Linda Osborne Cynowa

‘A Little Taste of a Generous Gift’

Linda’s Monthly Monday Morning Musings for May 4, 2026.

In 2017, I went to the Kezar Library in the village of Romeo, to inquire about doing research, for I had been researching my family history, for what would be now about 30 years. I was asked if I would be willing to do the genealogical research on the owners of the many Romeo historical homes in the village. It would be used when an inquiry might be made about who had lived in these homes before a present owner might have bought their home. I created files that the library could use, and found this research to be very interesting, while also ‘getting to know’ the subjects I was working on. They were stories about how this area and the village in general became the community that is thriving today.

One of these stories is about Samuel and Nancy Kezar, who originally came to the area from Turner, New York, where they built a home in the ‘Queen Anne’ style at 180 Church Street in 1894. Samuel would pass away in 1898. The Romeo Book Club and the Romeo Monday Club would organize the Romeo Public Library and be maintained by Nancy Kezar and her daughter in their home until 1908. Mrs. Kezar and her daughter eventual moved to the west coast. She would come into an inheritance and remember their time and life in Romeo, asking her agent to come up with a plan to give a free standing library building to the village of Romeo.

A well known architect named Henry Whitfield from New York created a design and local contractor Archibald H. Robertson would build the library according to a design, where the general appearance was to be ‘home like’ and imitate and ‘old English Inn’. For anyone having used this library, that was accomplished. A lot was secured on the corner of Church Street and North Main (Old Van Dyke Road). The deed contained a proviso that this gift would revert to the heirs of the Kezar’s if and when the property was no longer used for library purposes.

In 1911, the building was dedicated in a public ceremony, and a gift of a $1000 dollars worth of books from Henry Glover Stephens, a philanthropist and collector was added to the already 871 books in their collection. The library was to become then known as the Romeo Free Public Library. The library would acquire a new name in 1969 when the Romeo District Library was formed by a resolution of the Romeo village council, in conjunction with the Bruce and Washington Township Boards. With the village of Romeo sitting in both Washington and Bruce Townships, there would be two representatives from each entity. By 1970, it was realized that an addition would be needed that would triple the size of the structure, and a dedication ceremony would take place in March of 1971. A second branch of the library would be opened in 2001, from a generous donation from Roland and Kathleen Graubner, of land and called the Romeo District, Graubner Branch.

The Romeo Community Archives would open to the public in the lower level of the Kezar Branch in 2017, a home away from home for those of us interested in researching. It continues to expand its research abilities and now has the complete Romeo Observer Newspapers from the early 1870s, all digitized for easier access. If you are an obituary reader, you have never read an obituary until you have read the works of art that have been written all those years ago while documenting with a flair the lives of those that had passed way.

I want to thank the Kezar Community Archives for use of the documented material used here today. And on that ‘wee note’, till next month Monday, June 1, 2026.

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After Writing… What comes next?

Linda’s Monthly Monday Morning Musings for April 6, 2026.

Having seven books published through Arcadia Publishing since 2019, this is the first winter I have gone through without a book pending publication, since then. I would usually become contracted during the fall months and work on the books during the winter months, and then submit the finished book in the spring, and sometime during the late summer to early fall Arcadia would bring it to publication at that point in time. A years worth of work between my time and their’s.

At this point, my thoughts turn to whether or not I want to further my writing, which I love doing, but I have to decide whether or not I want to deal with editors and the publishing company and the ‘fun’ that brings. Have had some thoughts on going back to the ‘Images of America’ series, as I worked on with my first three books. Whereas my four lighthouse books, were part of Arcadia’s Post Card Historical Series. So what comes next? More thought needed.

One of the ‘requirements’ that Arcadia likes their authors to participate is in book presentations. If you are not a comfortable public speaker, you need to learn to adapt at becoming comfortable in talking with an audience. That was a big learn for me! But if you believe in your subject and have the passion for what you have written it does become somewhat easier. And audiences are very understanding and just want to learn about your subject matter.

On Thursday March 26th, I gave a presentation at the Graubner branch of the Romeo District Library, that had first been slated for just before covid hit. It would be seven years till we could make up that canceled presentation night. But better late than never. So instead of covid we did have a major rain storm, but having done a presentation in the middle of a snow blizzard before, there was great hope nobody would mind getting a ‘wee bit’ wet. Other than the comedic fun of a microphone that was somewhat temperamental, and my voice not stretching to the back of the room, all went off very well. Talking to residents of Washington Township, about Washington Township, did create questions and it was very pleasing to see the interest.

A large Washington Township plot map showing, all the individuals who purchased the original land grants starting in 1827, usually brings great interest in people looking for where their residences are located in today’s time.

On that ‘wee note’ till next month Monday May 4th, 2026

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The Lost Confederate Submarine

Linda’s Monthly Monday Morning Moaning’s for Monday 2, 2026

The Secret Hope of the Confederacy, the H.L. Hunley.

On 17 February 1864, after months of practice runs and weather delays, the Confederate submarine, under cover of darkness, silently approached USS Housatonic, a 16-gun, 1,240-ton sloop-of-war, on blockade duty four miles off the entrance to Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. Carrying a torpedo packed with explosive black powder bolted to a 16-foot spar, H. L. Hunley rammed Housatonic below the water line, detonating the torpedo, tearing a hole in the Union ship’s hull and sending her to the bottom along with five of her crew. The sub would signal to those on shore, that all was well and started for shore. Then the Hunley was not seen again for over a century.

The forty foot Hunley was designed to hold just eight men. There had been two other attempts to make this first under water attack work, but those previous subs had sunk with all hands. Captain George Dixon was in charge of this assignment to dispatch the USS Housatonic. There was a story that attached it’s self to Captain Dixon, in that he was shot on April 6 1962 while fighting a battle in Shiloh, were a twenty-dollar gold coin in his pocket, would stop a bullet from killing him. He would have it engraved with the date and area of when the shooting occurred and kept it on his person as a ‘good luck charm’.

While the H. L. Hunley began her preliminary testing, the news of the defeat at Gettysburg and loss of Vicksburg had reached Mobile. Times were increasingly desperate for the Confederacy. The Hunley was initially designed to dive completely below her target while towing behind a floating torpedo on a 200-foot tether. Once the submarine dove and passed under the keel of her target, the torpedo would impact its hull on the other side, in theory causing a devastating explosion that would sink the ship. To safely dive under a Union vessel, the Captain would need to carefully maneuver the five-foot tall submarine between the ocean bottom and the keel of the target ship.

The search for Hunley ended 131 years later when best-selling author Clive Cussler and his team from the National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA) discovered the submarine after a 14-year search. At the time of discovery, the team realized that they had found Hunley after exposing the forward hatch and the distinctive ventilator or snorkel box, used for refreshing the air inside. The submarine rested on its starboard side at about a 45-degree angle and was covered in an encrustation of ferrous oxide bonded with sand and shell particles. Probing revealed an approximate length of 34 feet with most, if not all, of the vessel preserved under the sediment.

Due to concerns that the historic vessel would be disturbed or damaged now that its location was known, the decision was made to raise the Hunley from its resting place. In the summer of 2000, a large team of professionals from the Naval History and Heritage Command’s Underwater Archaeology Branch, the National Park Service, excavated the site, measuring and documenting the hull prior to preparing it for removal. Once the on-site investigation was complete, customized slings were slipped underneath the sub one by one and attached to a truss designed by Oceaneering, International, Inc. The truss was then hoisted from the murky waters by crane from the jack-up barge Karlissa-B. On August 8 at 8:37 a.m., the sub broke the surface for the first time in over 136 years where it was greeted by a cheering crowd in the hundreds, on nearby watercraft.

Once safely on its transporting barge, Hunley finally completed its last voyage back to Charleston, passing by hundreds of spectators on the city’s shores and bridges. The recovery operation came to an end when the submarine was secured inside the Warren Lasch Conservation Center, now part of the Clemson University Restoration Institute, in a specially designed tank of fresh water to await conservation.

While the slow preservation would take many years, the eight remains of the crew were removed and given an honored burial in Charleston’s Magnolia Cemetery in 2004. Captain Dixon’s twenty dollar ‘good luck’ coin was found among his remains, still bent out of its normal shape giving credence to the long talked about rumor. A replica of that coin, can be seen on the book shown on the above left.

On that wee note till Monday April 6, 2026.

It is with great appreciation that I thank ‘The Friends of the Hunley’ at henley.org, and authors Brian Hicks for his ‘Sea of Darkness, and ‘Raising the Hunley’ with both Brian Hicks and Schuyler Kropf and also Tom Chaffin author of ‘H.L. Hunley’. These are great reads to further the information of the H.L. Hunley’s story.

The Hunley is located and in the care of the ‘Friends of the Hunley’ at: info@hunley.org
Warren Lasch Conservation Center
1250 Supply Street
(on the old Charleston Navy Base)
North Charleston, South Carolina 29405

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Lake Michigan’s Frozen Lights

Linda’s Monthly Monday Morning Moaning’s for February 2, 2016.

Frigid temperatures, strong winds, snow and freezing spray have created dramatic ice formations along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, with ice coverage on the lake reaching more than 35% earlier than normal this week. The severe conditions have coated iconic lighthouses in Grand Haven, South Haven and St. Joseph with thick layers of ice, with very impressive designs. Strong winds, crashing waves and long cold snaps can sculpt layers and ribbons of ice and icicles on the towers and catwalks, creating dramatic forms that often appear on the national news.

Ice-coated lighthouses do not appear every winter. The weather and lake conditions must align and this most often happens sometime between December and February. First, temperatures must drop and stay well below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The colder it gets, the faster ice can build. Second, the wind must be strong and blowing from the southwest, west or northwest to create the most dramatic effect. Third, the water around the lighthouses must remain unfrozen so wind can drive waves high enough to crash against the pier and structures.

Both South Haven Lighthouse, above and Grand Haven Lighthouse below in 2013. (Author’s images)

When everything lines up, waves can reach 20 feet or higher. Spray from waves breaking against the pier and lighthouses can rise more than 80 feet in the air. During the course of a day, the structures can accumulate a significant amount of ice. While the thick ice formations look beautiful, they can cause structural stress over time. The weight and expansion of ice can put pressure on metal components, requiring regular maintenance for the lights. Whatever your photographic preference is, camera, mobile phone, protect them between shots to keep batteries and SIM cards warm, clean your lens often and stay aware of blowing freezing spray. You will be happier with the results.

Most important thing to remember, the ice never lasts long, but seeing it in person is something you will never forget, and most remember for years.

On this ‘wee note’ till Monday March 2, 2026.

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History of the United States Lighthouses

Linda’s Monthly Monday Morning Moaning’s for Monday January 5, 2026

During the colonial period in America, individual colonies provided aids to navigation. In the 17th century they typically used beacons as aids, often lighted. For example, colonists built fires on Beavertail Point to guide vessels at night in Newport, Rhode Island, soon after it was founded in 1639. These warning beacons did not, guide ships through the islands and shoals of Boston Harbor. To mark the entrance to the harbor and thereby benefit trade, a group of merchants petitioned the legislature for a lighthouse in 1713. Little Brewster was chosen as the site, and in 1716 the construction of Boston Lighthouse was completed—the oldest lighthouse site in North America. Other colonies also needed guides to their ports. Subsequently, 11 additional lighthouses were built before 1789, including Sandy Hook, New Jersey, 1764 (still standing as the oldest lighthouse in the United States.

In one of its first acts after its formation in 1789, the United States government assumed control of all aids to navigation in the country. This included the 12 existing lighthouses at the time, as well as those under construction. The US government placed them under the Treasury Department. From 1789 to 1820, the number of lighthouses increased to 55, though apparently without any formal system. An 1838 survey by naval officers found that the condition of the lighthouses ranged from good to terrible—many were poorly placed, of faulty construction, and had poor quality lights. Nonetheless, Congress took no action. Congress again failed to act in 1845 on recommendations from navy officers.

in 1851, after years of protest from shippers, navigators, chambers of commerce, Congress appointed a special investigative board. After thorough study, this board recommended the establishment of a lighthouse board composed of navy officers, army engineers, and civilian scientists. Congress quickly complied and in 1852 created the US Lighthouse Board.

In 1852, the newly established US Lighthouse Board took over operations of 331 lighthouses, 42 lightships, and other navigational aids, including numerous buoys. The board made many improvements, among them in the administration of lighthouses. The board divided the country into 12 lighthouse districts, the twelfth being the West Coast, where the board built their first lighthouses. Each district had its own inspector, usually a navy officer, and later also an army engineer. The board issued detailed written instructions to the keepers. With the help of the Civil Service Reform Acts of 1871 and 1883, they gradually changed the keepers from patronage appointments to professional civil servants.

The US Lighthouse Board also made many technological improvements, including the installation of Fresnel (pronounced Fruh-NEL) lenses. Frenchman August-Jean Fresnel developed the lens in the 1810s and they were installed in French lighthouses in the early 1820s. The lenses, composed of concentric circles of prisms, directed the light to a central bullseye which concentrated it. This resulted in a far brighter light than that from any other contemporary lens. By the Civil War, all US lighthouses had Fresnel lenses. Other technological improvements concerned lighthouse construction, lightships, buoys, and lamps. lighthouses were constructed of interlocking stones in wave-swept locations. Screwpile and sunken caisson foundations were also introduced in this period. Screwpile lighthouses replaced many lightships in Chesapeake Bay—by 1889 the total number of lightships dropped to 24. But with the development of iron steam-powered ships, the number again increased until there were 56 lightships in 1909.

In 1939 the US Lighthouse Service was transferred to the US Coast Guard. Under the Coast Guard, automation proceeded, as the Lighthouse Automation and Modernization Program (LAMP) began in the mid-1960s. In the 1960s, lightships were replaced by structures similar to oil drilling platforms. By the 1970s, large navigational buoys (LNBs) replaced lightships as well. The last lightship (Nantucket I) was decommissioned in 1985. By 1990 all lighthouses in the country had been automated except Boston Light. After serving faithfully for 215 years, Boston Light was the last lighthouse in the country to be automated in 1998. Though electrified, Boston Light remained staffed due to an authorization by Congress in 1989.

Thank you to the United States National Park Service for keeping the lighthouse legacy, images owned by author. And on that ‘wee note’ till Monday February 2nd, 2026.

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