Monday, January 11, 2010

J.C. Miller - 101 Ranch


In 1879, J.C.'s father George founded the 101 Ranch in the Indian Territory near Ponca City, Oklahoma. George Miller died of pneumonia in 1903, leaving the ranch to his three sons, Joseph, George Jr., and Zack.

The eldest son Joseph, also known as J.C., is described in various accounts as being either kind and well-loved by the Indians or as being volatile and greedy. Whatever the case, there is little doubt  that he was an accomplished equestrian and performer.

The Millers put on local western shows, and then took their 101 Ranch Wild West Show on the national circuit in 1907. In later years they also took their show to Europe, but not without encountering some serious problems. In England, the British military confiscated their horses, cars, and carriages for use in World War I. German authorities arrested some of the Oglala Indian cast members on suspicion of being Serbian spies. They group also had trouble finding steamships that would allow passage for Indians for the return trip.

In 1916, the 101 Ranch Wild West Show toured with Buffalo Bill Cody. During the 1920s, wild west shows were declining in popularity, in part due to competition from motion pictures. The ranch started suffering from financial problems. In October, 1927, J.C. Miller was found dead in the 101 garage with his car still running. George Jr. died in a car accident within a year of J.C.'s death, leaving Zack to manage the ranch on his own. Zack eventually filed for bankruptcy in 1932. The land was then divided and sold in parcels. None of the ranch buildings remain.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Streetcar Sunday -Rio de Janeiro


The contrast of this postcard is not very good, but with any luck you can make out the dark streetcar in the foreground and the other one on top of the Los Arcos De Lapa aquaduct.  And guess what? The Santa Teresa streetcar is still operational, so if you're going to Rio for the Olympics or for some other reason, this is a great opportunity to ride it yourself.  It's the oldest remaining tram in South America, and it's been running continuously since its inception. What a great opportunity! Who cares about the Olympics? When your spouse is watching the games, you can go ride the streetcar.  I will be very envious. It may not be fast or a smooth ride, but it's cheap, the equivalent of about $0.35. If you go, please send me some pictures.

The City of Rio started horse-drawn streetcar service in 1859. In the following years, they went back and forth between horse-drawn and steam-powered streetcars, and even tried a battery-powered streetcar for a very short period of time. In 1892, they began converting from horse-drawn to electric streetcars. By 1897, they had created the first fully electric streetcar system in South America. Although the routes have been cut back, much of the rolling stock is original, generally 100 years old, with no doors and wooden cross benches. It makes for an exciting ride, and apparently you do have to watch for pickpockets.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Seminole Village, Florida


This looks like a fine place to spend the season in a completely furnished duplex with private tile baths, electric refrigerators, and automatic hot water.

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