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Tag Archives: Binghamton

THE PILGRIMAGE: Part 49 (Gypsies)

27 Saturday Sep 2014

Posted by Waldo "Wally" Tomosky in Educational, THE PILGRIMAGE

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Abraam Storms, Bainbridge, Binghamton, Birdsall, Birdsall Family, Chenango Canal, Chenango Valley, Confluence of the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers, French Courtiers, Garnsey, George Park, Greene NY, Guernsey, Henry Birdsall, Homet's Crossing, Hornby, Indian Territory, Jean Guillaume deBesse, Jericho, Loyalsock River, Madame d'Autremont, The French Asylum, The Susquehanna Turnpike, Wyalusing PA, Wysox PA

 

Epinetus smiled as he thought about a story that most everyone in the family knew about.

 

“There is a family story about the concertina man; or rather about his daughter and my father. Father would never talk about it but Uncle Henry and Aunt Polly both told me the story.”

 

George Parks raised his eyebrow as if to ask “What am I going to hear about now?”

 

Epinetus didn’t disappoint George’s expectations.

 

“It seems as though the concertina man had a very beautiful daughter. I was told that she had black hair and very dark eyes that gleamed like the stars. Her bright clothes matched the colors of the concertina; veils of black with highlights of red and gold. Mother of Pearl jewelry hung from her ears and about her well defined slim neck. She smiled at my father Horace several times. Finally he had enough gumption to approach her, but when he did she became agitated and ran off to their wagon.”

 

Gypsy Wagon

 

“He never saw her again. Uncle Henry and Aunt Polly said that whenever either of them mentioned it to my father he would mentally retreat and become silent.”

 

“Is that it?” asked George.

 

“Yes sir, Mr. Parks, –   – – that is it” responded Epinetus.

 

Then in a rather hurt tone he continued, “Of course if it was in your family you would think a little more of the story.”

 

Epinetus miffed

 

Epinetus remained quiet for a while. George cleaned his glasses, took out a pen knife and sharpened his pencil. “I have to be patient” he told himself, “otherwise I may never hear what Epinetus knows about Jean Guilliame DeBesse.”

 

Epinetus finally got over his hurt feelings and related the final leg of the family’s pilgrimage.

 

© wtomosky

THE PILGRIMAGE: Part 48 (Lost Souls)

26 Friday Sep 2014

Posted by Waldo "Wally" Tomosky in Educational, THE PILGRIMAGE

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Abraam Storms, Bainbridge, Binghamton, Birdsall, Birdsall Family, Chenango Canal, Chenango Valley, Confluence of the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers, French Courtiers, Garnsey, George Park, Greene NY, Guernsey, Henry Birdsall, Homet's Crossing, Hornby, Indian Territory, Jean Guillaume deBesse, Jericho, Loyalsock River, Madame d'Autremont, The French Asylum, The Susquehanna Turnpike, Wyalusing PA, Wysox PA

Epinetus dozed off again. George assumed that he was exhausted from his imaginary journey. Like before, Epinetus awoke after a few minutes and acted as though nothing had happened. He continued;

 

“God answered Grandfather’ prayers. The pain in my uncle’s hand subsided more as each day passed; and, – – – – the wheel stayed secure as their journey progressed. Their good luck continued in another way. The highway robbers repeated their appearances from nowhere and just as quickly disappeared back into the brush. The number of people in Grandfathers family must have scared them off.”

 

Epinetus suddenly appeared very sad as he remembered something else told to him.

 

“Grandmother Abashaby told me that every now and then a drifter would appear. Sometimes there were several in a group. These drifters could be seen camping along the turnpike. She also told me that most of these people were those who – – – for one reason or another – – – could not complete the trip. They had nobody to turn to and nowhere to go. They lived off the land until either a benefactor took them in or they signed indentured servant contracts for a wealthy landowner.”

 

Indenture Contract

 

Epinetus continued his turnpike story as George listened intently.

 

“Some of these drifters had specific skills that they would use to earn a meager amount of money. There were a few fiddle players and one man who played the Irish flute. Grandfather gave some coins to one man who entertained the family by playing his concertina. The instrument was made of very shiny black material inlaid with mother of pearl. The sound came through several openings covered with very thin bright red and gold cloth. Father told me that the man stored the concertina in  a container  that was beautiful. He said it was made of finely crafted reddish wood and the box was lined with velvet.”

 

 

 

Epinetus smiled at his next thought but kept it to himself for a minute.

 

 

© wtomosky

THE PILGRIMAGE: Part 47 (Lost Bearings)

25 Thursday Sep 2014

Posted by Waldo "Wally" Tomosky in Educational, THE PILGRIMAGE

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Abraam Storms, Bainbridge, Binghamton, Birdsall, Birdsall Family, Chenango Canal, Chenango Valley, Confluence of the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers, French Courtiers, Garnsey, George Park, Greene NY, Guernsey, Henry Birdsall, Homet's Crossing, Hornby, Indian Territory, Jean Guillaume deBesse, Jericho, Loyalsock River, Madame d'Autremont, The French Asylum, The Susquehanna Turnpike, Wyalusing PA, Wysox PA

George sat patiently waiting for Epinetus to get to the part of the story where George’s relative would be mentioned. He had driven quite a distance from Berkshire to Preston Manor to gather information. George needed to know more about Guilliame de Besse, also known as John Bessac.

 

However, Epinetus had one more “mud hole” story to tell.

 

“Another mud hole was encountered later that same day. Grandfather and my father Horace rocked and levered the wagon without luck. On the final try one of the wheels fell off the wagon. The wagon lurched forward and out of the muddy abyss but severe mechanical damage had already been done. Grandfather inspected the wheel to determine what the cause of the failure was. He found it rather quickly.”

 

Wagon Wheel

 

Epinetus was proud to describe his knowledge of wagon wheels. George patiently listened.

 

“In those days, when wagon wheels were manufactured they were equipped with a steel ring on the inside diameter. Another steel ring had been forced on the oaken axle. These two rings acted as bearings and kept the wheels from wearing out prematurely. Now however, one of these bearings lay deep in the mud hole. At Grandfathers urging the whole family, except for Uncle Henry, thrust their arms into the mud hole in search of the lost bearing.”

 

“After a lengthy period Grandfather called the search off and sat dejectedly beside the broken wheel. Grandmother Abashaby told me that it was one of the very few times that Grandfather seemed to be beaten. Before long he arose and walked into the woods where he could barely be seen. Kneeling in the shaded canopy of oak trees he prayed. There, in deep reverence, he knelt for a long period. The family knew that he was talking to the Light Within Man, not asking for any more help than he could muster from within himself.”

 

Man in woods

 

Epinetus smiled proudly as he continued his story of the broken wheel.

 

“As he Walked back to the wagon the entire family saw a renewed appearance in Grandfather. He silently paced back and forth beside of the bearing-less wheel. Suddenly he stopped and unbuckled his leather belt. Taking a sharp knife from its scabbard he cut about ten inches off the end of the belt. Rolling the leather into a spiral he placed it inside the wheel. He removed it, trimmed it and replaced it several times. Finally he was satisfied with a perfectly fitting leather bearing. He then took his knife and removed some of the copper tacks that held a canvas pail around its wooden frame. Grandfather used these tacks to hold the new leather bearing in place. Both the wheel and Uncle Henry’s hand were watched with equal care until the family reached their destination. Grandfather prayed for the wheel and the hand.”

© wtomosky

THE PILGRIMAGE: Part 46 (Catastrophe)

24 Wednesday Sep 2014

Posted by Waldo "Wally" Tomosky in Educational, THE PILGRIMAGE

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Abraam Storms, Bainbridge, Binghamton, Birdsall, Birdsall Family, Chenango Canal, Chenango Valley, Confluence of the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers, French Courtiers, Garnsey, George Park, Greene NY, Guernsey, Henry Birdsall, Homet's Crossing, Hornby, Indian Territory, Jean Guillaume deBesse, Jericho, Loyalsock River, Madame d'Autremont, The French Asylum, The Susquehanna Turnpike, Wyalusing PA, Wysox PA

Epinetus once again became quiet.

 

Epinetus

 

George asked him if he was alright.

 

Epinetus answered with the following; 

 

“Becoming stuck in a mud hole was soon thought of as a normal part of the day. Extracting the wagon from these tenacious bogs became so commonplace that Grandfather and Uncle Henry became nonchalant about it. On one such instance Grandfather was driving the horses so as to put pressure on them to pull ahead. Uncle Henry had his right hand on a wheel spoke and his left hand on the rim. The wagon lurched forward and up on a rock. The horses could not hold the fully loaded wagon and it rolled back to its original position.”

 

Horses and wagon

 

“Uncle Henry screamed in pain and it was a few moments before Grandfather realized what had happened. Uncle Henry’s hand was caught between the wheel and the earth. The wagon had to be backed up in order to free Uncle Henry. Grandfather was able to move the horses backward and Uncle Henry’s hand was released. The horribly heavy load of the wagon had already taken its toll. Uncle Henry had several broken bones in his hand and one of the bones had punctured a hole through the palm.”

 

Stuck Wagon

 

“Grandmother washed his hand in a nearby stream, placed a homemade salve on the open wound and wrapped the whole thing in the whitest cloth that she could find.”

 

Epinetus winced and closed his eyes as he finished the story. George sat on the edge of his chair and lit up another factory-made cigarette.

 

“The pain was almost unbearable but Uncle Henry insisted on continuing to walk beside the wagon. Finally, however, the throbbing became so strong that he had to lie down in the ox cart. Someone spied a white willow tree and a piece of bark was cut from it. Uncle Henry chewed on the bark and this natural pain reliever did its job. Once Uncle Henry was more comfortable Grandmother changed the bandage and applied new salve. The new bandage included a small flat board for a splint.”

 

“That was a bad day” said Epinetus as he continued his story.

 

© wtomosky

THE PILGRIMAGE: Part 45 (Landmarks)

23 Tuesday Sep 2014

Posted by Waldo "Wally" Tomosky in Educational, THE PILGRIMAGE

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Abraam Storms, Bainbridge, Binghamton, Birdsall, Birdsall Family, Chenango Canal, Chenango Valley, Confluence of the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers, French Courtiers, Garnsey, George Park, Greene NY, Guernsey, Henry Birdsall, Homet's Crossing, Hornby, Indian Territory, Jean Guillaume deBesse, Jericho, Loyalsock River, Madame d'Autremont, The French Asylum, The Susquehanna Turnpike, Wyalusing PA, Wysox PA

Epinetus explained to Mr. Parks about the fork in the road.

 

Fork in the road

 

“A few miles down the road he came upon a toll house. After paying he asked the gatekeeper about the strange fork in the road. ‘Toll Robbers’ the gatekeeper responded. ‘They take a route around the toll houses to avoid paying. Best keep on the turnpike mister. Fines for toll robbing are steep. We confiscate livestock and wagons.’ Grandfather informed the gatekeeper, in no uncertain terms, that his Quaker background made this warning unnecessary.”

 

Turnpike Toll Booth

 

Epinetus shared some of the landmarks with George.

 

Turnpike Inn

 

“The entourage passed several inns without taking advantage of their light and warmth. Grandfather stated very clearly that these inns were traps for sinners but said no more than that. They passed the Newell Tavern at Durham, the Delaware Inn at Stamford and the Stamford  Inn at West Merideth among many other of various sizes and quality. The complete trip on the turnpike would be ninety miles and would end with a ferry ride at Unadilla.”

 

Epinetus then switched back to the story and of a particular incident in his family’s journey.

 

© wtomosky

THE PILGRIMAGE: Part 44 (Turnpike Fees)

22 Monday Sep 2014

Posted by Waldo "Wally" Tomosky in Educational, THE PILGRIMAGE

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Abraam Storms, Bainbridge, Binghamton, Birdsall, Birdsall Family, Chenango Canal, Chenango Valley, Confluence of the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers, French Courtiers, Garnsey, George Park, Greene NY, Guernsey, Henry Birdsall, Homet's Crossing, Hornby, Indian Territory, Jean Guillaume deBesse, Jericho, Loyalsock River, Madame d'Autremont, The French Asylum, The Susquehanna Turnpike, Wyalusing PA, Wysox PA

Epinetus continued his story regarding the Katskill to Susquehanna River Turnpike.

 

“As the family and livestock moved along the turnpike there were several tolls to be paid. The tolls varied but father told me that typically they were.”

 

Once again Epinetus rattled around in his trunk of treasures. He held up a receipt for George to read.

 

Toll Fees

 

 

Epinetus then told a little story about his grandfather. George noticed the twinkle in his eye that said he was proud of his grandfather’s actions.

 

“Grandfather grumbled about the tolls to each of the collectors but once he was out of earshot he would admit that the turnpike was much better than bush-wacking through the forest and attempting to ford the bigger rivers.”

 

Epinetus continued for quite some time with his description of the turnpike. George was genuinely impressed with its description and took some notes.

 

“Even with the turnpike there were dangers lurking under each mud hole. Sometimes it would appear that the path was through a mud puddle; and that would simply be the case. At other times mud two feet deep would be hiding under the water. The Birdsalls would then use hefty poles to lever the wagon into the air and coax the horses onward. The oxcart would never become stuck. Those mighty beasts could continue plodding forward without even a deep breath.”

 

Epinetus became quiet while he thought about the oxen and cart.

 

Oxen and cart

 

George cleared his throat with a  slight “Ahem” and Epinetus came back to the story.

 

“It soon became apparent to the Birdsall men that if they saw a mud hole or puddle with discarded poles by the side it was a sure sign of difficulty. There were other signs that also spelled trouble. One of those signs would be a fork in the road with clear indication that one path was the turnpike but the other path was more trodden. The first time Grandfather saw this he was perplexed and took some time to decide which path to take. He decided on the clearly marked turnpike path.”

 

© wtomosky

THE PILGRIMAGE: Part 43 (On the Turnpike)

21 Sunday Sep 2014

Posted by Waldo "Wally" Tomosky in Educational, THE PILGRIMAGE

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Abraam Storms, Bainbridge, Binghamton, Birdsall, Birdsall Family, Chenango Canal, Chenango Valley, Confluence of the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers, French Courtiers, Garnsey, George Park, Greene NY, Guernsey, Henry Birdsall, Homet's Crossing, Hornby, Indian Territory, Jean Guillaume deBesse, Jericho, Loyalsock River, Madame d'Autremont, The French Asylum, The Susquehanna Turnpike, Wyalusing PA, Wysox PA

Epinetus told George how impressed his Grandfather Henry was with the efficiency and schedule of Captain Tanner.

 

“Right on schedule the brig reached Katskill in the late afternoon of the second day. Captain Tanner told Grandfather about a field were he could keep his teams and other animals that night. The horses were much better behaved when leaving the ship than when they boarded. The oxen were, as normal, rather unconcerned about the whole thing. The other livestock was either herded or carried out of the lower hold. My father and Aunt Deborah had their usual job of cleaning up the mess that remained on the ramps.”

 

Dung Barrow

 

“The next morning, after sleeping on or under the wagons, the family got an early start on the Susquehanna/Katskill Turnpike. The seasonal maintenance had been completed and therefore the turnpike was in relatively good shape.”

 

Start of the Susquehanna Turnpike

 

Epinetus hesitated, then added;

 

“Well, – – – – it was good at the start of the trip.”

 

© wtomosky

THE PILGRIMAGE: Part 42 (Sailing on the Hudson)

20 Saturday Sep 2014

Posted by Waldo "Wally" Tomosky in Educational, THE PILGRIMAGE

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Abraam Storms, Bainbridge, Binghamton, Birdsall, Birdsall Family, Chenango Canal, Chenango Valley, Confluence of the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers, French Courtiers, Garnsey, George Park, Greene NY, Guernsey, Henry Birdsall, Homet's Crossing, Hornby, Indian Territory, Jean Guillaume deBesse, Jericho, Loyalsock River, Madame d'Autremont, The French Asylum, The Susquehanna Turnpike, Wyalusing PA, Wysox PA

Epinetus felt tired. He sat still in his chair. George noticed that his eyes closed as his head tilted forward. Epinetus’ breathing became less labored and steady. George let him sleep.

 

After a few minutes Epinetus awoke. He acted as though nothing had happened.

 

“Oh, yes, where was I? Yes, yes, now I remember. The Birdsall family was just getting underway on the ship out of Peekskill. The square sails on the brig made that ship powerful and steady. They caught enough wind to not only fight the current of the Hudson but also to keep a steady pace northward.”

 

Square Sailed Brig

 

“The wind off the cold April waters was brisk and invigorating. However, it was a miserable and bitter first night on the river. Each person had wrapped themself in a blanket and the cast iron stove was stoked and hot with burning coal. It was the first time that many of the passengers had ever seen the black rocks that burned.”

 

Old Coal Stove

 

“During the day the passengers would wave to other people on passing ships. There were also rafts made of lumber and manned by one or two people working a rudder resting on a forked tree branch. There was not much control over the rafts as the current carried them toward New York City. Captain Tanner informed my father that the rafts were actually timber logs being floated downstream were they would be sold. Some of the rafts had small cabins built on them; others simply had cargo in wooden barrels or casks.”

 

Old log raft

 

 

 

© wtomosky

THE PILGRIMAGE: Part 41 (Captain Tanner Revisited)

19 Friday Sep 2014

Posted by Waldo "Wally" Tomosky in Educational, THE PILGRIMAGE

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Abraam Storms, Bainbridge, Binghamton, Birdsall, Birdsall Family, Chenango Canal, Chenango Valley, Confluence of the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers, French Courtiers, Garnsey, George Park, Greene NY, Guernsey, Henry Birdsall, Homet's Crossing, Hornby, Indian Territory, Jean Guillaume deBesse, Jericho, Loyalsock River, Madame d'Autremont, The French Asylum, The Susquehanna Turnpike, Wyalusing PA, Wysox PA

“A story? Epinetus; you have already told me the story about Captain Tanner” said George Parks who was in apparent disbelief that anything more could be said.

 

“Oh yes, George. There is more to be said about Captain Tanner, his crew and my father Horace’

 

George Parks  knew that there was no stopping Epinetus once he got talking. George Parks said “Well then; do tell.”

 

“Upon Captain Tanner’s command some deck hands partially raised the sails as others untied the brig from its moorings. The ship slipped away from the dock the river currents carried it downstream. My father Horace, over the years, has often re-enacted Captain Tanner’s command, although quite inaccurately I am sure. Father could never remember the correct sailing terms. As I have said, his reenactment was repeated several times a year, year after year. It was a joy for all the children in the Birdsall compound beside the Chenango River.”

 

“Oh? Then this does not involve your sailing up the Hudson River?” asked George.

 

“In a way it does Mr. Parks – – – in a way it does.” responded Epinetus.

 

“Then please get on with the story Epinetus.” pleaded George.

 

“Father’s one act play would start out just as if he were Captain Tanner.”

 

“Mr. Jones, raise the sail. Sllllowww now, Mr. Jones. – – – – – Mr. Clay, bring the boom to port and forward – – -NO – – – NO- – Not aft – – you snaggle-toothed idiot – – FORWARD. Now up with the sail a little more Mr. Jones – – – SLOOOOWWWLY – – a little more now. – – GOOOOD – – Good, Mr. Jones.”

 

“Father Horace would leap around in spurts and jerks as he recited his lines. Sometimes a spurt to the left or right and then a jerk forward or back. Quite often he would leap up onto a stump pointing a stick into the air as if telling Mr. Jones where the sail should be.”

 

“One more mistake Mr. Clay and I will put you off at Beacon or throw you over the side myself. Now Misssttterrr Claaay – – hold the boom steady – – – steady as she goes. – – – Now, you, Mr. Butts, one degree starboard on the rudder – – – that’s it – – steady – – – steady, man – careful for the current. – – – good – – good Mr. Butts.”

 

“Father would twist his face into grotesque patterns; left eyebrow down and eye almost closed, right eyebrow high on his forehead, that eye wide open and almost bugging out of his skull, his mouth twisted up, down, and sideways; all at the same time. His shoulders would take on an almost inhuman twist with one high and backward with the other one bent forward. The children of the various families in the Birdsall clan would gather in small groups as the act continued.”

 

“Take a depth reading Mr. Smythe. Throw the weight forward – – watch the rope Mr. Smythe – – THE ROPE – – THE ROOOPPE. Why you jimmy-jawed, walley-eyed, son of a land turtle.”

 

Marking Twain 1

 

“And with that phrase, always repeated in the same manner, father would hobble over to some imaginary being and unwind the imaginary rope from around the being’s imaginary leg.”

 

“Now try again Mr. Smythe,” father always pronounced it ‘Smithe,’ never Smith, and he would continue, “And if you hit me with that weight I will take the rope and tie you up into a ball, then place you with all the other swine in the lower hold.”

 

Marking Twain 2

 

“Father would bob and duck as he tried to get out of the way of the weight that his imaginary Mr. Smythe would be swinging around and around in circles. As the invisible Mr. Smythe released the weight, at exactly the correct moment, father’s eyes would follow the imaginary weight toward the front of the invisible ship and into the water.”

 

“Up with the sail – – more on the boom – – take a reading – – “ father would call out to all his imaginary seamen. A few more impromptu commands, some familiar to us children, others new, father would extend the play.”

 

“As a ‘Grand Finally’ to his play, father would repeat the circular pattern with his head and eyes as Mr. Smythe swung the weight tied to the end of the rope. And with one large arc of his frightened eyes and head father would watch the imaginary weight fly straight upward towards the clouds. It would then plunge straight downward in his direction. Father would dance in half-steps trying to avoid the invisible weight that hurtled towards him. And then with a scream he would grab his head and then hold his hands in front of his eyes as if looking for blood.”

 

“Picking out the largest group of mesmerized children he would hobble directly toward them. Then, looking menacingly toward them and scowling in his most frightening manner he would screech ‘No Mr. Smythe – – – I will not tie you up with the swine – – – I will cut you into tiny pieces.’”

 

“With that, father would slowly draw an imaginary sword from his imaginary side scabbard and swing it through the group of children. They would scream and scatter but would then stop and look back at father. By then he would have a big benign smile on his face, and his arms wide open to welcome the children back.”

 

” ’AGAIN, AGAIN, Uncle Horace’ the smiling children would beg. But father knew that his act would loose the impact if repeated to soon.”

 

Epinetus sat there for a few moments, silently. George could see just hint of tear in the corner of Epinetus’ eyes and sadness cover his face.

 

After a while Epinetus perked up and seemed to continue with his story. The emotion however, was not on the story but appeared to be centered on his father Horace. “Father would finish his story with love and tenderness.”

 

“Another time children, you seamen tired me out. Let us sail along and enjoy the scenery.’ Father would then find a stump and sit down.

 

Epinetus continued “These mini-plays and other activities appeared to tire father out. Each year that passed father would be more easily fatigued.”

 

© wtomosky

THE PILGRIMAGE: Part 40 (Glass Pyramids)

18 Thursday Sep 2014

Posted by Waldo "Wally" Tomosky in Educational, THE PILGRIMAGE

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Tags

Abraam Storms, Bainbridge, Binghamton, Birdsall, Birdsall Family, Chenango Canal, Chenango Valley, Confluence of the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers, French Courtiers, Garnsey, George Park, Greene NY, Guernsey, Henry Birdsall, Homet's Crossing, Hornby, Indian Territory, Jean Guillaume deBesse, Jericho, Loyalsock River, Madame d'Autremont, The French Asylum, The Susquehanna Turnpike, Wyalusing PA, Wysox PA

Epinetus  remembered one of the stories that his father repeated so often. George Parks, once again, whether he wanted to hear it or not, was told that story.

 

“Captian Tanner gave the command to ‘Prepare the ship – – – Gentlemen.’ The deck hands hauled the first ramp back to the wharf and then jumped aboard the ship. The man who appeared to be senior trotted across the deck and down into the hold via the second ramp. He showed Grandfather, Uncle Henry, and the other men tending their animals how to get to the upper deck via a ladder. Soon the senior seaman was joined by the other deck hands. They used a system of pulleys and ropes to raise that second ramp. Once it was in the upmost position the ramp became part of the upper deck railing. Semi-darkness overcame every being in the lower hold. Slowly, here and there, rays of light shone down becoming wider and wider the farther the rays descended. It was as if each light emerged from a star shrouded in fog. Yet Uncle Henry could see no candles or lamps.”

 

“After tending the animals Grandfather and Uncle Henry used the specified ladder and emerged onto the upper deck. Children were running here and there, looking under, over, inside of, and around all the sailing equipment that ships provide for children to discover. Mothers scurried after those children who were getting too close to the ships rails.”

 

 “Uncle Henry’s eyes searched for the magic that made the lower hold bask in the dim pyramids of light. He soon located several octagonal slabs of glass mounted randomly on the floor of the top deck. He swiftly moved back to the ladder he had just used to come up from the hold. Moving down several rungs he stopped with his head at deck level. Popping up and down, like a groundhog at his burrow, Uncle Henry inspected the light sources.”

 

Ship prism 2

 

 

“Uncle Henry first inspected the top and then the bottom of one of those glasses that transmitted the hazy pyramids of light. The top of each glass was octagonal but the bottom was shaped like a cone. The natural color of the glass was clear with a green tint. Each glass was about six inches across the octagon, the top part flat and parallel to the deck. The bottom part of the glass was about eight inches long pointed and downward toward the lower deck; much like an inverted pyramid. Sunlight was captured by the octagon and transmitted down and outward by the shape of the glass prism. My father Horace told me that Uncle Henry seemed to be mesmerized by the design.”

 

Glass Pyramid

 

Epinetus also enjoyed telling George about Captain Tanner.

 

“Captain Tanner’s commanding voice called the passengers together to discuss the schedule.”

 

Epinetus then engaged one of his story telling ‘Captain’s voices’ as best as an old man could.

 

‘The distance to Katskill is sixty-four mile, to Albany one hundred mile. The trip will consume twelve hours of sailing time to Katskill, eighteen hours to Albany. However, we will be putting in at Beacon, Poughkeepsie, Port Ewen and Saugerties. We will be untying the ship in about one hour. Depending on how the wind hits our sail we should be laying up overnight at Poughkeepsie. Once there, and if we load our hold on schedule, we should put back to the river before noon. We should be putting in a Katskill for our second night. Those who have contracted to sail to Albany will reach there at the end of the third day.’”

 

Epinetus then related one of his family’s favorite pastimes to George.

 

© wtomosky

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  • The Dehkhoda S3:E4 The Dehkhoda Teaches Them About “Understanding”
  • The Dehkhoda S3:E3 The Pilgrims ask the Dehkhoda to Resolve their Doubts
  • The Dehkhoda S3:E2 The Pilgrims Fear the Emptiness of the Prairieland; The Dehkhoda tells them about Sacagawea
  • The Dehkhoda S3:E1 The Pilgrims Reaffirm Their Leader
  • The Dehkhoda S2:E14 (Part 13) THE END of the Story; “Crow Chief”
  • The Dehkhoda S2:E13 (Part 12) The Story of the Crow Chief and the Apparition
  • The Dehkhoda S2:E12 (Part 11) The Story of the Crow Chief and the Apparition
  • The Dehkhoda S2:E11 (Part 10) The Story of the Crow Chief and the Apparition
  • The Dehkhoda S2:E10 (Part 9) The Story of the Crow Chief and the Apparition

A month by month list of all the posts. HOWEVER, IN REVERSE ORDER

My Info

  • About Waldo “Wally” Tomosky and his blogs
  • CONFUSED? (Serial Posts; Where do they Start? Stand Alone Posts; where are they?)

Recent Posts

  • Egalitarianism, Utopianism and Other Such Nonsense
  • Adirondack Images and Tales Slideshow
  • The Land of Akbar; Post #1 (an introduction)
  • HARMONY
  • PAINTED FACES – PAINTED MEN
  • The Dehkhoda S3:E5 A Story About Sharing
  • The Dehkhoda S3:E4 The Dehkhoda Teaches Them About “Understanding”
  • The Dehkhoda S3:E3 The Pilgrims ask the Dehkhoda to Resolve their Doubts
  • The Dehkhoda S3:E2 The Pilgrims Fear the Emptiness of the Prairieland; The Dehkhoda tells them about Sacagawea
  • The Dehkhoda S3:E1 The Pilgrims Reaffirm Their Leader
  • The Dehkhoda S2:E14 (Part 13) THE END of the Story; “Crow Chief”
  • The Dehkhoda S2:E13 (Part 12) The Story of the Crow Chief and the Apparition
  • The Dehkhoda S2:E12 (Part 11) The Story of the Crow Chief and the Apparition
  • The Dehkhoda S2:E11 (Part 10) The Story of the Crow Chief and the Apparition
  • The Dehkhoda S2:E10 (Part 9) The Story of the Crow Chief and the Apparition

Categories

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Wally’s Other Blogs

  • About Waldo “Wally” Tomosky and his blogs
  • CONFUSED? (Serial Posts; Where do they Start? Stand Alone Posts; where are they?)

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