Veterans Day 2009

Memorial Day was always important in our household. Cold Point, Pennsylvania was anchored by "The Little White Church on the Hill" and Memorial Day in the late 1940's included an ancient bus carrying the VFW up the hill for a service. When the bus labored past our house, my dad swung me to his shoulder as we followed it up the then dirt road to the church yard.

VietNam and Desert Storm, and marriage, brought Veterans Day into focus. I remember vividly sitting in my car in the parking lot of Half Price Books on Veterans Day 1998 listening to Mark Davis of WBAP tell the story, one more time, of the grounding effect of Tim Irvine's song "After the War" on the gathered crowd at the Wall in Washington on Memorial Day 1993 - a crowd that was not disposed to warmly welcome President Clinton. (Mark was a working reporter that day. This is his recording of the song as it was performed.)

I sat behind the wheel with tears streaming down my face as I thought of my friend Pat Wood's lost son, Lester and the men and women I knew at the Valley Forge General Hospital. I thought of Paul's tour on the USS Dennis J. Buckley, the POWs and the MIA including Col. Roosevelt Hestle whose bracelet I wore for so many years and will wear today in his memory.

As songs do, particularly those that nudge your memories, the words kept echoing and I found myself thinking again and again of the thousands of reunions that have taken place at the Wall.

Paul and I take pride in being Pluggers - a concept originally drawn by the late (and wonderful) Jeff MacNelly and taken on by his friend and colleague Gary Brookins. I described the Plugger that the song evoked for me and Gary faithfully drew it with one huge addition - the perfect tear.

It ran for the first time on Memorial Day 1999 and has been reprised a time or two over the years.

I'm pleased to have this copy of the artwork.
























Thank you Elmer and Edd and Slim and Roy and Bill and Paul (both of the Pauls) and Tom (and your Norden bomb site) and Lester and Roosevelt and my serving today Seal Chris.

love,

Helen

Fall Sale - Train and Trolley Material

Dixie's finally put aside her Halloween preparations to designate the next category of books offered for sale.

The list below is only a portion of the items available. Everything in our Transportation - Railroads and Trolleys Category will be on sale through November 8. You can view all of the items - with photos - in our online shop, PogosPlaceBooks.com.

As always, if you are interested in multiple items, please contact us before completing your order.


The Official Pullman-Standard Library, Vol. 15, Western Railroads

List Price: $190.00
Price: $171.00
You Save: $19.00 (10%)


Santa Fe Diesels and Cars

List Price: $50.00
Price: $45.00
You Save: $5.00 (10%)


Texas Central Headquarters: Walnut Springs

List Price: $140.00
Price: $126.00
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Instructions For The Operation Of Passenger Car Heating Air Conditioning System And Water Distribution

List Price: $35.00
Price: $31.50
You Save: $3.50 (10%)


Australian Steam

List Price: $25.00
Price: $22.50
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Prairie Rails

List Price: $50.00
Price: $45.00
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The Last of Steam

List Price: $20.00
Price: $18.00
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Santa Fe Freight in Color - Volume 1

List Price: $165.00
Price: $148.50
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Gold Rush Narrow Gauge: The Story of the White Pass and Yukon Route

List Price: $25.00
Price: $22.50
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New York Central's Mercury

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Price: $18.00
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Street Railways Of Harrisburg

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Price: $27.00
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Diesel Engine Mechanical Service Manual, Diesel-Electric Locomotive

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Price: $22.50
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Three Axle Street Cars : From Robinson to Rathgeber (Vol. 2)

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Price: $24.75
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Fares, Please!

List Price: $24.00
Price: $21.60
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Proceedings of the Tenth Annual Session of the American Railway Association : Division I - Operating Freight Station Section, 1930

List Price: $30.00
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Pennsylvania Railroad Compendium : Vol. No. One : Freight Car Lettering Arrangements 1954 - 1968

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Baltimore And Ohio Railroad Employees

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Colorado Rail Annual Number Nine

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Wendover, Acme, and Virginia Point; A Contemporary Look at the Colorado & Southern, Fort Worth & Denver

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Trains : Volume 31, November 1970 - October 1971

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Amtrak Car Diagrams of the 1970s

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The Fruit Belt Route: The Railways of Grand Junction, Colorado, 1890-1935

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This is a Winner

Project Linus of Collin/Dallas/Grayson and Rockwall Counties Texas is busy making blankets for Snowball Express.

Since 2006, Snowball Express has served the children of fallen military heros by helping the children see that ""service above self" is honored by others and is a value they should subscribe to as they continue to mature as adults. They also realize they can honor their fallen hero in ways other than by being sad or at a somber place.

Blanketeers all over the country, but particularly here in the Metroplex, have been busy ensuring that every child attending (1,285 registered to date) received a hand crafted blanket.

Some blankets will have a pocket for a toy. These guys followed me home. I think they will be a big hit.

J. G. Brill Magazine - Special Sale

Occasionally our Assistant Manager and Director of Customer Relations, Dixie Belle Crow, will select a few items for a special sale. Dixie's current choices are below. This sale will continue through October 25, 2009.


If you plan to purchase more than one item, please contact us first for an additional discount.

Click the title to see the full description with photograph.

Brill's Magazine : Vol. I, No. 1 - 12, January - December 1907

List Price: $175.00
Price: $96.25
You Save: $78.75 (45%)

Brill's Magazine : Vol. II, No. 1 - 12, January - December 1908

List Price: $160.00
Price: $88.00
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Brill's Magazine : Vol. III, No. 1 - 12, January - December 1909

List Price: $160.00
Price: $88.00
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Brill Magazine : Vol. V, No. 1 - 12, January - December 1911

List Price: $175.00
Price: $96.25
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Brill Magazine : Vol. VI, No. 1 - 12, January - December 1912

List Price: $175.00
Price: $96.25
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Brill Magazine : Vol. VII, No. 1 - 12, January - December 1913

List Price: $175.00
Price: $96.25
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Brill Magazine : Vol. VIII, No. 1 - 12, January - December 1914

List Price: $175.00
Price: $96.25
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Brill Magazine : Vol. 9, No. 1 - 12, January - December 1915

List Price: $175.00
Price: $96.25
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Brill Magazine : Vol. 10, No. 1 - 12, January - December 1916

List Price: $175.00
Price: $96.25
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Brill Magazine : Vol. 11, No. 1 - 12, January 1917 - June 1921 xxxxx
List Price: $175.00
Price: $96.25
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Brill Magazine : Vol. 12, No. 1 - 12, April 1923 - August 1926
List Price: $175.00
Price: $96.25
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Brill Magazine : Vol. 13, No. 2, September 1927
List Price: $20.00
Price: $11.00
You Save: $9.00 (45%)

The Stadium from Purgatory - Maybe

Last week I reported on our adventures at the August 19 Paul McCartney concert at the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. I called it The Stadium from Hell.

Fairness requires that I tell you that they are trying. A little. Very little. More on the order of CYA but an effort to point at change, if only on the "paper" of a website . . .

The parking section of the stadium website now says:

Passenger Drop-Off Zones

There are two passenger drop-off zones at the stadium. One is located on the north side off of Randol Mill Road in Lot 1 and one located on the south side off of Cowboys Way in Lot 6. Due to post game traffic, these areas may not be accessible for pick up. Guests may use the Accessibility Shuttle serving all Cowboys Stadium parking lots.

There still seems to be an issue grasping the fact that some guests will NOT have a driver parked in one of the lots while the passenger(s) attend the event. You may remember that our driver was refused access to Cowboys Stadium property by the Arlington Police Department for the purpose of stopping so we could walk to meet him. He wasn't even allowed to drive within the gates and stop.

Do I think guests are safer by the addition of this language?

No!

As a life-long advocate for people with disabilities, I think that there will eventually be "issues" in that area also - particularly with non-football events but they too will be part of the learning process for Cowboys Stadium management.

It is my opinion that eventually there will need to be one or two designated drop-off/pick-up points. I can't imagine the stadium being able to peel away prime parking for this purpose so I'll guess that eventually the spot(s) will be off premises with shuttle buses - just like rental cars at the airport.

It will be interesting to see how it evolves but I still don't see a reason to darken their doors.

The Concert from Heaven; The Stadium from Hell

It all started quite innocently at dinner a few weeks ago. I commented that Paul McCartney was coming to North Texas on August 19 - appearing at the new Cowboys Stadium and how very much I'd like to go but only if McCartney had to say "excuse me" to get to the piano.

Those of you who know me well know that I am the poster child for "Spoiled Rotten." Thank God, there is no cure. The next evening Paul showed me seats on the stadium seating chart that were just a step or two away from the path to the piano. There was just one condition. He wasn't going.

My friend Cynthia Burr was willing to take one for the team.

Those of you who aren't in Texas may not know that I have vision issues and don't drive far from home - or after dark. Paul offered to have a car service drive us to the concert but Cynthia's husband Howard volunteered.

The stadium has a marvelous web site which included the following under parking.

Passenger Drop-Off Zones
There are two passenger drop-off zones at the stadium. One is located on the north side off of Randol Mill Road in Lot 1 and one located on the south side off of Cowboys Way in Lot 6.

Limousine Parking
Limousines will be able to drop off passengers in Lot 1 and in Lot 6. Limousine parking is available on Randol Mill Road and on Cowboys Way. A limousine parking pass is required.

Howard dropped us off at Lot 6, just steps from our entrance, without a hitch. The stadium is nice. I'm sure it's is perfect for watching football. There were little things - like our entire row having to move - pre concert - so they could tighten our chairs that indicated that they are still hustling to be ready but it is nice. Cynthia and others had comments about the sound but for my ear, it was great. $16 for a beer and 2 tacos is a bit much but I knew that was the price before I arrived.

Joined by Rusty Anderson, Brian Ray, Abe Laboriel, Jr., and Wix Wickens, McCartney was on stage for almost three incredible hours. All 5 of the men were a joy to watch because they take such pleasure in performing. They were having a good time. McCartney in particular. Cynthia and I swear the man never took a sip of water during the almost three hours he was on stage. It was awesome.

Howard had said he'd be there at 11:30 to pick us up. We took our time leaving the seating area and headed out to Lot 6 - no Howard.

Have you spotted the trap yet? Neither Paul nor I nor Cynthia nor Howard did. Did you see the words PICK UP in the quote above. They are not there because it isn't an option. Really. I'm not kidding you.

It was after 11:30 pm when we reached Lot 6 and over the next hour plus we learned from repeated phone calls that Howard was turned away by the Arlington PD at four stadium entrances. He explained his mission and was told each time that there was no admission to the stadium property.

Cynthia asked the courtesy cart drivers if there was some place they could take us where her husband could pick us up. No.

Finally a "gaggle" of police officers on bicycles drove by and we asked one of the officers for our options. He told us that we'd need to walk approximately 3 blocks - now past 12:30 am - on the fairly deserted stadium driveway to Collins St. - packed with departing traffic as far as the eye could see - where we could, hopefully, meet up with Howard.

Our guardian angels were working overtime. The taxi cab that took a good shot at hitting us missed and as we approached Collins St, Cynthia spotted Howard - among thousands of cars - second or third in line at the light.

Although Cynthia and I are still enjoying remembering the wonderful concert, all four of us are upset. As you can imagine, Paul and Howard are very upset. We appreciate hearing "we're sorry" but what we all want to hear is how is this going to be fixed.

It took until Tuesday of this week to learn from the Arlington City Manager's office, "all stadium operational issues are determined and managed by the team." The city forwarded our concerns to the Stadium General Manager. He e-mailed saying all the right things and indicated that the Director of Stadium Development would answer our specific issues.

Fasten your seat belts boys and girls, this is good. You might even want to pick up your feet.

Paul- As Jack mentioned below, thanks for communicating your concern. I agree that our procedures need better communication to patrons as to the process for dropping off. We do have areas on both sides of the stadium to be dropped off; plus, the limo/shuttle area on the west side of the facility can be used for drop off and pick up. [Helen's note: this area is neither on the parking map nor referenced in the parking narrative on the web site.] The problem is getting a vehicle through a departure mode back to the other drop off points for pick up. You would be swimming against the current and it could be unsafe for the exiting pedestrians and vehicles. [Helen's note: dropping someone off before an event and leaving the premises isn't going against the tide?]

The safest method is to use our post event pick up points (see attached) where a patron and an escort can be met by a shuttle and taken to a parked vehicle in a safe manner. [Helen's note: there was no parked car. Howard couldn't enter the stadium property.] We have areas on both sides of the facility, a short distance to all exit points. We offer this service to those who need mobility assistance from all of our lots; this service is also available to our patrons who have been dropped off and then need return assistance. [Helen's note: offering to drive us to the non-existent parked car sounded so good once, I guess it was worth a reprise.]

We will strive to better inform our patrons on this matter. Thanks for sharing your comments. We hope you will provide us another opportunity.

There will apparently not be further discussion with this gentleman. He took serious offense to our referring to the above comments as patently absurd. I don't think I've ever been "kissed off" with such flourishes, though.

Howard and I are shaking our heads in amazement at the presumption that all drivers coming to the stadium are staying for the event. This may be true of football but I think concerts will turn out to be a different type of guest.

The obvious answer is some sort of designated pick up area at the perimeter of the stadium property where arriving drivers can pull out of the flow of traffic and guests can walk or be driven by courtesy carts. Probably needs some sort of awning/shelter for inclement weather, too.

Do you recognize the flaw gentle readers . . .

Parking is a scarce, expensive commodity at the new stadium. How can revenue producing parking spots be sacrificed for the safety and convenience of guests.

I think this will come to a head sooner rather than later.

I hope that someone recognizes that guest safety needs to be addressed and makes reasonable changes now.

What I am afraid will be the catalyst is an "unfortunate incident." It won't be me. It' s hard to imagine any reason to darken their door again.

But the most important issue has been resolved - at least for the coming football season. The NFL has ruled that the scoreboard is "legal."

Don't you feel better. I do.

Sixty-seven Years Ago Today and One Year Ago Today

On April 18th, 1942, just over four months after Pearl Harbor, sixteen crews led by the then Lt. Col. James H. "Jimmy" Doolittle flew B-25 "Mitchell" bombers off the aircraft carrier USS Hornet.

This first strike by the United States against the Japanese home islands after Pearl Harbor did little damage.

Nevertheless, when the news of the raid was released, American morale soared. Reeling from the attack on Pearl Harbor and Japan's subsequent territorial gains, it was important for the American public to know that a successful military response had been undertaken











I'm married to a historian, a former Naval officer from a family of World War II Navy Veterans.

Next to the family photos in our home is more than one photo of General Jimmy Doolittle. A painting of Doolittle's take off from the USS Hornet on his way to bomb Japan hangs prominently. It's signed by the General.

Paul has exposed me to the story for over thirty years. A year ago today, I had one of my life's greatest experiences that has led me to learn all of the story.

Each year as many of the surviving Raiders as possible, and their families, gather at a reunion. In 2008, the reunion was held in Dallas. Paul and I were privileged to attend the luncheon on April 18, 2008 - the sixty-sixth anniversary of the raid.

In 2008, eleven Raiders were still with us; six were able to attend the reunion.

Two have since passed on - Major General Davy M. Jones and M/Sgt. Edwin W. Horton, Jr.


Attending in 2008 eight were (from left to right):

Col. William M. Bower, pilot of Crew No. 12

Lt. Col. Richard E. Cole, co-pilot on Crew No. 1

Major Thomas C. Griffin, navigator on Crew No. 9

Lt. Col. Robert L. Hite, co-pilot on Crew No. 16

M/Sgt Edwin W. Horton, Jr. engineer/gunner on Crew No. 10

S/Sgt David J. Thatcher engineer/gunner on Crew No. 7

Speaking in the photo above is honorary Raider and Doolittle Raiders Historian Col. Carroll V. Glines.

Our luncheon companions were family members of Col. Bower and the son of Col. James H. Macia, Jr., Navigator of Crew No. 14, whose health kept him from attending.

Each memory of the day is very special and precious but there were three I hold closest.

Each Raider was escorted during his stay in Dallas by an active-duty Air Force Sergeant. The incredible affection of each of the younger men for "his" Raider was a joy to watch.

The Air Force ROTC members from the University of North Texas who presented the colors were free to return to campus after the luncheon. Many, if not all, stood at the back of the reception and just watched. Their joy at being in the company of these heroes was a very special moment.

Finally, the silver goblets.

At each reunion a solemn, private ceremony in which the surviving Raiders perform a roll call, then toast their fellow Raiders who have passed on.

Specially-engraved silver goblets, one for each of the 80 Raiders, are used for this toast. The goblets of those who have died are inverted.

When only two Raiders remain alive, they will drink a final toast using the vintage 1896 (the year of Doolittle's birth) bottle of Hennessey Cognac which accompanies the goblets to each Raider reunion.

All of this joy also includes one regret. Sergeant Jacob DeShazer passed away just a few weeks before the reunion. His story is one of strength that is almost impossible to comprehend. I would have liked to shake his hand.