Wednesday, January 27, 2010

50 Years ago - January 27, 1960

Fifty years ago today I rode the 6:30 AM train from Providence, Rhode Island to Boston. I was going to be sworn into the United States Navy at 8:30 AM. A moment that would change my life forever.

First I will try to recap the events that shaped my decision to join the service. I graduated from a high school that only offered a college course. Latin was required. I enjoyed my high school years as I went to a school full of what would be classified as nerds. We were all expected to go on to college and beyond. In September of 1959 I started in the Engineering curriculum at the University of Rhode Island. My dad was an engineer and I was told that was the path for me. Well I was unhappy for many reasons there. I was not motivated by any of the instructors or the material. I managed to pass all the main subjects with marginal marks. I never really figured out the slide rule, mostly I didn't care. I was good at Math but did not really like doing it. I could not see myself doing this the rest of my life.

I wanted to switch to Business and my dad said no. So two days before the second semester began, on a whim I went to the Federal Building and shopped recruiters. Thankfully, the Army and the Marines had met their quota for January. I walked into the Navy recruiters office and asked if they had an opening and could I leave the next day. He said if I was not running from the law I could leave in two days. He explained that if I was a high school grad and could pass the test I would be guaranteed a school. I told him I was dropping out of college and I immediately took the test and got a perfect score. I looked up at the list of schools and picked three from Navy Aviation. I would be attending one of those schools after boot camp. He sent me to take a physical while he called the Chief of Police in my town. I asked him to tell the chief not to tell my father as I would do that.

When I went home that afternoon and told my mom that I joined the Navy, she teared up and told me to wait until after supper to tell him so we could have a peaceful supper. My dad was disappointed and upset. He was sure that I had ruined my life and would end up a bum. My dad came to this country as a young boy, learned English in 6 months. He worked a year in the mills in New Bedford after high school to save money for college. He dug ditches during college to support himself and his education. Here I was throwing it away. He did agree to drive me to the train station. He hugged me as I left for the train.

So at 8:30 AM EST I took the oath for the U S Navy along with about 30 young men from New England. We were scheduled to take a plane out of Logan airport at 1 PM. We got to the airport in light snow and shortly the snow came down hard and Logan closed we were all bussed to a hotel in Sculley Square. In 1960, Sculley Square was called the combat zone. Several of the new sailors got tattoos, drunk and in trouble before they even got to boot camp. I was rooming with a boy from New Bedford and we stayed put. So began the greatest adventure of my life. After boot camp I went to Jet Mechanic school outside of Memphis, Tennessee, one of only two landlocked Navy bases back then. A tribute to the power of their U S Senators. It was a marvelous time in a young mans life. I was there for the Cotton Carneval and saw Elvis Presley in his Convertible. Beale Street was off limits but I managed to listen to the Blues. I had grits for the first time. I also experienced segregation for the first time.

I then went to training on a specific jet engine and was flown over to Europe to catch up to what would become my duty for the rest of my enlistment. I was attached to VA 36. The squadron flew off the USS Saratoga and when in home port we went to NAS Cecil Field outside of Jacksonville, Florida. I spent most of my time as a plane captain. Working on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier at night was the most exciting and dangerous place I have ever been. I made three Med cruises, was on the Cuban Blockade and saw and did things that I would never have had the opportunity to experience.

In retrospect, joining the Navy was the best thing I could have done. I grew up on that flight deck and the good times and the bad times made me a better man and a better husband and hopefully a better father.

It took me 11 years of night school to get my BS and MBA in Business Management after the Navy. I have always been proud that I volunteered, served my time and got an honorable discharge. My dad once told me that he was amazed at how well I supported my family without being an Engineer. I was pleased by that.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Mobile Point Light at Fort Morgan Alabama

The history of the Mobile Point Light is intertwined with that of Fort Morgan. Alabama may have the shortest coastline of all the Gulf states, but it has the largest bay - Mobile Bay. During the war of 1812 the United States recognized the importance of this bay and took control during the war. In 1819, two years before ceded the region, work began on a fort to be constructed at Mobile Point the western most point of the peninsula that stretches across most of the bay. Completed in 1834, the fort was named Fort Morgan in honor of General Daniel Morgan a Revolutionary war hero.




The first of three lighthouses was completed on the point in 1822. The light was only visible 10 miles out at sea and ships had a difficult time detecting the beacon. The light was changed to flashing, but mariners were confusing it with the Pensacola Light. In 1858 a 200 foot tower was built on Sand Island three miles off shore from Mobile Point. The Mobile Point light was no longer needed as a landfall and was downgraded to a harbor light.

Upon the outset of the Civil War, Confederate troops took control of the fort. In August 1864, Admiral Farragut approached the entrance to the bay with 18 ships. After one of the ships hit a torpedo (at that time mines were referred to as torpedoes) Farragut gave his famous command "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead". During this battle the light tower was damaged. Farragut won the battle but lost 7 ships during the conflict.

After the war, a temporary wooden tower was placed near the crippled lighthouse and the old brick tower was demolished. A second 30 foot iron structure was erected in 1873 along with a new keepers house. In 1963 a modern steel tower was erected (pictured below) and the small iron tower was cut from its base and ended up at a scrap metal company where it remained intact. When I visited Fort Morgan I was told that it was being refurbished and would eventually become part of the exhibit at the fort.

There are several oil platforms just off the beach at the fort. The smell of crude oil permeated the air and was very noticeable during the visit.


The massiveness of the fort was evident everywhere we walked. The brickwork was outstanding and a tribute to the folks who labored here. Following are several views around the fort.



















Lastly, another view of the modern light tower,












Saturday, January 23, 2010

Big Brown (UPS) on a rainy day

Carol and I had been to a number of local stores looking for a particular brand of shampoo. Several stores said they used to carry that brand, but no longer. We found a Internet site that carries that product. We ordered 6 bottles and they would be shipped via UPS. I followed the progress using the tracking number. Thursday morning (1/21) I saw that the package was on the truck to be delivered. Thursday was also a rainy day here and we had no plans that required us to be out and about. In fact, Carol was busy in the front room completing alterations for a neighbor. So when I saw that the tracking had been updated and the package delivered I was surprised because their had been no knock on the door. We went looking all around the house, no package. I called UPS and was assured that the package must be there. They were very apologetic and told me that I had to initiate a trace with the vendor. I was irate. I said I don't want your apology and I should not have to do all the work because your driver screwed up. Call the driver I demanded. We can't do that he is on the road. Well he damn sure updated your computer. At this point I was transferred to a higher source who immediately apologized. I again said don't tell me you are sorry, contact the driver. To make a long story shorted, they agreed and took my phone number and told me I would get a call back. A short time later, the UPS truck arrived and he told me right house number wrong street, I missed by one block.

My phone rang and it was a manager in the local distribution center. He told me that he was glad I got my package and you know, you have to understand its a rainy miserable day.

Yeah right! Apparently on rainy days any street will do as long as the house number is correct. I know UPS prides itself on doing a great job and they do. What rankles me is that I was the one they wanted to do all the hassle of calling the vendor and starting a trace for their error.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Tiny

About eight weeks ago, Carol and I were afraid that we would have to have Tiny put to sleep. Tiny is at least 16 years old. Carol rescued him over 14 years ago and the vet back then estimated his age at 2 years plus. Tiny has been plagued by skin problems for over a year. He was seen by a vet in Rhode Island and three different vets here in Panama City Beach. Each time he would be put on steroids and or antibiotics. It would get better for awhile then flare up again. We bathed him with medicated shampoo and he had a special diet. Nothing worked long term.Then he started with walking difficulty and he could no longer make the leap onto Carol's lap. If she tried to pick him up he would cry out in pain. Sometimes he would cry just turning over on his fleece throw. We started taking our Yorkie that we rescued to a Doctor recommended by the Animal Control Center and we liked him. We decided to take Tiny to see him. Our primary concern was what would be best for his quality of life. The doctor looked him over felt his stomach and listened to his heart and lungs. Then he asked if Tiny had ever had a thyroid test. Well, we had Tiny tested and Tiny has a slow thyroid. He has been on the medicine for about 6 weeks. It is like the fountain of youth. Tiny is easily jumping onto Carol's lap. His skin has cleared up. He now prances down the street when we walk him and Carol can hold him without him crying. Tiny has been rejuvenated.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Dothan Alabama

The local area around Panama City Beach is served by two local television stations. We do not have a CBS affiliate. We receive CBS from a station in Dothan, Alabama. For several winters I have seen their promos and have wanted to visit the area. I wanted to see a statue that is used in their lead in. I stopped at the Alabama visitor center and learned that that statue is actually in Montgomery. I knew about the many buildings with painted murals but not the content. It turned out to be a nice visit. Dothan is about 90 miles from our home. We discovered that the murals honor their culture, industry, history and favorite sons.


Dothan Riot



Dothan was the scene of a deadly altercation on October 12, 1889. The town fathers levied a fee on all wagons operating within city limits. Local farmers opposed this tax and formed a body named "Farmers Alliance" to dispute the levy. The arrest of some of the members led to a riot. The violence only lasted a few minutes but resulted in the death of two men and a number of seriously wounded. The local sheriff was arrested charged with murder and found guilty. His conviction was eventually over turned on appeal.

The following scenes depict the early industry of the local area.







Two favorite sons are honored. .

Sherman Rose
Tuskegee Airman


Johnny Mack Brown





Dothan is much larger than I envisioned. The traffic in and around Dothan was heavy. Dothan is home to the Dothan Opera House, Wiregrass Museum of Art, Botanical Gardens and George Washington Carver Interpretive Museum. Porter Hardware, the oldest operating hardware store in Alabama. The exterior and interior remain virtually unaltered since its opening 1889. The store still maintains a large inventory of hardware and hard to find items. Porter Hardware sign is on the side of the wagon in the Turpentine mural.
The ride from Panama City Beach to Dothan was a pleasant drive through rural countryside. Lunch was at the "Pig Out BBQ in Dothan. Carol had the pulled pork plate with cole slaw and potato salad. I had half a chicken with cole slaw and baked beans. We split a chocolate chip cookie for desert. Very nice. We will do this excursion again in the future.




Saturday, January 09, 2010

Pensacola Lighthouse

Pensacola is the second oldest city in Florida. Unlike St. Augustine, Pensacola was slow to highlight its ties to Spain, France and England. Five flags have flown over Pensacola. Spain three times, France, England, the Confederate States of America and the United States. When the United States acquired Pensacola from Spain the Florida Legislature petitioned for a federal naval depot at Pensacola. It was soon determined that a lighthouse was needed. In 1823 before a lighthouse could be built a lightship was sent from New Orleans. The lightship Aurora Borealis was on site by June, but problems arose and the ship failed to provide a proper navigation aide. The U. S. government designated Pensacola the site of a navy yard. Workers built a 40 foot lighthouse on a 40 foot bluff at the south entrance to Pensacola Bay. It was first lit in 1825. This was the first lighthouse built by the U. S. government on Florida's Gulf coast. The Mobile light 40 miles away created confusion for mariners. In 1858 engineers erected a new tower on the north side of the bay's entrance. This existing tower was first lit on January 1, 1859 providing the harbor the necessary beacon. Confederate soldiers shot out the light and it remained dark until 1863 when a fourth order lens re lit the tower. During the Civil War the tower was completely white but today the upper part is black.




In 1914 the federal government establish in Pensacola its first training base for naval aviators. Now known as the cradle of naval aviation the base has occasionally suggested that the tower be razed as it presents a hazard for the low flying planes. Local sentiment has caused the Navy to preserve the lighthouse. The Naval Station is also home to the Naval Aviation Museum and also to the Blue Angels. Admission to base is allowed and their is no charge for visiting the museum. The museum has a gift shop and a cafe. Allow at least four hours for the Naval Museum. A very pleasant day can easily be spent on the base.

Friday, January 08, 2010

St. Joseph Bay Lighthouse



The St. Joseph Bay Lighthouses have had an interesting history. The first lighthouse was built in 1838. The town hoped to become the major center outpacing the rival town of Apalachicola. The future was promising until a ship came arrived in 1841 with yellow fever aboard and the the epidemic wiped out the town. A subsequent hurricane that year destroyed the houses. The lighthouse was abandoned in 1847 in favor of the Cape San Blas Light. The light disappeared and it was determined that it was washed away.


The area around St. Joseph Peninsula was a dangerous site and the lighthouse Board decided that a new structure should be placed on the mainland. This structure allowed the keeper and his family to live in the lighthouse rather than a separate building. On the top of the structure was a light that shone 96 feet above the sea level
The U. S. government discontinued the the light and the structure was left to the elements and was eventually moved to Overstreet Highway for use as a barn. The structure was eventually purchased by a resident in Port St. Joe and it was moved to its present location in Simmons Bayou and converted to a private residence.
I was able to take pictures of this lighthouse from the street. It is a private residence and one should respect his property. I do remember that the couple who own the lighthouse were part of a program on one of the cable channels which highlighted this beautiful lighthouse.

Thursday, January 07, 2010

Florida frost and black ice

The Florida Panhandle is experiencing abnormal extended winter chill along with the major part of the country. Our temperatures are running 20+ degrees below normal. I realize the vast majority of the northern states have no sympathy for us.

This morning I went out to walk my dog and the first thing I noticed was the frost covering my car and the frost on the grass shining in the early morning sun. The early morning commuters and joggers are complaining of the black ice. Most of the median strips have underground sprinkler systems. When the local public works department fail to shut the automatic timers off the water spray covers part of the road and freezes during the early morning hours. The same thing happens when the home owner fails to shut their home system off and the sidewalks become icy from the spray that freezes.

We are expecting precipitation tonight and the local weather man says we have the possibility to see some freezing rain. I feel for the farmers. They are rushing to harvest the strawberries and tomatoes. The citrus crop is almost completely picked. But they still must protect their trees.

The weather forecaster is predicting a colder than normal January. I skipped my New years day ocean swim and have not even considered a swim this year.