We Remember People We Lost in 2020-- Part 7: Stiller, Philbin, Reiner, Prine, Davis and Holm

JERRY STILLER, 92

The George's father in "Seinfeld" and Carrie's in "King of Queens."  With wife, was the comedy duo of Stiller and Meara.  Also in movies like "Zoolander and with his son Ben in "The Heartbreak Kid."  Died May 11.

REGIS PHILBIN, 88

Best known as host of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" and "Live! With Regis and Kelly.  Set a Guinness World Record for "Most Hours on Camera" in 2004. Died July 24.

CARL REINER, 98

Laid the building blocks of TV comedy in the 1950s and 1960s.  Directed movies including four with Steve Martin, including "The Jerk."  Of course "The Dick Van Dyke Show."  Died June 29.

JOHN PRINE, 73

Illinois-born and a great one.  Singer-songwriter.  I liked him before his death, but really didn't know how great he was until I went to YouTube and started listening to his songs.  Wow, what a talent.  Died April 7.

MAC DAVIS, 78

Country singer-songwriter who wrote "In the Ghetto" for Elvis and sang "Baby, Don't Get Hooked On me."  Then there's my favorite "It's Hard to Be Humble."  Died September 29.

IAN HOLM, 88

Star of stage and probably best known for his role as Bilbo Baggins in "The Lord of the Rings."  Died June 19.

We Remember People We Lost in 2020-- Part 6: Brimly, Osmond, Dubois, Lewis, Rogers and Morricone

WILFORD BRIMLEY, 85

Recognized for his thick mustache and down-home drawl and performances in "The China Syndrome," Cocoon," Absence of Malice" and  "The Natural."  Was a real-life cowboy.  Died August 1.

KEN OSMOND (EDDIE HASKELL), 76

If Eddie Haskell doesn't do it, then think "Leave It to Beaver."  Wally's buddy and character indeed.  Died May 18.

JA'NET DUBOIS, 74

Played neighbor Willona Woods on "Good Times" TV show and co-write and sang the theme song to "The Jeffersons."    You know, "Moving On Up."  Okay, stop singing it now.  Died February 17.

REP. JOHN LEWIS, 80

Famed Civil Rights activist and member of the U.S. House of Representatives.  One of the 13 original Freedom Riders and led the "Bloody Sunday" march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.  Died July 17.

KENNY ROGERS, 81

Sang many crossover hits from country to pop like "The Gambler," "Islands in the Stream" and "We've Got Tonight."  First gained fame in the 1960s with the group First Edition and "Just Dropped In (To see What Condition My Condition Was In)."  Died March 20.

ENNIO MORRICONE, 91

Italian composer who orchestrated more than 500 movies including the Spaghetti westerns "A Fistful of Dollars" and "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly."  Died July 6.

We Remember People We Lost in 2020-- Part 5: Lopez, Dennehy, Pointer, Wurtzel and Khan

TRINI LOPEZ, 83

Singer best known for his cover of "If I Had a Hammer" died August 21

BRIAN DENNEHY, 81

Had more than 180 acting credits and lauded for roles a s Willy Loman in "Death of a Salesman" and voice of Django the rat in "Ratatouille."  Died April 15.

PATRICIA EVA "BONNIE" POINTER, 69

Was a member of and songwriter for the Pointer Sisters who won three R&B Grammys for songs such as "Fire," "I'm So Excited" and "Jump for My Love."  Died June 8.

ELIZABETH WURTZEL, 52

Opened the door for dialogue on mental health with her memoir "Prozac Nation: Young and Depressed in America."  Died January 7.

IRRFAN KHAN, 53

Gained fame from his roles in "Life of Pi," "Slumdog Millionaire," "Spider-Man" and "Jurassic World."  Died April 29.

We Remember People We Lost in 2020-- Part 4: Douglas, Willard, Reddy and Van Halen

KIRK DOUGLAS, 103

One of the last remaining stars of Hollywood's Golden Age.  Known for many movies, but the biggest was "Spartacus."  Died February 5.  "My name is Spartacus!"

FRED WILLARD, 86

Always made us laugh on TV and in the movies.  Some of his TV shows:  "Modern Family," "Everybody Loves Raymond.  Plus "This Is Spinal Tap" in the movies.  I had often seen him, but didn't know his name.

HELEN REDDY, 78

She had a lot of hits, including "Delta Dawn" and "Angie Baby" (one really strange song).  But, by far best known  for her 1972 smash "I Am Woman."  Died September 29.  I wrote about the musicians on this list in more detail in my Down Da Road I Go blog under Music Deaths.

EDDIE VAN HALEN, 65

The lead guitarist of the rock band Van Halen, and, what a guitarist.  Some of their great songs: "Jump," "Panama" and "Hot for Teacher."  Married TV Star Valerie Bertinelli of "One Day At a Time."  Died October 6.

We Remember People We Lost in 2020-- Part 3: Sayers, Glenn, Cardoz, Withers and Little Richard

GALE SAYERS, 77

Former NFL running back and member of the NFL Hall of Fame.  Played for the Chicago Bears.  Died September 23.  When he'd break loose, it was off to the races.  The "Kansas Comet,"  Da BEARS!!!!!   A reason I'm a Bears fan.

ANNIE GLENN, 100

Disabilities advocate.  Died May 18.

FLOYD CARDOZ, 59

Chef.  Died March 25

BILL WITHERS, 81

Soul singer.  Died March 30.

LITTLE RICHARD, 87

One of Rock's first successful black crossover artists.  "Tutti Fruiti," "Long Tall Sally, and "Good Golly Miss Molly."  Born Wayne Penniman.  Died May 9.

We Remember People We Lost in 2020-- Part 2: Bryant, Connery, Preston, De Havilland and Trebeck

KOBE BRYANT, 41

Eighteen-time NBA All-Star.  Won five NBA Championships.  Died January 26.

SEAN CONNERY, 90

Probably the most famous and beloved Agent 007s.  Played James Bond 7 times.  Also "The Untouchables," ""Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" and "The Hunt for Red October."  Died October 31.

KELLY PRESTON, 57

Actress.  "Jerry Maguire."  Husband was John Travolta.  Died July 12.

OLIVIA DE HAVILLAND, 104

The last living lead of 1939's "Gone With the Wind."  Played Scarlett O'Hara's sister-in-law.  Nominated for five Academy Awards during her50-year career.  Died July 26.

ALEX TREBECK, 80

Longtime host of "Jeopardy."  Began hosting it in 1984.  Died November 8.

We Remember, People We Lost in 2020-- Part 1: Boseman, Daniels, Ginsburg and Rigg

From the December 6, 2020, Parade Magazine "We remember" by Dillon Dodson.

I do Music Deaths in my Down Da Road I Go blog.

CHADWICK BOSEMAN, 42

Movie actor.  "42" (Jackie Robinson), "Get On Up" (James Brown), "Marshall" (Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and, of course, "Black Panther." Died August 28.

CHARLIE DANIELS, 83

A whole lot of great music, especially "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" a #1 crossover hit in 1979.  Died July 6.

RUTH BADER GINSBURG, 87

Supreme Court Justice.  Leader in women's rights and gender equality movement.  Died September 18.

DIANA RIGG, 82

Actress "Game of Thrones" and "Avengers" TV show.  Died September 10.

December 25, 1776-- Part 2: Washington Crosses the Delaware

So, late Christmas night, Washington and his troops hopped into boats and crossed the Delaware River to test his theory.  He was right.  The Hessians were totally unprepared for the surprise they got at dawn December 26.

About 2,400 Continental troops rushed into Trenton and captured it with little difficulty.  The British/Hessian force surrendered after an hour and a half.

The mission, now known as the Battle of Trenton, had huge significance to the American cause.  Not only did it raise American spirits and morale, but revised the hope of the colonials who were beginning to think independence could not be achieved.

Thanks, George.  --DaCootTrent

December 25, 1776: Washington Crosses the Delaware-- Part 1: To Catch the Hessians By Surprise

From the December 25, 2020, AeroTech News "Remembering Christmases past, major military events."

Throughout the history of our country, several notable military events have taken place on this date.

1776:  WASHINGTON'S FAMOUS CROSSING OF THE DELAWARE RIVER

The winter of 1776 didn't start very well for General Washington and his Continental Army.  They suffered many defeats in the first few months of the American Revolution and had been pushed out of New York and New Jersey and now were in Pennsylvania.  For the troops, the morale was low.

Washington desperately needed to renew their faith in the battle for independence, so he decided to surprise the Hessians --  German troops hired by the British -- who were stationed in Trenton, New Jersey.  He figured that doing so after the enemy's Christmas celebrations that would find them groggy, hungover and not ready to fight.

Also, there was one of those winter storms brewing as well as armies generally going into winter quarters and not fighting until spring.

--Cooter

Wilmington, North Carolina's Revolutionary Anniversaries Upcoming in 2021: The American Revolution

From the December 21, 2020, Wilmington (NC) Star-News "Battleship North Carolina, Wilmington  Ten among major  2021 anniversaries" by Hunter Ingram.

Okay, 2020 has not been such a wonderful year, but there are some interesting and noteworthy  anniversaries that took place in Wilmington, N.C., coming up next year.

These are ones dealing with the American Revolution:

JANUARY:  

The 240th anniversary of the British capturing Wilmington during the American Revolution.  In April, one of the region's leading Patriots, Cornelius Harnett, would die on his birthday after being held in a roofless prison by the British in downtown Wilmington.

****************************

FEBRUARY:

The 255th anniversary of the Stamp Act Rebellion at Brunswick Town:  One of the earliest acts of rebellion in the colonies against the British crown.  The rebellion, which started with protests the preceding fall, saw Patriots holding future Royal Governor William Tyron under house arrest until he met their demands to stop the Stamp Act, which was a new tax on the colonists.

****************************

FEBRUARY:

The 245th anniversary of the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge on Feb. 27, 1776:  The swift battle  saw the clash between North Carolina Patriot and Loyalist militias.  The Loyalist militia was aided by the Scottish Highlanders.  This took place in present-day Pender County.

The Patriot victory kept the British from invading the South for three years.  Today, the site is today the Moore's Creek U.S. National Military Park.

--Cooter

About 'It's a Wonderful Life'-- Part 2: Becoming a Classic

When it was first released in 1946, as I said earlier, the movie was not intended to be a Christmas movie.  And, it initially flopped at the box office.  The film's copyright was not renewed.

So, in the 1970s, "It's a Wonderful Life" was free for broadcasters to air repeatedly.  And they did and did and did and did.  So much so, that it either became a classic for some or made others, like my wife, gag.  Fortunately, for some reason, I didn't see it that much.

But, for those of us who are fans of it, we began to notice that this less-than-jolly-ho-ho-ho movie was a great one.  And, a Christmas tradition was begun.  I am surprised that we don't have a cable station offering a 24-hour array like TNT and TBS  do for "A Christmas Story."

NBC currently owns the rights to the film and broadcasts it on Christmas Eve every year (and several other times beforehand).  In 2016, Variety reported that the network's  42nd Christmas Eve showing had  4.5 million viewers.

NBC will again rebroadcast the movie this Thursday from 7 to 10 CST.

--DaCootLife

About 'It's a Wonderful Life'-- Part 1: My Top Four Christmas Favs

From the December 19, 2020, CTV News "How the Second World War shaped 'It's a Wonderful Life' by Rachael Scott.

This is my third favorite Christmas movie, even though when it was made, it was not slated as a Christmas movie.  (My top four Christmas movies:

1.  "A Christmas Story"

2.  "Christmas Vacation"

3.  "It's a Wonderful Life"

4.  "Miracle on 34th Street"

I have seen all but the 1st and 4th ones, but hope to see the 4th this week and know that I will see the 1st several times between Christmas Eve and Christmas night for some reason.

--Cooter

U.S. Presidents Descended From Pilgrims

The General Society of Mayflower descendants, an association for people with proven Pilgrim descent, figures that some 10 million people in he United States and 35 million around the world can claim legitimate Pilgrim ancestry.

The Mayflower Society lists 51 Mayflower Pilgrims as possible ancestors.  If you can trace your lineage to any of them, you can become a card carrying member of them.

*********************************

PRESIDENTS

If you are a Mayflower descendant, you're among illustrious company.

According to the Mayflower Society, nine U.S. presidents are descended from Mayflower Pilgrims:

John Adams

John Quincy Adams (of course)

Zachary Taylor

Ulysses S. Grant

James A. Garfield

Calvin Coolidge

Franklin Delano Roosevelt (What, no Theodore Roosevelt?)

George H.W. Bush

George W. Bush (of course)

--CootPres

The Pilgrims 'Went Forth and Multiplied', They Really Did

Yesterday and in November, I wrote about some people who had Mayflower Pilgrim ancestors.  And, they are just a few of the most well-known people in U.S. history who are descendants.

Again, from the "Mayflower: Birth of America" booklet.

Only 51 of the 102 passengers on the Mayflower are known to have produced children.  But, to say that the old adage, "Go forth and multiply," applied to them would be an understatement.

It is estimated today that some ten million people in America can claim Pilgrim forebears.

And, it is getting easier to find out if you are one of them.

--CootNotOneOfThem, WellProbably Not

What Do They Have in Common?

What do Ulysses S. Grant, Marilyn Monroe, Amelia Earhart, Taylor Swift and Alec Baldwin have in common?

They're all Mayflower descendants, a group that isn't as elite as it used to be.

--DaMayCoot

The Truth About Plymouth Rock-- Part 2: Did They or Didn't They? Doesn't Matter

Soon, though, the rock began taking on symbolic meaning more compelling than any fact attached to it.  In 1774, with revolutionary fervor boiling in New England, some zealots in Plymouth decided to move the rock to a spot in town, where they hoped, it would stir up patriotic passions.

They accidentally cracked the rock in two, and while the lower half remained at the beach, the upper half found its way to a number of sites in Plymouth over the years.

The two halves were later mended and enshrined under a beachside temple, though the rock was trimmed to fit.  Over the years it has been carved up so often that it is estimated to be only a third of its original size.

But it remains an outsize American icon -- important not for who did or didn't step on it, but, as National Museum of American History curator Larry Bird has noted, "because of what people have turned it into."

--Cooter

The Truth About That Rock, Plymouth Rock-- Part 1

From the "Mayflower: Birth of America."

The Pilgrims may or may not have stepped on this granite boulder when they came ashore at Plymouth, but the legend is far more important than the reality.

The Pilgrims most likely noticed this rock when they came ashore at Plymouth in 1620 because it was like no other rock anywhere around that site.  Geologists call it a glacial erratic -- a glacially deposited rock differing in size and type from rocks native to the region.

In other words, it was like the Pilgrims, from somewhere else.

There is, however, no mention of the stone in William Bradford's firsthand accounts of the colony's founding.  It wasn't until 1741 that the rock was identified as the spot where the Pilgrims first stepped ashore.   That is 121 years later.

And, that assertion was made by 94-year-old Thomas Faunce, who said he'd been told of the rock's significance by his father, a Plymouth Colony settler who had arrived in 1623 and by several of the original Mayflower passengers.

Whether he was being truthful, we can not know.

--Brock-Perry

A 'Stray' Baby Found in DeKalb in 1920

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

1920, 100 Years Ago.

"At 9:30 o'clock this morning the police received a call from the New DeKalb restaurant that a stray baby had been there for an hour and no one had called to claim it.

"The baby was left at the restaurant and within ten minutes Mrs. T.H. Hobbs called up the police and asked if a baby had been seen.  It turned out that the baby was that of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Duncan  and it was soon returned  to her."

Imagine if that happened today, and why was it that Mrs. T. H. Holmes called the police when it was someone else's baby?

Imagine what would happen if the same thing happed these day?

Must remember to leave the pasture gates closed as those babies can crawl faster than you think.

A Whole Lot More Than A Returned Baby, I'm Sure.  Did They Round Up Stray Babies Back Then?  --CootBaby

Two More USS Oklahoma (Pearl Harbor) Unknowns Identified

From the December 5, 2020, Lexington (Nebraska) Clipper Herald.

In 2015, the decision was made to disinter the remains of the USS Oklahoma Unknowns and use DNA to identify those buried in the mass communal graves.  So far, 242 have been identified, but not Ray Pentica (see today's post in the Not So Forgotten: War of 1812 blog).

One of those found was Grant Cook, Jr. of Cozad, Nebraska.  In fact, 22 of the sailors and Marines who died on the Oklahoma on December 7, 1941, were from Nebraska.

Remains of the Oklahoma's Unknowns continue to be identified.  Just  this past November 24, two brothers who died on the ship, Harold Trapp and William Trapp were accounted for through DNA testing.

--Pearl Harbor

Already Had the Spanish Flu and Survived By 1920? No Worry Mon

From the December 2, 2020, MidWeek (DeKalb County, Illinois)  "Looking Back."

1920. 100 Years Ago.

"If you had the real Spanish flu back in 1918 and 1919, and didn't die of it you won't have it again.

"You can start in the winter with a perfectly light heart and no worry whatsoever as how to treat yourself in the case of a fresh attack, now that the time-honored whiskey and  quinine cure is no longer integrally available."

Prohibition started in January 1920.

It is too bad that these days in 2020 that if you get the virus and survive you only get a temporary immunity from it.

No Whiskey for You.  --Cooter

The Speedwell-- Part 6: Why Did It Leak So Badly?

Prior to the voyage, the Speedwell had been refitted in Delfshaven and had two masts.  

It is theorized that the crew used a mast that was too large for the ship and that its size added stress to the hull which caused it to leak so badly.

Pilgrim William Bradford wrote that "overmasting" strained the ship's hull, but attributes the main cause of problems to actions on the part of her crew.

Passenger  Robert Cushman wrote from Dartmouth in August 1620, that the main problem was caused by a loose board approximately two feet long.

--CootMast

The Speedwell-- Part 5: Leaks Are Upon Us

The Mayflower and Speedwell began their voyage to the New World from Southampton on 5 August 1620, but the Speedwell again began taking on water, and again the two ships had to put into harbor for Speedwell repairs.  This time at Dartmouth.

By now, it was getting very late to attempt am Atlantic crossing as winter was fast approaching.  Much better to start a new colony in the spring or summer to give the colonist a chance to prepare for winter.  The Speedwell's leaking problem was putting the whole expedition into jeopardy.

Repairs were made and a third attempt by the two ships was made.  The Speedwell did its usual leaking and a return to Dartmouth.  This time the decision was made to get rid of the Speedwell.  Some of its passengers transferred to the Mayflowers and the rest stayed in England.

Now, the severely overcrowded Mayflower was to set off again on September 6, 1620.

Winter's A'Coming.  --Cooter

The Speedwell-- Part 4: A Veteran of the War Against Spain and the Spanish Armada

From Wikipedia.

The Speedwell was a 60 ton pinnace that was, along with the Mayflower, supposed to transport the Pilgrims to America.  A vessel of the same name and size had traveled to America 17 years before the Pilgrims as the flagship of the first expedition of Martin Pring.

It was built in 1577, under the name Swiftsure, as part of English preparations for war with Spain and participated in the fight against the Spanish Armada.  During the Earl of Essex's 1596 Azores expedition and served as the ship of his second in command, Sir Gelli Meyrick.  After the war with Spain ended, she was decommissioned in 1605, and renamed the Speedwell.

Captain Blossom, a Leiden, Netherlands Separatist, bought the Speedwell in July 1620.  They then sailed to Southampton under the command of a Captain Reynolds.  There, they met a second ship named the Mayflower,  which had been chartered by merchant investors (again, Captain Blossom).

The Speedwell was already leaking badly at this time.

The two ships lay at anchor in Southampton for almost two weeks while the Speedwell was being repaired.   The group had to sell some of their supplies and food to cover costs and port fees.

--Cooter

The Speedwell-- Part 3: Was the Speedwell's Leaks By Accident or On Purpose?

It later came to light that the Speedwell had been fitted with new and larger masts back in Holland.  Such masts, crowded with sail, would have put stress on the ship and opened leaks.

It is possible that the ship's master did this intentionally.

After being left behind in Plymouth, the Speedwell was sold and refitted.

William Bradford later remarked on Mr. Reynolds' (the ship's master) "cunning and deceit" and noted that the Speedwell went on to make many voyages "to great profit of her owners."

Nice Guy, That Mr. Reynolds.  --Cooter