The Acorn Doesn't Fall Far From the Tree...

Yesterday I was visiting Dan and Deron Shady.  Deron's son Daniel was there (Whom do you suppose he was named after???).  I wanted to try taking a video with the camera I've been using for at least a couple of years.  I'm embarassed to admit I just discovered you can take movies with it.  Here's the first result:

Shiloh Monday...

A contemporary etching of the battle of Shiloh

Mary Ann and I have talked for years about visiting the Shiloh battlefield.  Today we finally went there.  It's only a little more than 100 miles from our home, but sometimes it's hard to get motivated.  It was interesting to celebrate our nation's birthday by visiting the site of a Civil War battle.  And what a battle it was!

When you visit this rural site, described by one reference as, "one of the most pristine battle sites of the Civil War," it's hard to conceive of the carnage that took place there.  Consider the following: 40,000 Confederate troops, 63,000 Union troops, a battle lasting 2 days resulting in over 23,000 killed, wounded, or missing.  I suggest to anyone interested in the Civil War that they read some of the battle synopses that are available on the Internet.

We chose to start at the Visitor's Center where we watched an introductory film, the award-winning Shiloh: Portrait of a Battle.  We went through the small museum within the Visitors Center.  They have very good displays that illustrate the types of armaments in use, the conditions met by the soldiers, the medical practices of the period, and the topography of the battlefield.  We then proceeded to the bookstore across the parking lot where we purchased a CD with a guided audio tour of the battlefield.  Equipped with this CD and its accompanying map, we embarked on a two-hour tour of the battlefield, which covers many square miles.

As we covered battle sites, skirmish sites, places where heroes of both sides fell, and the "bloody pond," where the wounded tried to cool themselves and get a sip of water, we were constantly reminded of Theodore O'Hara's Bivouac of the Dead:

The muffled drum’s sad roll has beat

The soldier’s last Tattoo;

No more on life’s parade shall meet

That brave and fallen few.

On Fame’s eternal camping ground

Their silent tents are spread,

And glory guards, with solemn round

The bivouac of the dead.

The Shiloh Church, near where the first engagement of the battle started April 6, 1862.

Harper's Weekly, the predominant news magazine of the time, described the battle with a large centerfold etching and a description straight from the Cincinnati Times:

THE BATTLE OF PITTSBURG LANDING.

WE publish on pages 264 and 265 a large illustration of the BATTLE OF PITTSBURG LANDING, TENNESSEE, fought on 6th and 7th between the Union army, under Generals Grant and Buell, and the rebels, under Beauregard and Sydney Johnston. The point selected by our artist for illustration represents the final charge of our army under General Grant at 3 P.M. on 7th. The Cincinnati Times gives the following account of the battle:

Our forces were stationed in the form of a semicircle, the right resting on a point north of Crump's Landing, our centre being in front of the main road to Corinth, and our left extending to the river in the direction of Hamburg, four miles north of Pittsburg Landing. At two o'clock on the morning of the 6th 400 men of General Prentiss's division were attacked by the enemy half a mile in advance of our lines. Our men fell back on the Twenty-fifth Missouri, swiftly pursued by the enemy. The advance of the rebels reached Colonel Peabody's brigade just as the long roll was sounded and the men were falling into line. Resistance was but short, and they retreated under a galling fire until they reached the lines of the Second division.

At six o'clock the attack had become general along our whole front. The enemy in large numbers drove in the pickets of General Sherman's division, and fell on the Forty-eighth, Fiftieth, and Seventy-second Ohio regiments. Those troops were never before in action and, being so unexpectedly attacked, made as able a resistance as possible, but were, in common with the forces of General Prentiss, forced to seek support of the troops immediately in their rear. At one o'clock the entire line on both sides was fully engaged. The roar of cannon and musketry was without intermission from the main centre to a point extending half-way down the left wing. The rebels made a desperate charge on the Fourteenth Ohio battery, which, not being sufficiently supported by infantry, fell into their hands. Another severe fight occurred for possession of the Fifth Ohio battery, and three of its guns were taken by the enemy.

By eleven o'clock a number of commanders of regiments had fallen, and in some cases not a single field-officer remained; yet the fighting continued with an earnestness which showed that the contest on both sides was for death or victory. Foot by foot the ground was contested, and finding it impossible to drive back our centre, the enemy slackened their fire, and made vigorous efforts on our left wing, endeavoring to outflank, and driving it to the riverbank. This wing was under General Hurlburt, and was composed of the Fourteenth, Thirty-second, Forty-fourth, and Fifty-seventh Indiana; Eighth, Eighteenth, and Twenty-first Illinois. [The Fourteenth Indiana Regiment was not there. It is serving under General Shields in Virginia. —ED.] Fronting its line, however, was the Fourteenth, Fifty-seventh, and Seventy-seventh Ohio, and Fifth Ohio Cavalry, of General Sherman's division. For nearly two hours a sheet of fire blazed from both columns, the rebels fighting with a vigor that was only equaled by those contending with them. While the contest raged the hottest the gun-boat Tyler passed up the river to a point opposite the enemy, and poured in broadsides from her immense guns, greatly aiding in forcing the enemy back. Up to three o'clock the battle raged with a fury that defies description. The rebels had found every attempt to break our lines unavailing. They had striven to drive in our main column, and finding that impossible, had turned all their strength upon our left. Foiled in that quarter, they now made another attempt at our centre, and made every effort to rout our forces before the reinforcements, which had been sent for, should come up.

At five o'clock there was a short cessation in the fire of the enemy, their lines falling back for nearly half a mile, when they suddenly wheeled and again threw their entire forces upon our left wing, determined to make a final struggle in that quarter; but the gun-boats Tyler and Lexington poured in their shot thick and fast with terrible effect. Meanwhile General Wallace, who had taken a circuitous route from Crump's Landing, appeared suddenly on the enemy's right wing. In the face of this combination of circumstances the rebels felt that their enterprise for the day was a failure, and as night was approaching fell back until they reached an advantageous position somewhat in the rear, yet occupying the main road to Corinth.

The gun-boats continued to throw shell after them until out of range. After a wearied watching of several hours of intense anxiety, the advance regiments of General Buell appeared on the opposite bank of the river. The work of passing the river began, the Thirty-sixth Indiana and Sixty-eighth Ohio being the first to cross, followed by the main portions of Generals Nelson and Bruce's divisions. Cheer after cheer greeted their arrival, and they were immediately sent to the advance, where they rested on their arms for the night. All night long steamers were engaged ferrying General Buell's force across, and when daylight broke it was evident the rebels too had been strongly reinforced.

The battle on Monday was opened by the rebels at seven o'clock from the Corinth road, and in half an hour extended along the whole line. At nine o'clock the sound of artillery and musketry fully equaled that of the previous day. The enemy was met by our reinforcements and the still unwearied soldiers of the previous day with an energy they certainly could not have expected. It became evident they were avoiding the extreme of our left wing, and endeavoring, with perseverance and determination, to find some weak point by which to turn our force. They left one point but to return to it immediately, and then as suddenly would, by some masterly stroke of generalship, direct a most vigorous attack upon some division where they fancied they would not be expected; but the fire of our lines was as steady as clock-work, and it soon became evident that the enemy considered the task they had undertaken a hopeless one. Further reinforcements now began to arrive, and took position on the right of the main centre under General Wallace.

Generals Grant, Buell, McClernand, Nelson, Sherman, and Crittenden were everywhere present, directing movements for a new stroke on the enemy. Suddenly both wings of our army were turned upon the enemy, with the intention of driving them into an extensive ravine; at the same time a powerful battery, stationed in the open field, poured volley after volley of canister into the rebel ranks. At half past eleven the roar of the battle shook the earth. The Union guns were fired with all the energy that the prospect of the enemy's defeat inspired, while the rebels' fire was not so vigorous, and they evinced a desire to withdraw. They finally fell slowly back, keeping up a fire from their artillery and musketry along their whole column as they retreated. They went in excellent order, battling at every advantageous point, and delivering their fire with considerable effect; but from all the divisions of our lines they were closely pursued, a galling fire being kept upon their rear.

The enemy had now been driven beyond our former lines, and were in full retreat for Corinth, pursued by our cavalry.

The forces engaged on both sides in this day's battle are estimated at about seventy thousand each—an entire force of one hundred and forty thousand men.

Another correspondent, in the same paper, thus mentions the final charge:
The enemy, after maintaining their ground till 3 P.M., gave way. The decisive blow was given by General Grant, who headed a charge of six regiments in person, precipitating his whole body on the enemy's centre with such desperate force that they broke and ran. Retreat at once became general. Within half an hour the whole rebel army was falling back in dismay. Our rejoiced soldiers followed them, driving them through our camp in complete disorder. They were soon driven into a broken country, where they would not form or fight. There was no relaxation in the pursuit.

At the last accounts the cavalry were eleven miles from the river, still following. The fugitives, exhausted, lay down and waited to be taken prisoners.



More Trees!

There's a lawn under there somewhere!

We had a fierce windstorm blow through here Saturday afternoon.  It covered our entire yard with twigs and leaves from every kind of tree.  After it had passed, I went out to survey the damage.  Two of our neighbor's huge oaks had been toppled onto our yard.  Good news -- they didn't hit any building.

And the Winners Are...

Corky Coker with Great Race Grand Champions, Howard and Douglas Sharp! - Photo by Corky Coker

On Friday evening, the Great Racers pulled into their final stop in Bennington, Vermont, having started in Chattanooga and competed for seven days.  Coincidentally, the major sponsor of this year's Great Race was Hemmings Motor News and their headquarters just happens to be in Bennington.  The winners, after trying for a win for more than 20 years, were Howard and Doug Sharp.  They were driving the oldest car in this rallye -- the 1911 Velie Racetype -- in which they have completed many, many Great Races.  Congratulations to these fine competitors and all the rest of the participants.  In the Great Race, "to finish is to win."

By the way, it was not a cakewalk for the Sharps.  Rumor has it that their radiator leaked all the way from Chattanooga and that one tire was being aided by duct tape as they crossed the finish line!

Ebabe's Team Closes Out Another Championship...

The coaches and players proudly show their trophy and medals

Wow!  They've done it again!  For the third year, the Ebabe's softball team has brought home the championship.  Thanks and congratulations to all of you -- coaches, players, and parents -- for all your hard work.

Great Race Groupie...

The oldest car in the 2011 Great Race is Car #22, the 100-year-old 1911 Velie.  It is Driven by Howard Sharp and navigated by his son Doug, both from Fairport, New York.

Anyone who knows me very well is aware that I have enjoyed participating in no fewer than 5 Great Races - Precision endurance rallies for vintage automobiles.  I have described them comprehensively on my Great Race Website.  After a hiatus of three years, the Great Race is alive again under the care and feeding of Corky Coker of the Coker Tire Company in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Last August, Monty Love and I were in Chattanooga and stopped by Corky's place.  At that time he confided that he had acquired the rights to the Great Race and was hoping to re-launch it in much the tradition with which it was conducted for twenty years by the late Tom McRae.  Well, I'm pleased to say that it has happened.  Yesterday, Monty and I drove over to Chattanooga to see this year's participants arrive at the end of the Trophy Run (a warm-up rally prior to the actual competition).  This morning, we got to see the beginning of the Big Event.  The field of around sixty cars left for a 7-day rally that will take them to Maggie Valley, NC; Salem, VA; Cumberland, MD; Hershey, PA; Binghamton, NY; Saratoga Springs, NY; and finally, Bennington, VT.  Bennington is the home of Hemmings Motor News, the primary sponsor of this year's rally.  I have included a few pictures.

This year's "pace car" will be Corky Coker's recently-completed replica of the 1911 Marmon Wasp, the car that Ray Harroun drove to victory in the inaugural Indy 500.  This replica is remarkably accurate, based on a vintage chassis and powered by a massive T-Head 6-cylinder engine.

Great Race founder, the late Tom McRae, always centered the event around three values - family, God, and  country.  Corky Coker will continue that great tradition.  Here, the Soddy-Daisy High School ROTC color guard presents the colors.  Miss Tennessee 2009 & 2nd runner-up Miss America 2010, Stephanie Wittler sang the national anthem.

Team #44, Jonathan and Jake Auerbach, a father-son team, are driving this 1951 Chrysler New Yorker.  They bought the car on eBay and did some serious rally modifications, including a roll cage!  It's powered by its original massive 331 Hemi engine.

The "Dixie Racing" team drives one of many Model A Ford speedsters in the competition.  The driver, Bryan Dickson, is from Argyle, TX, while the navigator, Joe Correia, is from Virginia Beach, VA.

This 1928 Chrysler 72 roadster is a veteran of many Great Races.  Its driver, Richard Howe, is a good friend of mine.  (We had to bond since we were usually the only two Chrysler products in the competition!)  He is accompanied by his navigator-grandson, Jason Fisher.  Both hail from Conway, AR.

Certainly one of the most handsome cars in this year's rally is this 1936 Packard Model 120B driven by Bill Croker of Penn Valley, CA.  His wife Carolyn navigates.  Both are veteran Great Racers.

This 1929 Model A Ford pickup is the flagship of the "Two Ruts" team.  Corky and Tim Rutledge, the driver and navigator are from Pennsylvania and are another father-son team.

A giant among competitors is this massive 1961 Imperial Crown convertible.  The driver, John Corey, is from Melrose, NY.  The navigator, David Ullman, at one time lived in my home town of Schenectady, but now lives in Corvallis, OR.  They should certainly have a comfortable ride in this land ark!

A veteran of many Great Races, this 1928 Model A Ford sedan delivery is driven by Leonard Harpenau of El Cajon, CA.  His navigator is Tom Kucera from Omaha, NE.  Both have participated in many Great Races.

Our good friend Jeff Stumb, from Hampton Cove, AL, is driving his 1916 Hudson Hill Climber.  His navigator is  Guy McDorr of Bath, ME.

This beautiful Model A Ford speedster, known as the "Yellow Peril," is crewed by two rookies.  The driver, Chuck Culver, is from Lumberton. NJ, while the navigator, Jeffrey Schulte, is from Mt.Laurel, NJ.  Enjoy the ride!

Nye Clinton and His Infamous "Mariah"...

Last week I was visited by a gentleman named Thomas A. Taylor, who is a Regional Director in the Office of Regional Advancement for the University of Rochester.  I knew another fellow years ago who did the same thing and his business cards simply read, “Professional Beggar.”  Tom is a very nice guy and we get together for lunch whenever he is in town.  It’s always nice to get caught up with the news from the campus where I spent four years.  During the course of our conversation, Tom mentioned a name out of the past, Dean of Students Frank Dowd.  As so often happens, the name of Dean Dowd triggered a recollection.  In this case, it was a state-of-the-art water weapon, a water cannon called a “Mariah.”  Pronounced as Mariah Carey pronounces her first name, I was first introduced to this remarkable tool by a classmate, Nye Clinton.  Nye hailed from Watertown, New York.

Burton Hall in the Fall

In the fall semester of the 1960-61 school year, I had moved back into university housing, after having lived off campus my sophomore year.  I actually enjoyed dormitory living.  I had managed to get a “suite” with a couple of friends.  These suites were a clever scheme on the part of the university to increase the capacity of the older dorms (Burton Hall and Crosby Hall) by putting three men into two adjacent rooms that had previously been single accommodations.  It worked out quite well.  We were in Burton Hall.  And two of our neighbors were Ed May and Nye Clinton, two really great guys that I had gotten to know in my freshman dorm.  At that time, Frank J. Dowd, Jr., was Associate Dean of Students.  I wouldn’t have had his job for anything.  He was the university’s point man for all the unpleasant assignments, and there were plenty of those.  It was, after all, a period for "activism."

Nye Clinton would contribute generously to one such occasion.  

It was a warm spring evening.  The natives were restless.  Lots of the dorm residents had started to play their hi-fi or stereo systems out their windows.  Then some genius decided to start a bonfire on the dorm quadrangle.  Dean Dowd was sent to quell the uprising.  Naturally, that  caused even more anonymous shouting.  We were watching the developing situation out of our window.  It was time for Nye to enter the Fray.  He started by producing what I recall to be about a 10-12 foot length of the tan 3/8” natural latex thick-wall surgical rubber tubing.  I suspect that at one time it might have resided in one of his chem labs.  He tied a tight knot in one end of the hose.  Someone asked what he was doing.  Nye responded, “I’m making a Mariah.”  We knew that we were about to learn something very special.

Nye proceeded to the sink, where he stretched the open end of the tube over the small faucet.  Holding this very tightly, he filled most of the tube with water.  We were all amazed at how much the tubing stretched without bursting.  It looked exactly like a l-o-o-o-ng tan balloon.  He doubled the open end and pinched it as he removed it from the faucet.  While still holding the tubing doubled, he inserted the tip end of a ball point pen (the old push-button Pentel type).  This  apparently served as his nozzle.

Now, he draped the tubing (which is quite heavy when full of water) over both his shoulders and around his neck and waist.  He put on a tan trench coat and, holding the tubing closed with a tube clamp, carefully threaded the nozzle end through the right sleeve.  With the coat on, Nye could now hold the nozzle closed with one hand.   Nye, who had the physique of a string bean, made good use of the space within that trench coat.  We helped button up the coat as he departed to join battle.  We watched from the second-story dorm window…

Nye appeared in the crowd and gradually worked his way toward the Dean’s entourage.  The testosterone in the crowd was evident.  Shouts of “Go home, Dud!” could be heard.  And then we could see the high arch of a water jet coming out of nowhere.  It was the last thing any one expected.  It gushed for several seconds.  The Dean got drenched.  He eventually turned the mob over to the Campus Security Officers.  Nye disappeared into the crowd as quickly as he had appeared.

I hope the statute of limitations has run out.  Unfortunately, Dean Dowd passed away in 1997.