Adventures in History!

American History: Episode 13: Millard Fillmore!

American History: Episode 12: Zachary Taylor!

American History: Episode 11: James K. Polk!

American History Episode 9 William Henry Harrison

Resalest Remarkable Books 1 - 85

American History: Episode 9: William Henry Harrison!

American History: Episode 8: Martin Van Buren!

This episode includes poetic tours of Lakeside, Ohio (3), the Cleveland, Ohio Museum of Art (6), the Toledo, Ohio Museum of Art, downtown Cleveland, Ohio, 2018 Cleveland Cavaliers playoff preview, Rocky River, Ohio, Washington DC, refrigerator magnets, Marc's grocery store aisle, McDonald's food and Jollibee food. There also are famous people tours of Lakewood Park Cemetery, Rocky River, Ohio; Lake View Cemetery, Cleveland, Ohio and the Cleveland Cultural Gardens!

Topics in this episode include: World History, regional histories of: the United States, Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia, geography of the world: Bodies of Water, Islands, Mountain Ranges, Deserts and Peninsulas, Languages, Religions, Saints, Amazing Women, Great Warriors, Major Cities and World History by century: the 40th Century BC through the 36th Century BC!

Andrew Jackson was the 7th President of the United States of America. He was elected in 1828, re-elected in 1832 and served from 1829 to 1837. He became nationally famous for leading US military forces to victory against Great Britain in the Battle of New Orleans on January 8, 1815 in the War of 1812. Jackson also led US forces to victory against American Indians at Horseshoe Bend, Alabama and against the Seminoles in Florida. Andrew Jackson was a fighter who believed in doing the right thing no matter the cost. As US President he fought the US Bank, which he believed to be corrupt. He supported the Indian Removal Act which moved large numbers of American Indians from the southeast to what is now Oklahoma. He was prepared to wage civil war when South Carolina defied federal law to collect the tariff and threatened to secede from the United States. President Jackson was able to pay off the national debt for the first time in American history. He supported Texas joining the Union. Andrew Jackson was a military man who lived a live of selfless national service. God bless Andrew Jackson, a man who served his country well!

John Quincy Adams was the 6th US President. He was the son of John Adams, the 2nd US President. Much of his childhood was spent in Europe while his father served as US ambassador there during and after the American Revolution. He served as US ambassador to the Netherlands and Russia. He served as US Secretary of State and in Congress. His big mistake was accepting the US Presidency in 1824 when Andrew Jackson had the most popular votes and electoral votes but not enough to win by law. Henry Clay pledged political support which helped Adams win then accepted the Secretary of State position. This arrangement hurt both of Adams and Clay politically very much. John Quincy Adams was the only former US President to serve in the US House of Representatives. He became the most outspoken opponent of slavery and served as lawyer for the slaves in the famous Amistad case which reached the US Supreme Court. Adams loved politics and intellectual pursuit. His two brothers and two sons both died of alcoholism and he suffered from depression. He lived a life of noble national service. God bless John Quincy Adams, a man who served his country well!

James Monroe was the 5th US President. August, 1814 was a dark time in American history. During the War of 1812, a war which lasted into early 1815, the British army had marched into Washington DC and set fire to the White House, the Capitol and other important buildings. The morale of the country was low. There was talk of secession in New England, breaking up the Union. The British were planning to attack and take New Orleans, Louisiana, the gate way for the Mississippi River system. President James Madison was depressed. He turned to James Monroe who took on the dual roles of Secretary of State and War. Monroe rallied the country in the successful defense of Baltimore, immortalized in the song "The Star Spangled Banner" and more importantly the defense of New Orleans. James Monroe played a major role in American victories in Baltimore and New Orleans. As a result, the US earned British respect, talk of secession ended and Americans felt a sense of pride and optimism for the future. God bless James Monroe, a man who served his country well!

James Madison was the 4th US President! As a young man, Madison decided that government was important and so he dedicated himself to learning everything he could about government from history. That body of knowledge became the foundation for the US Constitution when the 13 independent countries in North America became one country, the United States of America when the US Constitution was adopted and ratified by the states in 1787. James Madison was the mover and shaker behind the Constitutional Convention when the US Constitution was created in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He worked tirelessly to persuade George Washington to attend the Convention because he knew Washington's presence would give the gathering credibility. James Madison was an enormous help for the presidencies of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. God bless James Madison, a man who served his country well!

Thomas Jefferson was the 3rd US President. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. July 4, 1776, the day this document was approved by the Continental Congress, is considered the birthday of the United States. It was the point of no return in the American Revolution, the war of independence of the 13 North American colonies against Great Britain. Jefferson's words in the Declaration, "All men are created equal" changed the world. They challenged the ideas of the superiority of the nobility and implied equality of all before the law and equality of opportunity. Opportunity became a key feature in American success. Jefferson promoted religious freedom in the United States and this was another key element in American greatness. As a result, talented people, tired of religious conflict in their home countries, moved to the US and contributed. Americans didn't waste time and energy in religious conflict. Jefferson is considered the father of the Democratic party. Thomas Jefferson was a life long lover of learning and a wonderful inspiring example of the power of education. God bless Thomas Jefferson, a man who served his country well.

John Adams was the 2nd US President. John Adams believed that a war of independence should be fought by the 13 North American British colonies. He believed this war could be won against the greatest empire in world history. He spoke and wrote endlessly on this topic and helped sway public opinion to favor the American Revolution. Adams argued that therefore the 13 colonies turning into states needed to write state constitutions so that they could govern themselves. Although Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, he called Adams "the colossus of independence." During the war, Adams spent time in France working for French support and French naval support, both of which were critical in winning the war. He spent time in Holland securing necessary loans to finance the war. John Adams lived a noble life of selfless service. God bless John Adams, a man who served his country well.

George Washington was the first President of the United States of America. He was the great military leader in the American Revolution, the eight year war of independence of the 13 North American colonies against the mightiest empire in history, Great Britain, from 1775 - 1783. Washington had a humble beginning, started work as a surveyor at age 15 and had a military career as a young mn in the Virginia militia during British colonial days fighting the French and their Indian allies in what became western Pennsylvania. His primary occupation was that of farmer on his plantation in Virginia by his famous home of Mount Vernon. During the American Revolution, the American military force, the Continental Army, experienced horrific hardship, including starvation, freezing to death, literal nakedness and not being paid. Washington's character kept the army from disintegrating. His courage, humility, perseverance, kindness, patience and strength were critical. George Washington is rightly considered the father of the United States of America and, like any good, father, his example of good character has been inspirational and continues to inspire up to the present. God bless George Washington! First in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen, to quote the eulogy of Light Horse Harry Lee, the father of Robert E. Lee.

In this episode, the listener enjoys two poetic tours, through the American Presidents, from George Washington to Donald Trump and a poetic tour of the many historical sites in Washington DC. The experience is educational and entertaining. The tour through the 45 American Presidents is a grand gallop through American history. It is interesting, enjoyable and humorous. Heretofore obscure and unknown presidents become more real. The sites in the US capital all tell different national stories and come to life here. Dull education and mindless entertainment, step aside! The future belongs to entertaining education! Edutainment! Surely we can learn and be entertained at the same time!

The 2010's was a memorable decade for the Indians. The team reached the playoffs four times, winning a wild card spot once and three AL East titles. The big years were 2013, 2016, 2017 and 2018. 2016 was a magical year as the Indians went all the way to the World Series and reached Game 7 with the game tied in the 9th inning. Some years were tough developmental ones but it was enjoyable to watch young players improve. Star players for the Tribe in the decade included: Matt LaPorta, Asdrubal Cabrera, Jhonny Peralta, Trevor Crowe, Jason Donald, Shelley Duncan (Dave Duncan's son), Andy Marte, Tony Sipp, Chris Perez, Carlos Santana, Jack Hannahan, Michael Brantley, Lonnie Chisenhall, Jim Thome, Corey Kluber, Ubaldo Jimenez, Jason Kipnis, Johnny Damon, Ezequiel Carrera, Josh Tomlin, Zach McAllister, Nick Swisher, Michael Bourn, Jason Giambi, Mike Aviles, Yan Gomes, Kelly Shoppach, Danny Salazar, Trevor Bauer, Carlos Carrasco, Bryan Shaw, David Murphy, Jose Ramirez, Roberto Perez, John Axford, Cody Allen, Francisco Lindor, Gio Urshela, Abraham Almonte, Mike Napoli (Party at Napoli's), Rajai Davis, Tyler Naquin, Coco Crisp, Mike Clevinger, Andrew Miller, Dan Otero, Bradley Zimmer, Jay Bruce, Edwin Encarnacion, Brandon Guyer, Greg Allen, Yonder Alonso, Melky Cabrera, Josh Donaldson, Shane Bieber, Brad Hand, Adam Cimber, Oscar Mercado, Fanmil Reyes, Yasiel Puig, Bobby Bradley, Aaron Civale, Oliver Perez and many more!

The Tribe reached the playoffs in 2001 and 2007. In the latter year, the team made it to the ALCS and had a 3-1 series lead before being eliminated. Close to the World Series, but no cigar! The team had exciting contention years during this decade along with painful rebuilding ones. Top performers included: David Segui, Ricky Ledee, John McDonald, Chuck Finley, Steve Karsay, Bob Wickman, Jason Bere, Marty Cordova, Juan Gonzales, Ellis Burks, Karim Garcia, Milton Bradley, CC Sabathia, Jake Westbrook, David Riske, John Rocker, Ryan Drese, Ricky Gutierrez, Matt Lawton, Chris Magruder, Lee Stevens, Coco Crisp, Ben Broussard, Brady Anderson, Josh Bard, Greg LaRocca, Brandon Phillips, Victor Martinez, Cliff Lee, Mark Wohlers, Jhonny Peralta, Casey Blake, Jody Gerut, Travis Hafner, Shane Spencer, Ryan Ludwick, Ronnie Belliard, Grady Sizemore, Aaron Boone, Ryan Garko, Andy Marte, Shin Soo Choo, Paul Byrd, Fausto Carmona (Roberto Hernandez), Josh Barfield, Trot Nixon, Asdrubal Cabrera, Ben Francisco, Joe Borowski, Jensen Lewis, Matt LaPorta, Carl Pavano, Kerry Wood, Justin Masterson and many more!

The 1990's was the end of the Cleveland Municipal Stadium era and the beginning of the time at Jacob's Field. The Tribe won American League titles in 1995 and 1997 and played in the World Series those two years. In 1996, 1998 and 1999 the team made the playoffs as well. It was a glorious time for Tribe fans. Exciting players from the 1990's include: Rod Nichols, Charles Nagy, Al Nipper, Alex Cole, Keith Hernandez, Chris James, Dion James, Candy Maldonado, Mitch Webster, Beau Allred, Carlos Baerga, Sandy Alomar, Jr., Glenallen Hill, Wayne Kirby, Jim Thome, Mark Whiten, Jose Mesa, Eric Plunk, Mark Lewis, Paul Sorrento, Mark Clark, Alvaro Espinoza, Sam Horn, Lance Parrish, Manny Ramirez, Jeff Treadway, Dennis Martinez, Jack Morris, Eddie Murray, Omar Vizquel, Herbert Perry, Paul Assenmacher, Orel Hershiser, Chad Ogea, Eric Plunk, Brian Giles, Tony Pena, Billy Ripken, Dave Winfield, Julian Tavarez, Einar Diaz, Jeff Kent, Kevin Seitzer, Bartolo Colon, Mike Jackson, Jaret Wright, Tony Fernandez, David Justice, Bip Roberts, Matt Williams, Dave Burba, Dwight Gooden, Russell Branyan, Jolbert Cabrera, Cecil Fielder, Travis Fryman, Richie Sexson, Ricardo Rincon, Roberto Alomar, Harold Baines, Dave Roberts, Wil Cordero and many more!

The Cleveland Indians continued to compete in the AL East of MLB throughout the 1980's. Cleveland Municipal Stadium remained the team's beloved ballpark on Lake Erie downtown. The Tribe never finished in first but the players were first in the hearts of Tribe fans. Hope endured and the beautiful game of baseball was enjoyed from April till the end of September. Tribe players who stand out in memory include: John Denny, Ross Grimsley, Bob Owchinko, Gary Alexander, Alan Bannister, Joe Charboneau, Miguel Dilone, Jerry Dybzinski, Jorge Orta, Bert Blyleven, Ed Glynn, Chris Bando, Mike Fischlin, Von Hayes, Pat Kelly, Karl Pagel, Neal Heaton, Jerry Reed, Lary Sorensen, Carmen Castillo, Bake McBride, Jack Perconte, Ernie Camacho, Juan Eichelberger, Julio Franco, Broderick Perkins, Pat Tabler, Gorman Thomas, Manny Trillo, Otto Velez, George Vukovich, Steve Comer, Don Schultze, Tom Waddell, Tony Bernazard, Brett Butler, Joe Carter, Mel Hall, Brook Jacoby, Otis Nixon, Vern Ruhle, Curt Wardle, Benny Ayala, Scott Bailes, Doug Jones, Phil Niekro, Ken Schrom, Rich Yett, Steve Carlton, John Farrell, Andy Allanson, Jay Bell, Rick Dempsey, Tommy Hinzo, Bud Black, Terry Francona, Ron Kittle, Willie Upshaw, Ron Washington, Steve Olin, Jesse Orosco, Albert Belle, Jerry Browne, Felix Fermin, Pat Keedy, Brad Komminsk, Oddibe McDowell, Pete O'Brien and many more!

In the 1970's the Cleveland Indians failed in their annual quest to reach the postseason, the ALCS and World Series. However, they played their hearts out and Cleveland Municipal Stadium was the place to be to enjoy the Tribe in person. The team made history in 1975 by hiring the first African American manager, Frank Robinson. At various times the Tribe contended and the fans dreamed of October baseball. However, win or lose, the players went out there and gave it their best shot. Notable Indians from the decade include: Rick Austin, Vince Colbert, Stunning Steve Dunning, Rich Hand. Dennis Higgins, Steve Mingori, Jim Rittwage, Ted Ford, Roy Foster, John Lowenstein, Graig Nettles, Vada Pinson, Ted Uhlaender, Ed Farmer, Alan Foster, Ray Lamb, Kurt Bevacqua, Chris Chambliss, Gomer Hodge, Tom Hilgendorf, Dick Tidrow, Milt Wilcox, Buddy Bell, Jack Brohamer, Alex Johnson, Ron Lolich, Del Unser, Dick Bosman, Gaylord Perry, Brent Strom, Tom Timmerman, Alan Ashby, Leo Cardenas, Frank Duffy, Dave Duncan, John Ellis, Oscar Gamble, George Hendrick, Tom Ragland, Charlie Spikes, Rusty Torres, Fred Beene, Tom Buskey, Jim Kern, Jim Perry, Fritz Peterson, Rico Carty, Angel Hermoso, Duane Kuiper, Frank Robinson, Jim Bibby, Jackie Brown, Dennis Eckersley, Dave LaRoche, Blue Moon Odom, Rick Waits, Pat Dobson, Don Hood, Alfredo Griffin, Joe Lis, Rick Manning, Boog Powell, Wayne Garland, Sid Monge, Larvell Blanks, Bruce Bochte, Paul Dade, Johnny Grubb, Bill Melton, Jim Norris, Andre Thornton, David Clyde, Mike Paxton, Dan Spillner, Bernie Carbo, Ted Cox, Bo Diaz, Ron Hassey, Willie Horton, Tom Veryzer, Len Barker, Bobby Bonds, Mike Hargrove, Toby Harrah, Cliff Johnson and many more!

The Cleveland Indians never won the American League pennant in the 1960's nor the AL East title. However, they played exciting baseball at Cleveland Municipal Stadium. Hope sprang eternal every spring. They were contenders in a number of years. Win or lose, they were our guys. They played for us! Memorable Tribe players from the 1960's include: Barry Latman, Ken Aspromonte, Harvey Kuenn, Bubba Phillips, John Romano, Frank Funk, Sam McDowell, Walt Bond, Willie Kirkland, Vic Power, Dick Donovan, Ruben Gomez, Pedro Ramos, Tommie Agee, Max Alvis, Jerry Kindall, Tommy John, Joe Adcock, Joe Azcue, Larry Brown, Vic Davalillo, Dick Howser, Fred Whitfield, Jack Kralick, Don McMahon, Sonnie Siebert, Luis Tiant, Vern Fuller, Chico Salmon, Duke Sims, Leon Wagner, Steve Hargan, Ralph Terry, Rocky Colavito, Phil Roof, Richie Scheinblum, Del Crandall, Jim Gentile, Jose Vidal, Stan Williams, Ray Fosse, Pedro Gonzales, Chuck Hinton, Tony Horton, Lee Maye, Mike Paul, Vicente Romo, Jose Cardenal, Jimmie Hall, Lou Piniella, Ken Suarez, Phil Hennigan, Juan Pizarro, Ken "Hawk" Harrelson, Jack Heidemann, Lou Klimchock, Eddie Leon, Zoilo Versalles and many more!

The 1950 Cleveland Buckeyes were the last Negro League baseball team in Cleveland. MLB had integrated and the Negro Leagues were going out of business. The Indians were strong contenders throughout the decade. In 1954 they were American League champions. Star players for the Tribe during the Fifties included Sam Zoldak, Bob Kennedy, Mickey Vernon, Sam Jones, Hal Naragon, Harry "Suitcase" Simpson, Snuffy Stirnweiss, Birdie Tebbetts, Hank Majeski, Dave Pope, Pete Reiser, Quincy Trouppe (member of the 1945 Negro League champions Cleveland Buckeyes), Wally Westlake, Don Mossi, Ran Narleski, Sam Dente, Rudy Regalado, Vic Wertz, Herb Score, Rocky Colavito, Ralph Kiner, Cal McLish, Chico Carrasquel, Hank Aguirre, Hoyt Wilhelm, Roger Maris, Dick Williams, Gary Bell, Woodie Held, Randy Jackson, Vic Power, Al Cicotte, Jim "Mudcat" Grant, Jim Perry, Tito Francona, Billy Martin, Jimmy Piersall and many more!

The 1940's was a glorious era for Cleveland baseball. The Indians won the MLB World Series in 1948 and the Buckeyes were Negro League Champions in 1945! This decade included the Bill Veeck era, the greatest Tribe owner. Star players for the Indians included Ben Chapman, Steve Gromek, Al Smith, Hank Edwards, Bob Lemon, Allie Reynolds, Jim Hegan, Pat Seerey, Gene Woodling, Don Black, Dale Mitchell, Gene Bearden, Larry Doby, Joe Gordon, Mike Garcia, Satchel Paige, Johnny Berardino, Eddie Robinson, Al Rosen, Early Wynn, Bobby Avila, Ray Boone, Luke Easter, Ken Keltner, Minnie Minoso and many more. Larry Doby was the first black player in the MLB American League with Cleveland. Integration came to MLB and this spelled doom for the Negro Leagues!

During the 1930's the Indians continued to play home games at League Park. However, Cleveland Municipal Stadium was built during this time and the team played in both places after 1932. Short lived Negro League teams also competed in Cleveland during the decade. These included the Cubs (with Satchel Paige), Stars, Giants, Red Sox and Bears. Star players for the Indians in the 1930's included Willis Hudlin, Ed Morgan, Twitchy Dick Porter, Joe Vosmik, Oral Hildebrand, Moe Berg, Willie Kamm, Frankie Pytlak, Hal Trosky, Denny Galehouse, Boze Berger, Odell Hale, Johnny Allen, Bob Feller, Ralph Winegarner, Jeff Heath, Roy Weatherly, Ken Keltner, Rollie Hemsley, Ray Mack and Lou Boudreau. Hall of Fame pitcher Walter Johnson was an important manager for the Tribe in the 1930's!

The 1920's started out with a bang for Cleveland baseball with the 1920 World Series Champions Cleveland Indians! The decade also saw the start of Negro League baseball teams in Cleveland. Those teams were often short lived and included the Tate Stars, Browns, Elites, Hornets and Tigers. Star players for the Indians in the 1920's included Jim Bagby Sr., Stan Coveleski, George Uhle, Smoky Joe Wood, Ray Chapman (before his tragic, untimely death in 1920), Charlie Jamieson, Steve O'Neill, Bill Wambsganss, Joe Sewell, Luke Sewell, Riggs Stephenson, Dutch Levsen, homer Summa, George Burns, Johnny Hodapp, Jumbo Brown, Wes Ferrell, Baby Doll Jacobson, Clint Brown, Mel Harder, Earl Averill and many more. Roger Peckinpaugh was a notable manager!

The 1910's saw the end of the Napoleon Lajoie era and the name change of the Cleveland MLB team from Naps to Indians. This also was the beginning of the dramatic Tris Speaker era. Speaker was player-manager and was leading the team towards glory. Shoeless Joe Jackson, Steve O'Neill and Ray Chapman were other memorable players during this time!

This interlude depicts the first decade of the franchise now known as the Cleveland Indians. These also were the first years of the American League and Cleveland was a charter member. The team was dominated by player manager Napoleon Lajoie, one of the best players in baseball. They also took the team name "Naps" after Lajoie. 1908 was their highwater year as the team finished a half game out of first. Throughout these years, Napoleon Lajoie and the Detroit Tigers' Ty Cobb were rivals.

This installment pertains to a glorious era in Cleveland baseball history. The highlight is the 1895 Cleveland Spiders season in which they were MLB champions. Their ace pitcher was Cy Young for which the annual award is given to the top pitcher in each league today. The Cleveland Spiders in the 1890's were not only a powerful team, but had some very interesting personalities, including Jimmy McAleer, American Indian Louis Sockalexis, Cupid Childs, Ed McKean, Patsy Tebeau, Jesse "Crab" Burkett and many others!

This episode describes the Cleveland Blues' seasons from 1880 - 1884 and from 1887 - 1888 as well as the 1889 Cleveland Spiders' season. Star players include Ed McKean, Patsy Tebeau and the foundation regulars for the 1890's powerhouse Cleveland Spiders!

This episode includes the Cleveland Forest City seasons in 1869, 1871 and 1872 as well as the 1879 Cleveland Blues season. It's about 19th century baseball and the earliest years of professional baseball in Cleveland!