So, the issue with Scott Joplin that's had me stumped is whether or not he performed at the Chicago World's Fair (the "Columbian Exposition") in 1893 and if so, in what capacity. Everyone agrees he was in Chicago at the time of the Fair, and that it was life-changing for him, in part because he … Continue reading Not even the experts agree
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More to learn!
I thought I was ready to write about Scott Joplin, but I'm not. I learned something new which made me question other things. I just brought home seven books from the library, and hope to figure this out by next week! Until then, Debra
Scott Joplin 1868-1917
Shutterstock: spatuletail In Horse Thief 1898, 25-year-old Scott Joplin befriends 14-year-old Charlie at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, where they are both performing. Charlie is intrigued by ragtime, which he has never heard before. Even more, he is delighted by the brief friendship they share, which helps him understand how lonely he has been and … Continue reading Scott Joplin 1868-1917
Mary Stafford Anthony, 1827-1907
Well, no one responded to my question about Susan B. Anthony's middle name. There are two stories out there, and I would have accepted either answer. The first is that the B stands for Brownell. But the second and more intriguing story is that Susan didn't have a middle name and just for fun, added … Continue reading Mary Stafford Anthony, 1827-1907
Susan B. Anthony
Last year we celebrated 100 years of women's suffrage in the United States. For me, after learning in depth about Susan B. Anthony for Horse Thief 1898, the centennial was poignant. I hadn't known much about her remarkable story. "Not for us alone" was her byword, and the title of a biography I recommend. Her … Continue reading Susan B. Anthony
Jan Ignacy Paderewski
Just posted under Historical Links! Enjoy this fascinating musician!
Jan Ignacy Paderewski In Horse Thief 1898, pianist, composer and statesman Jan Ignacy Paderewski becomes a mentor to Charlie, engaging with him at a deep personal level as well as teaching him musicianship and encouraging his career. I chose Mr. Paderewski for this role because it fit his generous, charming personality and the compassion he … Continue reading
We too are immigrants
Yep, us! If you live in the United States, unless you are a Native American, at some point in your family story, your more recent or remote ancestor came here from a different country, by their own choice or by someone else's. What was that like for them--your own parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, or as far … Continue reading We too are immigrants
Why Quakers?
Why Quakers? In 1800s Ireland, the majority population was Roman Catholic, but most of the land and wealth was owned by Protestants, chiefly of the so-called Irish Ascendancy, families with British roots, or by absentee British landowners. Tremendous hostility existed between the Irish and their conquerors, who mistreated the Irish in the extreme. I ran … Continue reading Why Quakers?
Why Ireland?
Funny story: I always thought I was part Irish. My sisters and I used to talk about the red hair in my father's family and try to find reddish hues in our own brown hair. My nephew Nathan, however, did extensive research into our lineage and guess what? We're Scottish, not Irish, and from a … Continue reading Why Ireland?