History - Currach

History

Nov9

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Blizzard! The March Snowstorm of 1888

Posted in: History

During this interlude of post-Hurricane Sandy getting back to normal and trying to find gas without running out of gas and school JUST re-opened 11 days later and many neighbors still have no electricity and then we had a Nor’easter and 7 inches of snow and I can’t stop typing here is an interesting post from the New York Public Library entitled Blizzard! The March Snowstorm of 1888.

(Don’t forget to read the comments – some interesting info about the rivers freezing.)

By the way, we fared very well in the storm and got our power back after 6 days. So many people on the south shore of Long Island and other places nearby were absolutely hammered by the storm and lost everything. Absolutely everything.

You can donate to the Red Cross effort for Hurricane Sandy here.
Nov11

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Machine Records Installation

Posted in: History, New York, Photo

For Veteran’s Day, I thought I’d post a WWII Navy photo of my Dad with a group of fellows (and a few lucky ladies) from his post in the Personnel Accounting Office’s Machine Records Installation located at 90 Church Street, Manhattan.

Until recently I thought this photo was taken down in Washington, DC, where he was assigned at the beginning of his service. But recently I found a few alternate copies of this group photo, one of which has the NYC information written on the back.

Thanks to all who have served our country.

My father, Michael Tierney is in the rear row, right in front of the door.
Sep6

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Navy League Part Deux

Posted in: History, Photo, Resources

In my previous post Comforts Committee of the Navy League I spoke briefly of my grandmother May’s involvement in knitting sweaters and such for submariners in World War I.

Recently I’ve found there are some terrific images and resources online relating to the Comforts Committee and just wanted to share a few favorites here.

First, to whet your appetite, I suggest this short series of articles written by David Vergun for the Navy League’s SeaPower magazine written in celebration of their centennial anniversary. (I’ve linked to a Google search as they link to the articles on an older version of the web site. I have been unable to locate them on the newest version of their site.)

Mr Verdun includes the following poem and description from the time:

During World War I, Navy Leaguers enthusiastically answered the call to duty by either signing up in the armed forces or volunteering for duty on the homefront. Leaguers in cities and towns across the country recruited shipworkers for the war effort. Others assisted armed forces recruiters. Thousands of women worked with the Navy League’s Comforts Committee to make hand-woven garments for U.S. forces and their allies. The Navy League became so well known for its work that the Hempstead Inquirer of Long Island, N.Y., published a poem of tribute:

The Navy League

Baa, baa, black sheep,
Have you any wool?
Yes, sir; yes, sir!
Three bags full!

When you want a sweater
What do you do?
Go to the Navy League
And they’ll give you two!

When you want a helmet
And no one else has any
Just ask the Navy League
And they’ll say “How many?”

If the boys are freezing
And need 60 mufflers more,
Go ask the Navy League
And they’ll give you sixty-four!

When the cry goes up for help–
“Have you any wool?”
“Sure!” says the Navy League
“Three bags full!”

–Mary Youngs

At left is a photograph of some ladies volunteering their time to the cause. There are many wonderful images on the Library of Congress site that are both historical and more personal – I suggest you make it a regular destination when working on your own family history research.
Aug27

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1938 Long Island Express

Posted in: History, New York

As we wait for Hurricane Irene to arrive, I thought I would take some time to peruse the Library of Congress Chronicling America historical newspaper collection. Unfortunately the site is down for hardware maintenance. Drats.

But, for those who are in the midst of hurricane obsession, here is a very informative site on the Great Hurricane of 1938 – The Long Island Express.

Best of luck to all of us awaiting the storm – and soon I hope we will all be singing Good Night Irene.
Mar2

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With Him Lives An Insane Indian.

Posted in: History, New York

I spend many of my lunch hours reading the papers. In 1880. or thereabouts. Don’t you?

I’ve been seeing if I can find references to my great-grandfather who was a NYC Policeman from 1885 to 1913, as well try to find connections to other Tierneys in the area since we are not sure if he had any family over here as well.

As I systematically search for “Tierney” in the NY Times year by year, I find I end up learning more about New York City history than my family, but that’s almost as good to me.

Yesterday I found an article in the June 15, 1880 edition of the Times entitled Life in Baxter-Street – A Census Enumerator in an Unsavory Neighborhood. Read More | Comments