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Legends of America Newsletter - February 2018 |
| | That's Kathy in the Spring of 2004. We had been dating for just over a year by this time. In fact, our story began Thursday, February 27, 2003 (although Kathy would insist it was Wednesday the 26th, but since I'm typing :P). We were both in the corporate world, Kathy traveling weekly with an H.R. software company, while I traveled quite a bit with a company that made automation software for radio stations. It seemed hard back then to meet people you wanted to date, because usually when you did you were hundreds or thousands of miles from home.
This was still the relatively early days of dating websites, and we had both signed up for Kansas City Singles (I'm sure long since bought out by one of the bigger players). It just so happened that they were holding a singles event at the Guacamole Grill that week, and as fate would have it, Kathy and I were both in town, and both of us drawn, reluctantly, into going. I remember meeting her and instantly thinking she was the one, but I had to compete against two other schmucks that night, so I did what any smart guy would do... left early (I've always heard you should leave them wanting more, or something like that).
She was gracious enough to accept a date via a message to her profile later that night, and well, the rest is 15 year history. I learned early on of her love for history, especially that of the Moreno Valley in New Mexico. By the time we got together she was already building a "Yahoo" website called High Country Legends, which in June of that year became Legends Of America.
I also learned the quirky things we had in common. For instance, the last 4 of our social security number being the same, which made for an interesting conversation first time I heard her rattle them off to some company over the phone (she had to show me her card before I would believe that she wasn't scamming me somehow). Then there's the fact we were born 30 miles apart in the Texas Panhandle in rival towns, and although there's nine years difference between us, our birthdays are a day apart in August. There was even a brief moment we considered there might be some relation, and were happy to find none. There's more quirky links I'll spare you from, but it took until Kansas City for our "broken roads" to cross, and it's been a wonderful 15 year ride since. |
| | As you might can tell, I've been reminiscing quite a bit the past few weeks. 15 years for "us" is a milestone to be sure, but mainly reminiscing because neither of us could concentrate too well on 'website' business. Like many of you, we got the gift that keeps on giving (the Flu) and after over two weeks Kathy's still battling elements of it. I'm finally getting back on track, at least as much as I can in this icy winter we're having. I'm almost ecstatic with the approach of March and Spring! Bring on the Thunderstorms, at least they go away quicker!
I have had the opportunity to concentrate on technical aspects of our new design, in particular making it more stable. I "think" we've got a much better handle on that, and we hope you have a faster, better experience than over the past few months. Anyway, not much in the "what's new" section this time, but there's still plenty to share in this newsletter.
Dave "nostalgic minded" Alexander |
| | | Tales of the Shotgun-Messenger Service – What was once lost is new again! Kathy added this great story written by Wyatt Earp, years ago, but apparently it was never linked to from other pages, and probably never viewed. So it’s new on Legends right? Wyatt tells of the Wells Fargo Shotgun-Messenger Service in this piece he wrote in 1896.
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| | | Did You Know?
Theodore Roosevelt was the first president to call his residence in Washington, D.C. the “White House.” Prior to his term, it had been called the Executive Mansion or the President’s House.
William Henry Harrison served the shortest presidency, dying just 32 days after he was elected.
Zachary Taylor did not vote until the age of 62. Until that time, he had not established an official place of residence because he had moved many times as a soldier.
Herbert Hoover was the first president born west of the Mississippi River.
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| | Black History Month
In honor of Black History Month, here are a few of our stories of famous African Americans.
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| | Bass Reeves, Black Hero Marshal - Born to slave parents,Bass Reeves would become the first black U.S. Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi River and a great frontier hero.
Bridget "Biddy" Mason - Entrepreneur, nurse, and one of first African-American women to own land in California
Mary Fields - Born as a slave in Tennessee, Mary Fields was one of the first women entrepreneurs, stagecoach drivers, pioneers of the American West.
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| | Frederick Douglass - Through a journey from slave to internationally renowned activist, Douglass changed how Americans thought about race, slavery, and democracy.
George Washington Carver - Born to slave parents, George Washington Carver's thirst for knowledge as a scientist, educator and inventor would leave an incredible legacy.
C.J. Walker (Sarah Breedlove) - One of America’s great rags to riches stories and a pioneer not only for women, but also African Americans, Madame C.J. Walker blazed a path as the first black woman millionaire. |
| | Featured Travel - Mogollon, Surviving All Odds
In the winter of 2008 we explored many ghost towns of New Mexico, and spent some time in the Silver City Mining District. |
| About 12 miles northeast of Glenwood, New Mexico is one of the Land of Enchantment’s premier ghost towns – Mogollon (pronounced “muggy-YOHN” by locals). Today, a ghost towner’s dream, filled with historic buildings of the once rich mining camp that made millions during its heydays, survived numerous floods and fires, but still hangs on today despite its isolated location.
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| | | | Thank you for your Support!
It is through our General Store and Photo Print Shop that we are able to continue sharing our love of American History. We thank each and everyone of you for your support over the past 15 years!
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Supporting our love of history since 2003, Legends' General Store is a great place to find unique gifts, books, DVD's, wall art, Native American inspired herbal remedies, personalized items from glassware to pocket watches, t-shirts, postcards and much more. As a newsletter subscriber, save 10% off any item. Just use coupon code NEWS10 in cart view. |
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Ghost Towns (America's Lost World) 2 Disc DVD
Strike It Rich With Our Nations Haunting History!
Unearth America's Lost World! This 5-Part series ventures into the roots of our nations high hopes and hard labors to discover the towns that boomed fast and went bust even faster. Through original footage, interviews with experts and archival materials, this fascinating documentary takes viewers on an amazing journey through our abandoned history. From the deserts of California and mountains of Colorado to the forts, trails and battle sites of war, witness the precious remains of the past that only exist today as shadows of former glories and empty promises.
First time on DVD! Legends of America's own Kathy Weiser-Alexander and Dave Alexander, along with noted Ghost Town author Philip Varney, authors Jeff Barnes, Kenneth Jessen and many more, even an appearance from Bob Boze Bell. Created and Produced by Award-Winning Documentarians, Centre Communications, exclusively for Mill Creek Entertainment.
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| | Frontier Slang, Lingo & Phrases By Kathy Weiser-Alexander And Legends Of America
From the wild and woolly mining camps, to the rampages of the Civil War, to the many cowboys riding on the range, those frontier folks often used terms and phrases that are no longer used in everyday language today. Yet other words and sayings were often specific to certain regions and never used across the states. These terms, as in the past, are still sometimes heard in specific areas, but are “foreign” to the rest of us.
From the pages of period newspapers, books, and century old dictionaries comes the slang, lingo, and phrases of the American Frontier. Even if you're not looking for a definition, you'll get a peek into the charm and character of a historic era.
In addition to the hundreds of words and phrases, readers will also enjoy more than 150 vintage images.
132 pages
Published by Legends Of America, 2015.
Also available as a downloadable PDF! |
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Providing a wide range of photo prints and products from vintage images to our current travels. Thousands to choose from, including historic travel destinations, vintage images, art and more available in many print sizes, including Canvas and Print Wraps. Or put your favorite on a calendar, coffee mug or t-shirt. Just select your favorite and browse our many products in the Photo Shop. As a newsletter subscriber, save 10% on all prints. Just use coupon code News10 during checkout. |
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Native American History - periodic posts about Native American traditions, tribes, hero's and chieftains and much more.
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| What Our Readers are saying:
Impressive, two people working on a marvelous site. I come here first when I want to look up anything historical within the United States. You post the most accurate information I can find. Thank you. (signed Frog in Texas)
Dear Dave & Kathy, I enjoy your site so much and eagerly look for each issue. I really enjoyed your article on “The Medicine Wheel”. I have been to the wheel but it has been more 20 years ago. Keep up the great work! (Ed in Pennsylvania)
Thank you for the education. (Marilyn in New Jersey)
Kathy/Dave: was really glad to see this article (Stuckey's Stuckey's Everywhere)! Stuckey’s holds a special place in my and my sister’s hearts. Our grandparents and parents were very fond of traveling and it was a great treat for us when they would pull into a Stuckey’s parking lot; great food and those “knicknacks” right at a kid’s eye level! While working as a claims adjuster in northern Louisiana, there was one old Stuckey’s still in business on I-20 in the Ruston, LA area. I always made sure to stop for their “special” breakfast=it was only $1.99; I can remember it in the ’50s/early ’60s as $.99 so the price didn’t really go up that much in the late ’80s/’90s! (Mike in Ohio)
Very Interesting reading, glad I receive your email newsletters. I had just been researching San Antonio last night and had seen the missions. We are planning a trip to USA later this year. Your website always helps with our research. Thanks (Rachel in New Zealand)
or comment on any article you want via our website. |
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