NOTE: We are keeping up with the terrible weather in Texas, mainly through national news. Praying for those suffering from loss.
Here are a few things about Boston that I thought of after the last report. 1). I always knew people from Massachusetts talk funny, but I really didn't know they don't pronounce their R's. A couple of them even mentioned that. An example might go like this: Paaak the caa to go on the too-aah. Translation: Park the car to go on the tour. 2). The Battle of Bunker Hill was actually fought on Breed's Hill. It seems that because of the courtesies of war the Colonists and the British got together and agreed to fight the next day on Bunker Hill. Go figure. Anyway, during the night the Colonists dug in on Breed's Hill, and so had the advantage when the British discovered where they were and came over to fight. This is definitely not a factual account and is just a good story by our too-aah guide. 3). As we were riding the trolley we were reminded of the Kingston Trio song about Charlie who got on the MTA and couldn't get off. Seems back then you paid when you got on and also had to pay when you got off. Charlie didn't have the nickel (5 cents) to get off so he 'rode forever on the streets of Boston'. His wife would come down every day and gave him a sandwich through the window, but she never gave him the nickel. 4). The USS Constitution (currently in drydock there in the harbor) was known as Old Ironsides. This nickname came about during a battle when the enemy's cannon shot would bounce off the hull and a British seaman supposedly shouted 'Huzza, her sides are made of iron'. Seems the hull was made of oak about 24 inches thick (triple-layered and sheathed in copper forged by Paul Revere). That's a lot of oak. 5). After visiting the Old North Church, I became curious about where Paul Revere was when he saw the signal lanterns (two - the British rowed to Boston across the Charles River from Charleston -by sea!) and where he rode. Below is a map depicting the ride of Revere and William Dawes. More can be learned online, but here is a link to a short article and map with a timeline of events.
2 Comments
Ruby
5/28/2015 02:31:00 am
Love the tidbits. Looks like
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Roy & Barbara
5/28/2015 02:40:34 am
You forget President John F Kennedy had the same accent......you are probably too young to remember him. Ha
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Who are we?Chuck and Mary Lou have been traveling in their RV since 2002 and have lately been taking longer, extended trips. This is our way to share our experiences. Trip Reports
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