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Post by Diane Merkel on Jul 25, 2019 10:13:55 GMT -6
George Bird Grinnell has been mentioned many times on these boards, but I don't think we've devoted a thread to him. He deserves one.
Here is an excerpt from a New York Times review of a book about him:
Without a doubt, the United States is a better place because of George Bird Grinnell. Born into moderate wealth and raised in a still-rural oasis of Upper Manhattan, educated by implied entitlement at Yale, he could have moved into a predestined groove among the privileged and powerful of the Gilded Age. But Grinnell took up the cause of all that a hyper-expanding America was destroying: native people, untrammeled land, birds and bison and big bears.
We have the vigorous avian lobby of the Audubon Society, some of the world’s most iconic national parks and several encyclopedic studies of Native Americans largely because of Grinnell. And yet, he remains overlooked among the founders of American conservation. In John Taliaferro’s book, we finally have an exhaustively detailed biography of an inexhaustible man who deserves his place in the pantheon of environmental founders. Book: GRINNELL America’s Environmental Pioneer and His Restless Drive to Save the West By John Taliaferro
Review: www.nytimes.com/2019/07/24/books/review/john-taliaferro-grinnell.html
Diane
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Post by crzhrs on Jul 25, 2019 14:58:41 GMT -6
Grinnell is one of the most over-looked of 19th century authors, environmentalist and culturalists. His book "The Fighting Cheyennes" is a treasure trove of information about the Cheyenne and their fight to preserve their way of life.
In addition he wrote many books about the Plains Indians, the Plains environment, wildlife and guided Custer on one of his campaigns. In fact Grinnell outshot Custer during a hunting trip proving Custer was all talk and no substance.
Get as much info and/or read books by him to get a better understanding the Plains Indians, wildlife, environment and also was a founder of the Audubon Society.
So yes, there were a number of people who wanted to preserve the Native American culture and way of life, the environment, and wildlife but big-money capitalism spoke louder than they could. That's still happening today!
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Post by herosrest on Jul 26, 2019 11:21:23 GMT -6
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Post by Diane Merkel on Aug 30, 2019 8:56:16 GMT -6
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Post by crzhrs on Aug 30, 2019 13:48:10 GMT -6
Again, I'll state Grinnell is one of the most over-looked of 19th century authors, environmentalist and culturalists
Just think if he had gone with Custer to the LBH we may have lost one of the most important individuals in US history.
As a side note, speaking about "what ifs". Custer left his band back at Fort Lincoln(?) before his LBH campaign. The band leader was Felix Vinaterri. Felix survived and his ancestor Adam Vinaterri went on to be the place kicker for the NE Patriots. Adam's Super Bowl winning field goal may not have happened and the Patriot's Dynasty may not have started if Felix had gone to the LBH and died in the battle. Adam is still playing in the NFL!
History is stranger than fiction!
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Post by tubman13 on Sept 17, 2019 15:00:35 GMT -6
Grinell accompanied the Black Hills expedition, and did much writing with regard to the flora and fauna. In many ways after this expedition he became a true friend of the Native American.
CRZHRS, the band was left at the depot on the Yellowstone, as I recall. Adam may retire this week.
Regards, Tom
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Post by crzhrs on Sept 19, 2019 14:35:23 GMT -6
Grinnell's "Fighting Cheyennes" is a must for any history buff. Lots of info and insights on Cheyenne way of life including battles with the US military and LBH.
Adam Vinaterri has been missing Field Goals and Extra Points which is unheard of for him. However, he is 46 years old, way older than any other place kicker in NFL history. Sooner or later Father Time catches up to you. He's had a great career with the NE Patriots where he gained his fame and later with the Colts.
Is it time to hang 'em up Adam or keep trying? At least you and your grandfather survived the barbs and arrows of critics.
Truth is stranger than fiction and you couldn't ask for a more intriguing historical aspect than the Vinaterri family history.
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Post by tubman13 on Sept 19, 2019 15:42:29 GMT -6
Many of the relatives still reside in ND.
Regards, Tom
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