Monday, January 27, 2020

American 100s

We've been at this for ten years now. Early on, it became evident that the 400th (of Cape Ann) was in the near future, 'near' enough that we have the Plymouth event (early planning) already at hand. Later, we also remembered that the southern realm did their look back in 2007 (First Thanksgiving).

Reading about the 400ths, of course, brought our attention backward to the 300ths (Salem Pageant).

America 200
Jedediah Strong Smith
Along the same line, though, we got insight into the western movement that picked up speed after Lewis & Clark toured the middle of the country from the east to the west, all the way to the Pacific. Dr. Frank, in his Massachusetts Magazine, published many articles on this theme. Early trekkers explored the areas and learned about the tricks of navigation. That is, they wandered from the east to the west, too, on foot and horseback. Later, earnest families traveled toward new lives. Turns out that a place named Gardner saw a whole lot of those moving forward (Gardner Junction, 3 Trails).

Lots of attention go toward the northern routes, however there were southern routes across the country, to boot. And, as we've seen with movies and TV, the U.S. Army was active across the whole region (William J. Worth, Thomas W. Higginson, and more). In the east, we saw the displacement of the American Indians as an example of what was to come. Many tribes were moved west (Another Western Movement).

So, we thought of this as the 200th that was related to the 400th in many ways, especially with regard to families and their members.

Then, there was the sea (The Gardiner that was, Nantucket Sendoff, Two cousins).

Now, another focus arises from which we will see lots and lots events and energies of celebration. The D.A.R. initiative for and support of America 250 will be a continuing theme. Remember, 1776. This look back is six years away and corresponds with events in Cape Ann and Salem over hundred years earlier. We have written of the time; some recent activity related to General Layafette and his triumphant return are one example.

History being retold from the lives and times of people? A major theme for the future.

Just like that which is to be celebrated for the 250th, the 200th has no real clear start. There was the Revolution which dragged on. Then, the War of 1812 perturbed the U.S. Finally, Lewis & Clark did their little trek. After that, we saw a slow trickle which grew to a horde moving west by the last part of the 19th century.

We will start to look at 100, 200, 250, 300 and 400 on a regular basis.

Remarks: Modified: 07/28/2020

02/01/2020 -- There is a sort of symmetry about the American Revolution for a few years that ought to be of interest. The far reach (400th) is that arrival in the 17th century. Coming forward, the 200th is associated with another migration which was to the west (Final migration). The 300th was only a generation after the turmoil following the witch hunt (Andover ordeal). The 100th can be many things that we will look at (Last issue of The Massachusetts MagazineGround zero).

06/19/2020 -- This year, we lost our spring. Dr. Frank would have been familiar with the situation (Last issue ...). No one knows how we will all go forward. There will be lots of stumbling about. However, we can keep the technology view in balance. Fortunately, we might have a leverage point there.

07/28/2020 -- Have done several posts related to generations: 5th generation6th generation7th generation1900 backAmerican 100sFirst five, and About generations.

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