Friday, April 30, 2010

Flat Stanley asks, "Traitor or Hero?"

Flat Stanley here with a question, Traitor or Hero?

Ripley House OhioAnd now let me tell you a story. Ohio wasn't much more then the western frontier in 1823 when little Roswell Ripley was born. You see Ohio had only become a state in 1803, just 20 years before he was born. Roswell Sabin Ripley was born here, in Worthington Ohio. So this house is really really old. He grew up and attended the U.S. Military Academy and graduated from there in 1843. He served his country and fought in The Mexican-American war from 1846-1848, and received 2 promotions for his efforts.

Brig Ripley in UniformHe was stationed in South Carolina where he met a Southern Belle and got married in 1852. One short year later he resigned to attend to his wives estate in Charleston. He joined our enemy, The Confederacy and fought against us at Fort Sumter when the first shots were fired and The Civil War began. He fought in a series of battles in artillery units; and later in the Infantry under Robert E. Lee. He was wounded in The Bloodiest War, at Antietam in 1862. Though he recovered enough to return to Charleston and once again fight against The United States on the side of The Confederacy.

Brigadier General Roswell Sabin Ripley CSA

After the war he lived for 20 years in England, presumably alone as his wife and daughter had left him during The War Years. He returned to New York, where his parents had moved and died there of a stroke. He was not returned to Worthington, the place of his birth for burial. Nor was he buried in New York where he died. He was returned to The South and buried in Magnolia Cemetery.

He was elevated to Brigadier General in The Confederate States of America, quite an honor. He's one of the very few Confederates with a Memorial this far North in Ohio. He fought against his Uncle, James Wolfe Ripley who fought for The Union at Charleston Harbor.

And so, to some he's considered a Hero. He defeated The Union Forces and protected his Charleston. To others, a traitor for he fought against his country and his family.

I've been by this old house a number of times; but only recently noticed the sign and decided I needed to read it. Wow...what a surprise, and what a story. Heartbreaking, his wife and daughter estranged, fighting against his countrymen and his family. Sadly, that happened a great deal during The War Between The States.

So, what do you think; Traitor or Hero?

The topic here perhaps is a bit involved and serious; but what a good way to talk about people standing up for what they believe in, even when it's not easy. How bout a coloring exercise? Color and compare the two flags. Get the maps and see how far it is from Worthington, to Charleston, to England, to New York. Where's Mexico, after all he fought there. Talk about the difficulty of travel in those days vs now. Check out the hidden word puzzle at the bottom.

I'll bet many are surprised to see an Ohio connection to The Civil War, Ohio's pretty far north.

So if you look around and see an old house, take a good look and see if you too can tell a story about it, or the people who lived there.

Until next time, Friday May 7th, Flat Stanley out.

Find the following hidden words:(you should be able to click to enlarge and print)
Civil War
Robert E Lee
Union
Ohio
Mexico
Antietam
Infantry
South Carolina
Charleston
Confederate

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If you missed Flat Stanley's First Adventure Here's the link

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Look What I'm Packing! Thanks Clara

Getting organized today, I came across this picture.

carry on luggageA red carrying on. A while back I won a contest. I'm a person who's never one to win so was thrilled! Wanted to share with you my prize. I'll be packing this with yarn, water bottle, and book. That's my normal carrying on stuff. My debate is whether or not it will fit below the seat. I never put items up above on the the plane, as I like to have my yarn there. I usually carry a canvas tote; but that means I have to carry it. This has wheels and handle....much better for the back, the sore shoulder, the arthritis etc.

This will be it's maiden voyage. Thanks to Clara. AND....I think I'm gonna buy myself a netbook which will fit nicely in this bag. Then hubby won't complain about me using his computer when we travel. Clara has a wonderful blog, please check it out.
And see ya tomorrow when Flat Stanley will have his 2nd Friday special post for you all. Remember, Friday Fun with Flat Stanley is for everyone, kids, parents, grandparents. PLEASE enjoy.

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Sunday, April 25, 2010

Walking the Beach, Hilton Island Is., South Carolina

Sea Oats Hilton HeadA shot through the Sea Oats, pretty blue sky, white sand..........what could be better? Warmer temps that's what. Though the wind was better on this particular day, and I could walk the beach at Hilton Head without the worry of rain. Though the wind and rain were bothersome and I didn't get a tan while there; I did experience serenity and beauty that I think is probably lacking on a busy sun filled summer day. The views were more wide open without lots of sun umbrellas, lounge chairs, and people--leaving me alone with my thoughts to enjoy the true beauty.
Sand Dollars Hilton HeadIt was quite a storm the night before I took this walk, and look at the left-overs from the angry tide. What amazed me is the fact that the Sand Dollars I saw weren't broken. They were smaller then most I've seen on trips to other beaches. I wondered if that was typical for this time of year. I passed along the warning to some folks who started to pick them up. Throughout Hilton Head the effort to protect and preserve nature is paramount. The fines for picking up shells, and seaweed, and other sea creatures is $$$. Even noted in the hotel tourist book.
Sea Shell Hilton HeadYet again, I marveled at this beautiful open, and unbroken shell. I've never seen one in tact before. Always half of it, or pieces parts. Look at the marks in the sand left from the tide. Click to enlarge to really appreciate it.
Lone Bird Beach Hilton HeadSunlight glisening as the tide gently rolls in reflecting it's light and warmth for a lone bird. He/she seems to be on a slightly elevated patch of sand; higher and dryer but keeping a close watch.
Blue Crab Hilton HeadSaw quite a few of these Blue Crabs. Really wanted to see one turned over, but didn't; and I certainly wasn't going to mess with Mother Nature and flip one. Wondered if it was more blue on the other side. Look at the in pretty blue claws. As I spotted these creatures they always seemed to be clusters of 2-4.(cropped one so you could see it better) Then there were places that revealed only what was left after something's lunch or dinner. Mother Nature, the food chain, and circle of life all evident.
Sea Creature Blob Hilton HeadAnd I pondered what this was. It looked jelly like. I wondered if the hole was created by human, using the little stick or the stick was thrust in when the tide deposited it; or perhaps the bird who's prints we see. I studied it awhile; but didn't come to any conclusion. What's your best quess?

Hope you enjoyed my exploration of The Beach and all it's beauty here on Hilton Head Island.

**And did you see Flat Stanley and his Friday Fun? It will be an ongoing Summer Series. Get the kids involved and enjoy.
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Friday, April 23, 2010

Traveling Books and Parks, with Flat Stanley

Flat StanleyHello My Name is Flat Stanley, and I'm really excited to see you. This is our first adventure in Sandy's Summer Series of Friday Fun with Flat Stanley...me in other words. I'm dancing with joy as you can see, my arms stretched wide to show you how much fun we're going to have, how many places we're going to go, and how much we're gonna learn.
Historic Miller Park SignI need a step stool, I'm not tall enough. Will you please remember to pack one on our next trip? This is me outside a library. Now what's not fun about a library? Books on any topic, fun, serious and everything in-between. Did you know most libraries have summer reading programs? AND, did you know you can win cool free things? PLEASE make sure you get signed up, read alot and win neat things. Leave comments, or have Mom leave comments so I know what you read, and what prizes you won. Ask too about story time, you sit on the floor and someone reads a cool story to you.

But wait, there's more. Behind me is a fun park. Let's run and play and jump. Bring along the family pet. How many times do you go normal places like the park or the library and see a sign? Do you stop and read it? If not, why not? Here's my challenge to you. Stop, read and let's learn together.
historic sign Upper ArlingtonNow here's a close up of the sign I couldn't reach. On this very spot (currently The Miller Park Library in Upper Arlington, Ohio), is this historic sign (historic...that means old). It talks about how this little community of Upper Arlington was born, sorta. It was planned which is unusual for towns and cities. Most just sorta grow around something. This was planned, streets designed to be curved with lots of green space and trees. It was molded after a place in Kansas. Mom, get a map and show the kids were Kansas is. They wanted to call the community The Country Club District. Doesn't that sound snooty? Miller Park and Library is named after James Miller who was a farmer and had lots of land here.

The sign talks about a Garden Community too. That means a residential area, and to this day there isn't much in the way of business in Upper Arlington. This area was right next to a community called Arlington (present day Marble Cliff), and since this area was north of Arlington it got the name of Upper Arlington. Whew, that's better than Country Club District.

This almost romantic sounded community has some not so nice history. When 2 brothers, named King and Ben Thompson bought some land from Mr. Miller way back in 1913, they had clauses that land couldn't be purchased by Blacks or Jews. It was to be a White Christian Community. Thankfully those clauses have been deemed illegal; but it's important to know history...even if it's not pleasant. Everyone needs to learn from mistakes.

In 1921 this same spot was a Trolley Line. (picture from Wikipedia)
1921 Trolley LineSo, it's pretty cool that right where this sign is--there's a story to be told. It was a land office for the farmer Mr. Miller when the two brothers Ben and King Thompson started planning their community, then it was a trolley stop, then it was a library-- the little building behind the car is where the library is. This little community didn't even become a city until 1941!

Kids of all ages can learn from everyday experiences. Think about where you walk, ride your bike, or drive on a regular basis. What's there to see, to explore? I'm betting it's easy to whiz by and miss the details.

This type of summer outdoor activity is suited to everyone, including the family pet. After all everyone likes to go for a walk, or spend time in the park.

Take a regular activity and make it a fun learning activity. If there's a sign, stop and read it. Then take time to learn about it. If children are too young to get involved that way, what do you see on the way? Count how many different flowers there are; then look them up at the library to identify them. Take the numbers represented in the dates add and subtract them. Equate it to something that has meaning. For instants I was born in 1950 so the community is only 9 years older then me. Doing things like this helps put things into perspective and make them more memorable. Take the opportunity to discuss how it isn't fair or nice to exclude certain people because of their skin color or their religion. Use this type of exercise to get out maps, point out where you are and find where you're going. How many miles is it? Again there's a math componet. Draw a picture about what you learned, depending on age write about it. Writing exercises can be fun, and they too can be taylor made to be age appropriate. Summer is a time for fun; but it doesn't mean learning has to stop.

Look for something near you, tell me all about it. That's all for today, but please come back next Friday April 30th, for another adventure.
Flat Stanley out.
**below is small version of me, a 125 x 125; you could add this as a badge to your blog as a reminder to come every Friday and see me. If I can figure out Mr. Linky it might be fun to do this as a meme. What do you think? Add the url of my blog which is: http://travelingsuitcase.blogspot.com/ with this cute badge. Click on me and go to my dedicated page where all our adventures will be listed as links. See ya Soon!
Flat Stanley Badgehttp://travelingsuitcase.blogspot.com/p/friday-fun-with-flat-stanley.html
that's the url for the dedicated page you could as well.

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