Punishment

The “stocks” were generally placed in a conspicuous location in a village, usually on the village green. Those people with a grievance (or just to have fun) could step forward and take revenge on an individual. Sometimes the offending party would be the town baker who was often known to shortchange a customer on a loaf of bread, or a dozen rolls. To avoid such accusations, the baker might add another roll to be sure of the poundage. The expression “thirteen to the dozen” is believed to have originated because of this habit.  

Sex in the 60's (UK)

The following piece was included in Together Again a monthly magazine published by the Transatlantic Brides and Parents Association, a British Heritage Society. The original article was taken from a sex education textbook printed in the early 60s in England. For more information on the national organization go to: www.tbpa.info.

“When retiring to the bedroom prepare yourself for bed as promptly as possible. Whilst feminine hygiene is of the utmost importance, your tired husband does not want to queue for the bathroom as he would have to for his train. But remember to look your best when going to bed. Try to achieve a look that is welcoming without being obvious. If you need to put on face cream or hair rollers wait until he is asleep as this can be shocking to a man last thing at night. When it comes to the possibility of intimate relations with your husband it is important to remember your marriage vows and in particular your commitment to obey him.

If he feels that he needs to sleep immediately then so be it. In all things be led by your husband’s wishes; do not pressure him in any way to stimulate intimacy. Should your husband suggest congress then agree humbly all the while being mindful that a man’s satisfaction is more important than a woman’s. When he reaches his moment of fulfillment a small moan from yourself is encouraging to him and quite sufficient to indicate any enjoyment that you may have had.

Should your husband suggest any of the more unusual practices be obedient and uncomplaining but register any reluctance by remaining silent. It is likely that your husband will then fall promptly asleep so adjust your clothing, freshen up and apply your night-time face and hair care products.

You may then set the alarm so that you can arise shortly before him in the morning. This will enable you to have his morning cup of tea ready when he awakes.”

The Roman Snail

The rare Roman Snail (Helix Pomatia) is one of the wildlife highlights at Chedworth Roman Villa in England. It was brought by the Romans as food, and was fattened up on milk and herbs until plump enough to eat. During the winter months, they hibernate in several inches of soil and leaf debris and then re-appear in the middle of April.

Auto Bandit Chaser

 

Following excerpt (and photo above) are from the book Hidden History of Denver.

 

In March of 1921, the Auto Bandit Chaser made its debut to help fight crime. It was a formidable piece of equipment built on a Cadillac chassis and comprised bullet-proof armor plate sides, a bullet-proof windshield, powerful spot lights, a large bell and a mounted machine gun on the front passenger side. The car was capable of holding six policemen specially trained in the art of riot control. Captain George Merritt aims the machine gun while the men seated behind him hold trench guns and high powered rifles with bayonets. Other men stand around the car. From left to right: Manager of Safety and Excise, Frank M. Downer; Chief of Police, Herbert R. Williams and acting Deputy Chief, Robert Carter. It is reported that when a policeman fired the gun during a demonstration, the machine gun rocked loose from its base and was ineffective.

Secretariat's Author, Kate Tweedy

Photo courtesy: Jean Jacobsen - President, Castle Rock Writers.
Left to right: Elizabeth Wallace and Kate Tweedy.

At the 2012 Castle Rock Writers' Conference, I had the pleasure of meeting the distinguished co author of the fabulous book, Secretariat's Meadow - The Land, The Family, The Legend.
During Kate's presentation (to a packed house I might add,) she had the audience laughing one minute, and clapping and cheering the next, as we watched actual footage of Secretariat's wins on the racecourse. It was a truly uplifting and wonderful story of family life, their dreams, and accomplishments.

Following is a brief description of her book taken from her site.

This new vibrant coffee-table book illustrates how the great champion Secretariat represented the culmination of two centuries of history, a direct legacy of both the land on which he was born and of the people who bred and raised him. “Secretariat’s Meadow – The Land, The Family, The Legend" by authors Kate Tweedy and Leeanne Ladin traces the rags to riches to racing saga of Christopher Chenery, who defied the skeptics and transformed the dilapidated farm into a showplace of Thoroughbred champions. It shows how his dutiful daughter, Penny, took over the stable and claimed racing’s most coveted prize. It tells the untold stories of the champion racehorses, such as Hill Prince, Cicada and Riva Ridge, who preceded Secretariat in the limelight. Moreover, the book reveals the inextinguishable spirit of a piece of land, dating back to 1805, that has been and continues to be a wellspring of dreams. Adding to the richness of the story are the vivid memories of family historian, Kate Chenery Tweedy, daughter of Penny Chenery and granddaughter of Chris Chenery. Kate spent many childhood summers at The Meadow learning to ride and ultimately witnessed her mother’s horse capture the Triple Crown and the nation’s heart. Kate’s personal recollections, along with access to the extensive records of Meadow Stable and the Chenery family private collection of photographs and papers, give this literary accounting unmatched authenticity. Horse lovers as well as history buffs will appreciate the never-before published photographs in this unique pictorial history. The exclusive interviews with family members and former Meadow grooms who tended to the stable’s champions provide an intimate behind the scenes glimpse of the famous farm not found in print or film. “Secretariat’s Meadow – The Land, The Family, The Legend” is a story of family allegiance and equine lineage, of overcoming long odds and going the distance. It’s about dreams thwarted and dreams surpassed. But most of all, it’s how this piece of land in Virginia gave rise to an American racing legend.

A Word from the President

Castle Rock Writers, Inc... From the president’s desk

Looking back on 2012, Castle Rock Writers group has undergone some amazing changes. Like the Phoenix rising from the ashes, CRW has been reborn. We are now incorporated in the State of Colorado as a non-profit organization. Our Federal 501 (c) 3 application is in process which means we will soon be able to apply for grants, accept large corporate donations and receive discounts on future conference sites.

We have a writer’s critique group which monthly, our yearly one day conference with workshops and agent pitch sessions and we’re looking to add other activities in the coming years. Check out our website on Facebook at Castle Rock Writers.

Warm wishes for this holiday season,

Jean Jacobsen, president

Rare Photo of the North Side Gang Leader and Hit Man

 

Front row, third left: Dean O'Banion - Leader North Side Gang

Front row, sixth left: Leland Varain (AKA Diamond Jack, Two Gun Louis)

 

Following is an extract from Hidden History of Denver

978.1.60949.350.9

  

For many years, Leland Varain had been a hit man for the North Side Gang in Chicago. When the leader of the gang, Dean O’Banion, was shot to death by rival gang members in his florist shop on November 24, 1924, Varain wanted immediate payback. He was incensed and demanded retribution. The new boss of the North Street Gang, Hymie Weiss, took control of the situation and told Varain to leave town for a while. The next time we hear of Varain, he is living at his ranch at Jarre Canyon, close to Sedalia, just south of Denver.

When Varain fled Illinois, he was wanted in connection with the theft of $50,000 worth of diamonds. When word spread that he was living at his ranch in Sedalia, and was in Castle Rock on business, Sheriff McKissack of Castle Rock went to investigate. The sheriff approached Varain, who brazenly denied being the gang member. McKissack appeared to be satisfied with the answer and went on his way. The following week, when the charges in Chicago were dropped, Varain gave an interview to the Denver Post, and a photograph was taken. When the sheriff saw the newspaper article and photograph, he knew that he had been duped. The Post reported the following:

 

Alterie, a hijacker, union strong-arm, and killer, was well known in Denver. He owned a ranch in Jarre Canyon near Sedalia, and was often seen strutting around the city when he was in Colorado. He posed a striking figure in his huge white Stetson, diamond-littered cufflinks and belt buckle, and expensive, custom made cowboy boots. His cream colored automobile had a gigantic set of bullhorns attached to the hood. He was fond of saying that although his livelihood was in Chicago, his heart belonged to the West; he was more at home on a bucking bronco than in a touring car, and preferred wrestling unruly steers to fellow gangster.