Thanks, Marek. I collected so many newspaper clippings on Roy's murder and, yeah, the reporting was of the time. I also, luckily, found one paper with his nickname in it, otherwise I would never have discovered all the details.
Erin: I enjoyed your story and particularly the part about bluefish. I grew up on Long Island and used to use a simple bamboo fishing pole to catch bluefish each spring when they'd run off Long Island song. I like the way you weave history and cuisine together!
I'd like to take credit for preparing the bluefish, but I would just catch them and bring them home. My late mother was a fabulous cook and she'd typically bake them and squeeze a little lemon on them. Sometimes simplicity is divine.
Thanks for sharing Georgia's story with us. It's amazing what you were able to learn about her and how you were able to bring it to life with photographs and newspaper records.
Thank you, Sarah. I was lucky to run into enough to pull the story together. As you know, sometimes we're not so lucky with the paper trail. This one felt like a breeze.
I’m inspired too by how you reached out to the clerks office, universities, and museums. I often limit myself to what’s available on the internet, but this is a good reminder to consult other sources.
That's one of my favorite parts. The local archivists and librarians are so knowledgeable. Even if they don't have something specific to the person they can often help me with context and other clues.
I’m in awe. Love the depth of research, narrative and images. Do you think there was a sort of shorthand for recipes like the fish recipe in certain circles because they assumed a base of knowledge? Asking for an ignorant reader.
Thanks for the kind words, Neil. I think the majority of the sparse recipes were written by women who knew their audience was likely other experienced cooks. What's to explain? She knows what to do!
This was a wonderful read to start my day. And not where I expected a baked fish recipe to go as a reader. I make a similar baked fish, but am lucky to have more decadent ingredients to add - cream instead of hot water, and a bit of chopped red pepper, scallions, and cheddar to the topping.
This takes so much sleuthing! Thanks for doing & sharing.
(So many interesting details -- In order to catch Carrazzi, "an Italian policeman was put on his trail"...)
Thanks, Marek. I collected so many newspaper clippings on Roy's murder and, yeah, the reporting was of the time. I also, luckily, found one paper with his nickname in it, otherwise I would never have discovered all the details.
I have a weird job.
Aye, I know the process. Upon reflection, the "work" of research is really nothing compared to the "work" of living the history itself. 💜
We skim along this thin icy skin of the present, peering down into bottomless murky depths... Casting our small small beams of light...
Exactly.
Erin: I enjoyed your story and particularly the part about bluefish. I grew up on Long Island and used to use a simple bamboo fishing pole to catch bluefish each spring when they'd run off Long Island song. I like the way you weave history and cuisine together!
Thanks Douglas! Question: how did you prep the bluefish? Did you bake it? I wasn't sure the best way to cook it up!
I'd like to take credit for preparing the bluefish, but I would just catch them and bring them home. My late mother was a fabulous cook and she'd typically bake them and squeeze a little lemon on them. Sometimes simplicity is divine.
Agree! Those are often the best "recipes." Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing Georgia's story with us. It's amazing what you were able to learn about her and how you were able to bring it to life with photographs and newspaper records.
Thank you, Sarah. I was lucky to run into enough to pull the story together. As you know, sometimes we're not so lucky with the paper trail. This one felt like a breeze.
I’m inspired too by how you reached out to the clerks office, universities, and museums. I often limit myself to what’s available on the internet, but this is a good reminder to consult other sources.
That's one of my favorite parts. The local archivists and librarians are so knowledgeable. Even if they don't have something specific to the person they can often help me with context and other clues.
I’m in awe. Love the depth of research, narrative and images. Do you think there was a sort of shorthand for recipes like the fish recipe in certain circles because they assumed a base of knowledge? Asking for an ignorant reader.
Thanks for the kind words, Neil. I think the majority of the sparse recipes were written by women who knew their audience was likely other experienced cooks. What's to explain? She knows what to do!
This was a wonderful read to start my day. And not where I expected a baked fish recipe to go as a reader. I make a similar baked fish, but am lucky to have more decadent ingredients to add - cream instead of hot water, and a bit of chopped red pepper, scallions, and cheddar to the topping.
I didn't know where we were going when I made the fish, either!
That recipe sounds delish!
This is amazing! From a fish recipe to a powerful woman! I love this.
Thanks, Simon! I loved discovering her life story.
I love this story and all the details you discovered! Thanks for putting it all together.
My pleasure! Thanks for reading.