Rose of England

I have since my teens considered my spiritual home the United States. It was the first place my parents and I set foot in the New World. Getting off a ship in New York like countless immigrants before them. I studied American history at university, follow US politics closely and have made my pilgrimage to the battlefields of the Civil War.

As a child we would take long driving vacations across the American west (where we would drive and drive, then drive some more….sorry an inside family joke). I loved those trips and fell in love with the history and the land.

I grew up in Canada (where I still live and am thankful I do) and spent a number of years at school in England, the land of my birth. I believe I can even claim to be a true Cockney, having been born within the sound of Bow Bells. At school my “accent” marked me as a Yank and by default I was often called upon to defend American foreign policy. So just as in matters of gender, I was equally confused as to my nationality.

It is a difficult time for the West as the impermeable Cold War world of my youth continues to change and mutate. The freedoms we enjoy are constantly under threat from within and without. As a history buff we would do well to remember where we come from and the rich traditions that made both nations the light and envy of the world.

In that spirit let me share some personal British ancestral history, both examples involving some fancy foot work.

One Madame Sismondi, ballet mistress and co-founder of the original Tiller Girls in the 1890s. The Tiller girls were a famous high kicking dance troupe that was in existence until the eighties also a big influence on the Rockettes.

Dutch Sam and Young Dutch Sam. A member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Dutch Sam (1775 – 1816) came from the Whitechapel area of London. Nicknamed “The Star of the East” as well as the less politically correct, “The Terrible Jew”, what he liked bacon sandwiches?

Inventor of the uppercut with a history of approximately 100 bouts, losing only twice, at the time most boxers fought 20-25 matches in a career. His power was legendary and he was considered one of the hardest hitters of all time.

His son, Young Dutch Sam, was also a good puncher and very exciting fighter, had a noteworthy career in the 1820s.

My brother brought this tune to my attention, Resistance 77 with Spirit of St. George. I love it, makes me want to buy a Jensen Interceptor and drive down the high street to get some fish & chips.




Hugs,

April