historical markers
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This Highway Sponsored By: Mr. Madison’s War
“The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” William Faulkner Documentaries and articles about the War of 1812 tend to refer to it as a “forgotten war.” That’s probably true in most of the United States, but there are pockets of the country where the story of that war is intertwined with a community’s identity. In New Continue reading
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Fort Orange
Growing up, I was always told that my mother’s mother was part Dutch. Nobody knew any names or details associated with this supposed Dutch ancestry, but this family lore was passed down and accepted as fact. Years later, I started delving into genealogy, focused on learning about my English and German roots, and also exploring Continue reading
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Independence Day Challenge
Today is America’s birthday. People across the country will celebrate by attending parades, shooting off fireworks, cooking out in the back yard, or maybe going to a baseball game. Regardless of the specific activities one chooses, the general focus of the holiday is on patriotism. Of course, patriotism is an abstract concept that is difficult Continue reading
About Me
Researcher. Marketer. Teacher. Father of adult children and dogs. 20th Century holdover. Central New York native. Long-suffering Buffalo Bills fan. History nerd. Traveler. Vintage advertising enthusiast. Hat wearer.
a.k.a. V.J. 