Articles tagged with: Travel

History from the Web

Date: March 28, 2013 Author: Grant Comments: 1 Reply

History-from-the-WebPart of why I write at Hankering for History is that I love sharing. I don’t just like sharing what I’ve learned, but also what I run across on other websites. Whether it’s a video clip, an article, breaking-news, or someone selling history doodads online, I want you guys to know about it as well. It’s time, for History from the Web!

I have some exciting news! (If you have a vehicle registered in the state of Tennessee.) The Tennessee Civil War Preservation Association (TCWPA) has brokered a deal with the state of Tennessee so that an individual can now own a Tennessee Civil War Sesquicentennial License Plate. Now you can show off your love for history AND help the TCWPA. All proceeds from the license plates will support Civil War battlefield preservation in Tennessee and the Civil War Trails program. The coolest part is that the first year’s $35.00 fee has been covered. I spoke to Mary Ann Peckham, the Executive Director of TCWPA, this morning and she informed me that they still need about 125 people to sign up for the Civil War Sesquicentennial License Plate before that can start manufacturing them. It is really easy to order, so go get more information and order yours today!

civil-war-license-plate

Official Tennessee Civil War Sesquicentennial License Plate

I recently stumbled across a very informative Youtube channel–Crash Course. You may remember several months ago I praised Khan Academy for their informative online videos; however, I will admit, they can be monotonous and sometimes boring. Crash Course, on the other hand, is very informative and very humorous. These videos, conducted by John and Hank Green (you may know them as the Vlogbrothers), are fast paced, fun, and educational. The videos are broken up into two list: United States History and World History. (They cover other aspect of education as well.) Below is one of the videos, The Constitution, the Articles, and Federalism.

The Constitution, the Articles, and Federalism: Crash Course US History #8

The last bit of history I am sharing today is an article from The Atlantic. The article, Cracker Barrel’s Oddly Authentic Version of American History, is an informative piece about Cracker Barrel, the institution of the general store, and the importance of Cracker Barrel’s acquisition of antiques. When you stop in your local Cracker Barrel, it is impossible to miss the large collection of apparent knickknacks. However, to my disbelief, these knickknacks are authentic antiques. Here is an excerpt from the article. I suggest reading the article in its entirety.

Cracker-Barrel-Antiques

The antiques, according to [Cracker Barrel], are real ones. They come from across the U.S. to the Cracker Barrel Decor Warehouse in Lebanon, Tennessee. The company has a mock restaurant that it uses to plan the decor of every single location; designers arrange the elements for each new store in a way that looks right, make a plan (with photographs) for where the objects should go, and send it off with those objects to the new location.

The New York Times reported in 2002 that the restaurants’ demand for old objects had grown so much that American antique dealers were struggling to source them.

So maybe next time you are in a Cracker Barrel, take the opportunity to look around and check out the antiques that adorn the restaurant’s wall.

The History of the Electric Bike (Guest Post)

Date: January 25, 2013 Author: bravodeluxe Comments: 3 Replies

As of early 2010, there were an estimated 120 million electric bicycles in China alone, a stat that dwarfs every other country in the world. Since the early to mid-1990′s, electric bikes have seen immense growth in both global production and sales, but their history actually goes back much further – almost 100 years – to the 1890′s.

Drais'-dandy-horse

Drais’ dandy-horse

Though there is some dispute as to who truly invented the first bicycle, the two-wheeled machines began to make appearances around Europe during the middle of the 19th century. Many inventors had their own ideas, but it took some time before many of the standards we know today were reached. The 1890′s saw an explosion of interest in bicycles, and the era, referred to as the Golden Age of Bicycles, led to even more developments that we know and use today, including the rear ‘freewheel,’ the mechanics that allow a rider to coast without requiring the pedals to move.

It was this increased interest and the improved technology of the time that led to a number of American patents towards the end of the century which combined the ideas of bicycles with that of electric motors. Due to the size and power limitations of present-day batteries, however, motorized bikes became much more popular, eventually segueing into motorcycles.

While some improvements were made to the electric bike over the next 100 years, they never took off commercially. It wasn’t until the 1990′s that a resurgence of interest and redevelopment of previous technologies led to commercially successful electric bikes and, as we see today, a thriving electric bike industry.

Part of the popularity of these e-bikes comes from the fact that they are still considered as bicycles or “power-assisted” bicycles rather than motorcycles, which are more tightly regulated in terms of usage. In most countries, for example, no license is needed to operate electric bicycles under a certain power, whereas motorcycles and some other motorized bicycles require licensing and insurance.

Electric_Bikes

Market researchers believe that the market for electric bikes will continue to grow in the coming years. Though adoption in North America and Europe is slower than in Asia due to the lack of retail channels, there are many local and online stores that are carving out their own place in these markets.

Rich Coffman is a blogger on the front range of Colorado, he writes for Small Planet E Vehicles which specializes in and offers electric bikes for sale.

Top 5 Historic Attractions in London

Date: January 17, 2013 Author: Grant Comments: 3 Replies

When you happen to be in Central London and you decide to catch up on a little history and art, perhaps it would surprise you that there is very little time for all the historic attractions that can be found there. United Kingdom’s capital has much to offer in terms of palaces and landmarks, so one who is searching for a dose of history will find that he could actually drown in it.

The Parliament Building

The UK is basically ruled by the Houses of Westminster. It is one of the leading political powers in the world. This historical building is the very place where many political decisions are made so it would be a great place to begin your historical journey.

parliament-big-ben

English Parliament and Big Ben

The Tower Clock Called Ben

Located just outside of the Parliament Building, this is a historic attraction that one shouldn’t miss – Big Ben. The largest bell that was ever cast at the Whitechapel foundry was named as Big Ben. In the year 1844, it was unanimously decided by the British parliament that a clock tower should be made inside the Houses of Parliament. The specs were an impossibility, though, so it wasn’t until 1859 that the tower’s clock was finally erected.

This structure, when illuminated at night, is impossible to miss and anyone who sees it in a photograph would immediately recognize what it is and where the picture was taken. The bell sounds by the hour so the surrounding areas get to enjoy its toll. A light right above the clock also indicates that the Parliament is holding a session.

The British Museum

One of the biggest museums in the world, this is also considered as one of the most comprehensive in terms of things that are historical. There are over 13 millions items from all over the globe that can be seen at this museum.

Built in 1753, it houses important collections such aw Sloane’s collection with 71,000 objects; around 7,000 manuscripts and 40,000 books. There are collections from Rome, Egypt and Greece. Other significant items include the Greek vases of the late Sir William Hamilton; South Sea items from the great Captain James Cook, even the Rosetta Stone.

The Buckingham Palace

This is probably one of the oldest attraction in London. The palace isn’t far from the Piccadily Circus, Westminster, Downing Street and other attractions. It is considered that your visit to London isn’t complete if you haven’t gone into the Buckingham Palace.

The building’s history dates all the way back to 1761 when Queen Charlotte was received it as a gift from George III. From that time forward, it was to be known as the Queen’s house. A few of the 19 State rooms are actually used by the Queen and some of the members of her Royal family.

As expected, this palace is lavishly furnished, with furniture pieces coming from different parts of the world. Called as the Royal Collection, the furniture pieces depict an era that was long past but is still admirable. There are also many art paintings made by Rubens, Rembrandt and many other great artists.

The London Eye

Built during the turn of the Millennium, this is recorded as one of the most visited icons in all the world. Located on the banks of the London River Thames, it is actually an observation wheel very near the Houses of the Parliament.

The wheel stands at 443 feet and is declared as one of the tallest observation wheels. If you want to have a bird’s eye view of the capital, then this is the best way to do it.

london_eye

About the Author: Sarah is a travel writer for Av8Jet – Jet Management Specialists. Her favorite cities to travel to are London, Paris, and Buenos Aires.

Happy New Year

Date: January 1, 2013 Author: Grant Comments: Leave a reply

Happy New Year 2013

Happy New Year!

Wow, another year over already? I find it hard to believe that it is already 2013. 2012 was a great year for me. I have learned more about history in the last year, than in all my years combined. I learned about events, such as The Johnny Bright Incident; inventions, like The Invention of the Wedding Ring; and people–real or not–like Lady Columbia (the female personification of America.)

I also hit the open road and took a trip or two, where I gained some historical insight. I ventured out to Denver, Colorado, and brought back a small nugget of history. (Get it? Nugget…gold…oh, nevermind.) I went to the first Quiznos and learned about its history. Earlier in the year, I stopped by the Rosa Parks Museum and gained enough knowledge to crank out three post on Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

I racked up this year for Christmas. I received so many book, that I can now start my own history library. Since what I read directly impacts the topics I write about, I think it only fair to give you a small glimpse into possible future post.

In the last month, I have acquired the following books:

When will I read all these books? Who knows… I am currently reading Hellhound on His Trail, and I am enjoying it.

I also have some trips planned soon. Over the next several months, I plan on learning as much as I can about history in the Memphis, Tennessee, area.

United States Constitution, We the People

In the next few weeks, I start back attending classes at The University of Memphis. The class I am most excited to take is United States Constitutional History. The class description is a follows:

We will consider the framing of the US Constitution and significant Supreme Court decisions from the Revolutionary period through the late twentieth century by placing them in social, political, and economic contexts. Special attention is paid to slavery and its aftermath (civil rights). The course is divided into three units: 1) framing / ratification; 2) the pre-Civil War era; and 3) the post-Civil War era.

So there are some of the things you (and I) have to look forward to in 2013.

Quick recap.

  1. Reading–lots and lots of historical reading.
  2. Trips–on the agenda are Alex Haley Museum, National Civil Rights Museum,  Hunt Phelan Home, and the Louisiana Purchase State Park.
  3. Learning everything there is to know about the U.S. Constitution.

Billesley Manor and the Trussells

Date: November 19, 2012 Author: Grant Comments: Leave a reply

Any establishment can claim to be a 4-star hotel. What makes Billesley Manor different from the rest of the 4-star hotels in Britain? History! I am not referring to the 100-year-old Topiary Garden; though, from pictures I have seen, that would be worth the stay itself. When you arrive to this majestic manor, do not be fooled by the 17th century decor that accentuates the hotel’s structure. While there have been changes and upgrades over the last few decades, these and the 17th century renovations (including the rebuilding of the church, in 1689) are all “recent renovations.” It may seem odd that I clump together both renovations from the 21st and 17th century into the same category, but I am not quite sure that you understand exactly how old Billesley Manor is. Billesley Manor has a history that dates back to 705 AD. When you spend the night in Billesley, you are sleeping where several, significant historical events occurred. It was here that Shakespeare put ink to paper and wrote As You Like It, where the famous line “All the world’s a stage” is found. It was also home to one of the most highly regarded ancient surnames of England, the Trussells.

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