Struggle for the Upper Hand

“Mr. President, what’s this about Japan?” asked Churchill. 

“It’s quite true,” the President confirmed. “They have attacked us at Pearl Harbor. We are all in the same boat now” (60).

The Book

The Mantle of Command: FDR at War, 1941-1942 by Nigel Hamilton focuses on a very specific era of FDR’s presidency-a few months prior to Pearl Harbor through the success of Allied forces in North Africa. While it is a specific era, it is not short of anecdotes and intriguing information regarding the early days of America’s involvement in World War II.

Hamilton begins by telling of FDR’s August 1941 meeting with Winston Churchill. The goals of these two men couldn’t have been more different for this meeting: FDR wanted to listen, provide supplies and weapons, and discuss a future peace agreement; Churchill wanted to develop a strategy to win the war with America’s help. The main takeaway from the meeting was a future peace agreement: the Atlantic Charter (later to become “A Declaration by the United Nations”). Hamilton then provides the reader with the following events: Pearl Harbor, loss of the Philippines, failures of British forces in the East, and the Allied invasion of North Africa. 

One of the most interesting parts of this biography are the two struggles FDR encounters. First, is the struggle between FDR and his military generals. It appears that the two had different ideas for the majority of this time period. The generals wanted a preemptive strike on Japan, FDR demurred because it was not typical of American action and many Americans were still isolationists. Once America entered World War II, the generals wanted a cross-Channel invasion of France (precursor to D-Day). However, FDR recognized the difficulty of such a move and pushed for an invasion of North Africa. The second struggle was between FDR and the rising American power, and Churchill and the fading British empire. Both had different views about how and where to strike, in addition to the preservation of the British empire.

The Mantle of Command is a well-written and insightful account of these two years. Hamilton attempts to tell FDR’s side of the story and relies heavily on first-person accounts and letters. To truly understand the global nature of this story, the backgrounds of key players and occurrences are included. 1941-1942 involved much more than America’s preparation to enter World War II and avenge the attack at Pearl Harbor. The book does go into military and political detail, which could be difficult for some readers. In the first half of the book, Hamilton often editorializes in the nature of an italicized question directed at the reader. It feels more like an astonished aside that can jar the reader out of the narrative. But, overall, The Mantel of Command presents a new insight into a significant era of American and world history.

The Place

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is located by 
the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC. It is a memorial unlike the others on the National Mall because it focuses on storytelling. The Memorial is split into four rooms that depict each of FDR’s four terms in office. Each room includes quotes, statutes depicting specific events, and a water feature.

As a part of the National Park Service, entrance is free. If you enjoy reading and spending time in the memorials, plan your schedule accordingly. Due to its size, there is a lot of walking to move through each outdoor room. The first time I visited, it was pouring; the bulk of my time was spent in a small Visitor Center. Before visiting, make sure to check the weather forecast. 

Setting the Stage

“The Turner Opera House [later the Victoria Theater] was hailed as the most beautiful theater west of Philadelphia” (11).

The Book

The Victoria Theatre in Dayton, Ohio experienced name changes, disasters, renovations, star performers, and epic performances throughout its history. Authors Bruce and Virginia Ronald introduce this storied history in Now Playing: An Informal History of the Victoria Theatre.

In 1866, the Turner Opera House opened after two years of construction. However, the first disaster occurred in 1869 when the Opera House burned down with only the front façade surviving. The Music Hall opened in 1871, was renamed the Victoria Theatre in 1899, the 1913 Dayton flood ruined the interior, and in 1918 the theatre burned again. In addition, the Victoria Theatre struggled with management, theatre goers, and finances.

Despite all this, the Theatre provided entertainment for the people of Dayton-bringing well-known performers and lavish productions. Some of the people to perform at the Victoria Theatre were:  Buffalo Bill, Harry Houdini, Ethel Barrymore, Helen Hayes, Henry Fonda, Rex Harrison, and Anna Pavlowa. Lecturers also stopped at the Victoria: Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and William Jennings Bryan. Productions included a massive live cast for Ben-Hur, touring companies, and stock companies.

In 1971 the Victoria Theatre was in danger of being turn down. Residents of Dayton worked hard to save the theatre and in 1989 a full-scale renovation was made possible through local donations. When it re-opened in 1990, the lobby and double staircase were close replicas of the 1871 design.

Now Playing: An Informal History of the Victoria Theatre is just what is says: an informal history. The book is comprised of short snippets (making for a quick read or a coffee table book) that are organized topically and chronologically. Readers interested in Dayton theatre history or even American theatre history will find this book engaging. Sometimes it is difficult to determine when the authors are discussing Dayton theatre history or American theatre history. However, Now Playing: An Informal History of the Victoria Theatre provides a glimpse into the development of theatre in America, through the lens of Dayton, Ohio.

The Place

Today, the Victoria Theatre still operates live theatre, a ballet studio, and a summer film series. Live theatre is what the Victoria Theatre was designed for, however, for visitors on a budget the summer film series is the way to go. For $6 you can view a classic film and have free popcorn and soda in the lobby.

There are ample opportunities for area residents or visitors to take in the marble grand staircase in the lobby or the green décor in the auditorium. When you attend a performance or summer film, make sure to take time to appreciate the architecture inside and out. The details on the light fixtures in the auditorium reveal the craftsmanship from years ago and the classic lobby remind visitors they are stepping back in time.

Willkommen!

“Even though we don’t hear much German spoken in the village, we walk the same streets and live in the same houses as those early German settlers, and we respect their history and contributions to the present. And we absolutely appreciate the German in German Village” (33).

The Book

Remembering German Village: Columbus, Ohio’s Historic Treasure is a collection of columns originally published in This Week (a community newspaper) and written by Jody H. Graichen (former director of the German Village Society). The book is broken into three sections: Historic Preservation, Residents, and Structures.

The first section introduces the reader to the history of German Village and the unique architecture, which reflects the area’s humble beginnings and eventual growth. In the mid-1800s early German immigrants built two unique styles of homes: a story and a half home and a Dutch Double (allowing for two families to co-own). The early settlers took more care with the side of the house facing the street in order to impress others. This could be considered an early version of curb appeal.

The second section builds upon the history by looking closer at the residents of German Village. They chose to leave Germany due to war and famine. They chose Columbus because of the ease of access through the National Road and canal system; in addition, the immigrants wanted to leave their mark. Graichen provides specific stories about early residents, showing the audience the mix of residential and commercial in German Village. The third section focuses more on the concept of reusing buildings. As a member of the National Register of Historic Places, German Villages is protected from the teardown mentality. Instead, residents renovate and develop new ways to use the historic buildings.

Remembering German Village is a quick and easy read. The columns are brief and provide snapshots of history. The original audience was probably more familiar with the subject, but the book is still interesting. In fact, the reader can imagine German Village in the past and present-almost like their own walking tour.

The Place

A visit to German Village is a bit like stepping back in time. The streets are brick paved and the buildings appear to be plucked from Germany. Visitors can stroll down main and residential streets: admiring the architecture, exploring Schiller Park, or stopping in locally owned businesses. The residents of German Village have done a great job preserving their community and welcoming visitors.

 Of course, if you are visiting German Village, the one place you cannot miss is Schmidt’s, which serves authentic (and delicious) German food. This family-owned restaurant began as a packing house in 1886. Today, they are not just known for bratwurst but also for their giant cream puffs. Eating here is definitely worth the wait. 

The First President

“Fearing anarchy, disunion, and an end to American freedom if he failed to act decisively, [Washington] transformed himself-and the presidency-from a relatively impotent figurehead into America’s most powerful leader…” (3).

The Book

It is common knowledge that George Washington served as the first president of the United States and set many precedents that his successors followed. However, many do not know the reasoning behind the precedents or the extent to which Washington’s fingerprints are on the presidency. In “Mr. President”: George Washington and the Making of the Nation’s Highest Office, author Harlow Giles Unger outlines “the seven pillars of power [which Washington raised] that sustain the mighty American presidency edifice today-the power to control executive appointments, foreign policy, military affairs, government finances, and federal law enforcement, along with the power to legislate by presidential proclamation and to issue secret fiats under the cloak of executive privilege” (3).  

Unger begins his biography at the end of the Revolutionary War and follows Washington through the government of the Articles of Confederation, his leadership of the Constitutional Convention, his eight years as president, and his retirement. During this time period, the reader comes to release the precarious position the United States of America was in: civil unrest over the size of the federal government and taxes, state’s rights, and foreign influence. The reasoning behind Washington’s pillars of power is presented in detail.

There is a lot we can learn from Unger’s well-written biography of Washington. The reader will come away with a better appreciation for the role Washington played in the early stages of our country. Washington struggled with decisions, cabinet infighting, and negative press. He recognized his major failure as president: the inability to unite Americans into one country. The early stages of the United States were not easy or perfect, but Unger credits Washington with laying the groundwork for a stable presidential structure-one that still continues to this day.

The Place
The Washington Monument  was built to honor the man who was “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countryman” (Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee). However, the building of the monument was not simple. A monument was proposed prior to George Washington becoming president, but wasn’t completed until 1884. If you look closely, you can see two different colors because construction was halted for a time.

Inside the Monument, visitors will find a statue of Washington and an elevator ride to the top. The Monument towers over the National Mall and each of the four sides provide breathtaking views of Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland.

Currently, the Monument is closed (until Spring 2019) due to work being done on the elevator. Despite the fact that visitors cannot go up in the Monument, it is still a breathtaking site to walk along the National Mall and take it in. If you are planning a visit to Washington, DC in the future, check back with the National Park Service for additional information regarding the reopening. 

Lincoln's Profession

“…what would Lincoln have seen when he practiced the law?” (ix)

The Book

Abraham Lincoln is known for his honesty, debates with Stephen Douglas, and presidency. Many people know that Lincoln was a lawyer, but few know the details behind the profession he spent the most time in. Brian Dirck attempts to rectify that in his book, Lincoln the Lawyer. 

Not much is known about Lincoln’s law practice; detailed records where not kept and, according to Dirck, many embellished their accounts after Lincoln’s death. Lincoln studied for four years prior to taking the bar exam and was a junior partner in two different law firms from 1837-1844. In 1844, he asked William Henry Herndon to be his junior partner. Dirck uses the words of Lincoln, his partners, and clerks to help paint a picture of Lincoln the lawyer.

Dirck comes to the conclusion that practicing law had a great impact on Lincoln’s politics. In my opinion, this final chapter is the best part of the book. Dirck shows the reader that law built Lincoln’s networking and general people skills and shaped his language and arguments. Dirck traces connections between Lincoln’s writings and thought-processes as president with legal concepts. The law practice ultimately taught Lincoln the value of grease (in a figurative sense) to allow things to function.

The book is well-written and provides new insight into our 16^th President. However, it is geared more towards the academic reader than the average history buff. The chapters are broken down by topic, which makes it easy to pick up after a break from reading. The majority of the book explains the time period, how men became lawyers, and the various types of cases. It is important for the reader to have this background information, but it often feels like a history of antebellum law, rather than a Lincoln biography.

The Place

Lincoln's Law Office is located across the square from the Old State Capitol Building in Springfield. The whole square has a historic feel, as if the visitor has stepped back in time. If you close your eyes, you can imagine Lincoln walking to his office.

At the time of this writing, Lincoln’s Law Office is closed for renovations. Unfortunately, due to the budget crisis in Illinois, it is unclear when the site will be re-opened. While you may not be able to enter Lincoln’s Law Office, it is still worth it to walk past the place where an influential president spent his days practicing law. 

More Than a Train Terminal

“The dome towers above you and behind you, and the long concourse extends almost as far as you see” (46).

The Book

Cincinnati Union Terminal: The Design and Construction of an Art Deco Masterpiece tells the story of one of the most impressive structures in America. Authors, Linda C. Rose, Patrick Rose, and Gibson Yungblut introduce the reader to the Cincinnati Union Terminal and the process of its construction.

The desire for a unified train terminal in Cincinnati began in the 1890s. Seven railroads traveled through Cincinnati and they each had their own terminal. In 1928 the preliminary work began and at this time, there were on average 17,000-20,000 railroad passengers daily in Cincinnati. The Terminal was designed with function and aesthetics in mind; the design permeated every aspect and detail (including the creation of a unique font). One aspect of the design is particularly interesting: when a traveler arrived from the east, they cannot see any train tracks. Walking up to the main concourse, the traveler is struck by the size and beauty of a building whose main function is hidden.

Cincinnati Union Terminal is easy to read and the perfect format for a coffee table book: the chapters are short and the pages are full of photos. The authors provide a detailed description of the design and functions of the Terminal. The book is a compilation of booklets published in 1933 to commemorate the grand opening of the Terminal. Because of this format, it can feel like a listing of facts. These facts do help the reader visualize the construction, but for the average reader they might want to read in small dosages. No matter the reader’s interest, he or she will walk away with a greater appreciation for the work that went into the design and construction. 

The Place

Today, the Cincinnati Union Terminal’s main function is no longer the accommodation of hundreds of thousands of train passengers. There is an Amtrak station and freight trains still use the tracks. Instead, the Terminal was converted into the Cincinnati Museum Center. The Center houses the Cincinnati History Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, Duke Energy Children’s Museum, and an Omnimax Theater.

Guests still enter from the east and encounter the same awe as travelers’ years ago. Once inside the largest half-dome in the western hemisphere, you are struck by the design and the two massive murals depicting the history of transportation in the United States and the history of Cincinnati. It might be wise to plan several days for a visit to the Museum Center or you can pick and choose which museums to visit. In addition to the museums, visitors can simply take in the half-dome or explore Tower A, the original control tower. Tickets are required for entry and there is a fee for parking. 

Author and Protector of Independence

“[…] directly down the lawn and across the Ellipse from the White House are those ordered, classic lines of the Jefferson Memorial and the eyes of the 19 foot statue that gaze directly into the White House…” (503).

The Book

Author Jon Meacham takes the larger-than-life Thomas Jefferson and places him in a biography that captures Jefferson’s life, thoughts, and interactions. Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power is split into sections that represent the “acts” of Jefferson’s life: early life, American Revolution, Governor, Congressional Representative, Diplomat, Secretary of War, Vice President, President, and last days. Most of Jefferson’s political life hinged on his defining vision, “the survival and success of popular government in America” (xx).

Thomas Jefferson is a familiar figure to Americans. What sets this biography apart is the inclusion of Jefferson’s own words. The reader is able to read what Jefferson thought about the Declaration of Independence or the difficulties of being the president. Each chapter weaves Jefferson’s words and the words of his relatives with the author’s words. By relying on Jefferson’s words, Meacham provides the means for the reader to visualize and understand Jefferson.

Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power does not shy away from the controversies in Jefferson’s life or the clashes he had with other significant Americans. Jefferson was a strong personality who held strong beliefs, which he sometimes contradicted in practice. The biography is well-researched and well-written. Readers familiar with Jefferson will be introduced to new stories and the words of Jefferson. Readers unfamiliar with Jefferson will find this biography easy to read and come to realize the significance of America’s third president.

The Place

The Jefferson Memorial in located on the National Mall in Washington, DC. As a part of the National Park Service, the Memorial is free and always open for visitors. Inside the Memorial is a 19 foot statue of Thomas Jefferson and inscribed, on the walls, are various quotes by Jefferson.

It is impressive for any visitor to walk into the Rotunda and gaze up at one of the Founding Fathers. The quotes on liberty and government remind the visitor of Jefferson’s insight. Outside the Rotunda, visitors to can walk down the steps to the edge of the Tidal Basin. The Jefferson Memorial also offers one of the best views of the Cherry Blossom trees. They are usually in bloom in March and April.