Artwork From WWII

Leather flight jackets were available for sale.

I found them wonderful.  But, I couldn't buy one.  I didn't earn it.  It was for those who did.

The Marine Corpsman from the Korean War

Meet Don!

Don was a Marine corpsman in Korea from 1951-1953.

 Below is a photo of the first flag raising on Mount Suribachi during WWII. This was signed by one of those Marines.  36 of the 40 men in the first platoon to get to the top of Mount Suribachi were killed in action.  This photo was signed by Corporal Linderg, who is standing to the right.

Well done, Don.  Well done.

Thank you, Sir.

The Airport Foundation: Another Volunteer!

Meet Lynn,

She is one of the over 400 volunteers at the MSP and Humphrey airports.   They are always looking for helpful people. 

If you are wondering, the Airport Foundation has been around for 17 years as a strictly volunteer organization.

VERY well done.

Thanks Lynn!

The Airport Foundation: Volunteers!

Meet Elizabeth from the Airport Foundation. 

 The Airport Foundation gets volunteers to work at various airports around the country.   In Elizabeth's case, it is for the MSP and Humphrey airports.   The are the people who sit at booths and answer questions for travelers.

Thanks Elizabeth!

A B17 Navigator in WWII

Meet Bob!

Bob was a navigator in a B17 during WWII.l  He flew 50 missions over Europe, from June 16, 1944 to Sept 12th.  He was flying roughly every 2 days.   After 50 missions, you could go home.

The flight surgeon told him that he needed a break after 35 missions.  So, he spent a week or two in Capri.   It must have been hell to think about going back.

Bob, thank you.   You have my deepest respect.  It was a sincere pleasure meeting you and shaking your hand.

The Navy Recruiter!

Meet Carl!

Carl is now a recruiter for the Navy after spending some time as a nuclear engineer on board a ship.   He had an infectious smile and laugh. 

Thanks Carl!

Even Airports need Promotion Personnel!

 Meet Roger!

Roger is the president of the Blaine airport promotion group and a photographer, as well!  We had a great conversation about airplanes and cameras!

The Pilot

Meet Eric!

He is the enabler of the group and got the women to join him.  Well done!   I loved his uniform!  Very authentic!

Thanks Eric!

More Army Air Corp

Meet Callie!

She's been doing the WWII re-enactment for over 5 years.  She loves it and thoroughly enjoys meeting other aviation enthusiasts.

Thanks Callie!

WWII Army Air Corp

Meet Abby!

She was a college student who got into the WWII re-enacting scene.  I met her, and others, at a local air show this summer. 

Thanks Abby!

The War of 1812

Meet Jay

And, meet CJ

They are Illinois Rangers protecting the Midwest against Indians.   There were 10 companies of mounted rangers to protect settlers in the Louisiana purchase.   Daniel Boone was hoping to command one of these companies.

But, he was found to be too old. 

The flag of its day.

Thanks Jay and CJ

Forced Celebacy, Anyone?

So, when the men are away fighting, you may need something to ensure the lovely wife isn't fooling around.

The good doctor had a chastity belt from the 1790's on display.

Yes....those are sharp, pointed pieces of metal.  

I get the picture.   That is just nasty!

Going to the Doctor in the Late 1700's was not for the Squemish!

One of the more fascinating characters was a doctor and his nurse.  Joseph LaBolle had some rather interesting medical instruments.

Yes...saws....for a variety of things generally associated with amputations.  Need an eye?  

Even then, doctors seemed to know that if you made tea with old, dried small pox scabs and drank it, you developed some resistance to small pox. 

And...if you need a tape worm for anything, he seemed to have plenty.

This was quite fascinating!  After looking at the equipment and chatting about how it was used, I won't complain anytime soon about a colonoscopy.  

The 1795 Springfield Cannon

Meet Randall!

Randall was most enthusiastic about his 1795 Springfield Cannon.  And, it was a piece of work!  It was delightful listening to him talk about how effective it was.  

Thanks Randall!

The Flintlock Rifle

Here are the working parts of the flintlock.

A small piece of flint held in place by a clamping mechanism.   The powder and ball have already been loaded down the barrel.   A small bit of powder is in the small spoon shaped metal piece.  Guns had a small cover that could be lowered to keep the powder dry.  

When the trigger was pulled, the hammer would fall, the flint would strike a piece of metal and create a spark.  The spark would ignite the powder in the spoon...and this would then light the powder that in the muzzle. 

The image below shows wood in lieu of the flint. 

It is truly amazing they worked at all.  And, humidity and rain created all kinds of problems!

A Gunner Manning Brown Bess

The young man below was one of the small team who manned "Brown Bess".  This was a 1" ball, flint lock.  It was, for its day, a sniper rifle.

It was huge and needed to be mounted on a tripod.  Shooting it must have been quite an experience!

My sincere thanks!

The Late 1700-s

Meet two of the character actors.  

I didn't get their names.  But, I enjoyed a brief visit with each of them.

Thanks gentlemen!

Spinning the Day Away in the Shade

Meet Debbie!

She had a wonderful collection of herbs and was enjoying the shade of her tent...and spinning.

Just slow the shutter speed down a bit and try to hold it steady!  I rather like both of these images!

A little potpourri anyone?   In case you are wondering, yes, I had to look it up!

Thanks Debbie!

The Early 1880's Along the Missouri River: Music Anyone?

OK.....let's face it, there weren't great guitars and violins in the 1880's.  But, they existed.   So, it was fun to listen to the music from HS kids still playing it.

I wonder if you can do rap with a violin!

My sincere thanks, all.

The Early 1800's Along the Missouri River:

Meet Jedidiah!

I loved this guys look!   I couldn't get a smile out of him.  But, it is a perfect look for him!

The Late 1700's Along the Missouri River: The Blacksmith

Every town needed a blacksmith.

Who was well armed!  That is one beautiful flintlock!

Tanning Hides and Tomahawk Throwing

The gentlemen below was demonstrating how to tan various hides.

But, throwing a tomahawk....now that is fun. Several people volunteered to try.

Catching a tomahawk in flight is a lot easier than catching a bullet in flight!  That being the case, I am not sure throwing your tomahawk is a good idea.  If you miss...you are out one seriously nasty up close weapon!

July 4, 2015

Happy 4th everyone.   Remember how we got here.  Remember the sacrifices of brave men and women.   Remember they fought for freedom.  OUR freedoms....guaranteed by a constitution.

Do not give up those rights.   Never.