Elizabeth Cady Stanton home at the Women's Rights Natinal Park, Seneca Falls, New York

You’ll get to “meet” the women via a group of bronze figures created by sculptor Lloyd Lily.  The figures include Elizabeth Cady Stanton (who was one of the authors of the Declaration of Sentiments that declared that all men and women are created equal), whose farmhouse is also on the site.  Rangers lead tours of the farmhouse, sharing information about the life and writings of this rather radical (for her times, at least) woman.

The park also includes a Visitor’s Center, the Wesleyan Chapel, where the first convention took place, and the homes of two of the other women organizers, Jane Hunt and Mary Ann M’Clintock.  You can see the park by participating in ranger-led tours, or wander about on your own.  Dial and Discover, and audio tour available using your cell phone, will guide you through five of the park locations.

It’s hard for me to imagine a world in which women couldn’t vote and didn’t have freedom.  A visit to this national park seems a must for anyone who wants to understand the struggle for women’s suffrage, and the efforts of five women in launching a movement that continues to this day.  There are important stories and lessons to be learned here.

Photo credit:  National Park Service

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Visit the Women’s Rights National Park

The date is not chosen at random, though. Legend has it that Chinese ambassador Li Hung Chang had his chef create it for a dinner party while they were on a diplomatic visit to New York City on August 29th, 1896. It’s an unverified claim, though, and more than likely people were just inspired by the visit.

Despite the myth, many say that chop suey is not actually an authentic Chinese dish, and that it was created in the United States by Chinese immigrants (instead of a visiting dignitary). One account, however, says that it did exist in the Chinese province of Taishan in the 1890’s, several years before it made its debut in the U.S.

Either way you look at it, though, it’s become a popular American dish. A meal of chop suey consists of meat cooked with vegetables in a thickened sauce and is typically served over rice. The meat can be traditional Chinese fare such as chicken, fish or shrimp, or it can even stretch the boundaries a bit and encompass ground beef and tomato sauce. (So is the turkey goulash I like to make Italian or actually chop suey? Hmmm…)

~ Gourmet Chop Suey
~ Ground Beef Chop Suey
~ Pork Chop Suey
~ Emeril’s Chop Suey
~ Chicken Chop Suey
~ Cantonese Chicken Chop Suey
~ Vegetarian Chop Suey

What’s your favorite way to make chop suey?

[image: flickr]

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Chop Suey Day

Image: sxc.hu

 When we took family trips, Mother and Father enjoyed stopping at forts, old settlements, historic homes and parks.

When Jim I’ve traveled with our daughter, we’d read historic markers and learn about the countryside we traversed.  These stops made nice breaks in sometimes lengthy drives.  Some of them included:

• Following portions of the Oregon Trail
• Visiting Living History Farms in Des Moines, Iowa
• Learning about pioneers at Windlass Hill, Nebraska
• Backpacking into the mountains around Jackson Hole, Wyoming
• Viewing where pioneers crossed various rivers of the West
• Touring the famous Mt. Washington Hotel at Brenton Woods, NH
• Trekking around Gettysburg Batttlefield, PA

You’ll likely find many places to visit close to your home.  Also, as you plan your trip, check out, on the Internet, the historic sites and places of interest in areas where you’re visiting. 

What have you explored of historic significance?

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Exploring History as a Theme

The Church of England, hoping to get in on the staycation trend, has launched a new Church of England Staycation web service to encourage locals to put churches and cathedrals in their stay at home travel plans.  Churches and cathedrals can provide a bit of sacred space, but they are also wonderful sources as museums, art galleries, architectural sites, history, and frequent venues for special events.

St Peter's Chapel, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex

And, of course, you can always opt for a. . . wait for it. . . pray-cation!

Having been to a cathedral or two myself, I think this site offers a great opportunity for travelers to do a little research on what they may like to visit.  Sure, you’ll easily find the major cathedrals, but what about those quaint little village churches, so full of history and a sense of community.  Why should such a great resource be limited to those who want to stay at home?

Search the site by geography or take advantage of the many links to other resources provided.  The site is new, and hopefully we’ll see lots more sites being added as it evolves.  I’ll be heading to the U.K. this fall, and will be checking back to get ideas on places that I can visit.

And this is a good travel research tip in general – don’t overlook researching staycation promotions.  After all, if it’s good enough for the locals, it’s good enough for you and me!

Photo credit: chelmsfordblue @flickr

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Church of England Promotes Staycation Site

Image: sxc.hu

As a teacher, writer, and historical researcher, I’ve done this on a small scale with my programs in schools.  However, I’ve wanted to reach more teachers and children, as well as home schooling parents and help with creating activities, lessons, and programs that make history “come alive.”

Yesterday, a friend called to interview me about the writing I’ve done about our local area history.  She needed this information for a research paper on developing school programs.  In the course of our conversation, she encouraged me to work on my blog, New Hampshire of Yesteryear, and continue developing the picture book, Sarah Jane’s Daring Deed, about a pioneer girl.  She saw possibilities for these incorporated into school programs.

So now I’m back to the drawing board and working on my programs and activities to expand children’s knowledge and interest New Hampshire and U S history and how it affects their lives.

Sometimes it simply takes someone’s comment and encouragement to get us back on track with our dreams.

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Encouragement to Pursue Creative Ideas

In fact, a 1832 cookbook titled The American Frugal Housewife lists only three ingredients needed to make the dish: a quart of beans, a pound of pork, and pepper. It instructs that the beans should be placed in cold water and hung over the fire the night before to soak, then rinsed several times the next morning before being put in a kettle with more water and the pork, and then kept scalding hot for an hour or more. Then “a little pepper sprinkled among the beans, when they are placed in the bean-pot, will render them less unhealthy,” and the whole kettle put into the oven to bake for a few hours.

Current recipes for pork and beans usually call for navy beans that have been cooked (usually stewed) with tomatoes and pork or rendered pork fat.

Barbecue Pork & Beans
from Woman’s Day

2 tsp oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tsp minced garlic (2 cloves)
2 cans (16 oz each) baked beans
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
1⁄2 cup barbecue sauce
1 Tbsp each cider vinegar and mustard
1⁄2 tsp each chili powder and ground cumin
3 1⁄2- to 4-in.-thick chunk reserved pork loin (from Sun; about 1 lb), cubed

~ Heat oil over medium heat in large skillet or saucepan. Sauté onion and garlic 3 minutes. Stir in remaining ingredients, except pork.

~ Bring to boil, reduce heat and cover; simmer 15 minutes.

~ Stir in chopped pork, cover and simmer 5 minutes more or until pork is heated through. Serve with coleslaw and cornbread.

There are actually a bunch of things you can make with pork and beans, too!

~ Pork and bean dip
~ Pork and bean bread
~ Crockpot pork and beans
~ Spicy red pork and beans
~ Break the world record for pork and bean eating!

[image: flickr]

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Summer Pork & Beans

Whether he was a control freak, or just didn’t trust Martha’s judgment, I’m not sure, but the results are most impressive.  Today Mount Vernon is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  It is open to the public for guided Mansion tours, featuring 14 rooms that have been restored and furnished in period pieces, including some original items from the Washington family.  In additional to the Mansion, visitors can tour the grounds on their own.

The front yard of the Mansion is a bowling green, a large beautifully landscaped yard and drive.  This would have been the entrance that guests used when visiting the estate.

Mount Vernon was both a home and a working plantation, and the surrounding grounds reflect that.  The backyard is huge, and overlooks the Potomac.  One can imagine the Washington’s entertaining on the lawn and enjoying time there with family and friends.  The out building that you can walk through include the slave quarters, ice house, overseer’s quarters, kitchen, wash house, stable and paddock, and the coach house.

The gardens are one of the best parts of the estate.  There are four gardens, a Forest Trail, and a Pioneer Farmer site, the latter a working farm.  The flower beds in the gardens have been restored to their original size, and contain flowers, herbs, fruit trees and vegetables.  English Boxwoods, taken from cuttings from 1786, are still alive and thriving on the grounds.

George Washington died in the Mansion’s master bedroom on December 14th, 1700.  Pursuant to his will, he was laid to rest in a brick tomb located on his beloved Mount Vernon estate.  Martha’s body lies there as well.  Wreath laying ceremonies are held daily.  Near the tomb is a Slave Memorial and Burial Ground.

Also on the grounds is a museum, featuring some of Washington’s survey equipment, weapons and clothing, as well as his dentures.

A couple years ago, a Grist Mill and reconstruction of Washington’s distillery opened, a short ways away from the estate.  It is a fully functional replica, and, pursuant to special legislation, is authorized to produce up to 5,000 gallons of whiskey annually.  It is for sale only at the Mount Vernon gift estate.

Mount Vernon is open daily, with Mansion tours offered from 8 am to 5 pm during the summer.  The grounds close a half hour later.

Admission is $15 for adults, $14 for seniors (ages 62+), $7 for youth (ages 6-11), and children under 6 are FREE.  Admission to the distillery and grist mill are $4 for adults and $2 for youth.  Although not required, purchasing tickets in advance is recommended, especially during the busy summer months.

You can make a quick tour the Mansion and grounds, or spend the entire day at the estate, depending on your available time.  Young children will enjoy the outdoor areas, but may be a bit bored and the interior hands-off tour.  Older kids and teens can teens should enjoy Mount Vernon, and it’s a great opportunity to see history right up close.

Mount Vernon is most easily reached by car, but if you don’t have one available, a little effort will get you there via the Metro.  Take the Yellow Line to Huntington Station, and exit onto Huntington Avenue (lower level).  From there catch the #101 Fairfax Connector Bus to the Mount Vernon entrance gate, about a 20 minute trip.

Photo credit:  David Paul Ohmer @flickr (Mount Vernon); Prince Roy @flickr (Grist Mill)

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Visit History at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate

Other stories include a “lost recipe” created by a Puerto Rican pirate to boost the morale of his men while at sea in the 1800’s, to a bar in Carcao in the 1960’s that created and sold a similar drink to its patrons. Whichever story is true will probably never be answered, but it’s become a summer staple just the same!

The piña colada (Spanish for strained pineapple) is a perfect drink for a hot summer evening. Traditionally made with rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice, it can be served either stirred with ice or blended for a smoothie-type drink. Due to its origin it’s been the official drink of Puerto Rico since 1978.

A good starting recipe includes:

~ 3 oz light rum
~ 3 tbsp coconut cream
~ 3 tbsp crushed pineapple

Put all ingredients into an electric blender with 2 cups of crushed ice. Blend at a high speed for a short length of time. Strain into a glass and serve with a straw. Garnish with pineapple wedge or maraschino cherry.

Proportions of the standard ingredients can be easily played around with to suit your own taste, too.

A virgin, or non-alcoholic version, can be made easily enough by omitting the rum. Other variations include the Miami Vice, which is 1/2 strawberry daiquiri poured over 1/2 piña colada (do not blend together); the Lava Flow, which is a strawberry daiquiri and piña colada blended together; and the Belizean piña colada, where evaporated milk is used in place of the coconut cream.

Where is your favorite place to sit and enjoy a piña colada?

[image: flickr]

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If You Like Piña Coladas

Hot dogs have been part of the national diet since 1870, when German immigrant Charles Feltman began selling sausages in rolls at Coney Island. Though the creation of the hot dog itself is long-disputed, with some claims going back as far as 1480, the summertime favorite was an instant hit in the States.

The original Feltman shop even spawned one of the more famous hot dog shops — Nathan’s Famous in New York City. Apparently, Nathan Handwerker, a Polish immigrant and a worker of Feltman’s, was encouraged by a couple of celebrity clients to start up his own place using a hot dog recipe created by his wife Ida, and he undercut his new competition by selling his dogs for only five cents each, whereas Feltman was selling his for ten cents each. [wikipedia]

Much like pizza, New York and Chicago both have a long-standing “feud” over who has the best food. Make a dog of your own and judge for yourself!

New York hot dogs are pretty simple. Typical toppings include only mustard, sauerkraut and sweet onions.

Chicago, on the other hand, goes all out, and can include any or all of the following:

~ Mustard
~ Catsup
~ Sweet relish
~ Chopped white onions
~ Chopped green pepper
~ Hot peppers
~ Dill pickle spears
~ Cucumber spears
~ Tomatoes
~ Shredded lettuce
~ Celery salt

What’s your favorite hot dog topping? What’s your favorite hot dog brand?

[image: flickr]

Post from: Blisstree

It’s National Hot Dog Month

Like the day my boss through me into a lake. Let me elaborate:

Several years ago, I worked at a large international, luxury auto maker in New Jersey. Needless to say, the men:women ratio was enourmously unbalanced, in favor of men. You can imagine the fashion environment in a car company — yep, tons ‘o logo-ed polo shirts. And the politics and bad sexually explicit jokes, were horrendous.

As I reflect on this bit of history, my boss was a remarkably similar to Michael on The Office. He was a people-pleaser, a manipulator (I suspect a misogynist), a self-described “god’s gift to women” and mostly stupid.

This guy’s attempt a bonding with his group was an annual trip to a local lake, complete with beer and boats…and of course a token baseball cap with the company’s logo. BTW, the guys in our department routinely bonded at least twice a week at a local pub — but on these trips “the girls” got to go.

He hated me so much, at least that’s how I felt at the time. My reviews were never great, he made comments about my clothing, he even made a few personal remarks that were hurtful.

I hate lakes; I think their gross. I am more of an ocean/beach girl. Anyway, the day was progressing as planned, the guys are drinking and trying to manuever the boat we were all on,….brilliant, I know. And, doing cannon balls into the lake. And did I mention the drinking?

I hadn’t really been engaging with these guys; I was completely satisfied to sit in a corner of the boat and read magazines. At some point, my boss said to me, why don’t you go in the water, like the rest of the team, you’re not much of a team player are you?

I’m not a great swimmer, I reply. (The big clue).

I looked back down at the magazine, and no sooner said than done, he and his cronie, another moron from our team, lift me by the feet and arms and toss me overboard. They ignored my pleas for them to stop, they ignored the fact that I don’t swim well, and they had absolutely no concern about whether there were rocks in the lake, on which I could have cracked my skull. I was completely humiliated as my co-workers looked on — and laughed!

It’s just too bad a photo wasn’t taken. Later on, an attorney told me that I would not have a good sexual harassment case in court, unless maybe I could get a class-action going. Is that what it takes? Having as many  women as possible scorned or abused before an attorney or judge will take notice.

I resigned later that year, mostly because going into the office everyday was so demoralizing.

But, what I will say to you is…if you ever experience behavior such as mine, do not do what I did and hold it in or quit. Tell someone in HR right away. No one ever, I repeat EVER has the right to treat you with less than respect and diginity.

I don’t care if it was a car company or for the Queen.

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World’s Worst Boss