Memorable Road Trip~Part 2:July 4th Cape Cod Adventure (2001)

Dear Diary,
Day 1
We're headed out for Cape Cod this morning for a couple of days at the cottage of John's Aunt & Uncle in Dennisport,Cape Cod,Ma.They've had this family place for some 30 years.Excited because we've never been ,understand it's a nice scenic drive with lots of things to see & do! Gassed the truck up & cleared out the back_because you never know what collectibles you'll come across. It was a beautiful day for driving! I was in awe as we approached the Sagamore Bridge.

Here's an aerial _I really would have been scared if I'd seen this aerial view,Geez's!!But,we made it across with all the 50 million people headed to the Cape for the July 4th festivities! Return trip we came across the sister bridge_ Bourne Bridge.

They both look the same to me.The bridges were constructed beginning in 1933 by the Public Works Administration for the United States Army Corps of Engineers,which operates both the bridges and the canal. Both bridges carry four lanes of traffic over a 616-foot (188 m) main span, with a 135-foot (41 m) ship clearance, and opened on June 22, 1935...a far cry from the "drawbridge" that was in place in 1912.I would have had second thoughts about crossing at that time!

Anyway,we arrived safe & sound in Dennisport,Cape Cod,Ma. in due time.What a nice drive. Seems the cottage_aka_"The Lazy H"_ is only a block & a half from the Atlantic Ocean...so I strolled down to take it all in.I sooooo love any body of water..it's a peaceful time,a Zen Damn Moment! This photo is not too clear,but I needed a sweater because it was chilly on July 4th_WTH?,I'm from Texas _I don't go outside around July 4th as it's 300 degrees in the shade!

Afterwards,Aunt Charlotte said let's go for a ride...so we're off...let the games begin.First stop_

Hyannisport,Ma.I popped in for a look-about in this Grocery store directly across the street from the "KENNEDY COMPOUND"_totally bricked in,with no chance of a sighting of any KENNEDY_EVER! We drove downtown_crowded to the Nines_made plans _which by the way we didn't get a chance to do_to take the Ferry to Martha's Vineyard & or Nantucket,did a scenic drive through some of the EXCLUSIVE neighborhoods, and visited an Artist's Home & Shoppe & Garden_beautiful...and he was a nice Fella that Aunt Charlotte knew! On the way back,visited the "Cape Cod Summer Playhouse Village" in Dennis,Cape Cod,Ma. So,we called it a day after all of the day's journey's.

Day 2
Over breakfast,I made the comment that the "Watermelon Rind Jelly" was delicious! So,Aunt Charlotte knew of my love of Museums_so she had the "PERFECT DAY" planned!First stop_

..the place where the jelly and other products are created_The "Green Briar Jam Kitchen" of the Thornton W. Burgess Society". Now,you may know of Burgess from this childhood character writings_

We popped in,took the tour and then headed off to his home in Sandwich,Ma.

The "Thornton W.Burgess Museum",4 Water Street,Sandwich,Ma.What a treat for a Museum-aholic like me! Of course,I got a couple of favors from the visit_

"Lightfoot The Deer (1921) & Bowser The Hound (1920)_book, a Cobalt Blue tea cup holder and Tea Towel from Sandwich Museum. Next stop,Sandwich Glass Museum_

On the tour,we were taken to see  the Glass Blowing Center.We watched as the Glassblowers did their jobs...fascinating! I purchased a Tea Towel & the tiny cobalt blue tea cup shown above.At this point,I'm having difficulty keeping my mouth closed as I'm again in_AWE_ of the glassblowing process!

The Glass ART was amazing to observe.After all this knowledge,it was time for Tea _so we popped in the Dunbar Tea Room....

What a nice way to relax...even the guys where happy to have a seat and enjoy a "cuppa" tea and some tasty treats!Then,we headed back to the cottage after a most wonderful day!

Day 3
Harwich,Ma._time to shop for Antiques_we left the boys at home! We went to Aunt Charlotte's favorite shop_

...Downtown Harwich. WOW!!!! I think I lost my MIND at this point.You DO NOT TAKE AN ANTIQUE-AHOLIC to a place like this. I was cool though.After a lesson in how to spot Heisey china signature by Aunt Charlotte_I settled on these items...

      ...a "Victorian Water Pitcher and Teacup & Saucer"....all old SILVER.

We stopped by the "Devon Tea Room"_for a "cuppa" tea,cute place!

Then I found a "Vintage Maple Candy Mold" after Tea of course....next door at an Antique Shoppe!

I'm good to go,right about now,I'm a Happy Camper.We popped in  this wonderful place about a block from the "Lazy H Cottage"_and I  said ..."Forget About The Diet"_

"The Sundae School Ice Cream Parlour"_man I had a treat out -of-this world!The insides were so neat!Take a look...

Day 4
Time for Provincetown...we got an early start_because they wanted to show us the family's yester-years_"Higgins General Store"_ that is considered a State Historical Landmark w/a plate to show it as a cornerstone of Eastham,Ma.,NICE! John's ancestors settled in this area after arriving from Ireland.

So off we go to Chatham,Orleans,Brewster,Yarmouth,Truro and Provincetown.Uncle Billy 's road speed was like "a bat outta hell"..had white knuckles afterwards from the ride! I was in awe _again of the "Day's Cottages "in Truro,Ma. along the way_

....some were painted brilliant colors,pink.orange,blue,etc.

WOW!!!
Headed into Provincetown,Ma.Let me just say this_if you don't have an open mind "Do Not Visit" this town_because there are all different kinds of people_home to a large Gay & Lesbian population_has always been that way_so if you gonna past judgement_Don't Go!

Pilgrim's Monument Museum

Off to Pilgrim's Monument Museum_purchased Cranberry Tea(Delicious),Tea Towel & Postcards,We did NOT venture into the tall and I mean very tall Tower_

But,we visited a nearby beach_

That's John,Aunt Charlotte & Uncle Billy looking at rocks & shells....Love,Love the beaches!!!
Headed back to the cottage_toooooooooooooooo pooped to even talk. Next day_back to Nashua,NH. What a "Grand Time" had by all!

                           ~"Life is a Journey,Enjoy it"~

New Feature: ~This Week's ~ErMahgerd(OMG)~ Moments!

Something "new " for the end of each week."Er-Mahgerd (OMG) Moments" to share.Here we go..

ErMG!.. Usain Bolt 200 Meter GOLD Race!_named "The Greatest Sprinter of All Times"...

After watching the movie_

Chariots of Fire is a 1981 British Film. It tells the fact-based story of two athletes in the 1924  Olympics:Eric Liddell,a devout Scottish Christian who runs for the glory of God and Harold Abrahams,an English Jew who runs to overcome prejudice. Lifts your Spirit to a new High! I pondered what goes on in Usain Bolt's head????

ErMG!....I have experienced a "Great Moment" like this in Dennisport,Cape Cod,Ma.(2000)!

ErMG!...Confirmation of my Vacy Plans October_Amtrak's Railway Getaway_"Wine Country Tour" in Big Sur Country California!!!

ErMG!..Reading this scandalous book and my collection of Absinthe Treasures of which I'll Never,Ever,Ever & I mean NEVER use...I just think they're beautiful works of Art.....

                                      ~ Van Gogh Double Vision Glass~

~French Vintage Reproduction Absinthe Glass + European Sugar Cubes~

                                      ~Toulouse-Lautrec Absinthe Spoon~

ErMG!Fave Fashion Statement..I named this scene... "Still Life~Biking while Yellow Dress Pretty".....

ErMG! You just gotta love it ~HugMoment~...aawww!

ErMG! FREEDOM is breaking-out of the shell's of Life...Freedom to Be!...

ErMG Moments...brought to you by "The SageBook Whisperer"...see you next Friday!

   ~What was your ErMG Moment this Week? Leave a Comment~

Road Trip 1936 _"The Negro Motorist Green Book"

Yep,that title is correct! By 1936, many people including African Americans(Negro or Colored then) were on the road with shiny new cars,hoping to experience the freedom of the open road,to see the world for business or pleasure.Although,many would be able to stop at nice restaurants for a meal,get nice lodging,with freedom to explore the area_some could not. Most people associate the South in America with segregation.The truth is in all areas of the United States,African Americans faced segregation,humiliation,danger and hardships in the years of legal segregation. To the rescue_

     1936 The Negro Motorist Green Book created by Victor Green

                                                         1940 Expanded Edition

When I first learned of this book a couple years ago,I was amazed at the creativity and humanitarian cause of Victor H.Green."He saved many lives of African-Americans during this Era".Mr.Green was a Harlem Postal Worker and Civic Leader.He first published in 1936_updating until 1964. With this book African-Americans could safely drive the highways and byways on "Road Trips" by referring to the State of travel for various services and accommodations.Here's an example:

Now,it is a fact that Southern States_ as opposed to anywhere else_were more notorious under the system of legal segregation from post Civil War Reconstruction years until the triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950's and 1960's.Interestingly,under this system both blacks and whites had to adhere to a strict legalized code called_"The Jim Crow" laws! Of course,for blacks it was demoralizing with swift & brutal punishment,physical assault,and often death at the hands of white law enforcement.What I didn't know_was that if whites violated Jim Crow Laws_they were ostracized,assaulted,their business boycotted or destroyed and sometimes killed! And,in most states if African-Americans traveled through a town/city_"The Sunset Laws" said they had to be out of the city limits by sundown! I can't breathe right now_so,check out some of these photo's from the past_

        Memphis Tenn...."For Coloreds"only on side glass

Durham,N.C_Separate doors for entry_Whites(left)_Blacks(right)

                        Restaurant Sign

                                      Tourist Cabins in South Carolina_WTH?????

                                     No picnic here....

View more Library of Congress photos here_ http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/list/085_disc.html

Now that I've gotten my regular breathing back...had to call on the "ZEN WITHIN" me_let's continue.The thing is "The Green Book" provided African-Americans with a way to plan a trip,ensure shelter,meals,auto services and anything else needed for the enjoyment of their trip! Now this fellow could "Filler-Up" just about anywhere he wanted_

African-Americans did not have those choices! A big thumbs up to "ESSO" service stations back then_as they allowed African-Americans to  franchise gas stations across the land. Mind you it made good business sense! So when ,you saw an "ESSO" sign coupled with a sign that said "Blacks Welcome Here"_you were Good to Go!

                                                 God Bless Scotty's Service Garage!

                                        Vintage 1912  South Carolina ESSO

By the way_after you finished filling-up_check out the in store display of Maps & purchase your copy at 25 cents of "The Negro Motorist Green Book" at your friendly ESSO station....

..then take in a movie where you were WELCOME!

                                                                    Waco,Texas

This is a really "Special" ESSO station!!..just sayin...

Being a small child on one of these "Road Trips" with parents or relatives_left the child perplexed I'm sure."Mom why can't we stop there","Dad,I need to use the bathroom","Mom,I'm hungry!!!!",etc...Having a Chat with a good friend and Soror Karen the other day_we talked about these issues! She reminisced about her "Road Trips" to East Texas..where a basket of fried chicken and other goodies were available for those moments of hunger.I don't recall alot of "Road Trips" as a youngster_but late 60's my Dad would drive me back to college & always stopped for breakfast at the same restaurant where people of all races ate peacefully together! By that time we'd experienced many moments in history like this one that was 47 years old yesterday!

 LBJ signing Voting Rights Laws_August 6,1965_with MLK & other Civil Rights leaders

Calvin Alexander Ramsey has written a book called "Ruth and the Green Book" to give a historical fictional overview of what those journey's may have been for young children.

Read about his story here_
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/23/books/23green.html?_r=2&pagewanted=all

If you'd like to download a PDF file of the complete book,"TheNegro Motorist Green Book"here's the link_

http://www.autolife.umd.umich.edu/Race/R_Casestudy/Negro_motorist_green_bk.htm

Even though we've come pretty far,here's a "Modern Take" on The NEW Green Book codes_

http://www.clutchmagonline.com/2012/07/the-modern-guide-to-blackness-negro-motorist-green-book-inspired-list/


Regardless of the circumstances for African-Americans during this time_it was still time with family and friends,lots of good food to eat,games being played,laughable moments,kisses and hugs, and tears of farewell when it was time to part,time to..... "Get On Down The Road"....."Memorable Road Trip",indeed it was!


"Road Trips"...thank God we don't face some of those issues today! Watch for more "Memorable Road Trips" for August blog posts!

~How would you feel traveling with the limitations that faced African-Americans in those times on your "Road Trip"?~