Friday, June 21, 2019

History... and Herstory, Too

Thought for the day:  A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for. [John A. Shedd]

The U.S.S. Yorktown has an illustrious history. Commissioned in 1943, she initially saw service in World War II, and was later modified to handle jet planes, and then was converted to be an antisubmarine carrier.

Now? Alas, now her active days are behind her, and she remains in dock as a mighty museum ship. Not what she was built for, but she fills her retirement role quite admirably.

Like ships, WE weren't built to stay in the safety of the harbor all the time, either. I must confess, the older I get, the more content I am to simply hunker down in the comfort of our own home with Smarticus. Yeah, I know. We're getting to be old poops. But that doesn't mean we don't still love adventure... it's just more difficult to pry us out of the house nowadays. Which made our 50th anniversary trip to Charleston all that more enjoyable.

This is a 1969 honeymoon pic of me at Appomattox Courthouse, where General Robert E. Lee signed the papers of surrender, which effectively ended the Civil War.

That wasn't the only Civil War... or other historical site... we visited on our honeymoon, and we've gone to many many more over the past fifty years. Not because we romanticize war or long for the past, but because there's something sacred about stepping on old battlefields, and in general, there's something humbling and edifying about studying the past, whether by visiting actual sites or by haunting museums. Both activities stoke our imaginations and instill a grateful appreciation for and better understanding of those who have come before us.


You could say that learning about history is like crossing an invisible bridge into the past, and when we make that crossing, it gives us a better perspective on the events happening in the world today.

The bridge in this picture? If it has a name, I don't know what it is, but it's strikingly beautiful, and believe it or not, a guide on the tour boat said it was completed ahead of schedule and under budget. (That it itself is worthy of an historical plaque!)


This is the tour boat, which we boarded at Patriot's Point, where the U.S.S. Yorktown is berthed. From there, we took a warm and breezy ride to the remains of Ft. Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Kinda cool, isn't it? On our honeymoon, we visited the place where the war ended, and this time around, we saw where it all began.



Approaching Fort Sumter, which lies about a mile offshore from Charleston. It was one of many forts built by the federal government to protect the eastern coastline after the War of 1812.


Once docked, we crossed this long pier to get to the fort, where we had a full hour to explore as we saw fit. That might seem like a long time, but it wasn't nearly enough. There's a terrific museum housed within the fort, and that alone was worthy of a longer visit.









There was no smoking on the boat or in the fort, so Smarticus stopped to grab a quick nicotine fix before we strolled across the pier. That meant we had the pier pretty much to ourselves. What a view! And the weather was absolutely marvelous, too. Lots of sunshine, and a brisk breeze, as you can tell by the flag in the background.




Now part of the National Park System, Ft. Sumter is but a remnant of its former self. Originally three stories tall, much of it was destroyed during the war, and very little of the upper levels are still intact. When Major Robert Anderson moved his 85-man garrison into the fort on the day after Christmas in 1860, the fort wasn't even completed yet. Just six days earlier, a special South Carolina convention had voted to secede from the union, so the arrival of federal troops wasn't met with joy. One of Anderson's former students at West Point, Brig. General Pierre Beauregard, was in command of the Confederate forces in Charleston. As little stomach as he had for firing on his former mentor and friend, it was his mission to evict the federal forces from the fort. Alas, mere talk and saber rattling didn't work, so in the early hours of April 12, the first shots were fired on Fr. Sumter. Two days later, the Union forces retreated and the Confederates took over the fort.








Some of the crumbling ruins. (But at least she's still wearing a smile...)






We chose not to tour the Yorktown. We already knew, benefit of our earlier tour of the U.S.S. Alabama, just how many narrow ladder-like STEPS are involved in that kind of tour, and our knees weren't feeling up to the task. Too bad. There are lots of old planes on deck, and each of the hangars houses a unique museum... one for Medal of Honor winners, one for the Apollo 8 mission, and one for cold war submarines. Maybe next time. (Seeing's as how we're getting younger and all...) We did, however, walk through the Vietnam Experience. It was supposed to be included in the tour package for the Yorktown, another ship and a submarine, but when we asked if we could just buy a ticket for the Vietnam exhibit, the gal noticed the Vietnam Veteran hat Smarticus was wearing and told us we could go in for free. I thought the exhibit was pretty good, but Smarticus wasn't impressed, because there was absolutely nothing about the ground-pounding grunts who spent their time in the bush. Personally, I think that was for the best. I don't think most of us are prepared to get immersed in the kind of experiences he had. Just thinking about them is bad enough.








Just for fun, anybody have any idea what  the heck I'm sitting inside in this picture? Any guesses?

Don't worry. I'll tell you all about it... next week.










                               Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other.


54 comments:

  1. I came to history late. At school it was taught as rulers, dates and battles. Much, much later I came to understand that it is his story (and occasionally her story too).
    Colour me fascinated. Museums and galleries get us every time.
    Loved travelling part of the way with you this week, and look forward to next.

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    1. I was a proverbial sponge in school, the kind of nerd who loved every subject, including history. While watching a film in our high school world history class, Smarticus and I were sitting side by side, discreetly (we thought!) holding hands inside one of our desks. Our teacher came up behind us and whispered, "Would you two like some popcorn?" Smarticus grinned and said, "Sure!"

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  2. How fascinating to travel back in history, that was a great trip you made. Thanks for sharing the photos. I live in a very historical place and enjoy it every day. Have a great weekend, hugs, Valerie

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    1. We make the most of the historical sites here, but YOU... you guys in Europe have SO much more history on display. The U.S. is but a toddler in comparison.

      You have a great weekend, too. Hugs back atcha.

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  3. I have no idea what you are sitting in there, it could be so many things. An old ship's funnel, a diving bell, the place where the anchor chain was stored, torpedo shaft.

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  4. I love museums and historical places. For my high school graduation, my mother offered to take me to Disney World to celebrate, but I opted for Colonial Williamsburg. I was a bit disappointed. I think I had my expectations too high.

    I visited Ft Sumter in high school with my cousin. Somewhere I have a picture of us on one of the cannons. Probably not a good thing to do in hindsight. We also toured the Yorktown and the sub. I enjoyed that so much, I took my kids to see it a few years ago.

    No idea what you're sitting on though. Looks like it has a seat and a handle. Oh, and you're hardly a crumbling ruin, but I do think you have a pretty smile.

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    1. We went to Williamsburg when our kids were young, and I loved it. The thing our kids remember about it, much to my amusement and chagrin? We were leaning on a wooden fence there, watching a magnificent horse. I leaned over and whispered to my hubby, "Look! He's hung like a Polack..." Number one son heard me, and it's been one of his favorite stories ever since. :)

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  5. I love museums and any place where history connects, although the truth of war is harsh we mustn't forget it. No idea what you're sitting in but those are cool shoes :-)

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    1. HA! I love those shoes. Not exactly fashion-plate, but they sure are comfy. (And OLD! I should start looking for replacements before they're beyond redemption...)

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  6. You two, like me and Ray, enjoy history and see quite a bit. I agree about hallowed grounds of battlefields - now so calm, tough to picture the horror at the time. You crack me up with your commentary - the crumpled ruins with a smile. Ha!
    Stay cool - we're heating up in TX and humid. Have a good weekend

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    1. Hey, it's a no-brainer to love history. After all, we've lived through so much of it... :)

      How DARE you laugh at my poor old crumbling body? (Good! That was the plan. HA!)

      You have a great weekend, too. Thank God for AC!

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  7. Charleston is such a beautiful city and with so much history to explore. We were there a few years ago and were planning on visiting the Yorktown but as we approached, the sky opened up and rain poured down. We quickly changed plans and ran to a restaurant where we enjoyed and delved into the history of Southern Cuisine. It was scrumptious.

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    1. HA! We enjoyed our "travels" through Southern cuisine, as well.

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  8. Whatever that thing is you are sitting in....for heavens sake I hope it doesn't start rolling.

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  9. What you said about an invisible bridge … wow. This (formerly) "I don't like history" reader loves that!

    In case I've not said so before, HUGE thanks to your hubby for his service.

    PS - I've no idea what you're sitting in, but I'll guess some kind of submarine simulator. You look adorable!

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    1. Cool. I'm glad that "I don;t like history" stuff is behind you. :)

      You have said it before, and I thank you for saying it. In recent years, it's amazing how many strangers have noticed his hat and thanked him. It's a far cry from what it was fifty years ago.

      P.S. Thanks. Good guess.

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  10. I think it's wonderful to visit historical sites on your honeymoon/anniversary. It's uniquely intriguing and infused with the romance of history - - which affords a purposeful occasion.

    Glad you and Smarticus had a great time!

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    1. Agreed! There's something about visiting historical sites that helps us put things into perspective and to understand our place in the world.

      Thanks! :)

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  11. I served on the British Battleship HMS King George V. among 70 other Ships forming the British pacific fleet during 1945 with the US fleet 5 times our size, for Operation "Iceberg ONE And Two Including the invasion of OKINAWA April 1 Easter Sunday. I was on the third ship to enter Tokyo. Memories. I was in Charleston S/C april 1965 on a visit with HMS Verylam a Brit Frigate, also New london Mas. Vest Ancient Mariner.

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    1. I salute you for your service, dear sir. You've experienced a good bit of history, and I appreciate you sharing your memories.

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  12. I've been to Fort Sumter. Great place to explore. I don't know if the bridge has a name, but the second I saw it I knew it was the one in Charleston.

    Have you visited the USS North Carolina in Wilmington?

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    1. Isn't that bridge GORGEOUS? Especially when you're driving over it and all of the overhead parts are perfectly aligned. It's a genuine work of art.

      NO, we haven't visited that one. (Yet...)

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  13. That bridge sure is a sight indeed. And yeah, under budget deserves a big trophy. Few things ever do that. Sure lots of history to explore.

    Hmmm sitting in a bomb shelter or tail end of submarine?

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    1. That bridge really is beautiful. My photo doesn't even begin to capture it.

      Another good guess. :)

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  14. I loved learning about history … especially my own familie's history ... every time I am in Europe, I listen to endless anecdotes, stories and songs fueled by food and booze. There are only 2 relatives left that experienced war … my mumme (89) and her sister (91)and both of them hardly speak about anything war related. Anyway. friend Sue. Love, cat.

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    1. I hope you're able to visit with your family often. Those gatherings sound amazing. I'm not surprised your mother and aunt don't talk much about the war. I'm sure their memories are painful.

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  15. 50 years is a very big deal!! Woot Woot! I'm glad you got to head out for a trip. I like to hear and read about history too. That's funny about the popcorn comment. :) We took a trip last weekend and I saw a shirt in the gift shop that said, "I think, therefore I STEM." I thought of your blog! :)

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    1. Thanks. We kinda think it's a big deal, too, but it honestly doesn't feel like it's been that long.

      HA! Cool shirt. :)

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  16. lovely travel to visit historical places...
    views so beautiful

    # I guess that you are sitting in the Japanese tunnel

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    1. Agreed. It's amazing how much we can learn about today's world by visiting sites from the past.

      # Interesting guess. :)

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  17. I have to agree, an hour isn't nearly long enough to explore a site like that! I would certainly have toured Yorktown, I love old warships like that. And given that (I think) the civil war saw the first use of submarines I'm going to hazard a guess that's what you're sitting in. Probably way off, but ne'er mind :)

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    1. It would've been nice to tour the Yorktown, and especially to see the hangar museums, but, alas, our bodies disagreed. Arthritis isn't too keen on all that step-climbing.

      Verrrrrry good guess! :)

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  18. Excellent and memory-provocative post, dear Susan. The bridge, could it be Arthur Ravenel Bridge over the Cooper River?

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    1. Thank you, dear Geo. Um... I dunno! I suppose it could. :)

      It looks like Hilary agrees with you, so I'm sure you are both right. Thanks! (And now I know...)

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  19. Hi Susan - well the bridge - I confirm as Geo mentions above it is the Arthur Ravenel Bridge - I'd found out via Wiki - before I came down to comment - now frustrated he got here before me!!!

    I've only just got into any kind of learning (well 10 years of blogging- has probably helped escalate my knowledge base) ... I was the sporty nerd - good but not that good. Now I'm happy learning about so many things .. the brain is addled with so much to learn, do, see etc etc ...

    I've never quite got to grips with war-ships etc ... but have been appreciating learning more about WW1 and WW2 with the recent commemorative events that have been put on ... I don't like war - so avoided it ... but now I'm pleased to learn. Like you I don't need to experience it in a film.

    So glad you had a happy time together ... love the photos - and those shoes ... cheers for now - Hilary

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    1. Hi-ya, Hilary. Thanks for checking out that bridge. You and Geo are too cool! Thanks a lot.

      I was an all-around nerd when it came to most school subjects, but I was never involved in any organized sports teams... unless you count bowling. :)

      Cheers back atcha!

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  20. What a great honeymoon! Happy Anniversary to you and Smarticus :)

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    1. Our honeymoon may not have been the romantic "norm," but it was perfect for us. :)

      Thanks!

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  21. You are in . . . a very, very large garbage can because Smarticus decided 50 years was long enough. You are in . . . an oil barrel because you used all the oil in it on your trip. You are in . . . a spacecraft built in 1880 that your tried to use for your trip but it wouldn't fly. I love history. We took our children to a number of Civil War battlefields. Walking along Bloody Lane in Sharpsburg, Maryland, was haunting.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. HA! It does kinda look like a garbage can, doesn't it...?

      Haunting is the perfect word for those battlefields. I feel it, too. Same for the Civil War POW prison in Andersonville. All the suffering that happened in those places seems to linger there.

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    2. I haven't seen Andersonville, but I know it was a horrific place. The suffering does linger on the battlefields. It was especially strong for me in Sharpsburg and Gettysburg. The first time we visited Sharpsburg, we lived a couple of hours away in a different part of Maryland. Then we moved to Western Maryland and I drove past the battlefield regularly. I never passed it without lamenting the suffering and loss of life.

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    3. I've been to Gettysburg many times. It almost feels like holy ground, you know? Like we should only speak in whispers. If you remained aware of the suffering and loss of life in that battlefield, in spite of seeing it so frequently, you are a rare and special person. Familiarity makes most people numb (or merely blind) to the relevance.

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  22. Best. Honeymoon pic. Ever! Would've been even better if your husband was in it, too. lol

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    1. HA! You're right. Too bad we didn't think of that. :)

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  23. Looks like you had beautiful weather for your trip, and sounds like you had a great time too. The older I get, the more I enjoy time at home too, but like you, I am still up for an adventure now and again. Glad you had such a nice anniversary.

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    1. We couldn't have asked for more perfect weather! Warm, sunny, breezy, and not a drop of rain.

      Thanks. We had an awesome time. (I'm ready to go BACK!)

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  24. Starting out in Boston, I got hooked on visiting historical sites at an early age. I still like to walk the freedom trail when I visit there. If military museums interest you, plan a trip to Dayton Ohio to visit the National Air Force Museum. It's got everything from the Wright Brothers (who built their first plane here - they just flew it in NC) to the space shuttles. And if you're coming this way, let me know. It would be great to see you.

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    1. We've been to Wright-Patterson and absolutely loved it! We were actually in Dayton to attend what is kinda the amateur radio world's Mecca...the biggest hamfest in the country. It's HUGE! I never saw so many like-minded nerds in one place at the same time. It was awesome. :) But, of course, since we were in the area, we HAD to spend a day at the museum, too. As I remember, it poured rain most of the weekend, but we didn't let it dampen our spirits. Too bad we didn't know each other then. It would've been cool to get together.

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    2. I don't know how long ago you were here but the museum has grown from 2 to 4 hangers in size, in case that will lure you back. I'm familiar with the Hamvention, I have friends who are hams. Very cool stuff.

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    3. I honestly don't remember how many hangars were there when we visited. (We've been to several other air museums, and it's hard to keep them all straight in my head.) If I remember right, we were in Dayton in 2004 or so. For our anniversary. HA! Yeah, we're mega nerds.

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  25. I'm finally catching up with you!!!

    Yup, that's definitely the Arthur Ravenel bridge. I remember when it first was put into use (we lived in SC at the time) - they had fireworks and a huge celebration. A few years ago I checked "walking on the Ravenel bridge" off my bucket list when we went to Charleston for a visit.

    I remember touring the U.S.S. Yorktown...and all the steps and narrow passageways. For some reason, the one thing I remember the most is the recipe for chocolate chip cookies that was posted in the ship's kitchen: chocolate chip cookies, recipe for 1,000 people. Ha!

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    1. Hey, it's EASY to catch up with ME! I'm pretty darned slow...

      Cool! I love that you walked on that bridge. It's soooo beautiful.

      Cookies for 1000 people, huh? They might last a day or two around here... (Cookie Monster has nothing on Smarticus!)

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