Posted inLocal Histories

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photo of barrels in a wine cellar. (Photo credit: Photo by Neal Ziring on Pixnio)
Posted inCulture & Society

Wines Aid Hungary

10,000,000 Bottles Found Among Nation’s “Liquid” Assets.

BUDAPEST, August 14 (AP).—Among Hungary’s most valuable “liquid’ assets, former Commissioner General Jeremiah Smith found were 10,000,000 bottles of the finest vintage wines, which the government was willing to sell at one-fourth their former prices. Among these were 1,000,000 bottles of the famous Tokay wines, produced only in Hungary, which could have been bought for $1 a bottle.

Illustration of the revenue cutter firing a warning shot at the Northern Light.
Posted inMaritime & Naval History Ship Histories

The Arrest, By United States Authorities, Of The Northern Light

Our city was thrown into a fever on Monday, the 24th inst., by the rumor that the steamship Northern Light belonging to the Nicaragua Transit Company would be detained by the United States authorities. About one o’clock large crowds began to collect on pier No. 3, North river, from which the steamer was advertised to sail. Mr. MeKeon, United States District Attorney, and a number of his Marshals were present and proceeded on board of the Northern Light and took formal possession in the name of the government. The act of seizure was not known to the passengers till about half-past two, when the news was circulated and the greatest commotion took place in consequence. They were all acquainted with what had taken place on Saturday, but it was not believed that the government would order the vessel to be detained, and they supposed that she would sail at the appointed time. At two o’clock there were between four and five hundred persons on board the Northern Light, and over that number on the pier. Of the passengers, three hundred and fifty were, it was said, destined for the army of General Walker in Nicaragua. There were a considerable number of children also, and there was nothing in the appearance of anything on board to justify the suspicion that they were engaged in a hostile expedition. The greatest bustle and confusion prevailed on the steamer, which increased as the hour of departure drew near, and it was reported amongst the passengers that the vessel had been seized, and should not sail that day.

Illustration of the Church of St. Savior's, London
Posted inCulture & Society Local Histories Religion & Spirituality

The Churches Of The Metropolis No. XII – St. Saviour’s

Crossing London-bridge to Southwark, the church of St. Mary Overy, or St. Saviour’s, on the right hand, divides attention with the first glimpse of the noble Hospitals which attest so proudly the charitable munificence of our country. Southwark, as early as any accounts exist of London, was a place of some importance; and on the marching of the Conqueror to the metropolis it had the misfortune to be selected for burning, by way of example to the inhabitants on the London side, who were somewhat disinclined to favour the pretensions of William. The site of the present church was, at an early period, that of the Priory of St. Mary Overy; of this considerable remains still exist, and, indeed, portions of the present building formed a part of it. The priory was twice destroyed by fire, and the present church was most probably (there are no positive records) built in the reign of Henry IV. At the dissolution of monasteries it was surrendered to Henry, purchased from him by the good folks of Southwark, and converted into a parish church. An act of Parliament afterwards united it with that of St. Margaret-at-Hill, and changed its old Saxon name of St. Mary Overy into that of St. Saviour’s, Southwark.

Welsh bards at Abergavenny, showing several men with harps.
Posted inUncategorized

The Abergavenny Cymreigiddion Society

On Wednesday the 12th instant, the ninth anniversary of this celebrated Literary and Musical Festival was held at Abergavenny, attended by the usual demonstrations of enthusiasm becoming this great national event. Peals of merry bells gave early note of preparation, and at the appointed hour of eleven o’clock a strong muster took place opposite the Sun Inn, and shortly after the members of the society, &c., moved off in full procession to receive the president, who met them at the Spitty, on the Monmouth road, attended by a numerous body of friends in carriages. An address was here presented to him, and immediately after his reply the procession returned to town in the following order:—

Illustration of the church at Stratford-Upon-Avon
Posted inLocal Histories Travelers' Tales

Nooks And Corners Of Old England – Stratford-Upon-Avon Church

Stratford-upon-Avon Church is a chief ornament of the quiet rural nook in sylvan Warwickshire, which is hallowed by one of the holiest of England’s memories. Its appearance and architecture are thoroughly English. Its square tower and pointed windows, its mullions and tracery of the 14th century, its graceful spire tapering above the tall elms which surround it, and the avenue of limes arching overhead the graveyard path to the old porch, are all exactly in accordance with what an Englishman regards as the beau ideal of an old country church. It was formerly a collegiate, and is dedicated to the Holy Trinity. In the plain chancel rests the “poet of all time,” Shakspere. The Avon’s ripple, as the pilgrim to the poet’s tomb stands in the quiet chancel, may be heard murmuring the same placid music which it sang in Shakspere’s ear some two centuries ago. The place of sepulture is marked by a flat stone bearing the oft-repeated and quaint lines which the poet himself left for the purpose:—