National Memories: China-USA World War II Collaboration at Hawaii's Pacific Aviation Museum

"The historic friendship between China and the United States in World War II was significant for the outcome of the war, and continues to resonate with citizens of both countries," said Shauna Tonkin, director of education of the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor, "this exhibit portrays the events and emotions of that era through remarkable photographs that bring this history to life."

It's big. Really big. Larger than life comes to mind. Inspiring. It makes your spirit soar. 

Hawaii's Pacific Aviation Museum at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor offers a unique historical wow-factor like no other. I've been coming here since the museum opened on its first day in 2006. For me the closest thing to immersing myself in aviation up to that time was flying Economy-class on a commercial airline. 

But now? Oh! 

I'm a huge fan of this museum, a must-see for anyone visiting Hawaii's Pearl Harbor. I'm also a huge fan of that special-class of aviation historians and airplane afficiandoes. They talk-story about their flying machines and experiences with a special affection and reverence that brings a smile. 

Earlier this Spring I was sent news of a new exhibition that got my blood pumping. On March 15, 2015 National Memories, a photo exhibition like no-other focusing on the collaboration between the USA and China during World War II was opening. Its focus is on the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater. When I was reminded that the exhibit was set to close on July 31.

(Click here for a link to Hawaii Governor Ige's official proclamation in recognition of the exhibit). 

I was bounded and determined to put any and all my commitments on the back-burner to see it. If I had to walk to Pearl Harbor so be it! Fortunately my already-worn running shoes and leg muscles were spared. 

That's the U.S.S. Missouri Memorial on the left; the conning tower of the Pacific Aviation Museum in the center; and the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial on the right. My visit to Pearl Harbor was on a picture-perfect day -a stark contrast to those on December 7, 1941 and thereafter. 

This is the restored conning tower at the Pacific Aviation Museum on Ford Island, Pearl Harbor Hawaii. 

The National Memories exhibit was in Hanger 79, a part of the Pacific Aviation Museum. 

This is the scene I beheld when I quietly strolled into Hanger 79. 

The sheer size of the hanging panels lends itself to what is so evidently true of those portrayed here. The Chinese and Americans worked side-by-side under horrendous circumstances to do the impossible -and as a result earned for themselves the larger-than-life reputation they so clearly deserved then as they do now. 

Many Americans today still think China is on the other side of the world.

This photo was a popular one among my fellow visitors. It shows an American soldier and a Chinese soldier leaning in each others' direction to light a cigarette during the fighting in Burma's Hukawng Valley: 

Click here for a link to the story published in China Daily. David Lampton, the former president of the National Committee on US-China Relations summed this image up by saying, "It showed a kind of cooperation. It's very humane... this is a good model for cooperation we should apply in the future, it also reminds us that there is no peace in Asia unless the United States, China and Japan get along, so we have to find a way to do that."

Dashing and daring, don't you agree? Meet Canadian-born Chinese Aviator Albert Mah. 

Dated May 1, 1944, "American-Japanese interpreters with Brig. Gen. Frank Merrill's Infantry troops in northern Burma. Left: T/Sgt. Herbert Miyasaki, Paauild, Hawaii. Right: T/Sgt. Akiji Yoshimura, Colusa, California. 

This was my favorite image of the exhibition. Meet 16-year-old Pvt. Pan Chen-to of the 1st Chinese Commandos. "The youngest paratrooper in the world... is smiling happily after making his first jump at Kunming, China. The paratroopers are being trained by American officers and men of the Office of Strategic Service." 

Another personal favorite of mine was this image. Dated June 25, 1942, it was all-smiles for Jean Lynch and Lt. Pao-Chuen Chung, Lt. Yuen-Kong Ling, Lt. Ming-Wei Chang, and Lt. Wen-Su Hsu. They were "at an eastern air base in New England [the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and my ancestral home, Connecticut] where they were receiving advanced aerial operation instruction" while enjoying "ice cream cones at the PX" by Miss Lynch. 

I found a familiar face among the photos! may I introduce you to U.S. Marine Cpl. Richard W. Miller? The Philadelphia native is shown here in this image dated September 30, 1945 is bargaining with a native of Tianjin (Tientsin) for a ride in the man's rickshaw. Miller is familiar to me through my late-father, Herbert Bingham Mead, who was stationed in Tianjin with the 1st Marine Division at the same time (See my historical blog site My Dad the U.S. China Marine). Miller was a Marine photographer who was serving with the occupation and repatriation troops there and in Beijing. 

On my way out I paused to gaze at these window panes. The bullet holes you see are from the December 7, 1941 attack by forces of the Empire of Japan. 

This was one of those exhibits that left me feeling inspired. It was all so historic, and yet so new. I also felt a tinge of validation about my own book project on the post-World War II American China Marines of which my father was one of them. Here were two very distinct peoples (Chinese and American) fighting together in a cause that brought out the best and the bravest. What I identified with most was the humanness of this exhibit. While the military historical overtones were obvious this what I witnessed on this visit was a human story. I loved it and, in all honesty, hated to leave. 

The exhibit was organized by the China Overseas Exchange Association, the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor, Rhythm Media Group Inc. and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. 

Please go to the Pacific Aviation Museum here in Hawaii soon. This exhibit concludes July 31. You will not regret it. I hope your spirits soar as mine did.

For more on this exhibit go to the following resources:

Photo exhibit on China-U.S. WWII collaboration unveils in Honolulu.  Xinhuanet Asia & Pacific Edition. March 15, 2015. 

Photos Record US-China Friendship During WWII. Global Times. March 19, 2015. 

National Memories: Sino-U.S. Cooperation During WWII. Beijing Review. Updated June 11, 2015. 

C-100 Supports Commemoration of U.S.-China WWII Collaboration. Committee of 100. October 15, 2014. 

A Genuine Case of Autumn at the Greenwich Historical Society's Fall Festival

It was love at first sight when I arrived at the Greenwich Historical Society's 
Fall Festival and Scarecrow Competition. 

Oh, to be home for autumn -and what timing, too! 

The skies that Sunday morning were balmy and blue. With hardly a cloud in sight, I arrived at the Greenwich Historical Society's Bush Holley House campus. The Society was holding its Fall Festival and Scarecrow Competition. 

I could not have imagined a more perfect day to savor the season's textured flavors, so rich in golds, reds and yellows that the New England states here in the USA are renowned for. 

One of the truths I hold to be self-evident is that Halloween is fun. With tinges and teases of golds and reds anticipating the coming of New England's autumn foliage displays, it is all a reminder that ours is a special and pretty place. 

History and autumnal authenticity provided families with a festive time at 
Greenwich's historic Bush Holley House. 

What is it that is so special about autumn festivals here in Connecticut? You'd think that as a native son I'd have a ready answer to that question. Had I been in the Asia-Pacific too long, you ask? 

One thing I have observed and learned about people in my travels is that we are much more similar than we give ourselves credit for. A lot of it has to do with tradition. Here I was in a place my family have called home for over three centuries. We were immersed in an historic setting that has stood the test of time and circumstance. The sun that day was benevolent. The trees had not yet turned color, but I could see faint tinges of red and yellow that would foreshadow the changing of the seasons. 

As I walked around the grounds, smiling and greeting families as well as old and new friends it dawned on me -again- that history is not just what was, but also what will be. Will the children and their parents reminisce about their experience that day? I suspect so.

I deemed this one the official greeter-scarecrow, who pointed us to apple cider and goodies. 

Silently grinning and comical in demeanor, we were greeted by a small battalion of scarecrows. This year's festival featured a menagerie of imaginative scarecrows all competing for first-prize in competition. These were all submitted by children in the community. To say the least I was impressed by the imaginations of the children who created these, many of whom were on hand. 

This is the first time I'd seen a Viking scarecrow. 

Such a warm smile!

Trays of seasonal goodies that mimicked the autumnal colors were very pleasing to the eye. 

These cookies were a special favorite with the children, many of whom had entered the scarecrow competition. 

These mini-cupcakes took good care of my daily chocolate fix. 

Autumn splendor. 

That's the historic Bush Holley House in the background. For years it was a boarding house for railroad workers before it became one for American Impressionist artists. Today's gathering would have fit perfectly with the "Bohemia at its best" festive atmosphere found on the back lawn and near the Victory Garden. 

This was the first Darth Vader scarecrow I had ever seen. It looks like 'The Force' is with him! 

We New Englanders are known for our patriotism and individuality. Is bold pink the new autumnal orange? Time will tell.

When I grew up here hayrides were part and parcel with any autumn festival. Sam Bridge Nursery and Greenhouses provided a vintage fire-engine red tractor and matching wagon. Young and old alike alighted aboard for a trip down Strickland Road, a marvelous stretch of historic houses in the Village of Cos Cob. 

That is one bright, red tractor! No, they would not let me drive -though I have prior experience. The hayride through the Strickland Road Historic District was a huge hit with festival attendees. 

No reservations or assigned seating! Everyone just piled in for our tour of the historic district. 

Yes, that is me flashing a Hawaiian-style 'shaka' sign, signaling to all that I was hanging 
loose and having fun. 

No first-class or business class seating here. Our docent educated and entertained us with fun facts and stories of the Strickland Road Historic District. 

The Cos Cob Historic District on Strickland Road is only minutes from the center of town and from the Metro-North Train Station. After I introduced myself to Gail, our hayward docent and guide, quickly seized upon my knowledge of the community's history. I enjoyed sharing historical stories and fun-facts about immaculate landscapes and the nearby Mill Pond, a place near and dear to our family since the 17th century. 

We were surrounded by an assortment of New England homes that represented the various moods and tastes of their original owners and those who preserve them in the 21st century. 

How blissful and delightful it was under balmy blue skies! Young and the young-at-heart took in historic settings and architectural styles. We conversed, laughed and anticipated the coming explosion of autumn foliage when bright colors and the best of Nature's portraits come alive before Winter's snowy slumber. 

This is the Captain Wilmot House, built in the early 19th century circa 1820. 

The Amos Mead Brush House is a favorite of mine. It was built in 1869 with a French-styled mansard roof and Federalist embellishments, such as the carved eagle above the front door. One of the interesting stories I heard was about a group of sisters who were performers that called this place home. 

The Judge George Brush House was built circa 1850. It serves at the Greenwich Historical Society's executive director's residence next door to Bush Holley House. 

This, of course, is the venerated Bush Holley House, headquarters of the Greenwich Historical Society. The original section on the left was built in the 17th century built by Dutch settlers whose family name was 'Bosch,' but changed to 'Bush.' It is open to the public for tours. I am a descendant of the Smith and Page families. They operated this place as a boarding and rooming house, including railroad workers. The Smith's were responsible for the tall French windows and double porches. Later this place would become the first American Impressionist art colony in the USA. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. 

I tend to think that we take for granted just how lucky we are. On the eve of the prettiest time in America's New England states, the days are mostly warm with crisp, cooler nights with twinkling stars to add magic and illumination to the night sky. Progressively shorter days trigger the turning of the leaves with various trees displaying varying colors.

Autumn here flows like the many steams and brooks that snake their courses through the hills. It is a time when there is an uncommon energy. There are multitudes of country fairs, farm stands selling fresh produce, apple picking and foliage watching. 

Don't get me wrong when I say that there is a quiet side that holds a certain appeal for me. Picture yourself meandering under blue skies, along age-old byways framed in by old homes and maples, all singing together an invisible symphony. It's further magnified by the reflections of red and golden foliage along the shoreline like a shimmering mirror. There is a stirring in the air in the smiles of one's neighbors. It is something for us that we hold auspicious and harmonious with the inevitable changing of the seasons. 

On this day we were all reminded that we could look forward to plenty of bright, sun-filled days. But as we now all too well that nothing good lasts forever. 

All in all, the Fall Festival was a golden opportunity to celebrate all that is truly best and bright in my ancestral home. 

Exploring Greenwich, Connecticut: Putnam Cottage, Still Revolutionary After All These Years

The occasion for this centered around my donation of family heirloom chairs and the side table you see here. I'm sitting in an armchair that was handed down from my American Revolutionary War ancestor, Ebenezer Mead here in Greenwich, Connecticut. 

How many years had it been? Twenty? Twenty-five? I confess to you that as a member of the Capt. Matthew Mead Branch of the Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution it had been that long since I stepped into Putnam Cottage here in Greenwich, Connecticut. 

Bear in mind, too, that my journeys home for the past few years were after the Labor Day weekend. You know how it goes. You intend to call for an appointment to tour the house. Distractions, errands, a hurricane (Sandy, two years ago- remember?), a nor'easter storm comes roaring up the Atlantic coast (a week after Hurricane Sandy), and before you know it's time to board a flight back to Hawaii. 

After I attended the 9:30 a.m. service at the Second Congregational Church on July 6, I strolled around the Putnam Hill Historic District. (Also, click here)  It's a place that I am particularly fond of, a place venerable by its history, its architectural gems, and its sense of permanency in a time of rapid change. It is so New England, so very Greenwich. 

Time has a way of slowing down here. That suited me just fine, considering I was still a bit dehydrated, jet-lagged and in a state of uneven recovery after one of the more colorful non-flights from Honolulu to New York. Even when your sense of being in the same time zone as your neighbors  is perfectly synchronized the sense of calm is quite palatable. 

Just the day before I attended the annual Independence Day celebration at Greenwich's Town Hall. When co-chair and town ambassador Bea Crumbine recognized me as one patriotic soul who flew all the way from Hawaii to be there she and the others assembled had no idea how precarious my state of being was. 

That me on the left with Bea Crumbine and a local member of the Greenwich Boy Scouts at the Annual Independence Day  Celebration at Town Hall. If you think I look a bit fazed, well, you would not be off-target. Jet-lag was pulling me in all sorts of directions. 

I arose, smiled broadly, waved at the crowd -and then prayed that the Good Lord Up Above would keep me from falling over. I was there to honor history and country, not to be remembered for a tumble down the center aisle. 

But I digress. 

The grounds of Putnam Cottage were deserted. The walk in the sunshine under the protection of old shade trees -trees that stood like trusty sentinels- made solitude my best friend during those quiet moments. Even the drone of traffic on East Putnam Avenue was happily subdued. 

One week and one phone call later I would return to Putnam Cottage where I was warmly greeted by two docents from the Daughters of the American Revolution. 

This is one of the studier shade trees that tower over Putnam Cottage. 

Isn't this the archetypal entrance to a Connecticut home, especially one with such history?

Photos by visitors are not permitted. I downloaded this one from the Cottage's web site with permission.  See the foot warmer? The cast iron pot? The toaster and other fireplace tools? I grew up with such things in my family's home in Round Hill. The furniture is as it would have been over 235 years ago. 

This, ladies and gentleman, is an authentic 18th century colonial American foot warmer.  Aside from blazing fireplaces there was nothing even remotely resembling centralized heat or air conditioning. In the olden days they took hot coals from the fireplace, placed them in the drawer box, and closed the door. People would carry these to church and other places. They also sometimes placed them under their beds, causing a few to catch fire. I had one of these as well. 

This is the Tavern Room. The wood floors are original to the house. All this is a reminder of the primary function of Putnam Cottage, and that was as a tavern for locals and travelers alike.

See that American flag in the left corner in the photo above? That was where I received my award. I also had to read my essay to the audience.  I later found out that my picture was featured in the local daily newspaper, the Greenwich Time. Yikes! 

When I was a sixth grader at Parkway Elementary School I won an American History Month essay contest sponsored by the Putnam Hill Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. 

This is an image from a postcard a docent from the Daughters of the American Revolution gave me. 

For many years the tavern was known as Knapp's Tavern. At the time of the Revolutionary War it was owned by Israel Knapp. My American Revolutionary War ancestor, Ebenezer Mead, like other local patriots was a frequent visitor here. 

That's me ten or so years ago standing next to the gravestone of my
American Revolutionary War ancestor Ebenezer Mead in Christ Church
Greenwich's cemetery. It is across the street from Putnam Cottage.

Ebenezer Mead's grave marker. 

  

Israel Putnam is an iconic figure in our local American Revolutionary era history. A Massachusetts man born in 1718, Putnam had been in various colonial-era military conflicts such as the French and Indian War 1754-1763. It is written that Putnam ran off to Boston to volunteer to fight after the Battle of Lexington on April 20, 1775. He was appointed to the rank of Major General under George Washington. In June, 1775 he fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill. 

We grew up with the Putnam name seemingly everywhere. There was Putnam Park, Putnam Restaurant on Greenwich Avenue, "Put's Hill," Putnam Green, even Putnam Gynecology & Obstetrics. 

It was on a winter day, February 26, 1779, that General Israel Putnam made a rather risky and bold escape from British forces. He barely escaped capture by forces under the command of British General William Tryon, who was Governor of what was the Province of New York. Greenwich was raided a number of times over the years since it was in a battle zone between New York and the rest of New England. Tryon was notorious for waging campaigns against American Patriot civilian targets, including women and children.

General Putnam wore a tricorn hat. He was shot at while on his escape to Fort Nonsense in Stamford to gather reinforcements. A bullet hole pierced the side and it is on display at the Cottage. Putnam cursed and shook his fist at the British he had just escaped from. 

By the time Putnam returned with reinforcements the British had already retreated to New York. 

For this Putnam was given command over American forces in the Long Island area. It was at this time that his fortunes declined, too. 

General Washington eventually assigned him to recruiting troops for the American cause. He was then given command of Fort Montgomery and Fort Clinton in the Hudson Valley, New York region. When Putnam abandoned these he was called before a board of inquiry, and eventually he was exonerated. 

Later in 1779 Putnam suffered a stroke that paralyzed him, thus curtailing his military career. In 1790 General Israel Putnam died. 

Thousands of cars pass by this historic spot daily without being able to stop and see the monument dedicated 114 years ago. It is at the corner of East Putnam Avenue and Old Church Road. Putnam Cottage is situated on the right side of East Putnam Avenue (pictured above). 

In 1900, the Putnam Hill Chapter of the D.A.R. (Daughters of the American Revolution) commemorated a monument on the "brow" of the hill. The inscription reads, "This marks the spot where on February 26, 1779, General Israel Putnam, cut off from his soldiers and pursued by British Cavalry, galloped down this rocky steep and escaped, daring to lead where not one of many hundred foes dared to follow."

These are not the original steps that General Putnam took to escape from the British forces chasing him. These were  carved into the rocks below about a century ago. 

Three days after my arrival in October, 2012 Hurricane Sandy hit the region with a force that is seen perhaps once every century. The entire regional power grid had been turned off. I was staying in the Stanton House Inn just three blocks away.

The next day a cousin picked me up and we went exploring around Greenwich.

As you can see, the cottage barely escaped harm from falling branches and uprooted trees during Hurricane Sandy. 

The house barely escaped from falling trees and limbs during Hurricane Sandy.  Note the hollow tree limb in the center-right of the picture. Many of the downed trees like this one were hollow inside, ravaged by hungry, persistent termites. 

The 1900 monument to General Putnam's ride was almost covered in fallen branches in the wake of Hurricane Sandy's wrath across the region. 

Three days before my return flight to Hawaii I received some wonderful news. The Israel Putnam Association and the Putnam Hill Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution had agreed to accept three Mead family heirloom furniture pieces.

I wanted them in a place and museum setting where they would be safe and accessible to all. The chairs are in particularly delicate condition. Both date from the latter 18th century. The Greenwich History Society turned down my request. "We already have enough of your family things here." Truth be told, our family archives and collections are the largest owned and held by the Society. I understood. It was worth a try.

It gave me a great deal of peace of mind that these 18th and 19 century heirlooms passed down from my ancestors to me will have a permanent home in Putnam Cottage. As I grew up in Round Hill I spent countless hours in that armchair (left) writing and doing homework -including my late-father tutoring me in mathematics, a weak subject in my elementary and junior high/middle school years. Hat tip to Christopher Semmes, photographer, for this image. 

This path from the driveway leads to the back entrance as well as to the restored Colonial-era herb garden near the kitchen.

American colonial gardens such as this served as a source of home-grown perfumes, spices and apothecary. Since the tavern hosted guests as well as fed them this would be absolutely necessary. 
 

The Putnam Cottage Colonial Garden features a variety of herbs. 

Chamomile is a daisy-like plant that even in the 21st century is used for its calming and medicinal purposes. 

Hyssop, you say? "Purge me with hyssop and I will be clean," says the Bible. This member of the mint family  has been used as an aphrodisiac when combined with pepper, ginger and thyme.  It's been used as a cough reliever and an expectorant. 

Common Rue was cultivated as a medicinal herb, a condiment, and some say as a repellant of insects. 

Don't worry! The outhouse is just for show. 

I felt invigorated and reconnected by my visit to Putnam Cottage, and I look forward to my next one. My passion for the American Revolution was energized, especially since I have a direct connection to that history and to this enigmatic house in my ancestral home town.

Rather than be dismayed by the fact that so many overlook this place, I see it as an opportunity to establish a new paradigm with educators and the general public.

Yes, we need to increase the appreciation for the educational resources places such as Putnam Cottage offer. The docents work for little or no compensation at all. All of us need to do more to sustain and invigorate the constructive, educational roles all such places offer.

Putnam Cottage is the scene of historic reenactments. Go to this link for a Greenwich Time album one such event featuring Sheldon's Horse Second Continental Light Dragoons.  The Putnam Cottage web site also features these. 

Putnam Cottage is a lovely circa 1690 home that is located at 243 East Putnam Avenue in Greenwich, Connecticut USA. It is situated directly opposite Christ Church Greenwich.

Docents are with the Putnam Hill Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Call them for an appointment at 203-869-9697. Go to this web link for a list of events, both past and present.

There is at this time an admission charge of $5.00.

It's the revolutionary thing to do! Enjoy your trek into the past.

"Let us gather political wisdom from the American Revolution. It has taught the world, emphatically, that oppression tends to weaken and destroy the power of the oppressor; that a people united in the cause of liberty are invincible by those who would enslave them; and that heaven will ever frown upon the cause of injustice, and ultimately grant success to those who oppose it."
Reverend C. A. Goodrich
History of the United States
1824