Archive for March 26th, 2011

March 26th, 2011

Reminder for Tomorrow March 27th: LHS Civil War Program at NPS Visitors’ Center

by Marie

The Lowell Historical Society’s  ”Lowell and the Civil War” presentation with Dick Howe as the guest speaker is tomorrow morning at 11:30am  at the Lowell National Historical Park’s Visitors’ Center at 246 Market Street.

Repost:

Lowell Historical Society Presents a Series on Lowell’s Sixth Regiment in the Civil War and Beyond 

Richard P. Howe Jr., the Middlesex North Register of Deeds and a former President of the Lowell Historical Society, will present a two lecture series on Lowell’s Sixth Regiment and the Civil War this spring. The first -on Sunday, March 27, 2011 at 11:30a.m. at the Lowell National Park Visitor’s Center, 246 Market Street in Lowell – will focus on the Baltimore riot. There is no admission charge.

From the Lowell Historical Society Newsletter:  “The Road to Baltimore” by Richard P. Howe, Jr.

 ”When President Lincoln’s initial call for troops arrived, Governor Andrew sent back a simple response: “Where do you want them and by what route are they to get there?” Secretary of War Cameron telegraphed Andrew that Baltimore was calm and the troops coming to Washington should travel by rail. Departing from the previously prepared movement plans that would have avoided Baltimore, the Sixth left Boston by train late in the day on April 17. Two days later the men from Lowell and their comrades were fighting for their lives in the streets of Baltimore.”

March 26th, 2011

‘A Part of History’ by Phil Riley

by PaulM

The late Phil Riley of Lowell was an English teacher and cross-country and track coach at Stoneham High School for 22 years. His wife, Johanna C. Bohan Riley, recently spoke to me about his deep affection for Lowell and literature, particularly poetry. He passed away about a year ago. I asked her if we might publish one of his poems on this blog. Here’s his poem “A Part of History”—PM

.

A Part of History

.

Born of industry

On the mighty Merrimack,

My city stands above the power of nature

Channeling her thunderous falls;

Then for cotton,

Now for the boats guiding tourists

Through the web of canals.

Come and see her

By boat or by trolley.

Hear the music playing.

Walk down the cobblestoned streets

Where the mill girls toiled

To escape the rural life.

Now—the Spinners play ball

On our field of dreams;

And the puck glides across

The ice in the arena

Named for our Senator remembered.

Sometimes, I feel like I am part

Of history—one of the nameless

Crowd that has walked the streets

Of Lowell.

.

—Phil Riley (c) 1998

March 26th, 2011

Geraldine Ferraro, Farewell (The Lowell Connection)

by PaulM

While at the reception following the funeral for former Lowell National Historical Park Supt. Sandy Walter today, someone at my table received a message via Blackberry that Geraldine Ferraro had died. One of Sandy Walter’s first public events in Lowell was the dedication of the “Homage to Women” sculpture by Mico Kaufman on Market Street in October 1984. The unveiling was a major event in honor of Lowell’s women leaders. Coincidentally, US Rep. Geraldine Ferraro was the Democratic Party’s candidate for Vice President. I was at the Lowell Historic Preservation Commission at the time, and we contacted her to get a statement from the first woman to be a major party’s candidate for Vice President. My recollection is that she sent a telegram with greetings and congratulations. I think we had a congratulatory message from the White House also, from Mrs. Reagan. Here’s the link to MSNBC’s report on Geraldine Ferraro’s passing.

 

March 26th, 2011

“Hey mister, take our picture”

by DickH

Ready to take one of his always excellent photos of Lowell places and things yesterday morning, Tony Sampas was encouraged by these two friendly and photogenic Lowell High students to try some portraiture. Tony obliged.