 |
| History, anyone? |
On this day in 1887, the good folks in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania observed the first Groundhog Day. I have not seen Bill Murray's Groundhog Day .... he tends to share the screen with furry creatures.
Let's go back further in history ... on this day in 1653, the Dutch West Indies Company incorporates New Amsterdam. From the National Park Service (at this link).
Although the Netherlands only controlled the Hudson River Valley from 1609 until 1664, in that short time, Dutch entrepreneurs established New Netherland, a series of trading posts, towns, and forts up and down the Hudson River that laid the groundwork for towns that still exist today. Fort Orange, the northernmost of the Dutch outposts, is known today as Albany; New York City's original name was New Amsterdam, and the New Netherland's third major settlement, Wiltwyck, is known today as Kingston.
On August 22, 1654, the first Ashkenazic Jews arrived ... from Amsterdam to be followed in September by a sizable group of Sephardic Jews ... fleeing from the Portuguese reconquest of Dutch possessions in Brazil. The legal-cultural foundation of toleration as the basis for plurality in New Amsterdam superseded matters of personal intolerance or individual bigotry. Hence, and in spite of certain private objections (including that of director-general Peter Stuyvesant), the Sephardim were granted permanent residency on the basis of "reason and equity" in 1655.
 |
| Groundhog Day |
 |
| Caddy Shack |
Although the Netherlands only controlled the Hudson River Valley from 1609 until 1664, in that short time, Dutch entrepreneurs established New Netherland, a series of trading posts, towns, and forts up and down the Hudson River that laid the groundwork for towns that still exist today. Fort Orange, the northernmost of the Dutch outposts, is known today as Albany; New York City's original name was New Amsterdam, and the New Netherland's third major settlement, Wiltwyck, is known today as Kingston.
An interesting tidbit from Wikipedia,
After the British gained control of New Amsterdam, they renamed it New York after the King Charles II's brother, the Duke of York. The Duke later became King James II, the last Catholic King of England. He was removed from his throne by a Protestant Parliament. Funny that the Big Apple is named for a deposed king.
Last historical trivia, on this day in 1974, the F-16 Fighting Falcon makes its airborne debut. It remains a vital part of the US defense ... and it the aircraft for the Thunderbirds.
I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,
1. Leave a comment about Groundhog Day, New Amsterdam, Fighting Falcons, or anything that tickles your fancy.
2. This giveaway is open to all readers.
3. Comments are open through Monday, February 6, 10 pm in Hawaii. I'll post the winner on Tuesday, February 7.
Mahalo,
Kim in Hawaii
Just saw Phil live -- 6 more weeks of winter!!!
ReplyDeleteI the movie Groundhog Day.
Saw both of the aforementioned movies - several times and they get better with age. Hmmm, is that my age?
ReplyDeleteI could use six more weeks of winter. High today of 70! And the lawn needs to be mowed - give me a break! We have had no winter to speak of. We have known to have late freezes here (Upstate SC). If so, I'll be covering up fragile plants that have already started to bud. Humbug I say! LOL!!!
I'm not a fan of either Groundhog Day or Caddy Shack - just didn't think they were Bill Murrays best ...lol
ReplyDeleteAs far as the groundhog thing - I think they aren't very accurate but I really hope that we get an early spring.
I liked Caddy Shack when I was a kid, but I still think it would have been better with more time given to the ground hog..lol
ReplyDeleteI really don't think Phil's predictions are very accurate and I just don't get the whole ceremony behind this day...but that's just me.
I love watching the movies Groundhog day. I love Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell. My favorite part is when he is trying to kill himself and he has the groundhog driving and he is telling him. "don't drive angry." Cracks me up everytime. Also loves when he is telling Andie's character Rita about everything that is going to happen in that restaurant. Such a funny movie that love to watch anytime it comes on.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win.
christinebails@yahoo.com
I enjoy Bill Murray and have seen most of his movies. Loved Groundhog Day. There really is some fact to the groundhog seeing it's shadow but unfortunately Phil isn't out in the natural world so it's just a fun celebration. "He" predicted 6 more weeks of winter. I would think he would have to in PA especially since I don't think we've had it at all. It was 60 the other day!!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading all the facts about today.
catslady
Why does a groundhog in Pennsylvania determine the weather for the West Coast?
ReplyDeleteHave never seen a Bill Murray movie.
I think loveable groundhog Phil should move to the South. He may think there's going to be six more weeks of winter, but down here, it's Spring already!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from New Amsterdam/New York. Groundhog Day is a funny movie. Just saw Bill Murray on David Letterman the other night.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed Groundhog Day but never cared for Caddy Shack. It's been a mild winter so far. I think we are do for some heavy snow so Phil may be right! lol
ReplyDeletei am a sick and twiste person, i just dont like bill murray .lol
ReplyDeleteHi all I enjoy bill Murray but not the ground hog day. Bill Murray is such a good actor, always loves his Performabces , aretha_zhen@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI am betting a ground hog somewhere saw his shadow today. Loved your trivia.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen Groundhog's Day the movie yet.
ReplyDeleteIt saw his shadow, more winter boo lol,Ty for giveaway
ReplyDeleteKimh
I love the history behind the names of places. Who was so important at the time that they deserved the honour. I would love to visit 'New Amsterdam' some day.
ReplyDeleteI lived for 30 years in the Fort Orange area. Liked Groundhog Day but never saw Caddy Shack. We haven't had much winter here in north central Texas this year; wouldn't mind 6 more weeks. I'm already having to make arrangements for my lawn to be mowed!!
ReplyDeleteI see a lot of groundhogs predicting the weather. The good thing is they have predicted a mild winter and early spring. The bad thing is they have predicted a late spring from another hog. Lol! I hope everyone had a great Groundhog Day.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen Groundhog Day the movie, but I do know that the groundhog is predicting 6 more weeks of winter!
ReplyDeleteI've seen both movies and for some reason they get better when ever I run across them again. :)
ReplyDeleteThe trivia about King James ll was really interesting. I sure hope we get an early spring no matter what the groundhog saw. :)Thanks for the trivia .
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com