A Family of Friends

I have been catching up on my back issues of The Week Magazine and in the August 1st edition this article was featured:

If you consider your friends to be like family, you may be onto something. Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, and Yale University have found that friends have more DNA in common with one another than they do with strangers. In fact, the similarities in gene signatures equate to 1 percent of a person’s total genetic makeup, which means friends are roughly as “related” as fourth cousins, relatives who share great-great-great grandparents. “The striking thing here is that friends are actually significantly more similar to one another than we were expecting,” UC San Diego geneticist James Fowler tells NPR.org. The study drew on data from more than 1,900 people and found that friends were most genetically similar in areas affecting the sense of smell, which researchers say may serve to draw people with similar tastes to congregate in the same place. Friends do, however, tend to have different kinds of immune systems. But such divergences may have evolutionary advantages, since a person who is susceptible to a certain type of disease would lower his or her risk of catching it by associating with others who are fortified against it. “The biggest implication is that evolution can’t be studied as a Robinson Crusoe phenomenon,” Fowler says. “We didn’t evolve isolated. We evolved with our friends.”

I honestly don't know what to make of it.

I do know that one of the things I have been interested in as I do my family tree is who is it that I am friends with who is also my cousin, no matter how distant. I was talking with the wife of my mother's second cousin and she was telling me tales of a great grandparent of hers - who, after she left, I learned was also a great grandparent of mine. I think she and her husband are sixth cousins or something, so that may make she and I 6th cousins once removed....

In any event, that has nothing to do with the article above, just interesting to know that the people I love are actually genetically similar to me. How cool

Fort Ticonderoga and Shoe & Boot making

I mentioned how the folks at Fort Ticonderoga do all the research and then make many of the things they use as if they were living in the time period. Well, that includes their shoes. I was so surprised to be standing in front of a shoe maker in 2014. I am particularly interested in this craft at the moment because I have discovered that one of my ancestors - born in the early 1800's - came to America after having been indentured to a boot maker in Ireland. The shoes being made at For Ticonderoga in 2014 represent the craft from about 50 years earlier than the craft that my ancestor may have learned in Ireland.


here one can see some of the tools - lasts and some of the various leather

Unfortunately, the shoemaker was not making anything while I was standing in front of him. He did answer some questions, but he seemed a little distracted, I will confess.



This pair of shoes is being made for someone who is particularly hard on their soles.


More examples of shoes made at the Fort.

The Informationist by Taylor Stevens

I just wanted to do a shout out for Taylor Stevens and her first book The Informationist. I have been listening to her talk about royalties and the business of writing with Stephen Campbell on his new podcast, the Author Biz. The picture they paint is definitely discouraging - writing and publishing seems to be a very tough business.

BUT, with that being said, listening to Taylor Stevens talk about her book made me rush right out and buy it - a paperback, as that is what they had at Barnes & Noble. And I am loving it. Can't put it down. I suggest if people like thrillers they should grab this one.

Beef is Tough on the Planet

From the August 8th edition of The Week magazine:

If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, you may want to change your diet. New research has concluded that raising cattle for beef is nearly 10 times more damaging to the environment than producing pork, chicken, or eggs. The study is the first to quantify the overall environmental impact of various livestock and draws on data collected by the U.S. departments of Agriculture, Energy, and the Interior from 2000 to 2010. Scientists analyzed land use, water consumption, and nitrogen pollution from fertilizers, as well as the greenhouse gases, such as methane, emitted by the animals. Researchers then calculated the amount of resources required to produce one calorie of each product. Pork, chicken, eggs, and other dairy products all have roughly equivalent environmental impacts, but raising beef requires 28 times more land and 11 times more water while generating five times more greenhouse gas emissions compared with other agricultural products. The message for the consumer is clear, Mark Sutton of the U.K.’s Center for Ecology and Hydrology tells The Guardian (U.K.): “Avoiding excessive meat consumption is good for the environment.”

I had heard this before.... so just cutting out meat on one day of the week is a worthwhile endeavor - but not easily done.

Fort Ticonderoga Realism

As I mentioned in a previous post, the folks at Fort Ticonderoga are doing a fabulous job bringing history alive.

Gordy here, our guide though history, is wearing a uniform custom made for him right at the fort. He is dressed as a soldier from Pennsylvania. Though the fabric itself is not made at the fort, all the cutting, sewing, fitting etc. is done right here on Lake Champlain.



I am learning to sew, myself, and button holes still scare me - on a machine! The tailor here at the fort uses a chisel and some twisted thread and hand makes the button holes.


The piece of wood on the table is what he uses to hit the chisel to make the button hole. Here he is sewing the edge of the button hole with a whip stitch of some nature.

The tailor is wearing the Colonialist 'uniform' of the time - a linen shirt worn over his own clothing, thereby making everyone appear much the same.



In this photograph one can see the chisel, the hammer, the leather, the thread and the young man who has worked at the fort for four years sewing and repairing during the tourist season and researching during the winter months. He researched and created all the French uniforms last year and the Pennsylvania Militia for 2014.

There is an 8 minute video showing this young man making a coat for a colleague - most of the entire process sped up considerably. It is fun to watch. No paper pattern for thee guys....

Quilt at the NYS Military Museum

I didn't expect to see any fiber art while I was at the New York State Military Museum, but hanging in the book shop was this very large memorial quilt. I am sorry the photograph is of such bad quality - I only had my archaic phone along.

It seems to be mostly for World War II, but I can't be sure.

I thought it was an interesting combination of hobbies - genealogy, history and fiber art.

Shibumi Silks - a Silk Art Experience

I did not catch the artists' names and I only arrived at the end of a two day art show in Saratoga Springs, NY, but this was great fun to see.

This is one of the artists leading the process - here he is conferring with someone making herself a scarf.

These folks are out of Wallingford, CT and it seems they go to a lot of art shows in the New England area. The owners are brilliant to let people make their own pieces. Luckily they guide people through so that everything they make comes out really well. I was watching one woman's creation in progress and I had very low expectations, but it came out gorgeous.

The trays are filled with water and the inks float on top. One of the artists did guide her as to how much ink to use and essentially where to make the drops of ink/paint on the water. Then a comb is used to draw the colors through one another and finally a stylus to make swirls.

Once the paint is swirled together, a piece of silk is laid on top and it takes only a moment for the fabric to absorb almost all the ink. The silk is then dragged over an edge - not doing anything bad to the design - and rinsed in blue, inky water, in no means negatively impacting the new scarf. It was amazing to see.

I wish I had gotten a photograph of the final result - as it was really splendid - I just couldn't get the right angle without being too rude to the other people around me.

If you see these artists at an art show, step up and try your hand at it. It was impressive. (And, of course, they sell scarves that they themselves have made.)

Scallions in Saratoga Springs, NY - Restaurant Review (and some repurposed family heirlooms)

The Scallions restaurant is right across the street from the NY State Military Museum - so a very nice place to grab a bite after viewing the museum's collection. This restaurant is not on the town's main drag, but it was still very crowded.

The decor was delightful - brightly colored artwork. They even have a lounge which I believe is also considered a gallery. Clearly the artwork is for sale. I did not take a photograph while in the restaurant and I'm afraid I can not capture one from their web site to show you.

For lunch I had a shrimp and fennel salad (with arugula, prociutto, parmesan, artichoke hearts) and a blueberry, mint lemonade (held the vodka, though).

The young wait staff were some of the most attractive people I have seen in a while - and very polite.

I did take one photograph while in the restaurant - I liked these windchimes, though generally I am not fond of windchimes - but these used old silver plate with beads which I thought was a clever repurposing of old family stuff. Two of the windchimes use either a creamer or a sugar bowl, but mostly it is spoons, forks and knives. One way to display old family pieces.....

New York State Military Museum

I only just discovered the web page for this repository of NY military information.
I didn't do much research on the web site, but I did see that I could find both my forebearers, the Kirkpatricks and Wrights who served in the Civil War, in the museum's list of muster roles.
Our family lost one young man, 21, to typhoid, at Fort Monroe. But that young man's relatives through marriage, both called Thomas Wright, served and survived. The elder serving two terms - in his 40s!
I spoke with both a librarian, Jim, and a curator, Chris, and showed them what I have in my possession - mostly discharge papers and such for the senior Thomas L. Wright, but, having his very discombobulated memoirs, they may very well be interested in having his information. My next project will be trying to sort out those writings and also writing the story of Thomas Wright. He was not an officer, so the museum has much less information about the foot soldiers, but if they can know the story of the man, then voila, they are interested. So, a big project, but one I am interested in tackling.

I took some photographs, but mistakenly left my camera at home - so my archaic cell phone had to stand in. It will not be satisfactory, but it's all I had.

The museum is housed in the old Armoury at Saratoga Springs, NY

The museum starts in the French & Indian War, but their collection really begins with the Civil War. They had a bit on WWI, so I had to capture some of what what they have. This display is about the medical corps, so this is the type of thing surrounding Herb.

I did find a piece of history from the 169th - the regiment in which a Kirkpatrick relative can be found. I am sorry that the photograph is not good and I can't recall what the yellow lettering said.

Fort Ticonderoga - Worth the Visit & Ambulance Corps Connection

First off, the folks at Fort Ticonderoga are doing a fabulous job and it is well worth the visit. Of course, the time period is before anything I have focused on - French and Indian War and then the American Revolution.

This year, 2014, they are representing an American group from Pennsylvania, in 1776.

In any event, Stephen H.P. Pell started the restoration of the grounds of the fort, and currently they have three stone buildings, plenty of cannons, a beautiful garden and a house that I believe they are trying to renovate to become a bed & breakfast.

BUT, what has me writing today is that Pell apparently felt very strongly about the events in World War I and he joined before the Americans were engaged, thereby joining the French Army. Later, when the Americans joined in April 1917, he transferred over to the American Army Ambulance Corps.

Here is Pell in his French uniform.


The curators of the fort don't say much here, but on the fort's web site they indicate:

Stephen Hyatt Pelham Pell (1874-1950) was the grandson of William Ferris Pell. In 1883, according to family lore, 9-year old Stephen found a bronze flint tinder box in the ruins of Fort Ticonderoga and pledged that he would restore the Fort someday. During the Spanish American War (1898) he served in the U.S. Navy. In1899, he formed S.H.P. Pell & Company, a Wall Street coffee, cotton, and stock brokerage firm.
On September 2, 1908 he attended the Press Clambake hosted by the Ticonderoga Historical Society to arouse interest in a campaign to have the Federal Government purchase the Fort Ticonderoga Garrison Grounds from the Pell family. On his return to New York City he enlisted the aid of his wife, Sarah Gibbs Thompson Pell, and her father, Colonel Robert M. Thompson, to buy the other family members’ interests in the Garrison Grounds and thereby begin the restoration of the Fort.
In late July1914, the worldwide collapse of the cotton market due to the start of World War I forced his firm into receivership. In 1917, Pell enlisted in the French Army’s ambulance corps. After America entered the war in April of that year, he was transferred to the American Army’s ambulance corps and was wounded in action in August 1918. From his return to the United States in 1919 to his death in 1950, Pell dedicated his time to the management of the Fort and its continuing restoration. Stephen Pell is buried in the family plot just below his beloved Fort.

Pell was also instrumental with the American Numismatic Society and from their web site I learned about his French Medals:

Pell was also a decorated war veteran, having served in both the Spanish-American and First World Wars. In the latter conflict, Pell served initially with the French Army in the the American Volunteer Ambulance Service. After America's entry into the war, he joined the U.S. Army Ambulance Corps. Wounded in action, Pell received both the Croix de Guerre and Legion of Honor for this service.

I'm afraid my research on line about Pell and the Corps has dead ended. It would be interesting to see if I found anything in the Archives, but from this search it doesn't seem that he was a significantly major player in the organization - just that he was very patriotic and he jumped in with both feet.

No mention of him from Herb, so far as I remember.

Green Acres Tavern in Greenwich, NY

Out and about in the Adirondacks....
One must have an open mind about food choices if one does not want to lunch at the fast food chains.
This place was highly recommended to me by someone I had just met.
It was packed. There were brown frosty bottles everywhere - and even some second rounds getting placed in front of folks.
The bar was full - no room for a single diner, so I took a table at the suggestion of one of the regulars seated at the end.
When I was finally noticed, the service was very friendly and attentive.
Though people watching was ripe, I put my nose in a book.
The food was not as I would have prepared at home, but it was fine. Too much.
In an effort to be well rounded, I might try someplace else next time if I find myself in town.

Battenkill Fibers - Carding and Spinning Mill

WOW. That's all I can say.

Processing Services
Yarn Sales
Mill Tours

There is nothing glamorous about this job - you just have to be very passionate about yarn.
They are working on huge pieces of equipment which look like they came right out of the 1880s - and Karen told me that in some cases, the equipment is exactly like what they were using back then.
They need to humidify the work area so as not to get shocks. The heat can be significant inside the work space, though the other day it was cool, they were still adding humidity.
Fiber from rutting rams can be overpowering, knocking you off your feet. (I hadn't considered that as an occupational hazard.)
They will process many types of fiber - including cats and dogs! Probably not on a regular basis.... Someone even asked them about Hemp.
For the summer they employ farm raised young people for they understand the nature of 'organics' in/on the unwashed fiber.... All sorts of things fall out on the screens as the fiber is examined - bugs, sticks, grass, feces.....
The fiber is washed a minimum of two times, air dried and then sent through a humongous carding machine imported from Montreal. The pieces of loose fiber gets all over everything, gathering all throughout the machines and in the air.
Vacuuming must be a large part of the job description.... though perhaps that wasn't in the main body of the craigslist ad.


Karen, the mill manager, was very friendly and dedicated a huge amount of time to walking me through the process and answering my questions. The structure in which they are housed is a modern aluminum building - no historic building pulling power from the Battenkill river. The employees are wearing t shirts and shorts, listening to their mp3 devices with the wires tucked in to their shirts so that they don't get caught in the machinery. Karen explained to me how in the last century the women would strip to their undergarments when it was hot, but that accidents would happen when the sleeves of their blouses would get pulled in to the machinery.

Overall, my visit was a fantastic learning experience. I admire their passion. I recognize the need for the service, especially to all the farmers out there. I value the employment, especially in this fairly depressed region.

Both employees had to stop what the process to attend to the fiber - he is spinning the fiber and she is taking three spools of what he has created and winding them together to make a three ply yarn. The lengths differ on the spools, so she must change the spools on a regular basis so that there is always three threads being twisted.

This photo is taken from the other side of the machine the young man in the orange cap is working - this is from where he pulls the roving to create the threads. Nothing glamorous abut the space....

#1 Reviewer, again

Got my #1 spot again.... Apparently I had been pushed out for a while, as I got an email saying I was in the top 10, but....

This time, however, they tell me how many reviews and photos I have and how many the other reviewers have.... fostering some serious competition. (At least that has that effect on me....)