Republic Defender

At Day At The Ball Game!

2010-07-25T19:45:00.001-07:00

Had a chance to see The New Almaden Quicksilvers vs. Oakland Colonels today with some friends from the Spanish-American War group that I belong to. It was a nice change to go somewhere and just be a spectator for once. We watch a very intense game all the while eating peanuts and cracker jacks. Unfortunately the Oakland Colonels lost eight to five, but never the less it was a great game to watch on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Put out that Light!

2010-04-23T21:04:00.000-07:00

I have always be unconventional in my collecting habits. Finding strange things in second hand stores, musty old attics and the occasional antique store.

So it came as no surprise when I found this waterproof wax vestas box at one of the local dealers of lost items that my interest was peaked.

After doing a little digging around I found out that this small box crafted by Duncan's is probably from the forties in time frame. The company and it's product however date back to the earlier 1860's in Australia. It makes me wonder how it made its' way to United States and survived not being crushed or just plain thrown away.

I can just image the tales this little box could tell if it had the ability to form words and sentences.

Update to the site.

2010-04-13T11:17:00.000-07:00

Just a quick little note. I did a little reorganizing of the site now that I hope to be updating on a regular schedule. Hope you like the new look. I even changed the logo as it was getting a bit out dated looking.

So on to the next adventure!

An Afternoon At The Cinema Part One

2010-04-12T15:54:00.000-07:00

I have always found small towns unique in their history. This is no different with the town of Niles, Ca. It has a small town feel, but is still close to many of the bigger communities that encircle the San Francisco Bay.

So why head to Niles, Ca you ask? Well some friends that I do Spanish American War living history with wanted to put together a little event to watch some period silent films from (1890’s - 1910’s). And there is no better place then the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum. The Museum is located on the main drag and fits in nicely in with remaining buildings that have remained.

We arrived under a rainy sky, dressed as if were out on an afternoon to see a nickelodeon. The stormy weather did nothing to damping my sprits as this was a great opportunity to see some early film done by Edison and Lumier. As well as some shorts. The highlight of the film list for me being “The Great Train Robbery” from 1903.

This was a fun and eclectic side adventure perfect for a rainy afternoon. After the show was over our little group ended up at one of the local restaurants located down the street from the museum. If you have an interest in silent film and are in the area stop by.

Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum

The Mother of Invention

2010-04-08T22:21:00.000-07:00

I was in one of the local big box books stores today. I hadn't planned to buy anything (I'm already four books behind), when I came across a little collection books. You know the kind of book with an all inclusive title,"The Greatest Stories..." So I started thumbing through it not really taking every page in, but glancing across the subject that was covered. As I was about to put the book down I noticed a small notation about the invention of the stethoscope. I thought to myself, ‘what could be a great story about a stethoscope’. Turns out it was all a issue of respectability and modesty for its’ invention.

In 1816, a French physician by the name of Rene Lanennec was presented with a dilemma. The morals of the day would not allow him (a bachelor) from listening to hearts of his female patients by normal means. By placing his ear on their chest.

So what is a doctor to do. Well by luck, Rene was also a musician. He took a sheet of paper and rolled it into a tube, placed it on his female patient’s chest and listened to her heart beat. Enter the first stethoscope.

He soon made one of wood, in the shape of a cylinder. Hollow out and was fluted on one end and opened on the other. So due to an issue of marital status we have today a very common diagnostic devise.

Think about the next time you go to the doctor.

In The Dark

2010-04-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

Above ground look at the gun position. The covered area is where the shell and powder charge come out from underground.

The main entrance to the case mate.

The main room and ammunition storage. Along the walls, the shells made contact with the painted surface.

The explosion proof fuse box to run power for the lights.

The elevator for the shells and power to be raised 20 feet above.

It has been awhile between posts. Life has had a chance to get in the way of my extra activities, so I haven't had time to post anything. I wanted to make a change to that situation.

The above photos are part of the coast defense system that was put in place during the Endicott Period or the third system of defense around our coast. This was a phase of expansion and electrification of coastal defense along both eastern seaboard and the west coast.

This was a once and a life time seek peek at a underground restoration project being done by the National Park Service. This case mate has not been opened to the public in a long time. I really enjoyed exploring the several rooms that divided the ammunition, power and elevator rooms.

That's all for now. I'll be out adventuring soon enough, see you then.

Signal Corp 1898

2010-01-07T20:56:00.000-08:00

Hi all, happy new year. I have been busy putting together my Spanish American War period Signal Corp uniform and I recently by pure luck was able to add this mint cap insignia to my collection. I have to give credit were credit is due, my brother acquired this for my while he was down in Southern California. I have to admit, I was surprised that he was able to find one in this great of shape considering the fact that it is over a hundred years old. So with the new year, I no longer have any excuses not to complete my Signal Corp impression.

Wish me luck in the coming months and I will keep you up to date on my progress with this project.

I quick note

2009-12-08T09:35:00.001-08:00

Here is but one of the photos from Remember Pearl Harbor weekend. The event was very memorable. I met some new friends and we talked with the public about the beginning of the Second World War.

Remembering Pearl Harbor 2009

2009-11-10T16:37:00.000-08:00

Just a quick reminder that Remember Pearl Harbor 2009 is a little more then a month away. December 5th-6th 2009, Battery Chamberlin, Presidio of San Francisco, Ca. If you are in the area please stop on by.

HECP, Harbor Entrance Control Post

2009-10-18T20:38:00.000-07:00

The HECP is the upper right corner of the photo.

Was out today on a tour of the "Guns of San Francisco" and had an opportunity to view from the outside the HECP, Harbor Entrance Control Post that controlled the main flow of ships through the Golden Gate during WWII.

Lost Part 2

2009-08-24T16:01:00.001-07:00

Here are some more photos from the Angel Island weekend that I promised.

Another group photo taken a break while waiting for more visitors.

WWI Calvary equipment. Minus the horse.

This is a photo of WWI Calvary uniform.

Close up of the gear I brought to the event.

Lost on Angel Island

2009-08-19T18:52:00.000-07:00

I have always had a affinity for history and stories that get lost in time. It has however been a bite hectic the last couple of months. I haven't had a chance to really go off and have a little fun, but that all changed over the weekend. I got a chance to go to Angel Island in the middle of San Francisco Bay for a two day event that highlighted the history of the military presents on the island between c. 1860~1945. Below are a small portion of the photos from over the weekend. I will put up more photos in the coming days.

The Electrical Sergeant getting ready to apply his trade.

My WWII tent and display.

Quarter Master's Warehouse at Camp Reynolds.

This was a really fun event. I got to meet some very interesting people over the course of the weekend and event got to sleep in the old Quarter Master's Warehouse. as the story goes, the building is haunted by someone who fell from an upper level through an open floor all the way to the bottom.

65 Years Later

2009-06-07T16:16:00.001-07:00

Russ Hardeman WWII vet, with the 101st Airborne.

The group of us talking with Russ.

Russ Hardeman and me. It was a honor to speak with him.

On June 6, 1944 the invasion of the Normandy began. 160,000 American, British, Canadian and some Free French troops landed in the biggest amphibious assault ever planned.

I along with members of the Coast Artillery Historical Association had an opportunity to meet a WWII vet who had been a member of 101st Airborne during operation Overlord. 65 years later he sat down with us and answered any question we may of had about his experience's during the war.

65th Anniversary of D-Day

2009-05-09T19:12:00.000-07:00

The 65 anniversary of the D-Day landing by allied force along the Normandy coast is just a few short weeks away. The historical group I am a member of (Coast Artillery Historical Association) in conjunction with the National Park Service will be holding a two day event. Saturday and Sunday June 6th~7th 2009 in remembrance of the invasion.

The public is invited to meet World War II living history soldiers during the two day event and experience history first hand!

So if you are in the area on these historic day, please drop by.

Link to Battery Chamberlin website.

More Photos From April 18th

2009-04-28T13:12:00.000-07:00

Here a few more photos from April 18th that I took. Again I had a great time and as soon as I can I will edit the video footage that I and others shot and will link it to a video sharing site.

One of the vintage fire trucks we had a chance to ride in.

Some of the other historical groups that showed up that morning.

Another crowd photo of 2oth and Church St.

Gold Color Hydrant

2009-04-18T21:48:00.001-07:00

Saturday April 18th 2009 started very early for me. I awoke at 2:30 AM, dressed in a period military uniform and got in my car for a short drive into San Francisco in the dark. The streets were practically empty when I made it to my finally destination at the old 30's fire house located at Third and Four Street.

Why you ask, would one get up at that ungodly hour to drive to an old fire house? Well, this was the meeting place for the start of the 103 Anniversary of the 1906 San Francisco Fire and Earthquake. I was there to meet with some friends, family and some members of The San Francisco Fire Department.

We all loaded up in two vintage fire engines and headed down to Union Square to meet up with everyone that would be in the parade down to Market and Kerny Street, where the main celebration would be.

After the remembrance and introduction of the remaining survivors (there are still three, one is over 105). The group headed over to 20th and Church Street with police escort. The reason we all went over to 20th and Church was because the fire hydrant located on that corner was the only hydrant that was working in the city after the earthquake. So that is the reason why the hydrant is painted gold.

My family has made this a yearly event due to the fact that my great-great grandfather and great-grandfather were burned out of their homes after the 06 Quake.

The crowd that was at Market and Kerny St.

The fire hydrant at 20th and Church St.

My Father (R) painting the Hydrant.

I will put up more photo of the parade and the events at the hydrant in the next couple of days.

A Photo From The Past

2009-04-12T21:57:00.001-07:00

I found this photo of my great-grandfather while looking through some genealogical material.

He lived when the State of Arizona was still a territory, in a town that would later be synonymous with cowboy lore and Wyatt Erp. If you couldn't guess, it was Tombstone.

All that we have left is some stories, a few personal items and photos. Hopefully the continuing research into the families past will help to shed some more light on him.

The Cosmoline Army

2009-04-05T17:33:00.001-07:00

It is a new month again, so I made my pilgrimage to Battery Chamberlin to do some living history for the public with my comrades from the Coast Artillery Historical Association.

This month one of the association members came wearing a United States Coast Artillery uniform from the 1904-1912 period, complete with sidearm.

The service coat, hat, pistol belt and pants are original articles from that period. I still find it amazing to believe that you can find these uniforms in reasonable good condition and they fit someone a 100 years later.

I really like the uniform of this transition period from the blue to khaki tan and finally to green service uniform and it goes perfect with the 6 inch gun as they were both from this time frame.

Here you can see the what the difference about 20 years makes in military uniforms. The One on the right is WWII about 1942-44

Here is a close up photo of the S&W revolver in its' leather holster. This sidearm would be used through the beginning of WWII.

Finally, here is a photo of the left side of the pistol belt. It has four ammunition pockets sewn into the belt with brass eagle snaps for closing.

The "Dark Continent"

2009-03-21T20:09:00.000-07:00

I saw this online today and had forgotten the story about looking for Livingstone. During the 19th century there was a great interest in Africa as it was pretty much still unexplored by Europeans. The now famous statement "Doctor Livingstone, I presume?" Hit the headlines after the New York Herald sent Stanley to look for Livingstone.

He discovered him after a long trek through Africa and contracting a couple of diseases. The sad part to this story is that after Stanley found the good doctor, Livingstone did not want to returned to England and continued into the heart of Africa to find the source of the River Nile. Livingstone later died and his body was returned to England for burial.

Here is a link to the article: Livingstone

The Great L.A. Air Raid

2009-03-02T16:41:00.000-08:00

My Dad and Brother went down to Fort MacArthur in San Pedro, California for their yearly L.A. Air Raid of 1942 remembrance. Here are a couple photo my Brother took while he was there.

WC Series Command Car ( the other is a 1 1/2 ton 6x6).

WC-12 (Dodge) pick-up.

Scout Car (I think it maybe a White or IHC).

Mobile Electric Spot Light.

It was a pretty fun one day event. I wasn't able to attend due to issue at home, but I am already planning for next year.

Here is the link to: Fort Mac

An Old English Roadster

2009-02-16T21:21:00.000-08:00

I have been looking at this website for a replica bicycle . It looks very similar to a 1890's or earlier 1940's British men road bike. The frame has some similar features as this women's version from the late 1890's.

The only down side at this point is I just got laid off from my job. So, the new bike is now on the back burner until I get a new job. Wish me luck.

More Photos From The Point

2009-02-07T18:18:00.001-08:00

The Stars and Stripes above the fort.

The usual suspects. Actually they are members of the Berdan's Sharpshooters.

The west stone staircase that ascends three stories.

My brother (R) and our friend Kevin (L).

Photos from the Point

2009-01-31T20:41:00.001-08:00

I thought that I would put up a few of the photos from The Living History Day at Fort Point.

The National Park Service hosted the day and the fort was garrisoned by several American Civil War reenacting groups that are based out of northern California.

I had a really great time during the event. The National Park Service allowed the reenacting groups to stay inside Fort Point for an overnight, something that has not happened in a long time. I however was unable to stay for the night. Hopefully there will be another chance to attend this event for a overnight next year.

A view of the underside of the Golden Gate Bridge's southern support structure from inside the fort.

I even got to meet the 26th President.

I will put up some more photos in the next couple of days.

Happy Birthday Mr. Lincoln

2009-01-22T14:01:00.000-08:00

Mr Lincoln bicentennial is coming up in a another couple of weeks. He was born on February 12, 1809. I thought it was a interesting little side note after hearing that President Obama had used the Lincoln Bible to swear his oath on.

Another former President had done something special for Mr. Lincoln's birthday when the birthday centennial had come up in 1909. Former President Theodore Roosevelt had the United States Treasury design a new Penny, which was made for this special date. It is still the design we use today, well at least until it gets changed for his bicentennial.

I wonder if President Obama will do something to remember the bicentennial, seeing as he and Mr. Roosevelt were both admirers of Lincoln.

New Penny

Mr. Lincoln

"President's own"

2009-01-19T12:17:00.000-08:00

So with the coming inauguration of our next president, I thought I would share an interesting side note to The Commander And Chief's military. The "President's Own" is The United States Marine Corp Band, that is exclusively designate to preform for the presidents.

They are going on their third century in this role, established by an Act of Congress in 1798, the Marine Band is America’s oldest professional musical organization. The other intresting thing is that the members of the Marine Corp Band are only musicians and because of their speical skills needed to preform their mission, have no other assignment within The United States Marine Corp. The title the "President's Own" was earned from President Thomas Jefferson.

There have been many famous musicians that were member's of the "President's Own", John Phillp Sousa being but one that I know off hand. My hats off to them, can't wait to see them perform during the inauguration.

"President's Own" website

"Nuts"

2009-01-13T13:02:00.000-08:00

Harry William Osborne Kinnard II died January 5th, 2009 at the age of 93.

So what is his importance in history? He is that man that suggested to Brig. Gen. Anthony McAuliffe during the siege of the Belgian town of Bastogne to tell the German Army commander "Nuts".

This was in response to the request of the German Army for the American forces to surrender, as they had been surrounded by the advanced of the German forces during what would be later called "The Battle of The Bulge".

Thank you sir for your service to this country, may you rest in peace

News Article

Fort Point

2009-01-04T02:08:00.000-08:00

There is an event coming up at the end of the month that I am looking forward to going to. It's at Fort Point, the only Civil War era fort that was never fired upon in anger. It's construction between 1853 and 1861. The event will be staffed by Civil War living history buffs, who will be manning the fort.

The event will be January 31st 10 am-5 pm and February 1st 10 am-2 pm.

If you are in the area please stop by, you will be glad you did.

All in good time..

2009-01-02T19:15:00.000-08:00

The fine people at the U.S. Postal Service were kinda enough to drop off my Waltham pocket watch this afternoon. On close inspection of the finely crafted time instrument and looking around the Internet, I was able to determine that the inner working were made between 1887-1888.

The case on the other hand was made by Fathy Ore Sliver Co. Pat. 19th February 1884. So that leads me to believe that the inter working were replaced at some point by the previous owner, which to my understanding was a common practice during the 19th century.

The company that I purchased it through had bought the watch from an estate sale, so there was no guarantee that the watch would even work. I was pleasantly surprised when I carefully turned the stem of the main spring and the watch started to tick. Mind you I didn't do much more winding as I wasn't sure of the condition of the inter workings.

Now, off to a fine privateer of chronometers, for a little tinkering of the time piece.

So, it's 09 again...

2008-12-31T09:51:00.001-08:00

I was looking through some information about President Theodore Roosevelt (October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919). When I came across a couple of interesting little side notes about the year 1909.

In 1898, at the end of the Spanish-American War, the United States was propelled into the arena of international affairs and gained status as a world power, with the acquisition of the Philippines and Guam in the Pacific, then Puerto Rico in the Caribbean.

Because of this Roosevelt wanted to show the world the power of the U.S. Navy. The Great White Fleet's voyage around the world's oceans had never been attempted by any navy at that point in history and was seen as a great accomplishment for the new world power.The Great White Fleet would finished its' circumnavigation of the world by returning to Hampton Roads, Virgina in February 1909, a hundred years ago this year.

President Roosevelt speaking to sailors at Hampton Roads, Virgina.

Four squadrons of warships sailed the oceans for a fourteen-month long voyage was a grand pageant of American sea power. The squadrons were manned by 14,000 sailors. They covered some 43,000 nautical miles (80,000 km) and made twenty port calls on six continents. The fleet was impressive, but already the battleships were technically outdated.

An then, there was only one...

2008-12-30T12:00:00.000-08:00

I picked up today's morning paper and just below the fold was an article about students from a local high school who had an opportunity to speak with Frank Buckles, the last remaining American World War I veteran. They were learning about World War I in their class and their teacher had wanted them to gain more then what any history book could tell them. I have heard of a saying that,"education is what you have left after you have forgotten everything else." I hope these students gain a better understanding of what happened during this time in history from Mr. Buckles. He will be a 108 in February 2009. Article

Remembering Pearl Harbor 2008

2008-12-26T23:24:00.000-08:00

December 7th 1941 was a day that will be remember as a day of infamy.

On December 6th and 7th 2008 I and several friends with the aid of the National Park Service

helped to remember the members of the U.S. military who served on that fateful day.

The event took place in the Presidio at Battery Chamberlin.

Battery Chamberlin is located northeast of the Baker Beach parking lot and holds the last 6-inch "disappearing gun" of its type on the west coast.

Battery Chamberlin

On top of the protective concert "Gun Tub".

Sky Captain watch out.

1942 Ford GPW (Jeep) and the 6 inch gun (circa 1908) on disappearing carriage.

Thanks for coming by.

2008-12-26T13:31:00.000-08:00

Hi all. Welcome to The Republic Defender. This is my little corner of the web where all things that I find interesting about the 19th and earlier 20th century will be discussed. I may even throw in a few other things as well as they pertain to the subject at hand. So thank you for visiting and I will do my best to keep it interesting.