The History of the Empire State Building

“Like little spiders they toiled, spinning a fabric of steel against the sky” (The New Yorker) In the late 1920’s, John Jakob Raskob, former vice president of General Motors, wanted to build his own skyscraper and compete in the race for the tallest building. He bought the land where the Waldorf=Astoria stood for $16 million and hired architectural company Shreve, Lamb and Harmon to design it. Raskob reportedly asked William Lamb, “Bill, how high can you make it so it won’t fall down?” The construction demonstrated the height of efficiency - builders worked in fours, making the rivets and placing them on the steel frames over a thousand feet in the air. A railway was built to transport materials back and forth and bricks were laid down on an express line which was stored underground. Every week, roughly four stories were completed – the use of steel and pre-assembled materials aided the fast construction of the building. It took three thousand men one year and 45 days to build, and official records state that five workers died. On average, over 2,400 tons of steel was put in place every week, an astonishing feat that resulted in the building being finished one month early. Richmond Shreve described the construction as “a parade in which each marcher kept pace and the parade marched out of the top of the building, still in perfect step”. In May 1931, the Empire State was officially opened by President Herbert Hoover lighting the building from Washington D.C. (although someone flicked a switch in New York, lessening the romantic image somewhat.) 

There are thousands of stories that surround this iconic building, but two in particular stand out. In July 1945, Lt. Colonel William Smith was flying a U.S. Army B-25 Bomber through New York, planning to land in Newark. The weather was poor, and as Smith dropped lower to gain better visibility, he collided with the Empire State. The plane smashed into the 79^th floor, causing a hole 20ft high and creating fires down to the 75^th floor. Fourteen people died, and one survivor described how “three quarters of [one] office was consumed in this sheet of flame”. Part of the engine hit an elevator, and the two women inside were only rescued because the emergency elevator procedure kicked in. The crash caused $1 million in damages, nearly $11 million today. 

Two years later, a famous photograph would make headlines. Evelyn McHale jumped from the 86th floor of the Empire State to her death. A handwritten note declared to her fiancé "I wouldn't make a good wife for anybody." Robert Wiles took a picture of her body a few minutes later, and it became known as the “the most beautiful suicide”. (http://0.tqn.com/d/manhattan/1/0/U/s/evelyn-mchale-beautiful-suicide-empire-state-building.jpg)

Early review for '12 Years a Slave'

Advanced reviews for '12 Years A Slave' have filtered through the Internet, and apparently, the film is a must see. This review from Digital Spy gave it 5 stars - http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/review/a513689/12-years-a-slave-review-ejiofor-shines-in-brutal-slave-narrative.html

This film is going to be a huge moment in American history. For the first time, a motion picture will depict slavery in its brutal form - whipping, rape, lynching, slave auctions - the daily life of a slave.

The story is based on Soloman Northup, a free black man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery for 12 years. Not a unique occurrence, and one that - thankfully - is getting all the attention it deserves.

There will be critics - those that argue too much focus has been placed on the hardships of African Americans. But the history of slavery has been covered up: from the hushed or non existent conversations in historic houses to the poverty African Americans experience as a direct result of slavery. '12 Years a Slave' will be incredible and terrifying at the same time.

No book or film can depict the true extent of slavery. Nothing can depict the agony of torture, rape, murder, the separation of family - but any film that dares to try should be praised for its courage.

US Trip 2013

Wow. It is very hard to describe how perfectly wonderful my Deep South trip was. A cultural and historical journey of over four thousand miles, through seven states, in just under six weeks. To say I learned a lot would be a huge understatement. When I get a chance I will be write up some of the fascinating stories I came across, and 'review' (in a non-pretentious way!) some of the museums and plantations I visited. It was an expensive ride, but LORD was it worth it.

Horrible Histories

I just wanted to say how much I've been enjoying the Horrible Histories series! It's absolutely incredible. I used to read the books by Terry Deary when I was a child - the Rotten Romans, the Terrible Tudors etc - but it's only been in the last few years it has been successfully adapted to the small screen. I've been watching the latest series and I'm hooked, mainly because I learn so much in each episode. In half an hour, kids can learn about the Roman emperors, the Cold War, Brunel or Oliver Cromwell. Last week in ten short minutes, I learned that Queen Victoria was afraid of bishops and pirates in the c18th used to race captured monks on their ships. 

I listened to an interview with the historical researchers on the show - yes, they look for the obscure, the amusing, the violence ,but they also highlight some of the lesser known figures from history and turn this into an amusing and educational sketch. This morning, I watched a skit about Mary Anning, a woman from Dorset who collected fossils in the early nineteenth century. She made several discoveries but was unfortunately barred from the Geological Society of London because of her gender. In 2010, she was recognised as one of the top ten female pioneers of science. A fascinating woman, and I learned this from a kids programme. The great thing about Horrible Histories is that it appeals to people of all ages, anyone can learn something from it and I will continue to champion it even after it's forced off the air!

History LIVE!

Yesterday I drove to Kelmarsh Hall in Northampton for the History Live! festival, the best weekend of the year! Organised by English Heritage, there are numerous events covering British and international history from the ancient world to the c.20th century. Re-enactors flock from across the world to this festival to take part in battles and demonstrations. During the day, I watched re-enactments of the Battle of Hastings, the Battle of Tewkesbury (the War of the Roses), a demonstration of WW1 tactics and weaponry, a medieval joust an assault on Fort McHenry in the War of 1812, men fighting in the gladiatorial arena, and a D-Day drop with allied soldiers parachuting into the parade ground. A range of fantastic events! The joust was particularly good, as the men go all out - it looks easy but it takes a great deal of skill riding the horses and aiming the lance, as well as you know, not getting smacked in the face. A couple of years ago one of the riders told me his armour cost £15,000 (!) so clearly, it's not just a hobby for these guys.

The weekend is a great example of Public History. It's about engaging people of any age, through visual activities, through fun and education. Each event had a narrator telling the audience what was going on, what weapons were being used and what happened at that time and after. History by the experts, with few compromises. What could be better?

It's incredibly inspiring not only to see the passion of the re-enactors but how much children enjoy the various events. I saw little boys and girls dressed as Romans running after Gladiators, sword and shield in hand, others playing Victorian games or cheering their favourite knight in the joust. I'm really passionate about bringing history to a public audience, particularly children, and English Heritage do it so well.

The best day out of the year.

Adventures in the Deep South

On the 24th July, I will be heading to the Deep South for a month and a half - I begin my journey in Charlotte, North Carolina, and fly out of New Orleans at the end of August. This will be my first trip solo, and I'm really looking forward to seeing the historical sites of Charleston, Savannah, the antebellum trail and of course, New Orleans...I'm taking a travel diary (it's easier to write stuff down rather than typing it on my phone) but I can't wait to experience the culture, the food, and hopefully chat to as many people as possible about the history of the South and what has shaped their consciousness. Slavery, the Civil War, Reconstruction - my favourite era in American history changed the nature of that country for ever.

Here's to Summer 2013...

Indian Skywalkers

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/06/30/quebec_mohawks_history_towers_over_new_york.html

This is a really interesting article about the history of the Mohawk people, and how they helped to build the dramatic skyline you see in New York today. Several Mohawk construction workers were on hand to finish the spire on top of the new World Trade Centre, a fitting tribute to their ancestors' role in not only building the original building, but also the first skyscrapers in that beautiful city.

This story caught my eye because I have already written about this subject before. A few years ago, I wrote an app about the skyscrapers of New York and stumbled across this incredible story. Here is what i wrote:

One group of Americans have become particularly associated with building skyscrapers in New York. The Mohawks, an American Indian nation from the Northeast, came to be known as “Indian skywalkers”, a testament to their bravery and skill when building infamous sites such as the Empire State Building, the Chrysler, the Rockefeller Center, the George Washington Bridge and the Henry Hudson Bridge. A large population of the Mohawks, or Caughnawagas, live on the Caughnawaga reservation near Montreal. Generations of Mohawks have worked on skyscrapers since the early 1920’s, often emigrating from their reservation in Canada. Indeed, their efforts have become synonymous with the industrialisation and growth of modern America. In 1886, the Dominion Railroad Company wanted to build a bridge over the St Lawrence River near Montreal, and since it was through Mohawk land, the tribe demanded that the company hired some of their men as construction workers. A company spokesman noted that it “was impossible to keep them off”. Their reputation for ironwork (and excellent balance) grew, and twelve Mohawks were trained and employed by the company. They became known as the “fearless wonders”. Some young men were keen to learn ironwork for a chance to prove their bravery and skill, particularly on construction sites hundreds of meters from the ground. Many left to pursue careers as steelworkers in the cities, and by the 1920’s, most travelled to New York or Chicago. Mohawks often took the most dangerous jobs, including riveting, working in small groups with members of their kin. In the 1950’s, over seven hundred Mohawk families were located in Brooklyn. Ten years later however, improved transport routes between Canada and New York meant that Mohawk ironworkers could commute to the city, and hundreds returned home. After the terrorist attacks in 2001, many Mohawk steelworkers rushed to help survivors, and helped to disassemble what their ancestors had constructed. For many Mohawk tribesmen, steelwork and ironwork has become a tradition. 

Stunning '3D' pictures of WW1 soldiers

This article includes some fascinating images of soldiers during World War 1. The way in which they flicker from side to side makes it easier to imagine standing in trench or supporting that wounded comrade...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2357366/The-3D-Stereoscopic-images-World-War-One-Canadians-attic.html

The new currency...

During my lunch break at work today I read that women are not to be included on the new British banknotes.  I am not a "bra-burning feminist" but how irritating! Of course, the new favourite is Winston Churchill.

Apparently, the criteria required is that the historical figure must be dead, not controversial, he or she must have contributed to British society and thus would be a recognisable figure to hundreds of people. How many women have influenced British society, the economy, and the political world? Thousands. Here are just a few I have thought of - Rosalind Franklin, who helped discover DNA; Mary Wollestonecraft, mother of Mary Shelley, was the first female feminist who wrote 'A Vindication of the Rights of Women' in 1792; Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, the first woman in Britain to become a doctor; Elizabeth Blackwell, born in England, was the first woman in America to become a doctor (who bravely sheltered African American patients during the violent Draft Riots in New York 1863) - the list is endless!

Most people may not have heard of these women. But few have probably heard of Elizabeth Fry, the famous c19th social reformer who is currently on the £5 banknote. So why not use one of these women? And the issue of controversy? While Churchill is the obvious choice for the Tories, he remains a very controversial figure for his role in the bloody fiasco that was Gallipoli, as well as the nasty negotiations with the miners.

And it does not surprise me there are no black men or women. What about Mary Seacole??!

Hopefully in the not so distant future this will change.

WW1 Plans Unveiled

This week the government unveiled plans to commemorate the centenary of the First World War. The Queen will lead some of the events, including a ceremony at Glasgow Cathedral. Between 1914-1918, nearly ten million soldiers were killed before Armistice Day on 11 November.

Over £10 million is being injected into the arts, including drama and music projects. Trips to WW1 battlefields in France and Belgium are also being planned.

Unsurprisingly, the commemorations are being used for political gains. The Tories are hoping to use the events to raise support for a United Kingdom in the face of debates of Scottish independence.

See some of the plans via this link - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/history/britain-at-war/10108162/First-World-War-centenary-plans-revealed.html

Mary Rose Museum!

The new museum to the Mary Rose in Portsmouth opened last week. Naval history doesn't exactly thrill me but the museum looks fantastic and I can't wait to have a look round. Conservationists have carefully planned the exhibition for years and after 35million pounds of investment, one hopes that this will be one of the best maritime heritage sites in the country. I'm particularly looking forward to learning more about the crew. Forensic scientists worked with bodies found at the site to sketch a picture of what the crew would have looked like. It's fascinating what the scientists have discovered - their positions on the ship and their health at the time of death, for example. 

The Mary Rose sank five hundred years ago, and legend has it, that Henry VIII watched in horror as his favourite ship was destroyed before his eyes. It was rediscovered in the Solent in the 1980s.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-22639505

New slave quarters to be preserved near White House

First Lady Michelle Obama has praised the decision to preserve slave quarters near the White House, Washington D.C. Decatur House - a National Trust site - is "vital to national memory" and new funds will help develop the house into a museum and educate children about the legacy of slavery not just in D.C., but in the America as a whole.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/michelle-obama-lauds-preservation-of-dc-slave-quarters-says-its-vital-to-national-memory/2013/05/22/f75d276e-c304-11e2-9642-a56177f1cdf7_story.html