Conversations
Then and Now: King Tutenkahmen’s Tomb Opened
By: Mackenzie M. Padula, 5/5/2020
King Tutenkahmen’s Tomb was opened in March of 1922 – it dominated headlines thence forth with descriptions of where it was found, the jewels and mummies found in it, and notes on the luxury and opulence. It was mentioned in newspapers throughout the 1920s, and likely would’ve been discussed over the radio and within social circles that eyed artifacts, science and history.
Tom and Olive likely would’ve discussed the findings of the archaeologists, and perhaps discussed what they did or did not want in their own mortuary services. While the Lucknow Estate is steeped in quality, it’s by no means considered opulent, lavish or over the top. Perhaps, the Plants would marvel and scoff at decorating with gems and gilded gold, never mind decorating a tomb so extravagantly.
The collections scavenged from King Tut’s tomb have traveled the world and returned to Egypt to be displayed at the Cairo Museum. In 2019 the exhibition left for a tour once more – this is the last scheduled travels for the collection, and it is said to be the “mummy of all King Tut exhibits”. It showed first in London, then traveled to Los Angeles and will continue through 10 other cities including Boston, Massachusetts. This exhibition in the past has drawn record number of visitors to the museums – this year, Boston’s exhibit actually has an online lottery to order tickets in advance. It’s meant to be on display from June 13, 2020 through January 3, 2021. In response to COVID-19 presale for tickets has been postponed until further notice.
Will you go see King Tut’s exhibit when it opens? If you’re unable to see it in person, here is a link to tour the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt.
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Disclaimer: We are not medical professionals, we are not giving medical advice. For the most up to date information regarding COVID-19 please visit the CDC’s website or your local State Department of Health and Human Services website.
The Spanish Influenza (H1N1) pandemic is believed to have wiped out 50 million people worldwide[1]. In 1918 the flu’s effects took over headlines, rating above World War I in placement in local papers. Nearly the entire first two pages of Boston Globe print on September 24, 1918 were dedicated to updating the public on the status of Spanish Influenza in the greater Boston area. Headlines read “Influenza toll in Boston for Day 87”[2] and “F.D. Roosevelt out of danger, say physicians”[3]. With little medical treatment available for the Spanish Influenza, people were limited to “non-pharmaceutical interventions” like quarantine, good hygiene and limited public gatherings[4]. To that point, some schools were closed due to outbreaks and there was a ban on public funerals in Quincy[5]. Image (left) shows Boston nurses in the spring of 1919 (National Archives).
Tom and Olive likely would have read these headlines and stayed abreast on the spread of the ailment. They may have noted who was sick, the treatment methods, the reach of the illness, and the effects on the global politics and economy. They likely would have been very thankful for their isolated home in northern New Hampshire where they were surrounded by nature, and their interactions with the outside world were limited and intentional.
Today, we are inundated with headlines surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Coronavirus spreads both by personal interactions and through contact with infected surfaces. Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath[6]. Centered in China, Coronavirus is spreading globally, people have been quarantined, there are travel restrictions, closed schools, hotels, companies, and rerouted air travel due to the infectious nature of this disease. Currently, the CDC lists the risk of getting the coronavirus in the U.S. as low risk. They recommend covering your coughs and sneezes, clean your hands often, avoid sharing personal household items, clean “high-touch” surfaces, monitor any symptoms you may experience, and stay home if you’re sick[7]. Though we are actively in a “low-risk” area, Massachusetts government has encouraged those who have recently traveled through China to partake in a voluntary quarantine and they have sent updates to schools on how to deal with students and staff who may be exhibiting symptoms. The government encourages the public to remain calm and continue daily life as normal at this time, though they have measures in place in case of pandemic[8].
Castle Preservation Society who owns and manages Castle in the Clouds is working diligently to ensure our offices and public spaces are cleaned properly, hand sanitizer is made available throughout the buildings, employees are encouraged to wash their hands frequently and to stay home if feeling ill.
What are you doing to protect yourself, your family and your friends from the Coronavirus?
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD). (2019, March 20). 1918 Pandemic (H1N1 virus). https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources/1918-pandemic-h1n1.html
[2] The Boston Globe. (1918, September 24). Influenza toll in Boston for day 87. 1-2. From: https://bostonglobe.newspapers.com/image/430650882
[3] The Boston Globe. (1918, September 24). F.D. Roosevelt out of danger, say physicians. 2. From: https://bostonglobe.newspapers.com/image/430650886
[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD). (2019, March 20). 1918 Pandemic (H1N1 virus). https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources/1918-pandemic-h1n1.html
[5] The Boston Globe. (1918, September 24). Influenza toll in Boston for day 87. 2. From: https://bostonglobe.newspapers.com/image/430650882
[6] U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (2020, February 18). Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). From: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html
[7]U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (2020, February 18). Coronavirus Disease: Steps to take when sick. From: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-when-sick.html
[8] Freyer, F. (2020, February 26). As CDC warns of coronavirus’s spread in US, officials reveal that more than 600 in Mass. have been monitored for illness. The Boston Globe. From: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/02/27/metro/cdc-urges-preparing-an-epidemic-health-officials-reveal-that-more-than-600-mass-have-been-monitored-coronavirus/
By: Mackenzie M. Padula, 3/6/2020
January 6, 1920 The Boston Globe announced with the bold headline: “Red Sox sell Babe Ruth for $100,000 cash” (picture of article left, taken from Boston Globe Archives). The article outlined the cash sale of the “home-run hitter extraordinaire” from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees. Mr. Frazee discussed the change to the roster – saying that he believed the Yankee’s investment in Ruth to be a gamble[1].
With few local newspapers in the New Hampshire Lakes Region in the early twentieth century, Tom – a baseball fanatic- would have found out this news via word of mouth, or the Boston Globe directly. He likely would have had many thoughts about the sale and roster change. A businessman at heart, he would understand the monetary value of Babe Ruth, and how the owner of the Red Sox would not be able to turn it away. He’d be anxious to know who would fill the open spot. Tom likely would’ve talked about this with his wife, Olive, and perhaps wrote letters to his friends from the minor league baseball team he had played for.
Fast forward to early 2020 when New England’s beloved Red Sox announced major changes to their line up including trading players Brock Holt and Mookie Betts. Brock, now playing for the Milwaukee Brewers echoed Babe Ruth’s sentiment – both never thought they’d wear a jersey other than Red Sox[2]. Fans are struggling to come to terms with Mookie being traded to the LA Dodgers[3]. The owners of the Red Sox have tried multiple times to explain the business decision – insisting that the trade was “more about improving the team’s talent base than cutting payroll”[4], and have tried to appeal to the public with a response from “Big Papi”, David Ortiz[5]. These stories are gaining traction and have caused concern amongst fans who are hopeful for the future of the club – some are going so far as to say that they won’t continue watching the Red Sox without these players.
We know that we’re all waiting anxiously for sports (and life) to resume post-COVID-19 social distancing. With hopeful thoughts we are planning to host a vintage baseball game this fall – check back to our programs calendar for details and updates.
What are your feelings about the trades as the baseball season starts?
[1] O’Leary, J. C. (1920, January). Red Sox sell Babe Ruth for $100,000 cash. The Boston Globe, https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/1920/01/06/red-sox-sell-babe-ruth-for-cash/muYGoMdAzCl8WlRHK2LumI/story.html
[2] Ciccotelli, J. (2020, February). Brock Holt ‘never expected to wear any other uniform but a Red Sox uniform’. The Boston Globe, https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/redsox/2020/02/20/brock-holt-never-expected-wear-any-other-uniform-but-red-sox-uniform/3hJnHyMOyUAU2VQJBlOZoI/story.html
[3] Abraham, P. (2020, February). Red Sox owners insist that Mookie Betts trade was a baseball decision. The Boston Globe, https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/redsox/2020/02/17/red-sox-mookie-betts-trade-reasons-john-henry-sam-kennedy/1uMpTbNWk8fZpt9ToOo6yM/story.html
[4] Abraham, 2020.
[5] McWilliams, J. (2020, February). David Ortiz chalks up Mookie Betts trade to the ‘business side’ of baseball. The Boston Globe, https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/redsox/2020/02/20/david-ortiz-red-sox-mookie-betts-trade-comments/lQlpg27gs4PS2XRdpg5m1O/story.html?p1=Article_Recirc_InThisSection
By: Mackenzie M. Padula, 4/7/2020