Just completed this fascinating tome of history regarding the royal family. I recommend anyone who is a royal watcher to indulge in this riveting work of real life and time intrigue. While there has been outrage at this work it is something most of us already knew, only now it is in print.
I was unaware how vast Prince Harry’s military career was, and while I scanned most of his voluminous explanations of war the courage of his actions were omnipresent. Perhaps that is how he acquired the strength to separate from his extremely dysfunctional family.
Was interesting to read his relationship with Meghan Markle began on the birthday of his mum, Princess Diana.
If that was not a sign, nothing was.
And one last comment – Harry, you made the right decision by moving on.
When I went to nursing school close to 50 years ago, (1976 HVCC graduate, Troy, N.Y), we wore nursing caps. Nowadays, new bucks don’t even know what a nursing cap is, and doubt they receive a pin signifying what nursing school they attended.
Yesterday, when I viewed the nursing students arriving internally I rolled my eyes. Their hair was long, billowing over their shoulders, and the uniform – well there is none, and their attire was akin to pajamas – all wrinkled and a mess. Perhaps they were pajamas and they merely wore them to work?? And since this is a psych unit one wore “regular” clothes which was boots and a dress which barely covered her tail.
I guess I am getting old – but wait, I am old.
All that said — I was pleased to find the following in the hospital hallway giving tribute to the “cap.” Take a look and a read.
This former bank building was owned by Fuller Callaway, Jr., owner of Hills and Dales, and is the home of the Troup County Archives, and Legacy Museum. It is a treasure trove of area artifacts with informative exhibits, and friendly staff. Admission is free. Expect to spend at least 90 minutes exploring this venue. It truly is fascinating.
The town of LaGrange began as a stage coach stop with pioneers using Indian trails to travel West. From these trails train lines were developed, and LaGrange became a passenger, and industrial station.
Cotton mills were plentiful in this area as well as agriculture. Fuller Earle Callaway had over 20 businesses in the area.
Map of Mill Locations in the County.Cotton, a cotton manager’s desk, and trowel.
Some of Mr. Callaway’s businesses – a bank, agriculture farms, department store with mail order, and a wholesale grocery business.
A page from the Callaway catalog.
A replica of his office is seen at the Museum. Quite a busy office.
His portrait on the right.
Sarah Baxter Springer Mabry, (1827-1899), was a female business woman during this era. She owned a stocking factory selling her wares from California to Pennsylvania, and encouraged farmers to make silk worms. Her businesses varied from handmade lace to Peking Ducks – quite a combination. Sadly, no picture of Sarah was available.
The Automobile Exhibit
Here I learned the first person to invent the auto was not Ford, but Benz, and Bertha Benz had major role in this development besides financing most of her husband’s endeavor.
It all started with a motorized bicycle.Bertha at the wheel.
Benz
There are interesting movies in the bank vault. Take the time to view, especially if you are a car enthusiast.
The Bank Vault
Was unaware there were 15 million Model T Fords made. That was a chunk of cars, and hope I heard this stat accurately. One movie had a picture of the car JFK was killed in, and how the Beast’s* are made for presidents. Interesting fact, after Beasts are no longer used, they are destroyed. This is done to see how much impact the vehicle can absorb.
Much memorabilia was present at this exhibit as was information on almost every car manufacturer from GM to Studebaker to Cadillac to Fiat. This would be a fascinating read for car enthusiasts.
Troup County has had a Kia Plant for the past 15 years. Wonder if their executives toured the Museum prior to making the decision for the plant location? Would have been a keen marketing maneuver.
Few other interesting points…
Fuller Callaway, Jr. was a painter, and guess who gave him painting lessons – his neighbor Lamar Dodd. He was talented.
A Seascape by Fuller Callaway, Jr.
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For those interested in Cemetery Tours.. Troup County has cemetery tours through the Historical Society 706-884-1828. Or if you are unable to catch a tour the Cemetery is available for a walk through.
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A final picture of the Museum entrance.
*The Beast is the name of the President’s vehicle.
So far have enjoyed Conan O’Brien and Michelle Obama’s. Check out the Michelle Obama podcast with Conan on marriage, should be a pre-req for anyone considering it.
My daughter has recently introduced me to podcasts, and while on my way to Andersonville, one of the largest Confederate military prisons, Conan O’Brien was discussing it on his podcast. Weird, huh? Guess I was destined to go, but Conan never made it as his wife vetoed the tour. So I sent him the brochure with a note. As a former prison administrator in another life, I always feel compelled to visit whatever prison is available for tour, and this one was particularly moving and upsetting.
North Gate – where during the 14 months the prison existed 45,000 Union soldiers entered. 13,000 died from disease, poor sanitation, malnutrition, overcrowding, or exposure to the elements.EntranceFort perimeter with foot or hand blocks for punishment
One of the main reasons for prisoner deaths was lack of water. The minimal water they did receive flowed from an area which had been used for bathing and toiletting, therefore, contaminated. During a violent storm lightning struck, and another water source miraculously came about for the prisoners.
This stone building commerates where the new water source originated from.Inside the stone building.
There are several monuments from various states on the grounds. The area is serene with deer abounding, and picnic sites available for families. On the day of my visit I was the only visitor. When I inquired of the park ranger he stated that August is their slowest month, so if interested consider an August visit.
This pink stone commemorates the work of Clara Barton. She did much to assist with looking for missing soldiers. Working with Dorence Atwater, she obtained the secret second list he maintained of those who died with their grave locations. This enabled families to locate their loved ones and from this list
95 percent of the graves identified.*
The Cemetery
Soldiers were buried side by side in trench graves.
At the Visitor Center the POW Museum is located.
The Museum has an exceptional movie describing Andersonville, and many exhibits regarding prisoners of war. At Andersonville less than 1 percent escaped, and those successful did so by running away during work detail. Many attempts were made at tunneling out of the prison, but these were the least successful.
A replica of what a tunneling experience would look like.
There were other examples of POW housing situations in the Museum as well.
Not an easy museum to visit, cannot imagine living this experience.
But at times good things do happen.
Not far from the National Park is a cute small town with a campground should you wish to visit. It was closed during my visit, but worth a try as it is a stones throw from Andersonville.
Next: Warm Springs
*Much of the information written on the Plains, GA. and Andersonville blogs are paraphrased from park brochures.
Young Retiree Needs a Life 