The S.S. John W. Brown Living History Cruise Experience

John W. Brown ship at the background and me :)

John W. Brown is a World War II Liberty Ship and making its 25 years of living history, from 1988 to 2013. It was built as a general cargo ship in 1942.

Way back since its voyages during and after the war, it was restored to operating condition back in 1991 and was made as a memorial museum ship and as a living history cruise ship, dedicated to the men and women who built, sailed and defended the WWII Liberty fleet.

They call these hanging beds as tween decks.

The John W. Brown was launched on Sept. 7, 1942 at Bethlehem-Fairfield I Baltimore. The ship is now celebrating her 70 years of service (1942-2012) and celebrating 25 years of "Living History" (1988-2013). Although the public is encouraged to experience the Living History Cruise aboard the ship, this ship is NOT a cruise ship! It is not designed as a comfort luxury ship, but still preserved the way it was, where some construction can be of hazards and some areas can be steep or slippery.

As you go aboard for the cruise experience, you will learn more about John W. Brown, - you can choose to do the self-guided "Blue Line Tour" onboard (guides are provided), or you can just walk at your own pace and visit any area you want to see.

There is also a magazine publication that are given onboard, which tells about the ship's history, voyages, etc...

Be sure to read the safety information as well because not all areas are equipped with safety devices.

The cruise will proceed down the Patapsco River, towards the Chesapeake Bay, and back.

While on the way, guests can tour the ship, watch and enjoy the entertainment with classical music by Manhattan Dolls, Calliope, "Abbot & Costello", etc...

A lunch buffet is served on board as well.

The highlight of the cruise is the Air Show, so watch the skies!;) Some restored WWII vintage aircrafts will be flying over the ship during the cruise. There will also be what they call historical re-enactors that respond by manning the guns and defend the ship, just like a simulation of what the war was like before.

Fort McHenry - The Cornerstone of the American Defense!

The repulse of a British naval attack against this fort in 1814 prevented the capture of Baltimore and inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star Spangled Banner".

England and France were at war from 1793-1815. Because of both their intents to crush each other, both nations confiscated American merchant ships and cargoes to prevent supplies from reaching enemy ports, which the Americans viewed as the violations of their rights as neutrals. The situation was made hotter by British impressmentof American seamen and the demands of the "War Hawks", a group of southern and western Congressmen who wanted the US to annex British Canada and Spanish Florida. The war on England was declared on June 18, 1812 to preserve "Free Trade and Sailors Rights" and was carried by the War Hawks.

The Americans were mostly an annoyance to the British for 2 years who couldn't devote much attention to them until after Napoleon's defeat in April 1814. In mid-August, a British force with 5,000 army and navy veterans under the joint command of Maj. Gen. Robert Ross and Vice Adm. Alexander Cochrane sailed up Chesapeake Bay with the intent on giving Americans "a complete drubbing" which was what they did at the Battle of Bladensburg and went on to burn Washington. So, they turned their attention to Baltimore.

Baltimore was better prepared for the invaders than Washington had been. Defenses were erected, arms and equioment laid in, and troops trained under the command of Maj. Gen. Samuel Smith, a US senator and veteran of the Revolution. Smith's command totaled about 15,000 men, mostly Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia militia. But there were also a few regular army units and several hundred sailors under Commodore John Rodgers.

Fort McHenry, the key to the harbor, was defended by a thousand men. Its guns and those of 2 batteries along the river's edge dominated the channels leading to the city. Lines of gunboats and sunken hulks across the mouth of northwest branch also obstructed entry.

Ross's troops landed at North point and marched toward Baltimore on September 12, and later that day, Ross was mortally wounded in the opening skirmish of the Battle of North Point. He was replaced by Col. Arthur Brooke, who completed the battle and compelled the Americans to withdraw. The next morning, he marched his troops to within 2 miles of the city and awaited the results of a naval attack before assaulting the Baltimore defenses.

Admiral Cochrane attacked the fort at dawn on the 13th, about the time Brooke began his advance. The bombardment lasted for 25 hours. Maj. George Armistead, Fort Mchenry's commander estimated later that there were 1,500-1,800 shells and rockets fired at the fort. Two shells exploded on the southwest bastion killing 2 officers and wounding several gun crew members.

Realizing that the fort would never fall to shelling alonge in the midnight on September 13, Cochrane launched a diversionary attack up the Ferry Branch in an attempt to distract the American long enough for Brooke's troops to storm Rodger's bastion guarding the east side of the city. In the dark, rainy night, the attack went awry: some of the landing party rowed up the wrong branch, while other barges were detected and driven back by the combined fire of Forts McHenry, Covington, Babcock, and Look-Out. The failure of this sortie dashed British hopes of capturing Baltimore.

Bombships continued the bombardment until 7am on September 14, then withdrew down the river. As the British went away, the American soldiers fired the morning gun and hoisted the large flag that would later become known as the "Star Spangled Banner" while the musicians played "Yankee Doodle".

Fort McHenry since then never came under enemy fire again, although it continued as an active military post for the next 100 years. During the Civil War, it was used as a temporary prison for captured Confederate soldiers, southern sympathizers and political prisoners.

US Army General Hospital No. 2 was located here to serve WW1 veterans from 1917 to 1923.

In 1925, Congress made Fort Mchenry as a national park. After 14 years, it was redesignated a national monument and historic shine, the only park in the country to have this double distinction.

Sent from my iPad

"Cowboy Christmas"

Have you been to a dinner show called "Cowboy Christmas"? If you did, I bet you probably had so much fun like I did! As a pre-birthday treat surprise for my birthday, courtesy of my husband, I enjoyed every minute of it. It was also a good memory for me worth cherishing because they acknowledged me as a birthday celebrant that night, although my birthday was yet 2 days early ;).
At seat #228, I saw this sweet note on the table where I will be sitting. It was so nice of them to arrange this simple note on the table. I also am so thankful for the Rill's Bus Service for the coordination and effort they made especially "Lauren" our tour bus leader :). Thank you guys! By the way, they also sang their birthday song for me and Anna (another birthday celebrant) while we were on the bus ;).

Our dinner was served at exactly 7pm...perfectly just in time after we were done with a little shopping from the gift shop downstairs.
The show started at 7:45pm with a very good intermission song of a Christmas song by a 9-year old girl, "Hannah".
It was then followed by a brief movie clip on the screen about the beginning of the drama. There is a playing of that movie clip in between the drama that was being acted on stage by their award winning actors ad actresses, vocalists and dancers. The scenes were reenacted reliving the spirit of the West...like the wild, wild west movies on the big screen...the world where cowboys live. It was actually a good drama because it carries the true message of Christmas! It was presented in a way where you can clearly track what the story is all about with a spill of a little comedy in between ;).
There are many highlights that were in between the drama as well with thrilling actions of cowboy Andy Rotz, a Guinness World record holder as he amazed as with his rope-twirling, knife-throwing and gunspinning techniques on stage!
He had a horse named "Idja" who also showed his antics tricks live on stage. That was amusing!
Below were some captured photos that I took during the show. I am sorry, but I am not good in taking shots of shows such as this, lol!

The Finale

The FinaleFantastic lightings!

By the way, the show was held at Antietam Recreation in Hagerstown, MD. The place is located 2 miles south of Hagerstown, close to Interstates 70 & 81, and is accessible by alternate 40 and the Sharpsburg Pike.
There were pre show activities that made the kids so excited while they were there such as wagonrides, there was a petting zoo, horse rides, marshmallow roasting, line dancing and old-time photos where you can get to choose your own cowboy costumes and then pose ;).
The background is in front of the stage that was fully decorated with bright Christmas trees and bows.

The show is worth recommending. If you love cowboy action techniques, tricks and actions, you will be mesmerized!...what an awesome memory!

Emmanuel Parish of the Episcopal Church - Cumberland, MD

It was a great opportunity for me and hubby to visit this church,-considered to be the "mother church of Western Maryland."

Emmanuel Parish Episcopal Church is rich in history and art. We actually did a quick tour starting from the church sanctuary down to the highlights of the visit; - to go underground and witness the tunnels that had been a secret to many during the colonial era.

The story of the underground railroad of the church is quite interesting. The secret underground wayback during the time it was built was considered a highly illegal conspiracy where countless of African and white Americans were involved during the slavery years.
These secret tunnels that led to Emmanuel Church served as the escaped route of slaves. During those days, any slave caught escaping will be returned to the master and could be beaten or killed at the master's will.

This is a long story to tell, so I am sharing the basic facts only on this post :).

This is one great trip I won't forget. Learning a piece of history and witnessing the old earthworks are quite worth of a trip experience.

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Tour

Trip Date: Oct. 9, 2010

This trip was planned early fall. I had been wishing to do the trip when the colors of the fall are at its peak, but since I am preparing for the big trip to the Philippines, I and hubby just thought of planning it early.
Besides, the tour is being done by Eyre Bus Tour & Travel, and the date is the only schedule perfectly available that time.

So, Eyre Bus drove us to the Railway Station in Cumberland, where a tour guide met us there, got our tickets and boarded the train after getting a quick coffee from the station.

This tour is a round trip excursion originating from Cumberland, MD that would take us to Frostburg Depot where the turntable is located. it is considered to be the main highlight of the trip where the train will be rotated at the turntable.

While the locomotive train is moving towards Frostburg Depot, you will enjoy the exciting mountain scenery with a tour guide sharing about the rich transportation history involving the train.

Upon reaching Frostburg Depot, we had a 90-minute lay-over. We were then so excited to see the train turning on the turntable, but unfortunately it didn't work!!! :((.
And speaking of steam trains, the tendency of not being able to work is just a normal expectation.
Well, for us, it wasn't expected!...so our lay-over at Frostburg were extended to 2 hours because they can't seem to make the train work going back.
We ended up calling for Eyre Bus to pick us up. Thanks to our tour guide who did a good job in taking care of us.

We then proceeded to visit the last 2 itineraries, - a shopping to Merling Blanket Outlet and then a visit to Emmanuel Episcopal Church as our last stop. I will be sharing our trip to this church in the next post.

Secrets of The Poe House

No one lives in the Poe house. It is simply too small and obvious that there is no space for someone to live on the premises. it is owned and operated by the City of Baltimore.

There's no truth that Poe's grave is in the basement of the house. Poe is buried in the Westminster Graveyard at Fayette and Greene Streets, approximately 9 blocks east of Poe's house.

Walls on the Poe's house are stressed and has moisture damage which is very difficult to prevent and repair.

The Poe house doesn't have a climate control because there is no place to install it. A window air conditioning is the best option.
If you enter the house, you'll notice that "old" house smell and with the age comes the tell tale odor which only an old house has. Even with limited air conditioning, this odor will appear and then vanish. It is usually more noticeable after it has been raining.

The basement is not allowed for accessibility because of its limited space. The ceilings are low and there are pipes running through the walls making it difficult and hazardous to navigate the basement. Three thrash pits were discovered during the 1979 renovations.

You will notice that there are no toilets in the house because people used chamber pots or detached privies in the back of the house way back then.

Driving Directions to the Poe Grave From the Poe House:
If you're parked on Amity Street, turn left onto Lexington Street, then make an immediate right onto Poppleton Street. Go 2 blocks and turn left onto Baltimore Street.

Go to the 3rd traffic light and turn left onto Paca Street and stay in the left lane.

Turn left onto Fayette Street. The Poe grave will be on your left at the end of the block at greene Street. Look for a parking space.

The Poe House & Museum

The house was built around 1830. A few short blocks south of the Poe house was the new Baltimore and Ohio train station which was also opened in 1830 and now houses the Baltimore and Ohio Train Museum.

In 1930, the homes in the area were razed for the construction of the Poe Homes, a public housing project. The house was scheduled for demolition but public vigilance and the members of the Edgar Allan Poe Society forced the Housing Authority to spare the site. An exhaustive search of city registers, deeds and maps proved that Poe in fact did live in the house. And in 1949, it opened as a historic house museum managed by the Poe Society.

In 1979, the City of Baltimore took control of the museum and restored the building spending nearly $100,000 to preserve the site. It is now currently operated under the Commission for Historical & Architectural Preservation, a division of the Baltimore City Department of Planning.

The Edgar Allan Poe House & Grave (The Visit)

June 19, 2010

I and my husband, together with our cousin Tanya went to visit Edgar Allan Poe's house located at Amity Street in downtown Baltimore.

The house has small rooms and has crowded winding stairways. Poe was not wealthy during his time as you can witness his house that is too small, built for just a working class family.

Inside were just a few memorabilias that Poe used while he was still alive, displayed in glass boxes, one of which was a telescope.

On the other side of the room is where you can watch a video about his biography and his entire life existence.
There is a winding stairways going up the attic that are too narrow. This used to be Poe's room where he used to write; - a small bedroom, that is.

stairways going up the attic and me

He was a well known writer, but not much of his writings and letters are there. They say his writings are all scattered around the country in various libraries, colleges and in private collections.

At the Poe Grave:
Edgar Allan Poe's grave is 3-5 minutes away from Poe's house. It will be on your left at the end of the block at Greene Street.

At the entrance to the graveyard is the Poe Monument, so you won't miss it.

Follow the brick path to the rear of the graveyard to see the original Poe Grave.

Church Camping - Solomon's Island

LCOG Church Family Camping - Solomon's Island, Maryland - July 13-14, 2007

This was a 2-day affair for our church family members to camp out in Solomon's island, but we were only able to catch up for the trip on Saturday, July 14, since hubby had to work late of Friday.

Did you know that this place is an ideal for a real, quiet vacation far from the bustling noise of the city? We were not able to go further around the area since we had to go back as soon as possible for another family affair get-together.

Here are some quick photos that we had before heading home.

I am looking forward to someday go back there to get a full visit and tour the place. If you enjoy relaxing by the beach, then I guess this is the ideal place for you...when you are in Maryland :).

See the real beauty of SOLOMON'S ISLAND. It's nostalgic and awesome.

Oxford, Maryland

November 15, 17, 2006 - Robert Morris Inn, Oxford, Maryland

When I first saw the site online, I was captivated by the place when hubby showed it to me. The inn is located on the scenic Tred Avon River in Oxford, eastern shore of Maryland. I consider it as an ideal place of a romantic hideaway for both of us although this trip was of business purpose. This was actually a work retreat for hubby with the MPA group. But the good thing was it was all in one, which was a combined work, leisure and fun. Wasn't that cool? :)

Our room while hubby's at work

It was a 2-hour trip going there crossing the Bay Bridge, a very long bridge and was somewhat like 5 minutes drive, til we got to the other side of the shore. (Yes, I timed it, lol!).

The Oxford Bellevue Ferry Terminal

Ferries such as this carry cars as well as passengers which is being used as a quick way of going to St. Michael's (a small town I guess) on the other side of the bay.

I decided to have a walk while hubby was at work since I don't wanna miss the views! While roaming around, I couldn't help but to just click my camera.

There was a challenging part on my walk when I started chasing the swans (a lover swans)to get a closer shots on them. But they were too smart enough to go farther away when they saw me :)..perhaps I was just a nuisance to their romantic moments :).

Baywalk Area
I also met some friends along the road. I became much interested more on her dog :), so while talking to her and greeting her dog, hubby went out just in time for his break so I was able to pose with the dog while he took shot of me. I think the dog likes me too :)).

Our photos at Inn's Sandaway Lodge located one-half block away from Morris Inn on 2 acres of waterfront property complete with private beach. Here, many of the rooms have private porches overlooking the water, including a hammock that I enjoyed sitting on it, including hubby too ;).

Reisterstown Park, Maryland

September 28, 2006 - SSA Picnic

This was not actually a travel, but simply an outing from hubby's work. They were allowed to bring their family, so I got the chance to go and witness the event. There's nothing formal because it was a picnic for fun and everybody was turning wacky too! Hubby was one wacky guy that day, but I was able to meet Dominique, wife of my hubby's co worker and Zan, another lady from SSA and also hubby's co worker.

Photos are those of hubby's wacky dance moves and my chit-chats with newly met friends Dominique and Zan on the swing :).

Michael Jackson beat...dancing to the tune of "Macarena!" :))

Hataw pa :)

Women's Conference - Sandy Cove Ministries

September 23, 2006

Sandy Cove Ministries is strategically located halfway between Baltimore and Philadelphia near the town of North East, Maryland, just 10 minutes south of I-95, and 1 hour south of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, via Route 272, and on the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay. It consists to 150 hotel rooms and a conference center as well. Situated on 220 acres of Maryland woodland, this elegant facility features 150 rooms, three fireplaces, a full-service dining room, and cozy sitting areas overlooking the bay. It's a place where you can feel serenity, perfect for meditations or a simple quiet vacation.

The event was for two days, but I joined together with my sisters in Christ from our church for only a day. There was some fun activities wherein we could choose what activity would we prefer to do. We chose dancing...and I realize, with a few quick instructions, I can dance too :)....for the Lord, that is!

Had a good breakfast and lunch that came in with the package we payed...it was worth it.