SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE

Throwback Thursday | Emma Puddicombe

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We’ve all heard at some point the snarky comment, “Take a picture, it’ll last longer.” Well, here are a few times I am so thankful a camera was present. Some moments are just too amazing to not capture, and these are moments I could look at all day. In difficult times it’s important to find something that brings a smile to your face, and these photos are sure to do that. 

Canada. Department of National Defence / Library and Archives Canada / PA-134093 

Able Seaman Daniel Ralph with the mascot of the patrol vessel Allaverdy, of the Fishermen’s Reserve, Esquimalt, British Columbia, 8 November 1941. A tiny cat sitting in a sailor’s cap is too cute a photo to not keep! The juxtaposition of a cat being on a ship is what really makes this photo stand out in the first place. However, the fun fact behind it is that cats were regular pets aboard naval ships in wartimes. They were highly valued for their rat-catching abilities and many felines were brought aboard ships to fight against rodents who would spread diseases and infest the crew’s rations.

CWM ARCHIVES / ARCHIVES DU MCG: Photo Archives 52A 4 29.60 / 20030014-220

See! Cats everywhere! Here we have a photograph of a ship’s kitten named Tiny sitting in its hammock below deck with a sailor in the background. The cat's hammock is marked "TINY MX-0001".

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Penguins going for a stroll with a keeper at the London zoo in the 1930s. I only recently came across this photo, but it never fails to make me smile when I see it. Perhaps it’s the absolute trust the zookeeper has in the penguins, and faith that they will not run away. Or maybe it’s the thought of these wild animals just toddling along down the road with their little waddle. Especially now, it reminds me of the Chicago Shedd Aquarium’s decision to let their penguins roam free while the premises are closed to the public. Check it out on Twitter!

George Metcalf Archival Collection Canadian War Museum 20020173-001 

Members of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 414 Squadron are greeted on a runway by their loyal mascot. Man’s best friend, right? Just like cats, dogs were often adopted as mascots during wartimes. They were meant to bring up the spirits of soldiers during hard times and provide comfort, something they are still good for today. Don’t forget! Monday, April 20th to Sunday, April 26th is Museum Week this year, so if you want to recreate a photo like the Canadian War Museum did last year, try this one! 

Photo Courtesy of Emma Puddicombe 

Paul Puddicombe (Left), my dad’s father, with his best friend Scrivens (Right) in London’s Trafalgar Square surrounded by pigeons. The sheer abundance of pigeons at their feet, and the fact that neither they nor the two men above them are all thrown by the situation, really makes this photo great. Even more interesting is the fact that this location was once well known for being swarmed by feral pigeons 24/7! They harbored no fear for humans, and eventually “Can I feed the pigeons?” became a serious question for those planning their summer vacations in this area. 

Photo Courtesy of Emma Puddicombe

Albert Frederick Gurr, my mom’s grandfather, with his cat (one of many). In times of great stress, animals have been known to calm those around them simply by being there. This cat seems to be very comfortable where he is, just perched on the shoulder of his owner. No matter what your stance is in the age-old debate “Which is better, cats or dog?” you must admit that this cat is pretty chill.

Through these tough times, it's important to remember that not everything needs to be taken seriously. Take some time to find little things that make you smile just because they do! 

RECLAIMING THE MYTH: PERSEPHONE

Throwback Thursday | Emma Puddicombe

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Sorry kids, storytime is over. In this episode of ‘Throwback Thursday,” I want us to turn on our brains and consider this the varying interpretation of myths. To illustrate my point, I'll use the myth of Persephone. Consider this: 

Persephone was not kidnapped by Hades and forced into becoming queen of the Underworld. 

It's time to throw it back to ancient Greek storytime and discuss how this old myth is due for an update and is being reinterpreted in digital spaces such as Tumblr.

Poster of Hades and Persephone (Source)

WHAT IS A WRITING PROMPT
A brief passage of text that provides a potential topic idea or starting point for an original form of writing. It can be turned into multiple different stories, depending on the writer.

WHAT IS A RASHOMON-STYLE STORY
When the same event is recounted by several characters, and the stories differ completely. Each version is specific to the individual’s perspective.

Consider this: A young girl is on a mission to save her homeland and family. She begins her mission in secret by running away into the night. She is accompanied by a lovable and sarcastic sidekick. She sings a song about not living up to the expectations of being the “perfect daughter”. She tries to do what is expected of her, but her true desires always pull her back, causing strain and disappointment from her parents. Her family includes her cooky grandmother, her loving mother and her father, a prideful man who believes his choices will keep his family safe.

Am I talking about the 1998 Disney movie Mulan or the 2016 Disney movie Moana?

  Image of Mulan (Source)                                           Image of Moana (Source)

SO WHAT
When emotion, opinion, adjectives, and adverbs are added into a bare-bones sequence of events (or a prompt), the resulting stories can be altered by whoever is telling it to become whatever they want it to be (Rashomon-styled).

When there are multiple different versions of a story, it can be difficult to discern what actually happened. Think about a courtroom where multiple different versions of the same story are told. Efforts must be made to discern what actually happened. The listener must look past emotion and opinion and look only at the 100% facts of what actually happened.

APPLYING THIS TO PERSEPHONE
In the well-known version of the myth, Persephone is hidden away in the countryside by her mother, Demeter, to protect her from the gods and humans who wished to take her maidenhood. Years later, Persephone is kidnapped by Hades and brought to the Underworld. Upon discovering her daughter is missing, Demeter searches the globe for Persephone until the god Helios finally tells her what happened. Demeter then goes to Zeus and begs him to bring her daughter back. Unfortunately, Hades tricks Persephone into eating pomegranate seeds, which means she must remain in the Underworld forever. A deal is then made, stating that Persephone must stay in the Underworld for 6 months of each year, and may return to her mother for the other six months.

While this myth is well known, it also holds many inconsistencies in its retelling. Did Hades trick Persephone into eating the pomegranate seeds or did she unknowingly choose to eat them? Did Hades come up with the deal or was the titan Rhea sent by Zeus to broker the deal? Were they pomegranate seeds or grape seeds? The myth can change depending on who is telling the story.

The main consistency is Persephone's portrayal as a powerless victim to Hades. However, when considering writing prompts and Rashomon-style stories, this portrayal becomes questionable. Since myths were oral traditions, they were constantly subject to change and the true first version is not 100% known. We can only go off what was written by ancient writers (Traditionally all men, a gender that throughout time has portrayed women as weaker individuals with little choice or opinion, who need to be saved).

To determine what actually happened to Persephone, let’s take a look at the 100% factual-to-the-point-where-they-cannot-be-argued-against sequence of events:

Image courtesy of Emma Puddicombe

Now imagine giving this as a prompt to a creative writing class full of individuals who have never heard any version of this myth. What types of stories do you think would be written?

Moreover, consider how similar the myth of Persephone is to that of the 2010 Disney film Tangled. Both stories follow a daughter who is hidden away by her mother to "protect" her, she is brought to a new world by a boy who appears to have taken her away from her home and ends with an action that changes their life forever (eating pomegranate seeds vs. getting a haircut). Given these similarities, it's possible that Persephone was actually more like the independent-minded Rapunzel.

       Image of Rapunzel from Tangled (Source)            Portrait of Persephone by Elisa Tulli (Source)      

I understand why the kidnapping version of the myth is so well known. It showcases the perspective of Greek women at a time when fathers held control of who and when their daughters would marry. The trauma and suffering experienced by Demeter and Persephone are meant to represent the experiences of the mothers and daughters during this period in time. The story fits the needs of society during this time.

In the 21st century, however, a time when women in many parts of the world have more control over their lives, this myth’s intention is no longer applicable. I move that Persephone be recognized as a woman who had the ability to choose what she wanted and had control over what happened to her. Additionally, if you search “Persephone” on social media platforms (i.e. Tumblr) you will see that this is how she is continuously viewed by women today.

Tumblr post by Susiephone (Source)

Emotion, opinion, adjectives, and adverbs are powerful tools that can change a story drastically. The next time you hear a story, don’t be afraid to take a critical look at what you are hearing. A story that suits one era’s society, might need a new perspective today. People are encouraged to take what they need from the stories they hear, so remember to determine the facts of what happened first, then consider what a story can mean to you.

A CLASSICAL CALENDAR FOR 2020

Throwback Thursday | Emma Puddicombe

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Happy New Year! If you’re anything like me, you believe that January is simply a test drive and the new year doesn’t officially begin until February 1st. With this in mind, it’s time to start planning your social calendar for the next 11 months. Here are some forgotten holidays and festivals from Ancient Rome and Greece to mark your calendars for 2020!

Photo courtesy of Emma Puddicombe

FEBRUARY 11 - 12: ANTHESTERIA (GREEK)

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What it is: This three day festival, in honour of Dionysus, the god of wine, celebrated the beginning of spring and the maturing of the wine stored at the previous vintage. It was believed that during this time the dead would also come up from the underworld and walk abroad. On the first day (Pithoigia or “Jar Opening”), the casks from the previous vintage were opened and decorations were put up. The second day, (Choës or “Wine Jugs”), was the party day, full of drinking wine, wearing bright colours and visiting friends. The third day, (Chytroi or “The Feast of Pots”), was meant to offer pots of seed or bran to the dead and remember them.

How to celebrate it in 2020: While I’m not condoning a three-day drinking binge, I suggest getting together with some friends, getting dressed up in bright colours and drinking wine! If that’s not quite your scene, some grape juice and a couple decorations at home will do as well.

FEBRUARY 13 - 21: PARENTALIA (ROMAN)

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What it is: This week-long celebration was in remembrance of the dead and was a time of quiet, personal reflection for the ancient Romans. On the last day of this week, families would visit cemeteries and place offerings on the graves of those they’ve lost. This was in hopes of stopping the dead from feeling hungry and returning to plague the living.

How to celebrate it in 2020: Think of the loved ones you have lost and spend some time remembering them and how they touched your life. You could do this by making one of their old recipes, watching one of their favourite movies, or something else to help you feel closer to them.

APRIL 21: PARILIA (ROMAN)

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What it is: While this day was originally a day to honour the god and goddess Pales, protectors of the flocks and herds, it later turned into a giant Birthday for the city of Rome. On this day, the citizens of Rome would make bonfires, hold great outdoor feasts, and, after the second century AD, take part in friendly competition by holding games.

How to celebrate it in 2020: Even though you’re not in Rome, do as the Romans do! This year, have an Italy themed party with friends, complete with a bonfire, lots of games (card, board, drinking, whichever you prefer), and have a potluck full of your favourite Italian foods.


APRIL 28 - MAY 3: FLORIALES (ROMAN)

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What it is: This springtime festival was a celebration to honour Flora, the goddess of flowers, vegetation, and fertility. Now considered an ancient ‘May Day’ (a public festival celebrated on May 1st with dancing, singing, and cake), the ancient Romans would celebrate by wearing colourful clothing, decorating everything with flowers, holding games and putting on theatrical presentations.

How to celebrate it in 2020: May Day is still a recurring public holiday in Europe, so I recommend taking part in similar festivities wherever you are. Dance to your favourite music, sing out loud, wear colour clothing and surround yourself with your favourite flowers! You can even plant some flowers or vegetables, if you want to feel a little more Roman.


JULY 23: NEPTUNALIA (ROMAN)

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What it is: This day was originally celebrated by the men who worked on the barges and docks of the Tiber river in Rome to honour Neptune, the god of the sea. In the late July heat, these men would build huts out of branches and leaves where they would spend the day relaxing, eating, drinking and amusing themselves.

How to celebrate it in 2020: While you may not be a barge or dock worker, it can never hurt to honour an ancient god. Take the day and build a fort (pillow, blanket, box, whatever you have on hand) and take some time to get away from the summer heat.

*Pro Tip: Here’s a good way to keep cool AND still have a fort.

AUGUST 23: VOLCANALIA (ROMAN)

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What it is: This holiday was in honour of Vulcan, the god of fire and was more of a precautionary celebration. The ancient Romans would build large bonfires and throw in live fish or small animals as offerings to Vulcan. This was during the time of year when forest fires were expected and there was a fear that the stored grain or crops would be destroyed.

How to celebrate it in 2020: You have two options here. First, you can simply have a bonfire with friends and consider it a precautionary celebration to prevent the metaphorical fires of going back to school in September. The second option, if you want to take it up a notch, is to throw in a few offerings (goldfish/animal crackers) and say a prayer of protection for locations around the world that are threatened by forest fires every year.


DECEMBER 17 - 23: SATURNALIA (ROMAN)

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What it is: This week-long festival was in celebration of the Roman mid-winter solstice. It began with a sacrifice at the temple of Saturn, followed by a public feast and gift-giving (sound familiar?). The ancient Romans would wear beautiful holiday clothing, decorate their homes, and exchange gifts. Most notable, slaves were absolved of their duties and would switch roles with their masters.

How to celebrate it in 2020: During this week in December, pick a night and have Friends-mas! Get together with your friends and celebrate the holiday season together by decorating (either an actual house or a gingerbread house) getting all dressed up in fancy clothes and exchanging gifts with one another.

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Remember, being successful doesn't mean working yourself half to death. Be sure to set some time aside to relax and take in the new year with the people who make you happy. While many of these festivals and holidays from antiquity were meant to honour specific gods, they were also meant to be celebrated with others and connect people with one another. If you are to take anything away from this article, hopefully, it's this!

CHATTING BY THE FIREPLACE WITH MUSINGS AND MUSSA

Letter from the Editor | Alexandra Forand, Jordan Fee, Natalie Heaton and Emma Puddicombe

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Well, it’s that time of year again. The wind is blowing, the snow is falling, and we are finished with yet another semester in the Museum Studies program! Since the last time we spoke with you, fellow Musers, so much has gone on that we thought we would invite the President and Vice-President of the Museum Studies Student Association (MUSSA) to chat with us and highlight all of the wonderful things that have taken place this semester!

Photo Courtesy of Erika Serodio

Photo Courtesy of Emma Puddicombe 

Without further ado, let’s get started!

Jordan: Emma, Natalie, it’s so nice to have you here with us! How are you feeling now that the semester is over?

Emma: It’s been a long semester, but such a great one! The students have all been so ready to interact with each other and take part in events on campus, and the articles Musings has published have been a joy to read every week. Our colleagues are so creative and hardworking. It’s weird to think we’ll be starting our last semester of this program in just a few weeks!

Natalie: Over the past few months I’ve been trying to push myself to try new things and meet new people! As a result, I’ve met incredible people, done amazing things, I’m really happy with how the semester went.

Ally: This is true, much has passed in just a span of 3 months. And what a whirlwind it has been! It seems like only yesterday that Jordan and I published our first articles as Editors-and-Chiefs of Musings. You can check those out here and here. How time flies!

Soure.

Jordan: Right you are! I bet the contributing editors who joined our team in September agree with you. As always, I am blown away with the breadth of articles. This semester Dominica took us on an adventure when she examined the unique programming at Black Creek Pioneer Village, Michelle had a frightfully good time at the “Bloodsuckers” at the Royal Ontario Museum, and Mary analysed “Age of you” at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA).

Photo Courtesy of Mary Wallace. 

Photo courtesy of Alexandra Forand 

Emma: Musings also went beyond museums when Carly W. explored community engagement at Community Arts Guild, Jaime investigated Library and Archives Canada (LAC) digitization projects in collaboration with the Nunavummiut, and Carys pointed out the various displays of art on the streets of Toronto and their importance.

Photo courtesy of Katherine Fleitas/peacephoto

Jordan: Of course, we can’t forget about Natalie’s article about the Ottawa Field Trip! While I was sad to miss it, the consensus seems to be that it was a fantastic trip! What were your favourite parts about it?

Photo courtesy of Natalie Heaton. 

Ally: I quite enjoyed seeing all the museums’ galleries and the stories they told with their objects. I know Carly H. would agree with me that objects can tell very powerful stories. I was also interested in the inner workers of those museums. It is not every day that you get to see museums’ collections, libraries, and research centres, as discussed by Madison!

Emma: I’m just so happy that the students who joined the trip made such great connections with the professionals we met. It’s so great seeing first-hand how much museum professionals, especially alumni, want to support us as we start our careers! Elizabeth’s check-in with Britt Braaten was especially interesting to read.

Photo courtesy of Britt Braaten.

Natalie: I will remember the relationships that I formed and the ones I strengthened with my classmates. I also loved taking in all the museums, talking to the museum professionals, and getting to go behind the scenes! The behind-the-scene tour of the Canadian History Museum was a particular standout.

Jordan: Well, I still have many fond memories of the trip to Montreal last year, and from the sounds of it, the trip to Ottawa was just as great. I think that these trips are a fantastic way for new students to form a community.

Ally: Musings is great for this as well, because that is what we aim to do! Whether that be a professional community, as seen through Samantha’s latest article interviewing Dale Butterill from the Women's Arts Association of Canada. Musings is also a great way to process current events through an important lens. I was partial to Amy’s latest article discussing the monumentalization of the Stonewall Inn, and Joanna’s take on female artists (or lack-there-of) in art museums.

Photo courtesy of Amelia Smith. 

Nathalie: I am excited to see where Defne will go with her series about museums representing climate change as well as Jessica’s series on collection storage solutions… on a budget!

Illustration courtesy of Defne Inceoglu. 

Illustration courtesy of Jessica Lanziner.

Jordan: And of course, Musings cannot exist without the help of MUSSA! It has been so fantastic seeing the two of you lead the pack this year; I truly think that the dynamic you’ve formed with the students in the faculty is incredible.

Ally: Especially now that we’re headed into the final semester of our time in the program, it is comforting to know that we have such a strong support system.

With that being said, I think it’s best that we leave our readers and give them some time to relax. Musings will be on hiatus for the rest of December, but keep an eye out in early January for new posts! In the meantime, don't forget to check our Emma’s article about holiday traditions and if you still need to do some holiday shopping head on over to Erika’s Gift Guide for Museum people! 

Happy Holidays! From our family to yours! Photo courtesy of Alexandra Forand. 

SHARING STORIES FROM THE SEASON OF GIVING

Throwback Thursday | Emma Puddicombe

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As the semester comes to a close and the holiday season begins, I thought I would look back on this time of year and learn more about the different traditions the students in our program do with their families. Read ahead for some Museum Studies style holiday traditions and to get into the spirit of the holiday season!

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“My grandma handmade this advent calendar for my family. For as long as I can remember, my brother, sister and I have always loved putting a nativity character up. When Christmas Day came around, it would turn into the hunger games between the three of us as to who got to put baby Jesus up. We still do this tradition to this day, and despite us all being in our 20s, it is still a major competition to see who gets to put baby Jesus up on Christmas morning.”

- Natalie Heaton, 2nd year MMSt (Photos courtesy of Natalie Heaton)

“For Christmas, my dog, Robbie, “buys” my sister and I socks! When he was a puppy he liked to steal socks so it seemed fitting.”

- Emily Finbow, 1st Year MMSt (Photos courtesy of Emily Finbow)

“For as long as I can remember, my best friend and I's families get together on Christmas Eve every year and we eat Tourtière and lobster fritters! The tradition is even sweeter now because my friend goes to Dalhousie and Christmas is her big break for the year when she comes home.”

- Sabryna Ekstein, 2nd year MMSt (Photo courtesy of Sabryna Ekstein)

“In true German tradition, Christmas Eve is the big day for my family. We have a light dinner, including my Dad's favourite German food tradition from his childhood, pickled herring (he's definitely the only one that eats it). Then we head off to church for a Christmas Eve service and carols. On our way home, my Dad makes a point to delay our arrival by driving through our surrounding neighborhoods to see the Christmas lights. As kids, this was exasperating because we were waiting to go home and open presents, but now it has become a more relaxing and welcomed excursion. The drive would always be long enough to ensure Santa had time to deliver our presents, and, lo and behold, every time we arrive home, to this day, Santa has been there.”

- Jordan Vetter, 1st year MMSt

“Every year my family wears matching outfits and we go to the distillery district together.”

- Savannah Sewell, 2nd year MMSt (Photos courtesy of Savannah Sewell)

“For a long time, my family followed a Dutch tradition. Everyone in the family gets a big chocolate letter of their first initial. They’re huge, so it was always a race to see who could eat theirs the fastest without feeling sick!”

- Martin Bierens, 1st year MMSt (Photo courtesy of Martin Bierens)

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“For the past 3-4 years, my family has been going axe throwing during our holiday break. We have so much time off (especially me and my sister, because we're both in university) that by the time the winter break ends, we're bored out of our minds. One year, we decided to go axe throwing, just for something to do. It turns out that my sister is actually really good, and my whole family really enjoys it! We're not the sportiest family, but we're all pretty good at axe throwing.”

- Emma Myers, 2nd year MMSt

“Every year my step-mom knits my cat, Biggie, a new outfit, and hat.”

- Lindsay Chisholm, 1st year MMSt (Photos courtesy of Lindsay Chisholm)

“As a tradition, my family and I always drive out to Alliston, Ontario to the Drysdale tree farm to cut down our Christmas tree. We also always watch It's a Wonderful Life after Christmas Eve mass.”

- Matt Dominico, 2nd year MMSt (Photos Source)

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"The morning is spent opening presents under the tree (stocking stuffers are opened first of course) and then we eat brunch and take our dogs out for a family walk around our town’s golf course. We also go visit my uncle who lives in a long-term care home and bring him hot chocolate. Later when we sit down for dinner we open Christmas crackers and read the joke/trivia and play with the toy that comes inside and wear the paper crowns while we eat. To end the night we usually drink tea and eat sweets while playing board games or card games.” 

- Vicky Jamieson, 1st year MMSt 

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“The only tradition my family seems to have is our "strike" against turkey. Basically, we got so tired of turkey after Thanksgiving we decided to ban it at Christmas and instead eat lamb or ham. It's just the 3 of us so it's an easy consensus.” 

- Elizabeth Cytko, 3rd year CDP

“My family isn’t super festive, but the holidays are the only time we're all in one room. In addition to leaving snacks for Santa, my family would also put out a bowl of baby carrots for the reindeer. One year they forgot to bring it back in and I cried because I was worried the reindeer would go hungry.” 

- Georgia McKee, 1st year MMSt (Photos courtesy of Georgia Mckee)

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“Every Christmas morning, while my mom would make breakfast, my dad would blast his Kenny G Christmas CD to wake me and my brothers up!” 

- Denise Tenio, 1st year MMSt

“On Christmas Eve, my family has a réveillon, or a Christmas Eve party (Derives ‘réveil’, meaning "waking", because everyone who is invited stays until midnight or later). We make traditional French-Canadian dishes, and all our neighbours, family and friends are invited. My dad even sets up a chocolate fountain! Every year our invitations feature a different Christmas movie character and people guess who it is. It’s my favourite part of the holiday!" 

- Emma Puddicombe, 2nd year MMSt (Photos courtesy of Emma Puddicombe)

Happy Holidays to all of you! 

FURRY FRIENDS ON THE FRONTLINES

Throwback Thursday | Emma Puddicombe

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In Canada, November is a time to remember the brave soldiers who gave their lives in the First World War. Their stories teach us about sacrifice and duty and speak to the bravery of humans in wartimes. Additionally, there are many other stories that can speak to the heroic acts and bravery of animals in wartimes. Thousands of animals have served in militaries all over the world, while their stories are not always well-known, they are remembered. Here are three furry friends and the stories of their times on the frontlines.

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Sergeant Billy

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At the start of the First World War, the Canadian soldiers of the 5th Infantry Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force were traveling through Broadview, Saskatchewan, where they encountered a young girl with her goat, Billy. Believing him to be a good luck charm, the young girl, Daisy Curwain, gave the soldiers her permission to take Billy with them to Valcartier Camp, in Quebec. It was during this summer that Billy not only became a cherished mascot for the battalion, but also a recognized soldier (complete with the title of Private Bill!). He trained with the soldiers, pushing them forward and boosting morale until it came time for the troops to make their journey overseas. Unfortunately, mascots were not permitted to go to the front lines, meaning Billy would have to remain in Canada. The soldiers, however, had a different plan. They smuggled their beloved mascot onto their ship and then again to the front lines in a wooden crate. While the troops’ colonel was none too happy to have the farm animal onsite, Billy proved his worth multiple times throughout his service. In one act of heroism, Billy head-butted three Canadian soldiers out of the way before a shell exploded right where they had been standing. In another, he cornered three enemy guardsmen at Ypres. These actions resulted in his promotion to Sergeant Bill. Billy’s value was not only in his heroic actions, though. His moral boosting abilities were needed more than ever by the homesick soldiers who took comfort in his presence. That is not to say that Billy wasn’t above discipline. The goat was imprisoned at one point for treason after eating very important and secret documents. Fortunately, all was forgiven once the colonel realized how important Billy was to the soldier’s mental well-being.

Billy returned to Canada in 1919, a decorated war hero with three medals, where he lived out the rest of his days with Daisy on the Saskatchewan plains.


Simon

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During wartime, cats were highly valued on warships for their rat-catching abilities and many felines were brought aboard ships to fight against rodents who would spread diseases and infest the crew’s rations. In 1948, a black and white cat named Simon was brought aboard HMS Amethyst by George Hickinbottom. By October of that same year, he had become the adoring mascot of the ship and its crew. The affection towards the feline is represented by Lieutenant-Commander Bernard Skinner, who upon taking command of the HMS Amethyst, also took a great liking to Simon. Commander Skinner granted Simon many additional privileges, including unrestricted access to most areas of the ship and the permission to sleep in the commander's cap.

Also at this time, China was in the midst of a civil war between the communist insurgents of Mao Tse Tung’s People’s Liberation Army and the ruling nationalist (or Kuomintang) Party of Chiang Kai-shek. The HMS Amethyst was sent to protect the British people on the Yangzte River. While sailing to its destination in April 1947, however, the ship fell under enemy fire and was stranded. During the attack, Simon, unfortunately, was wounded by a Chinese shell blasting a hole in a nearby bulkhead. Four shrapnel hit his back legs, his face was burned and whiskers and eyebrows singed. The doctor on board was able to remove the shrapnel, but Simon was still very weak. While recovering, Simon was instrumental in the recovery of his fellow seamen in the sickbay. He would sit on the crew’s bunks and knead his paws and purr while tending to his own wounds, which helped the sailors relate to him and boosted their morale. The HMS Amethyst was stranded for over three months, during which time rats began to breed rapidly and infest the ship. Despite his injuries, though, Simon still rose to the challenge of hunting the vermin and managed to significantly diminish the issue within two months.

After 101 days, the crew managed to escape and return safely to Hong Kong where Simon was met with fame for his actions. Simon’s bravery and strength was rewarded with multiple medals, including the Amethyst Campaign Medal, A Blue Cross Medal for animal bravery and Heroism, the Naval General Service Medal, and the extremely prestigious Dickin Medal, the highest award any animal can receive whilst serving in military conflict (It is recognized worldwide as the animal’s Victoria Cross).

Unfortunately, Simon's heart was too weak after his ordeal and he passed away in November 1949. He was buried by the Amethyst crew with full Naval honours, in a pet cemetery near London, England.


Unsinkable Sam

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In 1939, a black and white cat was brought aboard Bismarck, a battleship built for Nazi Germany’s Kriegsmarine. It was here that the furry feline started the first third of his naval career (yes...catching rats). Bismarck launched in February 1939 and two years later met the HMS Prince of Wales, a British battleship, in battle where it was badly damaged and eventually sank. The cat was later found by the homeward-bound British destroyed, the HMS Cossack, floating on a board in the water. He was picked up and given the name ‘Oscar’, after the International Code of Signals flag called Oscar which denotes “man overboard”.

Cat: 1, Battleships: 0.

The second third of Oscar’s naval career was spent aboard HMS Cossack (yes...again with the rats). This ship was responsible for carrying out convoy escort duties in the Mediterranean and North Atlantic until October 1941 when it was sunk to the west of Gibraltar. Once again, Oscar was found clinging to a floating board, where he was rescued and brought to land. It was at this time that his name was changed to ‘Unsinkable Sam’.

Cat: 2, Battleships: 0.

A little while later, HMS Ark Royal was sent out. This ship was ironically instrumental in sinking the Bismarck and had gained the reputation of a ‘lucky ship’ after surviving several near misses at sea...Enter Oscar. The fortunate feline (sort of), was now starting the final third of his naval career aboard the ship. Unfortunately, his time aboard was short-lived as the ship was torpedoed and sunk by a U-boat in November 1941. For a third time, Oscar was found floating an a plank in the water, his rescuers describing him as “angry, but quite unharmed.”

Cat: 3, Battleships: 0.

It was at this point that Oscar was finally relieved of his naval duties and transferred to the mainland where he spent the next years of his life hunting mice in the building of the Governor General of Gibraltar. His final days were spent in a home for sailors in Belfast UK.

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Animals have always held a special spot in our hearts, whether they are our own pets or animals from the stories we hear. They have proven time and time again their worth in the most difficult of times and have shown us their value as morale boosters, brave fighters, and kind friends. While their stories are not always the most well-known, they are still worth remembering.

THAT IS SO CLASSIC

Throwback Thursday | Emma Puddicombe

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Throughout my undergraduate career, I spent every week learning about the history of the ancient Romans. Classical Studies (or ‘Classics’) taught me many amazing facts about this civilization, and while a lot of what I learned is well known by much of the world, there are certain episodes that can only be described as classic (pun absolutely intended).

Source

Episode #1: Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus’s 16 Day Dictatorship (458 BC)

The Roman Senate asking Cincinnatus to be Magister Populi, Source

Pretext: In the age of the Republic, Rome was ruled by two Consuls. They were elected officials who shared imperium (power) over the city, an idea brought about due to the Republicans' desire for imperium to be collegial, annual and accountable. Two officials meant there was a system of checks and balances in place, where each consul could limit the other’s hunger for power through the art of the veto. These officials would rule together for 1 calendar year and were accountable for everything they did, a rule which forced the individuals in the position to seriously consider their choices and actions. In times of extreme crisis, however, a Magister Populi (dictator) was appointed with completed, unaccountable power for up to 6 months.

Story Time: In 458 BC, Rome is in crisis mode. The Aequi, an Italic tribe from the Apennine Mountains, had surrounded and besieged half of the Roman army, along with the consul L. Minyscius Esquilinus Augurinus, and the other half of the army, who were led by consul G. Nautilus Rutilus, were unable to send help. This brought the Roman Senate to Defcon 1 and they decided it was time to nominate a Magister Populi. They asked L. Quinctius Cincinnatus, who had been consul in the year 460 BC and was known as a good and trustworthy individual.

The Senators found Cincinattus on his farm, living a quiet life as a humble man of his crop. They explained the situation to him and asked him to step in as magister populi. Understanding the importance of the situation and his duty to his city, Cincinnatus agreed and returned to Rome, beginning his 6 months term.

At the Battle of Mount Algidus, which took place within two weeks later, Cincinnatus' army quickly besieges the Aequi. Rather than slaughtering them, though, Cincinnatus heard their please for mercy and offered them amnesty. Hooray!

16 days after becoming the most powerful man in the Roman Republic, with the Aequi defeated and both consuls safe and sound, Cincinnatus relinquished his title and imperium (not to mention the remaining five and a half months of unlimited power) to return to his humble life as a farmer.


Episode #2: Publius Claudius Pulcher Ignores the Chickens (249 BC)

Pulcher telling his men to throw the chickens into the sea, Source

Pretext: In the Roman Republic when there were matters of the utmost importance that required much consultation and consideration, the leaders of the city would refer to sacred chickens. These creatures were esteemed for their prophetic abilities and were often consulted before major battles. It was believed that if one were to throw grain around the hungry poultry and they were to peck at it, the Gods were in favour of the decision that had been made (a good omen).

Story Time: During the First Punic War (264 to 241 BC) the Roman began fighting at sea. The Battle of Drepana was one such battle wherein the consul Publius Claudius Pulcher was the deciding authority. Before the battle, the crew, along with Pulcher, decided to consult the chickens. The poultry was released from their cages and grain was tossed around the deck, however, they did not peck. The priest who was aboard, who understood the meaning of this outcome, suggested to Pulcher that they postpone the battle. Pulcher’s response to this was to immediately grab the chickens and throw them overboard, crying out, “If they will not eat, then maybe they will drink!”. With this, they proceeded into battle.

That day, 93 of the 120 ships in the Roman fleet were destroyed. It is considered to be the Carthaginians’ greatest naval victory of the whole war. Upon his return to Rome, Pulcher was prosecuted (and acquitted) but also fined heavily for his actions.


Episode #3: Gaius Mucius Scaevola Proves A Point (509 BC)*

Scaevola thrusting his hand into a fire, Source

Pretext: In its earliest years, Rome was a Regnum (kingdom), a political system where the King, a single ruling official, had total and completed imperium over the city. This era of Rome ended in 509 BC when Lucius Tarquinius Superbus was overthrown and expelled from the city. This final king not only began his reign as a tyrant by murdering his father in law, but he also continued his rule in the same fashion. In 509 BC, his son, Sextus, an equally arrogant and violent man, sexually assaulted Lucretia (The wife of Superbus cousin Lucius Junius Brutus). When Superbus refused to punish his son for this terrible act, the nobles overthrew him and expelled him from Rome, thus founding the Res Republica (The Republic).

Story Time: After his expulsion, Superbus found an ally in Lars Porsenna, an Etruscan King who ruled over the city of Clusium. Porsenna agreed to help his fellow Etruscan friend and recover the kingdom for him. As plans were being made to invade Rome, a young Roman by the name of Gaius Mucius Cordo decided to take action by sneaking into Porsenna’s palace (alone) and kill him. What could go wrong?

Quickly after accomplishing the first part of his plan, Cordo was captured and brought before Porsenna. The King of Clusium began to go into detail about Cordo’s fate, explaining how he would begin by cutting off all of the Roman’s fingers and toes when Cordo calmly stuck his right hand into a fire next to him. It is said that Cordo made no sound as his hand was completely burned off. Other stories claim Porsenna threatened to burn Cordo alive for his assassination attempt and Cordo stuck his hand into the fire to prove he did not fear the fire.

After quickly considering what he had just seen, Porsenna freed Cordo and made the decision not to invade Rome after all, for fear that all Roman were of the same caliber as this one. Gaius Mucius Cordo was given the cognomen Scaevola, meaning left-handed, after this and is officially known by historians as Gaius Mucius Scaevola.

* This story, while very cool, is also considered to be mythical by some historians.

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History always has amazing episodes that are long remembered by those who learn them. The stories we learn not only teach us about our past, but also help us to form the future based on the morals we hear. The morals of these stories?

Be humble, and don't take more than you need. 

Bravery can be your greatest tool when dealing with an enemy.

Always trust the chickens.