Who Served Less Than Four Years-- Part 5: Kennedy and Arthur

JOHN F. KENNEDY  (January 1961-November 22, 1963)

Arguably, the best-known president on this list, John F. Kennedy served as the 35th president.  At age 43, he was the youngest person ever elected.  His biggest challenge was the Cold War with the Soviet Union and faced crisis after crisis, including the building of the Berlin Wall and the Cuban Missile Crisis.

In addition to the international crises, he was in poor health, despite  maintaining an image of youthful vigor.  He served for two years and ten months and was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963.

CHESTER A. ARTHUR  (September 1881-March 1885)

When President James A. Garfield was assassinated on his way to New England in 1881, Vice President  Chester A. Arthur became president.  Initially unpopular, he gained points with the American public by introducing the Pendleton  Civil Service Act, that held  federal employment would be based on merit instead of  political party affiliations.

Suffering fro  a kidney-related disease, the 21st president  managed to finish his partial term of three years and five months before moving to New York City and dying the following year.

--CootPres

U.S. Presidents Who Served Less Than Four Years-- Part 4: Ford and Fillmore

4.  GERALD R. FORD  (  August 1974-January 1977)

In 1974, President Nixon resigned because of the Watergate Scandal.  This paved the way for his vice president, Ford, to become the 38th president.  He lost a lot of support when he pardoned Nixon. he also faced an energy crisis, high unemployment and a weak economy.

There were a few assassination attempts, but he survived and served a partial term of over two years before losing the election to Jimmy Carter.

3.  MILLARD FILLMORE (July 1850-March 1853)

Vice president in Zachary Taylor's presidency.  When Taylor died, sworn into office and became the 13th U.S. president.  He only served the rest of the term.  Perhaps best known for his support of the Compromise of 1850. a package of five bills that led to a temporary standstill in the slavery debate.

He openly opposed the practice of owning another human, but was unwilling to do anything in states where it already existed.  he died of a stroke in 1874.

--Cooter

In Honor of Father's Day, Working With Dad-- Part 2

The answers to the previous post.

These are the names of the movies these famous father-child duos appeared in together.

1.  "Wall Street"

2.  "Zoolander'

3.  "Paper Moon"

4.  "On Golden Pond"

5.  "Schitt's Creek"  TV

6.  "Hostage"

7.  "The Pursuit of Happyness"

8.  "Blown Away"

Well, I got three:  #3, #4 and #7.

Sure Will Be Glad When the Movie Theaters Reopen.  (Supposed to be this Friday here in Illinois.  I miss that expensive popcorn.)  --RoadDog

In Honor of Father's Day, Working With Dad-- Part 1

From the June 21, 2020, Parade Magazine.

In honor of Father's Day, they saluted celebrity dads and their famous offspring who have worked together on memorable films and TV shows

I'll give you their names and the year the film was made.  You guess the name of the movie.  These answers will appear in the next post:

1.  Martin and Charlie Sheen (1987)

2.  Ben and Jerry Stiller  (2001)

3.  Ryan and Tatum O'Neal  (1973)

4.  Henry and Jane Fonda  (1981)

5.  Eugene and Dan Levy  (2015-20, TV show)

6.  Bruce and Rumer Willis

7.  Will and Jaden Smith  (2006)

8.  Lloyd and Jeff Bridges   (1994)

Double the Fun.  --DaCoot

U.S. Presidents Who Served Under Four Years-- Part 3: Zachary Taylor and Warren G. Harding

6.  ZACHARY TAYLOR  (March 1849-July 1850)

Commanded troops in the War of 1812 and became famous in the Mexican War. Served in U.S. Army for almost forty years before becoming the twelfth president of the United States.

Shortly after an Independence Day ceremony at the yet-to-be completed Washington Monument, he began to complain about intense stomach pain.  On July 9, he died of acute gastroenteritis.  His was the third shortest presidential serve coming in at one year, four months and five days.

5.  WARREN G. HARDING (March 1921-August 1923)

His political career began in  1898, but he did not become the 29th president of the U.S. until March 1921.    Two years later, in 1923, he became sick during a trip across the country and passed away August 2, presumably of a heart attack.

He was elected president after World War I and promised a return to normalcy.  However, after his death his whole administration was rocked by scandal.  He was not personally involved, but it destroyed his reputation.

--CootTay

U.S. Presidents Who Served Under Four Years-- Part 2: Harrison and Garfield

1.  WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON  (March to April 1841)

Served the very least amount of time.  The ninth president and at age 68, the oldest to be elected at the time.  Shortly after his inauguration, he developed pneumonia and died April 4, 1841, exactly a month after taking office.  Better known for fighting Indians and his service in the War of 1812.

2.  JAMES A. GARFIELD (March-September 1881)

Served as a general in the Civil War.  Elected the 20th President of the U.S., he took office in March 1881.  Strong believer in social reforms and education for Blacks.

Shot in the back at a railroad station in July 1881 and died of wound-related causes 79 days later on September 19.  At the time, he was the second president to be assassinated.

Harrison and Garfield are the only presidents to serve less than a year.

--Cooter

U.S. Presidents Who Served for Under Four Years-- Part 1

From the May 30, 2020, World Atlas by Nathaniel Whelan.

**  Shortly after his inauguration, William Henry Harrison developed pneumonia and died on April 4, 1841, exactly one month into his first term.

**  After serving as president for two years and ten months, John F. Kennedy was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas on November 22, 1963.

**  Suffering from a kidney-related disease, Chester A. Arthur managed to finish his partial term of three years and five months.

A typical term of an American president is four years, with an additional four years for reelection.  However, there have been a handful of men who have served less than four years.

I'll be listing the eight shortest serving presidents, starting with the shortest in upcoming posts.

--Cooter

Where'd the Onions Go and Dog Owners Beware in 1944

From the April 3, 2019, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1944, 75 Years Ago

For the first time in  the history of retail grocery and vegetable business a dearth of onions is causing many a disappointed shopper to return home without the desired purchase.  It is expected that the scarcity of onions is only temporary, but there have been no fresh onions on the market for some weeks."

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Dog owners in Sycamore, especially those in the Turner addition, found running at large will be picked up by the police department for disposal.  All fogs must be kept penned or on a leash."  There MIGHT be something wrong with the wording on this.

--Cooter

Keeping Up With "Star Wars"-- Part 3: Empire-- Return-- Awakens-- Last

7.   "STAR WARS: EPISODE V-- THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK"--   The original second episode.  Three years after the destruction of the Death Star, the Empire has regrouped.  Darth Vader is looking for Luke.  We meet Yoda.  Luke finds his daddy.

8.   "STAR WARS:  EPISODE VI--  RETURN OF THE JEDI"--  At one time this was to be the last episode... BUT NO!!!  Like and others rescue Han Solo and Pricess Leia from Jabba the Hut.  Ewoks to the rescue.

9.   "STAR WARS: EPISODE VII--  THE FORCE AWAKENS"--  Thirty years after Episode 6.  The New Order has taken over for the Empire, led by Supreme Leader Snoke and sidekick, Solo and Leia kid Kylo Ren.  We meet the new heroes.

10.  "STAR WARS:  EPISODE VIII--  THE LAST JEDI"--  Firts Order reigns supreme, but Luke to the rescue.

Of course, "Star Wars:  Episode IX--  The Rise of Skywalker did not come out until December 2019, a year and a half after Episode VIII.

Now You Have It.  CootR2D2

Keeping Up With "Star Wars"-- Part 2: Revenge-- Solo-- Rogue-- Hope

Other than looking at which episode it is, could you put all the "Star Wars" movies in order, including the tie-in movies?  Pay careful attention.  There will be a quiz at the end of this.  Or is that a test?  The old teacher in me loves to say that.  (I will scramble the movies and leave the Episode Number out.

Anyway, back to the "correct" list:

3.  "STAR WARS:  EPISODE III-- REVENGE OF THE SITH"--  Anakin Skywalker is seduced by the Dark Side, turns against his master and topples the Jedi.  Became you-know-who.

4.  "SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY"--  We find out  Han Solo's back story and how he met best friend Chewbacca, Lando Calrissian and the Millenium Falcon.

5.  ROGUE ONE:  A STAR WARS STORY"--  We find out what happened to set the stage for the original "Star Wars" movie in 1977.

6.  "STAR WARS:  EPISODE IV-- A NEW HOPE"--  Luke Skywalker begins his journey and we meet his lifelong friends Han Solo, Chewbacca, Leia Organa, R2-D2 and C-3PO, and, of course, you-know-who.

"I've Got A Bad Feeling About This."  --CootSolo

Keeping Up With "Star Wars"-- Part 1: Phantom-- Clones

From the May 20, 2018, Chicago Tribune  "From 'Phantom Menace' to 'The Last Jedi" by Jevon Phillips.

The movies of "Star Wars" has been expanding rapidly in recent years, with films like "Rogue One" and the upcoming "Solo" (at the time this was written).  What about those of you who must have order of appearance.  Which comes where?  Inquiring minds want to know  The "Solo" film can especially be a problem since we don't know his age in the prequel.

I must admit, I was confused until the very end of the "Rogue One" movie as I was thinking this was one of the big nine movies, not a cut out to explain how the very first "Star Wars" now number IV  "A New Hope" came to be.

Well Jevon Phillips to your rescue.  He'll put them in order.

1.  "Star Wars: Episode I-- The Phantom Menace"  (1999)  Where we meet the young Anakin Skywalker who possesses a strong "Force."  

2.  "Star Wars:  Episode II --  Attack of the Clones"  (2002)   Anakin grows up and must chose between his Jedi duty and his love for a royal senator.

--CootForce

Five Lies About Early American History You Might Have Learned in School

From the Literacy Site by Allison Stout.

1.  CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS DISCOVERED  THE AMERICAS.

2.  THE ENTIRE THANKSGIVING STORY  There is a 4:30 minute video for you to watch.

3.  THERE WERE 13 ORIGINAL COLONIES--    There were only 12 because Delaware was a part of Pennsylvania until 1776.  Delaware may not have been a colony, it was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution (hence the nickname "The First State).

4.  THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE WAS ADDRESSED TO KING GEORGE III.  It was actually an explanation to the world and England that the colonies had to cut ties with England.  And, John Hancock did not sign his name really big so that King George III could read it without his glasses.    He just had an obnoxiously big signature.

5.  THE UNION FOUGHT THE CIVIL WAR TO FREE THE SLAVES.  Lincoln actually wanted to preserve the Union at first and to keep the border states happy.  Abolishing slavery would not go over big in these slave states.

It wasn't until later in the war that the goal began to shift toward freeing the slaves.

--Cooter

And the Coronavirus Comes to McHenry County-- Part 6: We Get One Every 30-40 Years

A 2007 article for the National Institute of Health stated:  "Influenza pandemics have occurred regularly every 30 to 40 years since the 16th century.  Today, influenza experts consider the possibility of another influenza pandemic, not in terms of if but when."

Should we have seen the COVID-19, or its likeness, coming?  Unquestionably.

Kurt Begalka wrote in a column two years ago:  "Unlike 1918, when a flu pandemic swept across the globe, infecting a half billion people and leaving an estimated 20 million to 50 million victims in its wake, doctors know the microscopic killer is not a type of bacteria, and they know how to curtail its spread -- provided that experts divine the right preventive cocktail before next flu season.

Stay safe out there folks and do your best to use this new-found time productively.

It Was Predicted.  Now It's Here.  --Cooter

And, the Coronavirus Cometh to McHenry County in 2020-- Part 5: It's the Weather Channel Thing All Over Again

I myself was wondering whether or not we'd get hit with one of those pandemics of the past, but figured our medicine would be able to handle it now that we are in the 21st century.  I was wrong.  Perhaps, too much concentration on diabetes, cancer and the like.  But, as bad as those diseases are, something that hits and kills in the numbers of a virus is really scary.

Back to the article:

"So here we are, working from home and isolated -- for our own good-- from family and friends.  But rather than grouse about our lot, I'd save your recriminations for government officials who failed to stockpile adequate medical supplies and hospital beds for a time health experts long predicted could strike at a moment's notice."

Personally, I was operating under the Weather Channel Fix.  Anytime there is anything out on the oceans even remotely looking like a storm, they go overboard with dire warnings of possible catastrophe.  We've had Ebola and other possible pandemics pop up then go away along with dire warnings from health experts.  So, I just figured it was more of the same.

I heard about this new one in China, but was absolutely not concerned.

Reckon I Should Have Been.  --Cooter

The Spanish Flu Comes to McHenry County in 1918-- Part 4: That Coughing and Sneezing

A 1918 health bulletin also included instructions to the public which sound eerily to what we're getting today.

"It is now believed that influenza is always spread from person to person, the germs being carried with the air along with the very small droplets of mucus, expelled by coughing or sneezing, forceful talking, and the like by one who already has the germs of the disease.

"They also may be carried about in the air in the form of dust coming from dried mucus, from coughing or sneezing, or from careless people who spit on the floor or sidewalk.

"As in most other catching diseases, a person has only a mild attack of the disease himself  may give a very severe attack to others.  What should be done by those who catch the disease?   It is very important that every person who becomes sick with influenza should go home at once and go to bed.  This will keep away dangerous complications and will, at the same time, keep the patient from scattering the disease far and wide."

Like I Said, Deja Vu.  --Cooter

The Spanish Flu Comes to McHenry County in 1918-- Part 3: Deja Vu, All Over Again

During the Spanish flu of 1918, a shortage of physicians and nurses because of World War I left inexperienced medical students to carry on.  Also, the scope of the disease quickly outstipped hospital capacity.  More than 25% of the U.S. population became sick, meaning schools -- even private homes -- were pressed into service as makeshift hospitals.

Equally impactful was its effect on society.  People were encouraged to avoid public places such as theaters and sporting events.  Businesses, their employees sick or quarantined at home, were forced to close.

Sounds a bit familiar, doesn't it?

--Cooter

The Spanish Flu Comes to McHenry County in 1918-- Part 2: Avoid Those Coughs and Sneezes

To combat this growing threat, the U.S. Public Health Service issued a bulletin in September 1918 outlining precautionary steps and what to do if you or a loved one became infected.

"So far as a disease like influenza is concerned health authorities everywhere recognize the very close relation between its spread and overcrowded homes.  ...The value of fresh air through open windows cannot be overemphasized.

"Where crowding is unavoidable, as in street cars, care should be taken to keep the face turned as not to inhale directly the air breathed out by another person.  It is especially important to  be aware of the person who coughs are sneezes without covering his mouth or nose.

"It also follows that one should keep out of crowds and stuffy places as much as possible, keep homes, offices, and workshops well aired, spend some time out of doors each day, walk to work if at all practicable -- in short make every possible effort to breathe  as much pure air as possible."

Sounds Somewhat Familiar, Doesn't It?  --Cooter

The Spanish Flu Comes to McHenry County, Illinois, in 1918-- Part 1: All That and WW I and TB Too

From the April 15, 2020, Northwest Herald "Learning from our pandemic past" by  Kurt Begalka.

"During these unprecedented times (Okay everyone, take a sip of the bubbly as every time we have a word put together with the "time" to describe these days, you get to take a drink) it is worth remembering that the world went through something just as deadly (much more deadly) in 1918 -- perhaps even more so considering the double whammy of World War I-related injuries and prevalence of tuberculosis.

"The September 26, 1918, edition of the Woodstock (Illinois) Sentinel noted: 'The Spanish influenza is said to be beginning a visit to this country.  Most things Spanish are not to be sneezed at, but the influenza is an exception."

Soon after, the newspapers were full of reports of illness and death in every corner of McHenry County -- alongside ads for "miraculous" cures such as  'Knock-A-Cold."

--Cooter

Kishwaukee College Lowers Flag for Kent State in 1970

From the May 27, 2020, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1970, 50 Years Ago.

"After a two-week delay, the Kishwaukee College Board of Trustees last night acted on a petition  presented to them by the students requesting that the college flag be dropped to half-mast  for one day in sympathy  of the death of four Kent State students, killed in recent disturbances on campus.

"Some 112 names of students and faculty were on the petition requesting the flag lowering."

The Days of Rage After Kent State.  --Cooter

Fish Thieves Strike NIU's Lagoon in 1920

From the May 27, 2020, MidWeek  "Looking Back."

1920, 100 Years Ago.

"Although the youngsters have been catching a lot of little fish in the normal lake (now NIU's Lagoon), no reports of any sizable ones being caught have been received, the average fish being less than eight inches long.

"There is a rumor current that the cause of the condition is that seiners have  been busy on the lake at unearthly hours and have taken all the fish out of the lake."

Sneaky Fish Thieves.  --CooterWhere'stheFish