GIVEAWAY: WRATH

No, no, no. CincyWhimsy is not handing out free spite. 

Wrath  is one of my most recent late night page turners, and the author has been so kind to provide me with a few autographed copies to give away to you all!

To enter, leave a comment on this Facebook post answering the following question:
What did you know about William Goebel before reading this post?

Contest ends February 3, 2013.

Wrath tells the story of William Goebel, a politician from Covington, Kentucky, who was the only Governor ever to be assassinated in office. January 30th marks the anniversary of an unidentified man shooting him on the lawn of the State Capitol in Frankfort in broad daylight.

Not your ordinary Governor, Goebel's lack of social skills and abrasive personality hindered his campaign. He relied on his intellect to garner public support for his platform of railroad regulation and labor causes. His rise to power included a controversial duel with Confederate General John Sanford, passing an election law to stack the odds in his favor, and striding headfirst into a battle with the L&N Railroad monopoly.

Based on a true story that takes place in post Civil War Kentucky, I was fascinated with hearing familiar street names, landmarks, and politicians of the era.  Written with top notch imagery and character development, I keep expecting to see a smug Goebel coming around the corner whenever I walk through Covington.

CINCINNATI & THE CIVIL WAR: 1861-62

The 150th anniversary of the Civil War occurred last year and has been commemorated through an exhibit at Cincinnati Museum Center. Located in the Ruthven Gallery, on the lower level by the Children's Museum entrance, visitors can learn about the defense of Cincinnati, the Battle of Perryville, and other events from the first two years of the war.

Cincinnati & The Civil War contains uniforms, weapons, and equipment of the common soldier as well as photographs, letters, and posters from the museum's collection. Among the most impressive items is a wall-sized flag of the 10th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, led by Colonel William H. Lytle, as well as a large mural of the legendary pontoon bridge that saved Cincinnati from Confederate attack.

Union army crosses the pontoon bridge from Cincinnati into Covington.

Uniform, weapons, and photographs of  Colonel William H. Lytle.

Military swords with a .52 Gwyn & Campbell Carbine, manufactured in Hamilton, Ohio.

Medical and amputation tools.

Free and open to the public through January 13th, Cincinnati & The Civil War is a fascinating display of local history that is not to be missed.

McEWEN'S WRATH

Thursday night, I had the pleasure of attending a presentation featuring author Howard McEwen speak about his latest novel:
Wrath - The Life and Assassination of a United States Governor.

William Goebel, a politician from Covington, Kentucky, was the only Governor ever to be assassinated in office. Wrath explores and contrasts the upbringing of Goebel and his assassin from boyhood to an adult. While their paths did not cross until the night of the assassination, McEwen finds symmetry in the characters and transitions their stories back and forth with ease.

Based on a true story that takes place in post Civil War Kentucky, I was fascinated with hearing familiar street names, landmarks, and politicians of the era. Drive past some of the settings today and you will find historical placards marking the Stevenson house or the spot where Goebel fell when shot. With McEwen's top notch imagery and character development, I keep expecting to see a smug Goebel coming around the corner whenever I walk through Covington.

One of my most recent late night page turners, Wrath illustrates how hard upbringings can sculpt a man's outlook on society. I found myself sympathizing with and cheering for Goebel throughout his struggle and his ruthless yet passionate rise to power. Intrigued? Get a copy of Wrath and see for yourself. 

CINCINNATI POPS: BLACK BRIGADE COMMEMORATION

This September, the Black Brigade of Cincinnati was honored with a monument along the riverfront portion of Smale Park (across the street from the waterfall fountain.) To commemorate the occasion, John Morris Russell and the Cincinnati Pops played a musical tribute to the Civil War. Complete with reenactors in period clothing, the highlight of the program was a storytelling about the Black Brigade narrated by Kevin Robinson, WLWT's meteorologist. 

Watch the Cincinnati Pops performance:

Story of the Black Brigade

September 2012 marks the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, as well as a poignant time in Cincinnati history. Although they were free men, the city's African Americans were denied the opportunity to enlist to protect the Queen City from a Confederate attack. Instead, they were abducted from their homes by police and forced into labor. Yes, this happened in the Free North.

Protests resulted in an intervention by Union General Lew Wallace. Three hundred black men were freed and returned to their homes. The following day, 700 African Americans returned to volunteer to build fortifications to defend Cincinnati. Deemed the Black Brigade, these men were the first organized group of African Americans to serve in the U.S. Military.

Dr. James A. Ramage, Civil War historian and founder of the Civil War Museum in Fort Wright.

I always enjoy when John Morris Russell conducts the audience to sing along.

Did you know Cincinnati Pops had fiddle and banjo soloists?