Americanism Redux: April 13, Today 250 Years Ago, on the journey to the American Founding, in 1773

Americanism Redux April 13, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago today, in 1773 "Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday, dear name-goes-here, Happy Birthday to you..." They finish the crooning. Or maybe shouts of "for he's a jolly good fellow, for he's a jolly good fellow, for he's a jolly good fellow..." They stretch out that last note. If … [Read more...]

Americanism Redux: February 16, Today–250 Years Ago–in 1773–Life and the American Founding

Americanism Redux February 16—Life and the American Founding—250 years ago today—in 1773 Around the room. You see smiles, bright faces, hopeful looks. An invisible buzz is in the air in this church meeting house near the Green River and a mountain one day called Tom Ball. Someone calls out a name: Alford! A cheer goes up, words of prayer softly spoken. Today is the birth of a new town for … [Read more...]

Americanism Redux-250 Years Ago Today-December 14, 1772

Americanism Redux December 14, 250 years ago today The baby, a day old, sleeps. Tiny eyelids, soft skin, the wispiest of wispy hair. Fingers are curled. Invisible breaths in and out, the chest rising and falling less than a sixteenth of an inch. Perhaps now is the perfect time for mother to catch a quick nap. She's not really sure. It's her first baby. Phebe, the mother, is 19 years old. … [Read more...]

Americanism Redux: 250 Years Ago Today, November 15

Americanism Redux November 15, 250 years ago today So. This is what the boss wants. Wants me to give my thoughts as to how we can make things better around here, make things work right, make things the way they ought to be. Oh really? Well, it's about time. Happy to oblige. Buckle up. Here we go. The do's and the don'ts. I've got clear answers. Do...stop expanding. No more. … [Read more...]

Americanism Redux: 250 Years Ago Today, November 2

Americanism Redux November 2, 250 years ago today Dozens of candles and lanterns glowed against the walls and columns painted in white. The flickering light revealed each delicate wave and curving line in the glass of the window panes. People talked, loudly and in urgent tones. A vote was called for. Hands raised up. All in favor. Yes. Passed. Gavel smacks down. Murmurs rippled around … [Read more...]

Americanism Redux: September 28, 250 Years Ago

Americanism Redux September 28, 250 years ago today The parents looked down at the crib. Their baby, their first, is two days old. A beautiful daughter. Maybe something is not quite right, a little too pale and a little too fussy and a little too congested. Well, who knows. Maybe everything will be fine. Mom is Martha, nicknamed Patty by her husband, who is Tom. Patty and Tom were … [Read more...]