“Come On-A My House”

“It’s wonderful to rediscover that heady experience of being in the middle of the music and doing what you want to do and having such a kick doing it” (284).

The Book

For many, Rosemary Clooney is a name that will conjure up tunes from White Christmas. While she may be most well-known for that classic film, Clooney describes herself as “a sweet singer with a big band sensibility” (30). She spent more time performing in concert and recording, than filming movies. In Girl Singer: An Autobiography, Rosemary Clooney invites readers into her life, tracing the role of singing from childhood to adulthood, with all the trials and triumphs along they way.

Clooney grew up in Maysville, Kentucky, along the Ohio River. The oldest of three, with parents who went through multiple separations, she and her siblings lived with numerous relatives. It will surprise readers that Clooney never learned to read music, but always enjoyed singing. In April 1945, she and her sister Betty auditioned at a Cincinnati radio station and were hired as The Clooney Sisters. A year later, they began touring with the Tony Pastor Band. In 1949, Clooney branched out on her own under a contract with Columbia Records.

The song that put Clooney on the map was “Come-on-a-My-House”; she vividly describes her first experience hearing her own voice blaring from all the record stores in New York City. In the midst of recording success, she married actor Jose Ferrer. The marriage was not altogether happy or successful. Clooney takes an honest look at her struggles in the marriage, never placing blame, but sharing how she struggled to do it all (career, marriage, family) and please everyone. The 1960s found Clooney suffering from a mental breakdown, which she describes and is honest about how it impacted her family and friends. She slowly rebuilt her reputation, becoming more comfortable as herself and not trying to live up to the expectations of others.

This is a unique Hollywood star autobiography. Clooney is honest and candid with readers, often revealing how childhood experiences impacted her decisions as an adult. In doing so, the reader is able to look past the famous figure and see the unique human who has struggles just like everyone else. There are two characters in the book, who are not always forefront, but play a significant role: music and the Ohio River. The significance of music is threaded throughout the book: the impact other singers had on Clooney, a peak into the music business, and the effect the notes, arrangement, words, and style can have on a singer. Less prevalent, is the Ohio River. Girl Singer opens with a word image of the Ohio River. A couple of times throughout the book, Clooney references living near a river. Finally, the book closes with her house that sits on the Ohio River. It is what links Clooney to home, “a centering place” (301).

The Place
The Rosemary Clooney House, located in Augusta, Kentucky, is dedicated to the life and career of a singing icon. Clooney bought the house as a retreat from her career and her upstairs bedroom is preserved. Visitors are treated to a walk-through of Clooney’s life and career, which includes the world’s largest collection of White Christmas memorabilia. You can have your photo taken under the Columbia Inn sign, admire the costumes from the “Sisters” number, and be tempted to play a song on Clooney’s rehearsal piano (the one she used to rehearse with Bing Crosby). Throughout the rest of the house are costumes and items from other Clooney films, as well as a tribute to her nephew George Clooney. 

The cost to visit is $5 and street parking is available. Volunteers will take you on a tour and then leave you to wander back through at your leisure. A visit won’t take more than a couple of hours, depending on your level of interest. The Rosemary Clooney House is open from 11am-3pm Thursday-Saturday. It is a good idea to call ahead, although appointments are only required during the winter months. 

Just past the front steps are breathtaking views of the Ohio River; for a closer look there is a landing with benches right on the river. Down the street is the public landing, if you are adventurous—as we were—you can drive your car onto the ferry to ride across the river. Augusta is a perfect example of small-town America. The downtown boasts historic buildings, antique shops, and a general store (complete with restaurant). 

The Last Hawaiian Monarch

“…I was driven from my prison-once my palace…” (295).

The Book

Hawaii’s Story by Hawaii’s Queen provides a unique perspective into the life of Liliuokalani, the last Hawaiian monarch. Originally published in 1898, the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy is still fresh on Liliuokalani’s mind. The publisher’s foreword provides a brief introduction to the author, history of Hawaii, and the complicated relationship between native Hawaiians and those of American descent. All the chapters following are Liliuokalani’s words and commentary on political events.

While time is spent on her early life, the focus of the book is on Liliuokalani’s adult life and the last Hawaiian monarchs. Born in 1838, Liliuokalani was adopted as a baby by a Hawaiian high chief (a common practice) and in 1877 she was named the heir apparent to the throne by her brother King Kalakaua. After her brother’s death, Liliuokalani became Queen in 1891 and reigned until a provisional government was forced onto the Hawaiian people in 1894.

Liliuokalani is cognizant of the fact that many of her readers aren’t Hawaiian, so she explains the customs and heritage of the island nation. The autobiography is written so that it is easy to follow and presents a window into what life was like during the last days of the monarchy. Liliuokalani tells the Hawaiian side (her side) of the revolt to overthrow the monarchy and strongly presents the cause for Hawaiian autonomy. She calls out the individuals who spread rumors and lies and wrestled the control of the islands from the constitutional monarchy.

The final chapter of Hawaii’s Story by Hawaii’s Queen ends with a plea to the American readers: see the overthrow for what it was and reject the treaty of annexation.

The Place

Iolani Palace is a must see on a visit to Honolulu. The palace is restored to what it looked like when the last two Hawaiian monarchs (King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani) reigned. Although it isn’t a large palace, the attention to detail and architecture are striking and beautiful: the royal crest is seen in window etchings and wall engravings. Each room has a proud history and shares the story of Hawaiian culture. But, there is also an underlying current when the visitor is confronted with the reality of the overthrow of the monarchy. Queen Liliuokalani’s throne room became the location of her trial for treason and an upstairs bedroom became her prison.

There are two tour options: guided tours and self-led audio tours. When my family visited, the guided tours were sold out and we took the self-led audio tour. This provided a unique way to learn about the Hawaiian monarchy at your own pace. Visitors are given headphones and an iPod preloaded with audio tracks for each of the rooms. A visitor can choose to hear the standard information or choose to go more in-depth. I enjoyed this opportunity to explore the various rooms and learn about the monarchs who resided there. Visitors can also explore the basement galleries to learn about the restoration of the Iolani Palace and see various artifacts. 

“A Day that Will Live in Infamy”

“The location of the memorial, the design of the structure, the etching of the names, the wording on the plaques, they all help tell the story of what happened in that harbor so many years ago” (234).

The Book

All the Gallant Men: The First Memoir by a USS Arizona Survivor provides the reader a rare glimpse into the story of Peral Harbor: the lead-up, attack, and aftermath. Authors Donald Stratton and Ken Gire begin the book with the reason for writing: so the memories of Stratton would not be forgotten.

The book divides up into five sections that focus on Stratton’s life: early life, entering the Navy, the attack, the aftermath, and the remainder of World War II. Stratton enlisted in the Navy, in 1940, in order to obtain a job; the Great Depression was still impacting his small community in Nebraska. After basic training, Stratton was assigned to the USS Arizona in 1940. In the sections on the attack, the reader encounters a minute by minute account that parallels the Japanese with Stratton’s day. Stratton helps the reader visualize, smell, and hear the attack on December 7, 1941.

Stratton was severely burned during the attack and spent several months recovering in California. After a medical discharge in September 1942, Stratton returned to Nebraska. But, he felt the need to rejoin the fight and re-enlisted in February 1944. He was assigned to the USS Stack and joined the Third Fleet in the Pacific Theater.

All the Gallant Men is a well-written and easy to read flow that is accessible for all types of readers. The authors provide enough detail that answers the reader’s questions but doesn’t go down too many rabbit trails. By reading a memoir, the reader is able to reflect on the sacrifice of so many men (and families) and the impact. Stratton ends his memoirs with two important chapters: one on why he thought the attack happened and lessons we should learn and one on the importance of remembering.

The Place

Pearl Harbor. Those two words engulf so much history and emotion for Americans. It is seventy-seven years later and the impact of the memorial is just as strong as if the attack happened yesterday. My family began our visit with the boat ride to the USS Arizona Memorial. Because it floats above the final resting place for seamen, there is an atmosphere of respect on the Memorial. You can look down and see parts of the ship, then look to the sky and imagine incoming Japanese planes. Afterwards, we spent quite a bit of time exploring the grounds (which provided information regarding the attack) and the museums.

The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center at the WWIIValor in the Pacific National Monument is a part of Hawaii that you do not want to miss. As a part of the National Park Service, there is no fee for admission. However, timed tickets are required for a trip to the USS Arizona Memorial and a tour of the USS Bowfin submarine. Tickets can be reserved online or obtained the day of your visit. I would recommend reserving tickets ahead of time, the line for day of tickets is long, even before the center opens. Visitors can easily spend a whole day exploring the museums that explain what life was like prior to the attack and the attack itself, walking along the harbor, and paying respect to the lives lost.