Erie Canal Breached - 54th Regiment Called Out

In addition to its Civil War duty at the Prisoner of War camp in Elmira, Rochester's local militia unit, the 54th Infantry Regiment NY National Guard,  was on occasion also called by NY's Governor for local duty.  Among those call-outs was as a breach in the Erie Canal at the Ox Bow in the village of Fairport. in 1871  The following chronicles this incident as reported in the Rochester Union & Advertiser.

Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: April 29, 1871, p. 2

EXTENSIVE BREACH IN THE ERIE CANAL
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Thirty Thousand Yards of Earth Gone Out
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A CANAL BOAT WRECKED IN THE WOODS
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Two Weeks Delay of Navigation
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Intelligence was received in this city about daybreak this morning that a formidable breach had taken place in the Erie Canal at a place known as Ox Bow, in the town of Perinton, nine miles east of Rochester.  The Canal is on an embankment about forty feet high at this place.  The water began to rush out of the opening just before midnight, and ere daylight nearly the entire level of seventeen miles had been emptied upon the country below.  About thirty thousand yards of earth went out of the breach.

A Canal boat, light, and bound westward, was near the place when the breach took place and was drawn in and passed into the woods nearly half a mile below.

Commissioner Fay was on the ground about 6 o'clock with Engineer Richmond and others making preparations to begin repairs as soon as the water will permit.  The Commissioner sent the following dispatch to the Auditor:

C. A. DAYTON, AUDITOR, ALBANY:—Break occurred last night at Ox Bow embankment, one and one half miles west of Fairport.  Twenty-five to thirty thousand yards gone out.
Will take two weeks to repair.

                    J. D. FAY

A reporter was dispatched to the scene of the disaster this forenoon, and may return ere the first edition of the Union goes to press, with more particulars.

We understand that the canal where this breach occurred has been closely inspected within the last few days, and gave no signs of failure.  The repair boat was there yesterday, and tied up last night but a short distance from the breach.  There was never, perhaps, better cause to believe that this disaster was the work of some villain.  A serious breach occurred at the same place six years ago, and it may have been selected because it was likely to prove very disastrous.

A small breach or leak occurred yesterday at Lock Berlin, but it is nearly repaired ere this.

We are indebted to Miss Hall, operator in the Atlantic and Pacific office in Fairport, for the first announcement of this breach by telegraph, and to Mr. Blackall of the Rochester office for further particulars.

LATER—BY TELEGRAPH

Our reporter sends us the following by the Atlantic and Pacific line:

FAIRPORT, April 28—12:20 P.M.
ED. UNION:—The break is a very disastrous one.  Bank went out at 11o'clock last night; no premonitions.  The break is in the tow-path in the centre of the ox bow and of the immense basin or reservoir at that point.  It is at least thirty feet in depth, one hundred and twenty feet wide at the bottom, and over nine hundred feet at the top.  The bottom of the canal is taken out to a great depth a long distance east of the break, but the embankment is not damaged at the point of the break.

The canal boat Barney Bird was near Fullam's Bridge and was drawn through the breach and carried over fields a distance of a mile, and lodged in the woods, the bow striking a hemlock tree, thirty feet from the ground, and swinging around on a hillock, lies there.

The Captain—John Terrill, his wife, a steersman and span of horses were on board and took the fearful ride.  They all escaped uninjured; boat broken some.  The boats L. W. Clark and J. W. Raven, light, came near being drawn into the breach.

It will take two weeks to make repairs; perhaps three, as earth will have to be drawn a long distance.  Timbers are now being taken to the breach.

The bridge and dam at Haywood's mill, on the stage road to Fairport, are swept away.  Also the bridge and dam at Lincoln's mill on the next road east.  Great damage is done to farms and lands.  A barn owned by Benjamin Strong in the route was swept away.

Contractors are on the ground and the work of repairs will commence at once.

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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: May 1, 1871, p. 2

The Great Break in the Canal
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Our dispatches and correspondences Saturday relative to the break which occurred in the Erie Canal in the Ox Bow, a mile and a half west of Fairport Friday night, recited in a brief manner all the particulars attending the catastrophe.  An error of the telegraph operator put the width of the breach in the two-path at the top at nine hundred feet; it should have been two hundred feet.  The readers of the paragraph readily corrected the error.

The prism of the canal is washed out for several hundred feet each side of the breach, and it will be necessary to replace the bottom before it will be safe to let the water into the channel again.  To do this and to fill up the breach in the tow-path will require, it is estimated, from fifty to sixty thousand yards of earth.

At noon Saturday timbers to be used in the work of repairs were being hauled to the spot, and workmen were engaged in constructing a dam in the canal a few hundred feet west of the break.  Yesterday a large number of teams and men were at work, and the number will be largely augmented to-day.  Quite a little village of shanties for the accommodation of the men has sprung up in the vicinity of the breach.  It is now thought that it will take from fifteen to twenty days to put everything all right at the Ox Bow.  A large number of people visited the scene of the break yesterday.

The waters from the canal, on their way to the Bay, did other damage than that noticed Saturday, but not of sufficient importance to call for especial notice.  There are probably between one and two hundred boats, laden, between the break and the western line of this city.  All speculation as to the cause of the breach is useless, for every vestige of the cause was swept away by the immense body of water that went out.  We shall note daily the progress of the work of repairs.
 
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: May 1, 1871, p. 2

Items in Brief
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The National Guard of the State will soon receive an order from the Governor to perform six days of camp duty.  The 54th will hold itself in readiness to go to the field.

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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: May 3, 1871, p. 2

THE CANAL BREACH—The work of repairing the breach in the canal at the Ox bow is progressing quite as well as could be expected.  There are as many men there as can be employed to advantage; more teams are wanted.

The arrangements for feeding men and teams are now well arranged, and there is no reason for delay in the work unless storms should set in.  It is impossible to predict when the work will be completed.  After the earth is in and feeding commences, it will be four days or more before loaded boats will move.  The lower levels as far as Montezuma will be empty, and there is no source for feeding east of Rochester.  The water is leaking fast from the levels.  When the feeding begins it will be necessarily slow, on account of the boats lying in the channel.

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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: May 3, 1871, p. 3

The Canal Break—Radical Organs Unwittingly Punching the Head of a Radical Chief
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The New York Tribune of Monday had a dispatch purporting to come from this city, in which the "Ox Bow" break was attributed to "Democratic mismanagement."

The New York Times, same day, saw in the break an unfavorable "commentary on Democratic canal management."

The Albany Express, Syracuse Journal, and other Radical organs along the line, take up and swell the strain of their file leaders—the last named paper making this wonderful variation:  "What are the provisions of the law lately passed by the Democratic Legislature, abolishing the office of Superintendent?  Do they not make each Commissioner responsible for his Division?  Do they not give him the power to appoint as many subordinates as he may deem best, no matter whether those subordinates are called 'patrolmen' or something else?  Certainly the Commissioner and these subordinates are not to be ornamental."

The ignorance of these Radical sheets is quite equal to their malice.  We do not know who is to blame, or that anybody is to blame, for the Ox Bow break.  But if any official is primarily to blame, it is the Repair Contractor, who holds his contract, expiring in 1872, from the Republican Canal Board of 1867; who is one of the chiefs of the Republican party of this State; who was the late Republican Member of Congress from this district; and who founded and [   ]cted the Rochester Chronicle, now the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, the leading Republican organ here—Hon. Lewis Selye!  Therefore, the Tribune, Times, Albany Express, Syracuse Journal, &c., when they frenetically strike at Democratic canal management, aim their blows at a vision of their heated [      ] brains, punching the head of one of their own leaders and kicking one of the last [      ] of Republican canal management inheriting the Democracy from the late condemned defunct Republican administration in this State!  They are welcome to all the party capital they can make by thus assailing the Republican contractor, Mr. Selye, and the Republican Canal Board that gave him his contract!

The Syracuse Journal seeks information about the provisions of the canal act lately passed by the Democratic Legislature, the powers and responsibilities of the Canal Commissioners there, subordinates authorized, &c., as applicable to the management of the canals this season.  The Journal evidently does not know that the act of the Legislature to which it refers has not yet been reached in its order and signed by the Governor, and therefore is not yet a law, and has not taken effect.  When it becomes a law, and not till then, we will have centered in the Canal Commissioner the power which will justify the people in holding him responsible for any disaster upon the canals that might be ar[    ] by precautionary action.

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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: May 5, 1871, p. 2

THE STRIKE AT THE BREACH
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The Military on the Ground
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ARRESTS MADE
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The Rioters Surrender
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WORK RESUMED
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All Quiet at the Ox Bow
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In the later editions of the Union yesterday some particulars were given of a strike among the laborers employed in repairing the great breach in the Erie canal at the Ox Bow, nine miles east of the city.  We have now further particulars.

The occurrence of this break brought to the spot more than one thousand persons, who organized as laborers to make repairs.  These persons were from all parts of the country—many of them boat hands and not a few dissolute idlers from this city.  The gathering was one that contained many who were spoiling for mischief.  Still, the work was organized and got well under way without trouble.  Yesterday morning there were signs of disturbance.  The disaffected among the workmen began to talk of three dollars per day—the wages being twenty shillings.  About ten o'clock it began to rain, and the men began to leave the work.  Those who were disposed to continue on the work were dissuaded by threats or otherwise from continuing, and soon all work had ceased.  There was not much violence offered, and no injury done to property.  After partaking of diner there was disposition to be jovial over the strike, songs were sung and short speeches made.  At length a few of the leaders in the disturbance engaged in a fight, but this did not last long.

It now became clear that the rioters intended to put an end to the work until their demands were complied with.  Mr. Selye, the contractor, at once telegraphed to Mayor Brigs of this city for military assistance.  The Mayor called on Sheriff Campbell and the Sheriff took the necessary steps to obtain military aid.  Gen. Clark made an order for two companies of the 54th Regiment to repair forthwith to the scene of the disturbance.  Co. E, Capt. Henderson, and Co. B., Capt. Schoen, were the companies ordered into service.  Owing to the fact that most of the members of these companies were distributed over the city and engaged in business, they were not readily notified and brought in.  The uniforms and equipments were scattered about, as the old Armory has been abandoned and the new one is not ready for occupancy.  Camp equipage, tents, etc., had to be made ready.  All these preparations took time.  It was hoped that the announcement of the coming of the military might have a good effect at the scene of the disturbance and perhaps make it unnecessary to send the soldiers at all.  But as the request for help was repeated the military got off at seven p. m. and in half an hour were at Fairport Station, each man having 40 rounds of ammunition, and the whole having 35 tents to shelter them from the weather.

The Sheriff and Mayor accompanied the military.

On the arrival at Fairport last evening a large number of men were found congregated on the bridge over the canal in the village and the citizens were alarmed and feared that they would commit some violence.  The bridge was cleared and a guard of twenty-five men stationed in the village.  The rest of the soldiers were at once sent to the break where guards were stationed over the bridges and roads.  Those not placed on this duty pitched their tents and went into camp.  Everything remained quiet during the night.

This morning the military were in readiness for any emergency.  When the time for work to commence arrived, the laborers, or many of them, refused to work until the arrival of Mr. Selye, the contractor.  When he appeared the long line of wagons commenced moving.  There were a few turbulent spirits present and they counseled the men not to go to work.  Their action was clearly inciting to a riot and the Sheriff ordered the arrest of two of them and they were taken into custody by Deputy Sheriffs Campbell and Hubbachuck, with the assistance of some of the military.  They were handcuffed, brought to the city and lodged in jail.  The name of one prisoner is Williams.

As the officers were leaving the ground with their prisoners there was another disturbance, but what it amounted to they did not linger to ascertain.

The Sheriff will to-day swear in a large number of special deputies and put them on duty in Fairport and on the farms in the vicinity of the break.  The farmers and owners of property there complain of depredations at the hands of the laborers and they are fearful that if another outbreak occurs that they will suffer seriously.

After ten this forenoon a dispatch came to Comm. Fry stating that the strikers had surrendered, the men and teams had resumed work, and all was going on quietly.

Further preparations were made last night, if it should be found necessary, to send more force to the breach.  There were ninety men in the companies sent down.  Company C, Capt. Madden, and Company H, Capt. Lester, were ordered to hold themselves in readiness for duty, and the men were assembled at head-quarters, but were dismissed for the night.  They may be sent to the ground for relief.  It is the purpose of the officers to uphold the law and protect those who were willing to labor and punish all who create disturbance—to ensure the speedy completion of the work of the State.

The following is the requisition of the Sheriff:

Brig. General Charles H, Clark commanding 25 Brigade N.G.S.N.Y.
GENERAL:
A riot and breach of the peace having occurred in the town of Perinton, in the county of Monroe, I, the Sheriff of said county, do hereby, in pursuance of the statute, in such case made and provided, require you with two companies of the military under your command, armed and equipped, as the law requires, to aid me in quelling said 'riot, and breach of the peace, and that you report yourself forthwith to me, at the Armory in the City of Rochester, with two companies of the men under your command and ready for service.
ROCHESTER, May 4th, 1871.
                P. B. CAMPBELL
                Sheriff of Monroe County

Gen. Clark then issued the following order:

HEADQUARTERS 25TH BRIGADE
N. Y. S. N. G.
ROCHESTER, May 4, 1871
Special Orders No. 2, N. S.:
Col. J. Geo. Baetzel will detail from his command, forthwith, the two senior companies, to proceed to "Ox Bow" Bend, Fairport, armed and equipped, and provided with forty rounds of ball cartridge.  By order
                        C. H. CLARK, Brig. Gen.
                    Lt. Col. W. C. STONE, A. A. Gen'l

The following note from Adjutant Begy gives an idea of the situation at camp this morning:

CAMP SELYE
HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT
54TH REG'T, N. Y. S. N. G.
FRIEND C.—We arrived here last evening and marched out to the break at Ox Bow.  The boys immediately went into camp, and called their camp, as you will see by the heading of this, in honor of the Hon. L. Selye.  The boys are in god spirits.  Mayor Briggs, Gen. Clark and Col. Baetzel are here with us.
Yours hastily,
    GEO. A. BEGY, Adjt.

P.S.—While the men were at breakfast two of the ringleaders were arrested and taken to Fairport under guard detailed by Co. B.  It is the intention of Sheriff Campbell to arrest all the ringleaders, and have peace and quietness prevail.
                B.

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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: May 5, 1871, p. 3

The Democrat's Defense of the Radical Contractor
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The Democrat wades through nearly a column this morning in a very stupid attempt at defense of the Radical Contractor upon whose section the Ox Bow break occurred, and whom nobody accuses or assails except hypothetically upon the charges of neglect of duty made by his own party friends.

As to the Democratic state authorities, upon whom the Radical organs have blunderingly cast censure, the Democrat affects to accept our challenge to show where they have failed to meet their full responsibility, and here is its showing:

We are now prepared to accept the challenge of the Union.  We point to the fact of the break as proof that the canal was insecure at that point.

There's "proof" for you!  A break occurs: ergo, the Democratic canal authorities caused it!  The very same Ox Bow embankment went out a few years ago under the administration of Republican canal authorities, the same gentleman being contractor:  therefore, according to the Democrat's logic, those authorities caused it!  The Democrat office has had the misfortune to be several times destroyed by fire:  consequently, if that paper's reasoning be correct, the authorities of the office—the managing proprietors, must have caused the conflagration!  Hadn't the Democratic people make restitution to the insurance company?

The fact is, the embankment of the Ox Bow was personally and thoroughly inspected by Commissioner Fay and the other canal authorities before and after the occurrence of the small break a short distance off that preceded its going out.  So far as the human eye could see and human skill render, it was considered safe; and it is the opinion of many that the bank was maliciously cut.  The contractor's repair boat and force were upon the adjacent land as required and directed by the authorities, and the only parties who charge that the contractor did not do his duty are his own partisan friends who blindly assail the canal officials and hit him over their shoulders.  We may ask to be saved from his short-sighted, slow-witted party friends.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: May 6, 1871, p. 2

THE RIOT AT OX BOW
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(From our Special Correspondent.)
DEAR UNION:—Paris no longer monopolizes the attention of the civilized world in her sanguinary  conflicts.  She now has a rival here in the insurrection line, and although "Gen. Rossel of the Communists has been wounded in the shoulder," Contractor Selye has not received a scratch—a number of his men, however, have been shot—in the neck, but not fatally.

Notwithstanding that the Versailles troops did not hesitate to fire upon the Masons, the National Guard will not shoot the shovel brigade.
Supplies continue to reach Ox Bow, and the inhabitants have not yet been compelled to eat canal horses to any considerable extent.

Many of the cooks on the boats are preparing themselves for hospital nurses in view of the commencement of hostilities.  Doors open at 7.  Hostilities to commence at 8.  No extra charge for reserved seats.

Certified lists of the killed and wounded for sale by all respectable newsboys, price four cents.  The Governor has appointed a jointed commission to inquire into the merits of the dispute, and to test the quality of the benzine in the canteens of the rioters.  The scow which was carried through the breach is now aground about half a mile distant.  Having no cargo to discharge, the captain discharged the driver.  She has singe righted, and the mate is now writing the consignees.  Gen. B. F. Butler has been telegraphed to come and take command.  It is believed that his experience at Ditch Gap will render him and invaluable commander.  An appeal will be made to-day for lint and bandages; if not wanted by the troops they will be for the horses of the tow-path cavalry.

The owner of the farm at the breach wants to sell it—including its "water privilege."

There are many visitors to the "disastrous break," but the residents here do not appear to appreciate the privilege of having the show in their vicinity, some of them desire the great embankment to be removed and a swing bridge substituted as being less likely to break and inundate their lands, while others openly declare that rather than have another such break here they would be willing to have the "State Fair" one season.

Every thing is now progressing favorably for an early resumption of navigation.

"When this cruel war is over."
                                SPADER
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: May 6, 1871, p. 2

All Right at the Break
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The advices to-day represent all things going on right at the break in Perinton.  The following is a dispatch from Under Sheriff Campbell:

FAIRPORT, N.Y., May 6, 9:30 a.m.
All quiet at Ox Bow.  No disturbance since yesterday morning.  Men worked on the break last night.
                                C. H. CAMPBELL
                                UNDER SHERIFF
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: May 8, 1871, p. 2

Items in Brief
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A large number of citizens drove to the breach at Ox Bow yesterday to see the work in progress there.  All was moving on systematically and in order.  Notwithstanding the large number of visitors on the grounds with a good supply of stimulating beverages, there was little disorder.

The two companies of the 54th remain at the breach and are doing guard duty and performing other soldierly exercises.  Mr. Seyle gave a silver cup to be competed for at a turkey shoot.  Capt. Henderson's company won the prize.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: May 8, 1871, p. 2

The Great Canal Breach
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EDS. U. & A.—Gentlemen:  When the great and appalling breach which occurred on the night of the 28th of April of the high embankment just west of Fairport took place, the commercial men had good reason to be disheartened.  I visited the breach on the 29th in the morning, and there beheld what made the heart sicken.  A great catastrophe had befallen the commercial men of this city, as well as of the State itself.

This great gulf, from which thousands upon thousands of yards of earth had been swept ruthlessly away, and that which lined the high towpath having been torn out for a quarter of a mile extending each way, and joining that in the great breach had been swept out and carried miles away from its place of repose, leaving the canal at "Ox Bow" ingulphed in one common ruin—the news of this disaster was heralded all over this and adjoining States, and seemed at the time to discourage everybody and paralyze everybody, and lay an embargo upon our commerce and commercial men, that bid fair to last into months—thousands of boats and horses left standing idle on the expanse, and the products of the West and merchandise from the East left to seek other routes and other channels to and from the great marts of our commerce—having much at stake and feeling the deepest interest for the welfare of those engaged in the carrying trade, as well as for the prosperity of the State itself.

I have visited daily these works, and noticed with pleasure the rapid progress being made.

And it is but common justice to say, as I most cheerfully do, that great credit is due to the State officers in charge, as well as Contractor Seyle, with his assistants.  His foreman, Mr. Spaulding, has proved himself quite competent for the position he holds.  His voice has been heard here and there, night and day.  All have shown and exhibited the right spirit, and have pushed forward this work, now nearly completed, with commendable zeal.  A very large portion of the men and teams engaged thereon were those engaged in navigating the canal, and it is but just to say that they have worked with great energy and fidelity.

It seems almost a miracle that so large a force could be got on the ground and be made so available, and to work with such regularity and great effect.

To such a place hundreds of idlers and roughs congregate to make disturbances, and hence the necessity for calling out Sheriff and military, who have contributed largely to the speedy completion of the this work, and are eminently entitled to the thanks of our people.  The authorities have assured me that they should commence drawing water this evening, and pass boats by Thursday.  For the energy and fidelity of all concerned in pushing forward these repairs to completion they are entitled to the thanks of the hundred thousand commercial men of our State, as well as those of Western States, who are depending upon our State to furnish them transit for their produce and merchandise, in getting the canal in working order at least two weeks sooner than the best judges predicted they could.  I propose to throw my best hat high up in the air and give three times three cheers for those in charge, as well as those who have performed this herculean labor, in doing in days what it was supposed would have taken weeks.  Let us give credit to whom credit is due.
                Truly yours,
                    Henry L. Fish

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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: May 9, 1871, p. 2

The Breach Closed—Water Let In—Discharge of Laborers
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The work of filling up the great breach in the Canal at Ox-Bow has progressed so far that water was this morning let into the level.  Ere the lower levels are filled the repairs will be completed and the Canal all in order again.

The work was so far completed this morning that six hundred men and most of the teams were dismissed, their services being no longer required.

The work has so far been well done, the bank at the breach and the bottom of the channel have been covered with gravel as a precaution against new danger at that point.

The time it has taken to repair this great breach is surprisingly short, and much less than the terrified croakers named for repairs.  The workmen were well organized, and never has so great a body of men brought into effective action before in our memory.  To the hearty co-operation of State officers and contractor is this success due.  Every honorable and intelligent man who ahs looked upon this work will readily and heartily join in awarding credit to all concerned in it.  But for the rain and the strike the work would have been completed a day or two sooner.

It will require about three days to fill the levels from this city to Montezuma so that fully laden boats can pass.  The water has been slowly wasting away during the suspension, and there is little left below the breach, which is on the Seventeen Mile Level, extending from Pittsford Lock to Macedon.  Efforts will be made to so distribute the detained boats that the work of feeding may not be interfered with.  We trust that the close of the week will show all the boats in motion, running forward to their destination, not to be again detained by a similar mishap this season.
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Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: May 11, 1871, p. 2

Items in Brief
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The work at the breach having been completed, a guard has been stationed to carefully watch the new work night and day.

The two companies of the 54th which have been on the war path down the Canal, returned yesterday.  They bear no scalps in their belts as trophies of victory.  They may be classed among the first heroes, for they have achieved victory without using swords and bullets.
 
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Rebels at Elmira - October 1864

The following Letter to the Editor was published in the New York Times on October 9, 1864.

The Rebels at Elmira.; A LETTER FROM ONE OF THE GUARD, GUARDING PRISONERS OF WAR AT ELMIRA, N.Y. CAMP CHEMUNG, NEAR ELMIRA., N.Y.

Monday Evening, Oct. 3, 1864.

To the Editor of the New-York Times:

The officers and enlisted men of the "Provisional Brigade," stationed at Elmira guarding prisoners of war, have been disgusted at the maliciousness of an article from the columns of your Copperhead cotemporary, the New-York Express, and republished in the Gazette, a vile little sheet issued in this city. The article in question is full of untruths, no doubt purposely so written merely to make a point against "the Administration," which is such a pest in the nostrils of that paper, that it is willing to compromise the honor of us sodiers, who have left our homes at the call of the authorities of the State and Nation, with the sincere hope of doing some good for that country we love. The Express says:

"One of the most wide awake places out of New-York is the City of Elmira, where there are nine thousand rebel prisoners confined within one enclosure, and an encampment of six thousand Union troops."

The compliment paid to the city is well-merited and just, but the inference that the Copperhead would have drawn from the latter part of the statement is that the Government pays six men to take care of nine. Here are the facts: There are seven regiments of militia, composed of the Fifty-fourth, of Rochester, N.Y.; the Fifty-sixth, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; the Fifty-eighth, of Mount Morris, N.Y.; the Seventy-seventh, of New-York City, the Ninety-eighth, of Ulster County, N.Y.; the Ninety-ninth, of New-York City, and the One Hundred and Second, of New-York City. These are to guard the prisoners, and for other purposes -- such as escorting recruits to the front, etc. The combined force of these regiments, officers and men, is 2,403; the effective force to-day. officers and men, is 1,844 -- the remainder being away in squads, detached for the purpose of taking recruits to the front. The other day the effective force was 1,300. The number of rebels is about 10,000.

"The rebel prisoners are guarded by one hundred days men, selected from the New-York militia. Their camps are in front of the rebel quarters, which are pleasantly located on the plain, just upon the river. We regret to hear that many of these men die daily. No less than twenty-seven (an unusual number) were reported on Saturday, and eighteen on Wednesday."

All our camps are not located in front of the rebel quarters, but on the two sides of the fence inclosing the rebel prison, and the remainder across the road from the front of the same. The paragraph being a mixture of the "King's English," it is difficult to understand whether the untruthful writer of the above means that many of our men "die daily," or the prisoners. The average deaths among the rebels is twelve a day. I have my information direct from the Surgeon in charge.

"They have shelter tents, with a few wooden barracks and hospitals, but so miserably clad are most of these men, that they will freeze to death, if not better sheltered and protected before the Winter sets in."

They have exactly the same kind of tents that we United States soldiers are using. They are what are termed "A" tents, and will accommodate four men nicely. In the same kind of tent five of our men are sometimes placed, and in most instances four, which is the number allotted to each tent in the rebel prison. The barracks are as good buildings as the most of temporary buildings used for the accommodation of soldiers. The rebels have been sufficiently clad so far; they have woolen and rubber blankets to sleep in, and there is no fear [???] men" freezing to death, because our Government takes far too good care of them, when we take all things into consideration, and is now making provision against the coming cold weather. What more does your Copperhead cotemporary desire? Shall we furnish them with brown-stone houses, ice cream and feather beds? The rebels are far better provided for against the elements than are those who wear "the blue." During the days of stormy weather -- which, thank God, have now passed -- our large guard, composed of 335 privates, 22 corporals, 10 sergeants and 11 commissioned officers, were without shelter of any kind, excepting at the "main gate," or entrance to the prison. The long period of twenty-four hours -- which is often made twenty-six by the delay in mounting guard -- had to be spent amid those miserably cold storms with which we have been visited for some time, while the Johnnies were smugly stowed away under cover, and needed not to wet their shoulders. It is probably well known to you that guards serve "two hours on and four off" during their period of twenty-four hours, and that in those "four hours off" they are supposed to rest, but I assure you, but little rest could be had while the heavens are discharging floods of rain.

"Although but two have escaped, the chances are that hundreds will escape, if not better guarded or provided for. It is no excuse, that our prisoners are worse off at Andersonville, Ga., where 8,004, we are assured on rebel authority, died in the months of July and August."

Only two out of ten thousand, and yet they are not well guarded! The two in question escaped by artifice, and not through the weakness or inattention, of the guard. Unless better "guarded or provided for," indeed! This is a direct insult to the guards stationed here, who in every instance do their duty through sunshine and storm, through the night and during the day. The writer of the article in question would think himself well guarded if he was where he ought to be -- inside the rebel fence -- and where, there is not much doubt in my mind, I shall some day see him, and have the pleasure of being his sentinel.

"The negro prisoners at the South are put to labor, and even in their occupation find a solace and satisfaction denied to white men."

This, like all the other paragraphs, is as false as the Evil One in regard to our treatment of prisoners. The rebels here, now working upon some buildings being erected for their own comfort, to be used as Winter quarters and hospitals, receive from the Government ten cents per day and extra rations. Those doing laboring work, such as shoveling, etc., receive five cents and extra rations. Their day's work ends at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Besides this, they make many little things, such as rings, watch-chains, toothpicks and fans, which they sell to the officers and men comprising this brigade. Thus, Mr. Editor, you perceive that we treat our prisoners as men and not as brutes, and that "even in their occupation they find a solace and satisfaction denied" to our brave men in rebel lands, while our-soldiers wearing a darker skin they enslave like beasts.

I will conclude by affirming that we take good care of their sick, in buildings which are secured against sun and shower, wind and cold, and feed them upon butter and toast, tea, soups, fresh meats, fresh milk, and other delicacies necessary to the patient. Respectfully yours.

A PRIVATE OF THE GUARD.

Rochester, NY's Military Companies

The following is taken from the History of Rochester and Monroe County by William F. Peck (New York, The Pioneer Publishing Co., 1908).

MILITARY COMPANIES.

This brings us to a mention of the military companies of that period, before the organization of the Fifty-fourth regiment of New York state militia, most of which occupied the different rooms of the basement of the city market for their respective armories, the two brass bands of that day, Adams's and Holloway's, having their quarters there also. The earliest organization in this region was a company of riflemen that was formed in Penfield as far back as 1818, which attracted enlistments from Rochester as our little community increased in number. Ashbel W. Riley, mentioned elsewhere in this volume for his heroic exertions at the time of the cholera, was early connected with this company, which under his command as captain, at the time of Lafayette's visit here in 1825, escorted the distinguished Frenchman from Rochester to Canandaigua; other formations of a similar character afterward associated themselves with this one anil all were united together as the Twenty-second regiment of riflemen: Colonel Riley, who had then risen to the command of it, offered its services, with the consent of the whole body, to President Jackson in 1832 to quell the nullification disturbance in South Carolina, but the tender was not accepted, as the assistance of state militia was not required; the next year Colonel Riley became brigadier-general of riflemen, and then major-general. a position which he held till the dissolution of the brigade a few years later. The Irish Volunteers came into existence in November, 1828, a very creditable organization whose commandant for some time was Captain P. J. McNamara; it was attached to the One Hundred and Seventy-eighth regiment of infantry, with headquarters at Buffalo. Then came Van Rensselaer's cavalry, in 1834, named after the landlord of the Eagle Hotel and commanded by him, and the next year the Rochester Pioneer Rifles, under George Dawson, the "fighting editor," which was a part of General Riley's regiment.

In 1838 two crack companies were formed— William's Light Infantry, under Major John Williams, afterward mayor, and the Rochester Union Grays, whose first captain was Lansing B Swan, afterward general, who, with General Burroughs, codified the military laws of the state; it was originally infantry but later became an artillery company. Eight of the, members were still surviving at the beginning of this year, with the average age of eighty-six. The next year the Rochester City Cadets came into existence, with James Elwood as captain; a few years later, some time before 1849, it was reorganized as the Rochester Light Guards, with H. S. Fairchild as captain; it was this company that furnished sixty five men to company A of the Old Thirteenth on the very day after President Lincoln's first call for troops, and many of its remaining members afterward joined others of our fighting regiments. The German Grenadiers, the first of our Teutonic companies, and the Rochester Artillery were organized in 1840, the Rochester City Guards in 1844, the German Union Guard in 1847 and tho Rochester City Dragoons in 1850. The Fifty-fourth regiment of New York state militia, organized in 1849, was at first confined to the western half of the county, but in 1855 it embraced the whole of it at which time H. S. Fairchild became its colonel; although it did not go to the front during tho Civil war it performed excellent service by doing guard duty over the Confederate prisoners at Elmira in 1864; it was disbanded in December, 1880, in accordance with a sweeping change in the militia system of the state, only one company, known as the Eighth Separate, being retained. The First Separate company and its military services are described elsewhere. While not connected with the period of time over which we have been going, it is as well to mention in this place the Rochester Union Blues, a fine volunteer company of patriotic citizens, formed in 1863, with Charles B. Hill as captain, for the express purpose of doing duty as a home guard during the war, though it continued its organization for some years after the conflict was over.

My Passport Stampings and Visas

I was going through my passport (for what I don't recall) and realized that I have a number of stampings and visas there.  My current passport was issued in 2004.  This is what I find in there:

• Immigration Office Gatwick (London) 30 May 2004
• Kobenhavn (Copenhagen) 30 May 2004
• Amsterdam (Netherlands) Schiphol (Airport) 30 April 2007
• Mexico (Cabo San Lucas) 25 April 2008
• Japan Immigration 2 October 2007
• Kagoshima (Japam) 8 October 2007
• Republic of Korea (Admitted) 9 October 2007
• Republic of Korea (Departed)9 October 2007
• China 2007
• Hong Kong 19 October 2007
• Hong Kong (Departed) 20 October 2007
• Chinese Visa 15 August 2007 thru 15 February 2008
• Immigration Australia (Arrived) 31 October 2007
• Immigration Australia (Departed Sydney) 7 November 2007
• Singapore Immigration 24 October 2007
• Singapore Immigration (Depart) 24 October 2007
• Indonesian Visa October 2007
• Basel, Switzerland 26 August 2009
• Isafjordur, Iceland 3 August 2009
• Pipeas, Greece 30 October 2008
• Immigration Office Gatwick (London) 26 August 2009
• Immigration Office Heathrow (London) 15 October 2006
• Antigua & Barbuda 27 November 2004
• Republic of Gabon 1 November 2006
• Gambian Visa 8 July 2006 thru 8 July 2007
• Brazilian Visa 13 September 2006
• Ghana Visa 15 August 2006
• Gabon Visa 1 November 2006 thru 1 November 2011
• Togo Visa 21 August 2006
• Republic of Gambia 31 October 2006
• Cameroon Visa 28 August 2006
• Ghana Immigration 27 October 2006
• Togo Immigration 28 October 2006
• Rostok-Hafen, Germany 27 May 2004
• Russia Immigration 23 May 2004
• Russia Immigration 29 September 2007

Railroads Servicing Rochester in 1904

The map of Rochester in 1904 I recently talked about is as detailed as I have seen for that period.  I have some earlier but they are sometimes difficult to read such as the map of Rochester in 1871 that I copied from the City Directory for that year.  In the 1904 map I am especially interested in the railroad stations and their locations. Some of these locations still exist in the city although not as a train station.  The railroads and stations listed in the City Directory for that year are as follows:

• Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh Railway Co. - Passenger and freight stations are located at 62 West Avenue and on Oak Street although I find no stations on Oak Street on the 1904 map.
• Rochester, Watertown & Ogdensburg Railroad - One station located  on Brinker Place near Hart Street and another 434 State Street. The Brinker station was just south of the railroad tracks that cross the river.  Hart Street is still there. The State Street station was located between Jay Street and Brown Street.
• New York Central & Hudson River Railroad - Stations located at Brown Street opposite Wilder, the Central Station on the corner of Central Avenue and St. Paul Street, Centre Park Station on Allen Street near Chamberlain, and the Otis Station on Lyell Avenue near Warner Street.  
• West Shore Railway - Shares station facilities with New York Central & Hudson River Railroad at the Central Station on Central Avenue.
• Erie Railroad - Station located on Court Street near Exchange Street.
• Rochester & Sodus Bay Railway - Station located at Main Street East at the corner of Chamberlain.
• Lehigh Valley Railroad - Station located on Court Street and South Avenue. The station building is still standing and is the Dinosaur Bar-B-Q place.  
• Pennsylvania Railroad - Station at 81 West Avenue across the street from the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh station.

In addition to those listed above, the following operated in Rochester but I can find no detailed information concerning them:

• Genesee Falls Railway Co.
• Northern Central Railway
• Rochester, Charlotte & Manitou Railroad Co.
• Rochester Electric Railway Co.
• Rochester Railway Co.
• Rochester & Eastern Rapid Railway

Rochester in 1904

There is a map of Rochester in 1904 here.  It is a great map and the original is very large but shows great detail. A couple of items: (1) note the route of the Erie Canal through downtown, (2) the western boundary is just west of Post Avenue.  Great map!

Smarter Than A Fifth Grader (Or A Seventh Grader)

Yesterday my grandson Liam was over for the day and he recited the following conversation:

"How much are M&M's?"

"50 Cent."

"That's Ludacris!"

I said, "Hey, I know. M&M, 50 Cent and Ludacris are rap artists (and I use the term 'artist' loosely)."  He almost fell off his chair because his grandfather knew this.  Just to show you, I'm as smart as a seventh grader!

Another Day of Making Travel Arrangements

Spent another day making travel arrangements for our May/June trip.  This will be a 21 day cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Amsterdam, Netherlands and then we will go to our daughter's villa in Tuscany for a week before we head back home.

The cruise arrangements had already been made. In fact, we made the booking while on our Panama Canal cruise over Christmas and New Years. The reservations made today (and part of yesterday) were to get to Tuscany and then to London for stand-by flight to Miami.  If you recall other travel arrangements I have described you recall my number one travel rule - if I'm paying, use the cheapest airline!  Probably the cheapest airlines in Europe are either RyanAir or EasyJet. RyanAir, an Irish airline, unfortunately wouldn't get me to I want to go so its EasyJet.  We have flown EasyJet before on our trip last Summer from Basel, Switzerland to London.

The cruise ship arrives in Amsterdam too late for the EasyJet flight to Italy (actually to Milan) so we will spend a day and night in Amsterdam.  I booked a night at the Ibis Hotel near the Schipol Airport in Amsterdam.  We stayed there a few years ago following a transatlantic cruise.  The cruise ship line (Holland America) will provide a shuttle from the port to the airport. From the airport the hotel provides a shuttle. After checking in we will probably take the train into the city.  The next morning we will fly out of Amsterdam.

EasyJet is probably on a par with some of the budget airlines in the US but they are real cheap.  I mean real cheap. British Air has flights from Amsterdam to Milan for $220 per person; EasyJet does the same route for about $48 per person.  That's why I love EasyJet.  Of course there are some drawbacks.  For instance, there are no reserved seats.  Get there early if you want an aisle seat.

We leave Amsterdam at 9:30 AM and arrive in Milan at 11:10 AM.  Our daughter's villa is closer to Pisa or Florence than to Milan but EasyJet has no flight from Amsterdam to Pisa.  As a result we have to get from Milan to Florence so we will take the train.  Next step, make train reservations.  (The tickets will be sent to us by mail.)  We will leave Milano Centrale (Milan central station) at 2:15 PM and will arrive at Firenze S M N (Florence central station) at 4:00 PM.  This is $75 per person for second class and for a less than two hour ride second class is all you need.  At the Florence train station our daughter and her family will pick us up.

We will spend about eight days at Castello di Casole and then have to think about going home.  Because we want to fly first class (or business class) to Miami and don't want to pay for it, we have to get to a European city serviced by American Airlines.  The best chances are Paris and London so will EasyJet get us there.  There are EasyJet flights from Pisa to both Paris Orly and London Gatwick so we opt for London.  Make reservations with EasyJet and we will leave Pisa at 2:40 PM and arrive at Gatwick at 3:50 PM. 

We're in London at Gatwick airport but to get to Miami on American Airlines we have to get to Heathrow airport.  That means a coach (bus) ride of about an hour and a quarter. It's not that bad. We've done it before.  

We're at Heathrow in the afternoon but the direct flight to Miami is in the morning so we need a place to stay for the night.  The Park Inn Heathrow is at the airport so I make reservations there.  We stayed there last Summer when on our way home from or ocean cruise/river cruise trip.

Now the only thing we need to get home is open space on an American Airlines flight to Miami.  Last Summer Nancy got a seat in First Class. I ended up in Business Class.  I know, it's tough. 

 

Seneca Falls No More!

The Village of Seneca Falls was the site of the 1848 Women's Right Convention attended by Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott and other movers of the women's rights movement. (Rochester's Susan B. Anthony did not attend the convention in Seneca Falls but attended the Rochester women’s rights convention held in August 1848, two weeks after the historic Seneca Falls Convention, and signed the Rochester convention’s Declaration of Sentiments.)  Apparently the Village of Seneca Falls may be on its way out according to the Democrat & Chronicle. By a vote of 1,142 to 1,037 the voters of the village voted to dissolve their municipality that has been in existence for 179 years.  Although there are some absentee ballots to be counted, it is possible that the village will be dissolved at the beginning of 2012. 

Johnny Antonelli vs Billy Allen

In 1948 there was a terrific high school baseball pitcher in Rochester, NY  named Johnny Antonelli.  Antonelli, in his senior year at Jefferson High School pitched five no-hitters and was actively scouted by major league teams.  But there was another ace high school pitcher that year and that was Billy Allen who pitched for West High School.  A number of people were of the opinion that Allen was as good or better than Antonelli. I, an unbiased observer, was in that group. Ok, so he lived on Flint Street down the street from us.

That year the Boston Braves were looking at both pitchers and decided that if Jefferson High and West High would play each other at the end of the high school baseball season they would sign the winning pitcher.  The game, played at Red Wing Stadium on Norton Street, was a sell out.  I don't recall the final score but do remember the winning team - West High School and Billy Allen!

So the Braves signed Billy Allen but also signed Johnny Antonelli.  Two high school baseball phenoms from Rochester went to professional baseball in 1948. Antonelli went on to play for the Braves and the Giants (both New York and San Francisco) and retired in 1961. He returned to Rochester and ran a chain of Firestone Tire stores in the Rochester area.

What happened to Billy Allen?  Billy never played in the major leagues and spent a number of years in 'D' league ball in the south. After that I don't know but for a while Flint Street had a star!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all, Irish or otherwise. I have the distinct honor of being named after the saint and also my great-grandfather, Patrick M. Eagan.  When I was very young I was not always pleased with the name chosen by my mother and father.  Being called Patty was not always appreciated to a six or seven year old.  Eventually I came to realize that I, and all Patricks, had something unique - everybody in the Western world (and probably portions of the Eastern word too) celebrated a day dedicated to our name.  One of my Italian friend when I was in my teens tried to argue that Josephs in the world were just as proud of their namesake as those named Patrick.  My question - how many celebrate St. Joseph's Day (March 19) other than the Italians?

After skipping two generations after my great-grandfather with no Patrick Eagan, my father and mother started it again when they named me. I, in turn, named my eldest son Patrick and he named his son Liam Patrick.  Let's hope that Liam Patrick will continue it.  (Listen up, Liam!)

Cozumel and Cayman Islands

Yesterday we were in Cozumel for the day. I, Roberta and Alexandra went kayaking and snorkeling while Nancy laid by the pool aboard the ship.  During the afternoon we did our usual Bingo session. Both Nancy and Alexandra won. The previous day Alexandra and Roberta won. Today Nancy won twice this morning. Not a bad day.

Today we were to stop on Grand Cayman but the weather (waves and wind) was such that were not able to stop. Tenders are necessary to go ashore from the ship so all the activities on shore were canceled. However, that meant more Bingo! Besides the Bingo we competed in a scavenger hunt were able to win third place. Not bad. Getting better right now for a cocktail party.

Costa Maya, Mexico

Today we are in Costa Maya, Mexico and will stay here until about 8:00 PM. Roberta and Alexandra are taking a catamaran ride, Sam (a/k/a Tucker) is touring the ship and Grandpa and Nana will probably walk into the small village nearby. As you can see from the photo Nana is enjoying herself!

Yesterday, a day at sea, we played trivia three times and bingo in the  afternoon. Came pretty close on the trivia sessions, didn't even come close in bingo and even farther away from winning in the casino! Maybe today will be our day.

Aboard the Liberty of the Seas

We are on the Liberty of the Seas and heading south to the Caribbean Sea. We left Boca for Miami about a half hour after Noon and arrived at the parking garage about 1:45 PM. Shuttle to the pier and checked in.  Had lunch with Roberta and Alexandra as Sam was unpacking. We wandered around the ship. It certainly different than the ships that we generally cruise on. The Liberty has about 4200 passengers and the Holland America ships we generally go on have about 1300. In a minute we will be heading for Martinis and then to dinner at 8:30.

Packing For a One Week Cruise

We are just finishing up packing for our 7 day cruise that starts this afternoon.  We have decided that we know how to pack for a one month cruise (or even a two month cruise) but are clueless packing for a one week cruise.  Our daughter and her two kids were able to pack everything in roller cases (those that will fit in the overhead bin on an airplane).  We have a huge suitcase and a stuffed garment bag! What are we doing wrong?

In May we will be taking a three cruise to Europe and stay another week and a half before we come home.  I suspect that we will have the same amount luggage then as we have for today's cruise!

The Eruvim in Boca Raton and Rochester

There is an interesting article in this morning's New York Times, A Jewish Ritual Collides With Mother Nature, dealing with eruvim.  You probably ask, "What the heck is eruvim?"  An eruv (eruvim is the plural) is an enclosure around a community within which Orthodox Jews may carry objects on the sabbath.  The eruv extends the boundary of one's home to the entire eruv. The boundary may consist of walls, wires and posts.  It is important for Orthodox Jews to know the boundary of the evru.  The Wikipedia article on Evru notes, "Without an eruv, Torah-observant Jews would be unable to carry keys or tissues in their pockets or push baby carriages on the Jewish Sabbath thus making it difficult for many to leave home."  The Times article describes the havoc wreaked among the orthodax community as a result of the recent blizzards in the northeast.

There is a Eruv in the Boca Raton area near our area (although we are not included in the Eruv) and I have noticed a wire strung from street light poles along Glades Road.  The Boca Raton Eruv area is this:

The Eruv for Rochester, NY is as follows:

A list of eruvim can be found at Wikipedia.

Rochester's 54th Regiment in Elmira, NY POW Camp

The following is extracted from "The Elmira prison camp: a history of the military prison at Elmira, N.Y," by Clayton Wood Holmes. It is the first instance in Holmes' history of the camp that he mentions the 54th Regiment from Rochester. The 54th left Rochester toward the end of July 1864 and would be there until November of that year as guards.

THE second month of the prison camp's existence opens with a list of about 4500 prisoners, enough to comfortably fill the barracks. During the month 5195 prisoners arrive and the prison is congested. The entire camp not occupied with buildings is covered with tents. The prisoners poured in so rapidly that it was utterly impossible to keep pace with the rapidly increasing demands made in every direction. While hospital buildings were being rushed as fast as possible, the enfeebled prisoners became sick so fast that adequate care could not be given, much as every one desired to do it. A calm and reasonable consideration of the facts gives the best answer to the unreasonable charges made on all sides, by the South, that the effort was not made to properly care for the prisoners.

The following official communication explains conditions at the beginning of August:

Headquarters Draft Rendezvous,

Elmiraa, N. Y., Aug. 3, 1864. Brig.-Gen. L. Thomas,

Adj.-Gen. U. S. A., Washington, D. C. General : Since my last report I have the honor to state that 5000 prisoners of war have arrived at this depot and are quartered in barracks and tents at Barracks No. 3. All recruits, substitutes, and drafted men have been transferred to Barracks No. 1 excepting deserters, who are confined in the guard-house. The latter will be transferred as soon as the guard-house is completed at Barracks No. 1. The 54th Regiment N. Y. Militia, numbering about 350, arrived here on the 27th of July to serve as guard over prisoners of war. This regiment, with the six companies of the 16th V. R. C. [from Allegany Co., NY], furnish about 700 men for guard duty at the prisoners' camp. At Barracks No. 1 there are 200 colored drafted men and substitutes, organized into two companies, armed and equipped, doing guard duty there. Thirty of these are detailed daily as a patrol guard inside the enclosure at prisoners' camp. I have just received notice from Major-General Dix that two more regiments of militia from New York City will be ordered here for duty, and it is probable that they will arrive here to-night or to-morrow.

Owing to the number of troops to arrive here suddenly it became necessary to direct the quartermaster to lease some ground next to the prisoners' camp for an encampment, which I respectfully request may be approved. The new hospital is completed and occupied. The general condition of the post is excellent.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. Eastman,

Lt.-Col. U. S. A., Commanding Post.

The continued arrival of prisoners swelled the number so greatly that Colonel Eastman began to get nervous because the guard was so small. He made a telegraphic appeal for reinforcements. Two batteries of artillery, A and B of the 1st Battalion, Light Artillery, N. Y. N. G., arrived on August 3d from Rochester, 66 men and four guns. The 77th and 98th regiments State Militia also arrived. Plate No. 12 shows the artillery camp on the right, and the 54th N. Y. Militia on left. This camp was on the south side of Water Street, west of the enclosure. On the 16th of August, the force guarding prisoners consisted of the 28th [Brooklyn], 54th [Rochester], 56th [Brooklyn], 58th [Livingston County], 77th [New York City], 98th [Erie County], 99th [New York City], and 102d [New York City]regiments of N. Y. Militia, Batteries A and B, 1st Battalion N. Y. Light Artillery [Rochester's Union Grays], and six companies of the 16th V. R. C.

An Interim Cruise

It has been almost two months since our last cruise and almost three months until our next cruise.  The next one is a three week cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Amsterdam, NL.  We have decided that five months between cruises is too long so we have booked a one week cruise in the Caribbean.  Our daughter booked a cruise during her kids' Spring Break so we decided we'll take our Spring Break and go along.  So we're off a week from Sunday.

Tiger Wood - Role Model?

All of the news channels keep reminding us that Tiger Wood will be apologizing at 11:00 AM for his terrible actions.  I ask, "Who the hell cares?"  Apparently some folks do but I ask, "Why?"   A number of people were asked their opinion on the apology and why it was important.  An interesting one I heard was, "It's important because Tiger is a role model for our young."  Huh!  Let me remind you, the man makes a living by hitting a little ball by a stick.  Let me repeat - the man makes a living by hitting a little ball with a stick!

UPDATE: I was just clicking through the channels and find that right now Tiger Woods was giving his apology.  This was not just on the cable news and tabloid channels but it was also on ABC, CBS and NBC.  Just another example that I am absolutely correct when I say that 'we are a nation of morons!'

The Spotlight Obituaries?

I was born and grew up in Rochester, NY so I still follow what's happening in Rochester even though I have lived in Florida for the last 40 years.  Probably every other day I read the on-line version of the Democrat & Chronicle and one of the first section I read is the "Irish Sports Page" (a/k/a the obituaries).  I think I got that from my mother who always read the obits first.  But, I digress.

When one goes to the D&C obituaries, the left most column is titled Spotlight and following are some of the obits for that day.  Why are these obits spotlighted?  Are these written better than others?  Are the pictures better than others?  I'm lost. Can somone help me out?

The Blizzard of 1966 (or Maybe 1967)

The current blizzards plaguing the middle Atlantic and northeast states remind me of a big storm in New York State that I lived through.  I thought it was the big storm of 1966 that happened in January of that year but it must have been in 1967 or 1968.  At the time I was living in Rochester and in December 1965 I had gone to work for IBM.

I was attending a class at the IBM Education Center in Endicott, NY but was home in Rochester for the weekend.  On Sunday it started to snow so I started the drive to Endicott early in the afternoon.  Because of the snow I thought I would take the NY Thruway to Syracuse and then go south on Interstate 81 to Binghamton.  (Endicott is just west of Binghamton on Route 17.)  Unfortunately, the snow storm got worse and the Thruway was closed so I had to find another route to Endicott.  I got off the Thruway pretty close to Waterloo and headed south on Route 96.  On Route 96 it just got worse as I went south.

When I got as far as the Seneca Army Depot in Romulus, I had been driving for probably four or five hours.  It was terrible and I could not see very far ahead of me on the road. Passing the Army Depot I spotted a car off the side of the road in a ditch and noticed it was a family with kids in it.  I stopped to help them and they said that they wanted to go back to the last town.  They got in my car, I attempted to turn around ended stuck in a ditch on the other side of the road.  Just great! The family I tried to help got a ride from another motorist going back north.  I stayed in the ditch with the headlights and heater on.

It seemed an eternity that I was in that ditch but it was probably only an hour or an hour and a half.  A road-grader plowing the road came by, pulled me out of the ditch and told me to follow him on to Ovid, a town about 25 miles north of Ithaca.  I tried to follow but the snow was filling in between myself and the road-grader.  He stopped and suggested that I park my car on the side of the road and I could ride in the cab with him to Ovid.  He told me not to worry about my car because they knew it was there and nobody would hit it.  (Yeah, right!)

I rode in the cab of the road-grader to a gas station in Ovid where I and a number of other folks stayed for Sunday and Monday night.  On Tuesday the stranded motorists, myself included, were able to sleep at the homes of a number of local families.  On Wednesday my car was towed into the gas station and the  engine was steam cleaned of all the snow.  In addition to the snow, the driver side of the car had been caved in by (what else) a road-grader!  Another car that had been abandoned was worse off than mine.  That car was pushed down a hill. I was still able to drive the car so I proceeded south to Endicott. 

That was the saga of that snow blizzard.  To this day I can still remember how uncomfortable it was trying to sleep between two folding chairs in the gas station in Ovid.

Rochester's 19th Ward: When Was it Created?

In an earlier post, Rochester, NY's 19th Ward, I described that area of Rochester and how its boundary differs from that of the current Community Association.  Since then I have asked myself, when was the ward established? Searching the City Directories give us a fairly good idea when that happened.

Between 1891 and 1892, the city took portions of two other wards, the 8th and 15th, and created the 19th Ward.  It took that portion of the 8th Ward from Genesee Street east to the middle of the Genesee River and that portion of the 15th Ward from Genesee Street west to the Erie Canal  to create the 19th.  The 19th Ward and these boundaries lasted until about 1967 when the city wards as political entities no longer existed.

As an aside, that area west of Genesee Street that was part of the 15th Ward was previously a part of the Town of Gates.  It was annexed into the city in 1874 and at that time the City Charter was amended to reflect the new city boundaries.

Nana and Alexa

100_3296
Originally uploaded by pjeagan2001

Yesterday we went down to Fisher Island to see Julie, Bill and the kids. We hadn't seen Alexa (and Will) since before we went on our Christmas vacation/cruise. Boy, is she getting big.

Saturday Afternoon at the Madison Theater

Probably once a month or so my wife and I will see a Saturday or Sunday afternoon movie at the Muvico Theater on Airport Road. Being seniors, we pay the same as our youngest grandchildren - $6.50. Such a deal!  But I remember the Saturday afternoon movies in Rochester when I was growing up.  The Madison Theater on Genesee Street.  The building is still there at 300 Genesee Street but it is no longer a theater. 

The Saturday matinee at the Madison was a real bargain, although I'm not sure that I realized that at the time.  Admission was $.16 - that's right, sixteen cents!  And for that you got two feature films, cartoons, coming attractions, news and a serial.  That was a bargain.  In addition, there may be something like a yoyo contest.  Can you imagine a line-up like that today?  I don't think so.

Pronunciations

The United States has been carrying on a war in Iraq since 2003 and at the least the promoters of that war should pronounce the name of that country correctly.  It is not 'Eye-rack' with the emphasis on the second syllable but it is "I-rak' with a short 'I' and the emphasis is on the first syllable.  The same is true of Iran.  It is not 'Eye-ran.'  It is 'I-ran' and and the emphasis is on the first syllable.

Along the same lines, don't confuse the people of Afghanistan with their currency.  This morning on the news I heard Secretary of Defense Gates refer to the people of Afghanistan as the "Afghanis."  The people of Afghanistan are Afghans and the currency of that country is the afghani.

Now I feel better!

Hazel's Sweet Shop (a/k/a Mike's)

On Genesee Street in Rochester and right across the street from West High School was a soda shop.  Even the name on the fron of the building was Hazel's Sweet Shop, everybody called it Mike's.  In that same block was (moving south from Hawley Street) was Connor's Drug Store, Red & White Food Store, Decker's Card Shop, a Dry Cleaner Shop and Mikes. Looking at the 1929/1930 City Directory I find: Ballagh, John, druggist (probably preceded Connor's); Flickinger Stores, Inc., grocers (when I worked at the Red & White Flickinger delivered the goods for the store); Spector, Charles, tailor (probably preceded the dry clean shop); Poulis, Michael, confectionery.

So, after all these years I finally know Mike's last name.  On page 1205 of the same City Directory is listed the following:

Poulis, Michael (Hazel), confectionery, 488 Genesee, h[ouse] 352 do

So Mike and Hazel lives just up the street on Genesee St.  In addition, Mike probably had a brother named George (with a wife Helen) that also had a sweet shop on Monroe Ave.  It is amazing what you can find from old City Directories!

My Train Travels

Last week I was reading the Rochester Subway blog about the New York Central station on Central Avenue.  The station was demolished in the late 1960's and has been replaced by a 'modern' Amtrak station.   The original was a classic building and listed by the Infrastructurist blog as one of the most beautiful rail stations to hit the wrecking block. 

 

 I remember the station and can recall my first acquaintance with it.  It was probably in 1948 or 1949 when my Aunt Mae (Mary Eagan O'Brien) took me on my first train ride.  We rode to either Buffalo or Syracuse and then back to Rochester. The high point of the ride - after just being in that huge station - was lunch in the Dining Car.  I don't recall anything about the ride itself but I do recall that lunch.  Imagine eating on a train!

After that inaugural ride from the Central Avenue station there are a few rides that I do remember.  There was a ride to Cleveland when I was in the Little League to see a double header between the Indians and the Yankees.  This was probably in 1951.  Another was a trip from Rochester to Erie, PA to see an Aquinas football game.  (In those days Aquinas did not play any of the Rochester public high schools.)  I seem to recall that the game was called after we were in Erie because of the weather.

My most memorable ride happened in the late 1960's when I was working for IBM in the Rochester branch office.  In addition to programming support I gave to local IBM customers, I also provided area support for customers in western New York with specialized computers (IBM 1800 data acquisition and control system).  The specialist for the eastern portion of the state was in Syracuse but was away at the time.  The customer with the problem was IBM in Poughkeepsie and the weather was terrible.  It was snowing, windy and portion of the NY Thruway was closed so I decided to take the train to Poughkeepsie.  The ride to Poughkeepsie and back was uneventful until we were nearing Rochester late at night.  The conductor talked to me and let me know that the train was late and they would sure like to make up the time before the train reached Buffalo.  He also noted that I was the only passenger scheduled to get off in Rochester.  Then he asked me, "Do you mind when we reach the Rochester station if the train just slows down rather that stop?"  At the time I was in my late 20's so I said, "Sure, I can handle that."  I don't know how slow the train was going when I jumped off but I do recall that I kept running when I hit the platform before I could slow down.

When I enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1961 (I already knew that I was going to be drafted but did not want to go in the Army) my trip to Boot Camp in Parris Island, SC and when Boot Camp finished I took the train from Jacksonville, NC to New York City.  I was with a Boot Camp friend from Kingston, NY and his folks picked us up in NYC and I spent the night at his home in Kingston and then went on to Rochester.  I'm not sure how I got to Rochester.  I may have hitchhiked.  After my leave in Rochester I had to go to San Diego for electronics school so I took the train cross-country to California.  Six days if I recall.  Six days of boredom and beer.  Not an enjoyable trip.

Since those trips I have not taken a train ride (with the exception of the south Florida Tri-Rail) in the US.  My lovely wife and I have had a number of train rides in Europe. In Europe you can go anywhere, at any time and at a reasonable price. Not at all like the States.  Maybe one of these days we will catch up with the Europeans when it comes to transportation systems.

On the Way Home

Today is the last day of the cruise from Los Angeles through the Panama Canal to Fort Lauderdale.  We expect to arrive in Port Everglades at approximately 8:00 AM.  One thing that I am looking forward to is the cold.  The weather forecast calls for an overnight low of 38 degree.  This means it will be cold in the morning.

Today we played two sessions of Bingo; one in the morning for a cruise in the Caribbean and the other big jackpot game in the afternoon.  The jackpot game was for $4831 - a nice piece of change.  Unfortunately, we did not come even close on either game.  Maybe we'll be luckier on out May cruise to Amsterdam.

We did pretty good in the Casino last night.  We came away winning $157!  Not as much as we lost overall but not bad.  That's it for now.

Cartagena - Part Two

Apparently the low-frequency noise blasters on the deck yesterday worked the trick.  Not a single pirate approached the m/s Amsterdam.  Good job, mates!

We spent most of the day yesterday (in addition to keeping a close watch on pirates) we took a four your tour of the city of Cartegena.  We started by troopsing up a mount to probably the highest point in the city to the La Popa Monestary.  Pictures from there and other sites will be posted on my Flickr site when we get back home on Wednesdat.  From the monestary we traveled to the San Felipe Fortress where the photo above was taken.  It is a huge place with myriad of tunnels and secret places.

From the fortress we traveled to the city's old dungeons.  These were incorporated in the city's wall.  No longer the dungeons they are a series of craft shops.  From there we visited to the Church of San Pedro Clavel where the remains of Peter Clavel, a 17th or 18th century Spanish monk, is in a glass coffin in the high altar.

After visiting these sites we had the mandatory shopping period at a shopping plaza.  Big deal!

Today is a very laid back day.  Not very much going on with the exception of two (count them two) Bingo sessions.  Maybe today is the big day!

Cartagena, Colombia

This morning we are approaching the port of Cartagena in Colombia and as everyone knows Colombia is not the safest country in the world.  So as not to take any chances, the Captain has had low-frequency noise blasters set up on both the port and starboard side of the ship on the outside deck.  Take that uou pirates!

This is not the first time that extra safety precautions have been taken place on our cruises.  While cruising dwon the west coast of Africa a couple of years ago, officers walked the deck all night long.

We are taking a tour in the city of Cartagena and we shall see how things are there.  The unfortunate thing about taking a tour of the city is that we will miss Bingo.  Such is life.

Panama Canal - Part Two

We have finished transiting the Panama Canal and are now in the Caribbean Sea.  Also finished Bingo and no winner again.  (Did I mention yesterday that I won $66?  Well, I did.)

I sat down in our cabin to compose this post and found that now about a half-dozen keys on my netbook are dead!  What a pain in the arse!!!  Right now I am in the library composing this on one of the ship's computers.  Luckily (maybe) I made a mistake and signed for a 500 minute plan for Internet rather a 100 minute plan so I have plenty of on-line time left.  First thing after we get home is to take my brand new netbook to BestBuy!  (After moving the photos to my other laptop.)

Panama Canal

This morning we have just entered the first of the two Miaflores Locks
in the canal. I am in our cabin on deck one and out the window all I
see is the stone wall of the lock. After the ship is completely in the
lock water will fill the lock and we will rise to the next level. To
completely transit the canal takes about eight hours.
We have risen to the next level and now I can see out the window. It is
quite different from the locks that we went through this past summer on
the Rhine River. On the Rhine we could go through a lock in 10 minutes
or so. Because these locks are so much bigger it takes quite a bit longer.

New Years Eve

Last night was New Years Eve on the m/s Amsterdam and again we had one

of the ship's officers at our table for dinner. The beauty of having a

ship's officer at dinner is that he (or she) signs the check for wine

after dinner. Last night's officer was Mark from Mumbai, the ship's

Security Officer.

After dinner, we (as in Pat finally won something at the Roulette
table. It was only $50 but better than nothing. Who knows maybe this
is the start. This afternoon's Bingo session will tell.
At around 4.00 PM we will reach Amador on Flamenco Island where we will
stay until 1.00 AM on Saturday morning. Later in the morning we will
begin our transit of the Panama Canal. As we have seen in the past,
there will be close to a hundred freighter waiting to be let into the
canal. It is necessary to pay the transit fee prior to entering the
canal. Cruise ship companies pay the fee well before arriving at the
entrance. Freighter companies generally wait until the ship arrives and
pays the fee based on its weight.

Antigua, Guatemala

Yesterday we were in the port of Que_____ in Guatemala. The port itself
is for the most part a commercial/industrial area so we took a bus to
the city of Antigua. This was about a one hour and a half drive but the
drive there was pleasant. We had been to Antigua in a previous Panama
Canal cruise but we went there anyhow. We visited the two large
churches and also meandered through the narrow streets and the plazas.
On the way to Antigua there is a volcano that is somewhat active. As we
passed from the top of the volcano we could see either small clouds or
steam/smoke from the crater. Hard to tell which it was.
Today we had a Mariner reception for cruisers who had 100s of days on
Holland American cruise ships. We talked to a couple from Wyoming who
are on their seventh World Cruises. The World Cruises usually last 110
to 120 days in length. One of these days we'll take one of those suckers!
Just before sitting down to write this post there was an announcement
from the bridge that a large school of dolphins were along side the
ship. I ran to the outside deck to take some pictures but by the time I
got there they were nowhere to be seen. Maybe next time!
Tonight is New Year's Eve so festivities aboard the ship. Should be fun.

Puerto Chiapas

Today we are in the port of Chiapas and it is another beautiful day in
Mexico. This morning we stayed on the ship and in the afternoon we took
a bus to an archaeological site at Izapa. The tour guide for this
outing is also an attorney so if any of our family needs a fall-back
profession they can start tour guiding. (ATTENTION - Julie and Bill!)
The archaeological site is not that large but there are others in the
same general area. The site is believed to be a part of the Olmec
civilization and before the Aztecs and Mayas.
After the archaeological site we traveled to the city of Tapachula, a
city of over 250,000 people. There we visited the archaeological museum
which holds a number of steles, pottery, etc. some of which from Izapa.
In Tapachula we also visited the Church of St. Augustine, the Culture
Center and the City Hall. I could not ask why the city hall was so
quiet and then realized that this was a holiday week. Even though it is
December, it seems like Summer.
We missed Bingo and will probably miss it tomorrow. As a result, we
have to make up for that in the Casino. (Yeah, lots of luck!) Because
we are not leaving the port until 7.00 PM the Casino will not open until
then. We'll just go to one of the bars and wait for the Casino to open!

Huatulco, Mexico

Today we are in Huatulco, Mexico and the weather is beautiful - the Sun
is shining and the temperature is in the 80s. This is another Mexican
town that its main industry is tourism. The m/s Amsterdam is not the
only ship in port as a Amazura ship is tied up right next to us. In
fact, when my notebook attempted to connect to a wifi port it chose to
try to connect to the Amazura wifi system as it was a stronger system
than that of the Amsterdam. Of course, I don't have an account on the
Amazura ship so I could connect to it but do nothing else.
Earlier Nancy and I walked off the ship to the small town and looked
around but not for long. Back on the ship was much pleasanter was
reading and relaxing. Right now we are heading up for an ice cream cone
and I'll finish this there.
Well, we finished the ice cream and we are just looking down on the
boats in the bay. As I noted it is very warm and up here by the pool it
seems like it is the 90s. Maybe not but it is very warm. Bingo starts
in about an hour - the high point of the day. Let's see what happens today!

On the Way to Huatulco

Today is a leisurely day at sea as we cruise toward the town of Huatalco
on the Mexican coast. Although yesterday was warm but overcast, today
was in the 80s and sunny. A very nice day to sit on deck and read so I
did. Rather than eat lunch in the dining room or the buffet on the Lido
Deck we ate in the Pinnacle Grill. The Pinnacle is very elegant and the
food is excellent even for lunch. We have also made a reservation for
dinner there one night during the week.
Tonight will be another Casino, dinner and then the show. It is
difficult to determine how long we will stay at the show as the
entertainer is a singer. Some we stay for the entire show and at other
times we sneak out early. We shall see.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Today we are in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, a typical tourist town on the
west coast of Mexico. We took a walk from the ship into town and walked
quite a way up the main road. We were going to walk to the old town and
realized it was about 5 miles. Five miles is not bad but it would also
require another five miles to get back.
Just finished Bingo and again no winners among the Eagans. In fact, we
have not won anything yet - no Bingo, nothing in the Casino. Maybe
tonight we will be lucky in the Casino. Even if we do not win anything,
it should be a nice evening. The entertainment is a woman comedian.
Give me a comedian, magician or juggler any time. I do not care for
the singers and dancers.

Christmas Day

Today - Christmas Day - the ms Amsterdam is on its way to Puerto
Vallarta, Mexico which we will reach tomorrow morning about 8.00 AM.
Santa Claus visited the Amsterdam at 10.00AM for all the kiddies (young
and old).
We made an unscheduled stop at Cabo San Lucas as one of the crew was in
infirmary and needed to go to a hospital. Yesterday the doctor
determined that the facilities on the ship were insufficient for the
patient so the Captain looked for a a place to make an evacuation.
Helicopters both military and civilian were not available so over night
they ship headed for Cabo and took the crew member via a tender ashore
to meet an ambulance to a hospital. From there we took off again to
continue south for our next port.
Today more Casino and Bingo to see if we can pay for this cruise! (Lots
of luck!) Oh, also this morning we booked our next cruise. We are
scheduled to take the ms Prinsendam on a 21 day transatlantic cruise
from Fort Lauderdale to Amsterdam, Netherlands in May. That should be
fun as we can flu or train from Amsterdam to Florence, Italy to meet
Julie, Bill, Will and Alexa for a bit.

Christmas Eve at Sea

This morning we are sailing south along the Mexican Coast and it
certainly doesn't seem at all like Christmas Eve. The ship is decorated
for Christmas, the Atrium has decorated Christmas trees and some of the
waiters and stewards are wearing Santa Claus hats but it doesn't seem
like Christmas when you look out the window and see nothing but water.
This afternoon we are going to a wine tasting session. After that it is
bingo - the main reason we cruise! Dinner tonight is listed as "Formal
Optional" and I don't have the faintest idea what that means. I am
assume that some folks will be wearing tuxedos and others Dockers and
Izod shirt. I will opt for the latter because tomorrow is a Formal
night (no option).

Aboard the ms Amsterdam

We are now on board the ms Amsterdam for our two week cruise through the
Panama Canal to Fort Lauderdale. Because this is a holiday cruise, the
ship is full and all cabins are occupied. We have a problem with mold
in the bathroom (the 'head' for you sailors) so the cabin steward gave
it a thorough cleaning. Let's hope that that takes care of the
problem. Otherwise we are screwed as there are no other cabins.
It is 6.15 PM [the colon key on the keyboard is dead, hence the period
in the time rather than a colon] and after a shower we will head for a
Martini before dinner. We have requested fixed late seating at 8.00 PM
and a fixed table rather than the "as you please" dining. That
requires that you call every day and make a reservation or just go to
the dining room and wait in line. I don't like to wait in line for
anything!
That's it for now.

It's Cruise Day!

After four days with our daughter Colleen and her family and four days with our daughter Laura and her family, today our Panama Canal cruise starts from Long Beach.  Right now it is 7 AM here in Oak Park and it is about 45 degrees.  I must point out that this is California.  You know, warm, balmy weather.  What the hell happened! I hope that as we cruise south along Mexico and Central America it is warmer.

Even though it has been cold in both Eureka and Oak Park, we still had a great time.

In Oak Park, California

Since Saturday evening we have been visiting our daughter Laura and her family in Oak Park, CA.  Yesterday evening we attended a performance of Nutcracker Suite ballet which starred our granddaughters, Maris (Raggedy Ann) and Lily (a mouse).  Below is Maris as we head off to the Performing Arts Center.

 

Unfortunately, it is a bit cool here (hell no, it's cold) and here's to hoping that it warms up.

At the Beach (Samoa Peninsula)

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Originally uploaded by pjeagan2001

After breakfast at the Samoa Cookhouse, we went to the beach for pictures. These were for Colleen's Christmas pictures to send out. This picture I thought was great.

Eureka, CA

After all day yesterday in airplanes, we are in Eureka with Colleen, Robb and the twins.  The little ones are really getting big and on the move all the time.  At first they were a little bit (well, maybe more than a little bit) leery of Grandpa and Nana but that will eventually get over that.  I have found that tweaking and honking noses goes a long way to get to small kids.  We'll see.  Here is a picture of the darlings with their Santa Claus hats that Nana brought along.

On the Road

Tomorrow we will fly to Los Angeles and then north to Eureka were we will spend four days with Colleen and her family.  This will be the first chance to see the twins since they were in Florida last spring.  Then we will fly back to Los Angeles and spend four days with Laura and her family and on the 23rd we will start a cruise on the ms Amsterdam to get back home.  We are taking this cruise through the Panama Canal because we only had enough frequent-flyer points to fly First Class one way to California.  Therefore we had to cruise back!  We will add details on the trip and cruise here as we progress.

A Rochester Landmark

The railroad station above, located on West Main Street just west of Broad Street, was the passenger station for the Buffalo, Rochester and Pittsburgh Railroad (BR & P). This railroad came into existence in 1885 when the Rochester & Pittsburgh Railroad was split into the Pittsburgh & State Line Railroad Company and the BR & P.  The BR & P was purchased by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in 1932 and I can recall seeing the B&O sign on the building when I lived in Rochester.  The building is no longer a railroad station but is even more famous as it had ever been.  Today it is the home of internationally famous (well, maybe not internationally) Nick Tahou's and the equally famous garbage plate. Quite a place!

King Ferry, NY

Above a screen capture from a Google Maps view of the rectory of Our Lady of the Lake Church in King Ferry, NY.  I'm sure that my sisters and cousins will recognize this from summer visits to our Uncle Joe - Rev. Joseph T. Maloney when he was the pastor there.  Behind the trees on the left is the church and behind the church is the cemetery.  Before looking at the photo, my memory had a picture of a much bigger house.  I guess it wasn't that big.  Too bad there is not a side view from the right so we could see the pump on the side porch.  I guess there was running water in the house but drinking water came from the well via the pump.  Does that make sense?  It was a long time ago.

As far as I know there is no longer a priest in King Ferry.  Like a number of churches in the Diocese of Rochester they have combined with other churches with one priest.  In the case of King Ferry the priest is located in Auburn at the end of the lake.

Rochester Telephone Book for 1910

The Monroe County Public Library has an ongoing project to digitize local books for the area.  This is a part of its Local History work.  Among the newest books to be digitized are the Bell Telephone Directory for 1910 and 1912 and on page 68 of the 1910 version we find my great-grandmother:

Eagan, Patrick Mrs., Res. 108 Atkinson . . . . . . Main 690

She is also found in the 1912 version on page 70 at the same address and the same number.  I suspect that numbers that have a number followed by a letter were party line.  Those without a letter were single lines.  I remember that our number on Flint Street was Genesee 5577-M.

St. Patrick's Cemetery

In October I posted an account of Cemeteries in Rochester, NY.  In that post I noted that a number of siblings of my paternal grandfather were originally buried in the cemetery associated with St. Patrick's Church and later reburied in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.  Recently I came across a portion of a plat for the Pinnacle Hill area that shows St. Patrick's Cemetery.  Note that the city line goes through the cemetery.  In addition, note the location of St. Boniface Cemetery at the corner of Highland Parkway and Clinton Ave, South.

My Christmas Present

Here is my Christmas present from my lovely wife.  This is for our travels and will be inaugurating it on our California/Panama Canal trip starting two weeks from today.  You will note that the operating system is Windows XP but it will be changed to Linux (the Ubuntu version).

Thanksgiving in Scottsdale

Nancy and I spent six days over Thanksgiving in Scottsdale, AZ with three of our daughters and their families.  Here is a video of some of what we did.  The best part is the beginning with my grandson, Will, doing some of the driving.

Off to Scottsdale, AZ

This afternoon my lovely wife and I will be flying to Scottsdale to spend a week with some of our children and grandchildren.  And, by the way, today is our 25th Wedding Anniversary.  And some people thought that it wouldn't work!