I grew up in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. Rhode Island is the smallest state in the US and is frequently confused with Long Island, New York. I live 5 minutes from the beach so have always loved the ocean, which I took for granted while I was there. It only takes 45 minutes to drive the entire state thus any trip that takes longer than 15 minutes to drive is considered a road trip. There is a big tower that separates the North and South part of the state. If you live in the south part like I do you rarely go north of the tower or vice versa. I live in the nuclear neighborhood where kids ride there bikes and play outside till the street lights go on and you actually go over and have coffee with your neighbors. The atmosphere is very laid back in the summers because of all the beaches. And the size allows you to know almost everyone.
Rhode Island was founded by Roger Williams and was one of the original 13 colonies. Rhode Island actually has the longest name of all states; The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. South County is made up of all the towns at the southern tip of the state. There had been Native Americans inhabiting this land well before the colony and state. And ever since there have been territory disputes as well as issues with politics.
I have lived in South County my entire life and until my sophomore year in high school never knew any of the history besides the basics. I gave a quick overview above but I did do an entire history project on the history of the development of South County, South Kingstown in particular. It was very interesting to discover. The town has converted the old homes of the prestigious families into buildings such as the homeless center or the public library and the parks and recreation building. There are many houses that my friends live in also that date back hundreds of years ago as well. Also the prominent families who were vital in the development are still families in town today. It is sometimes hard to remember just how old Rhode Island is since it does have all the modern conveniences but reminders are evident every day. I enjoy the geographical features and the history of the state just as the founders did.
Over the past couple of months my view on what was considered my home was altered. I guess I had always taken my physical hometown and house for granted until my parents told me they might move. I always felt South Kingstown would always be there. But when I realized I might not get to come back for awhile I realized how important this place was in making who I was today. I don’t know what I would do without the beach. Nothing can make a bad day go away as well as crashing waves can. It still shocks me when people say they live like 5 or 0 hours from an ocean. Also all the little things that nobody but a Rhode Islander would understand. Also my physical house, where I grew up; where I laid on the catch when I was sick or hung out with my friends. And my bedroom-my favorite place in the whole world where I went to relax when stressed or just to read. Nothing will ever be able to replace my home.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Tony Buba's Documentaries
1. How has art been used to visualize and/or call our attention to the power of ideas/peoples/histories/politics that we would not have access to in an official kind of way? Give an example.
Official information lays out objective facts that are chosen to be publicized. Art allows the many viewpoints of one event or place to be expressed allowing the viewer to interpret it themselves. Also it draws in various types of people not just history buffs for example but those who want the pieces for artistic value and gain knowledge as well.
An example of this would be Buba’s documentary on the steel mill closing although the documentary had a comic style it was getting personally viewpoints from people on the closing of the mill and the effect it would have on them. If you were to look up the closing say from town record it would most likely not mention the effects it had on the local people.
2. Why do you think Tony Buba chose to do a film about the places, histories, and people of Braddock instead of paint a picture or snap a photo? How does his medium (film) provide him with a different kind of voice?
I think Tony Buba chose Braddock because he had personally history there. He also knew that just like an individual’s history cannot be captured in one photo neither can a towns. A single picture cannot tell an entire story. It may tell of a specific place in time or an event and may be able to capture the emotion but it would not be able to capture the history and experiences of the many citizens of Braddock.
The medium of film provides Buba with not only his voice but the entire towns. Since the film includes the everyday people of Braddock it is not just how Buba sees the town and interprets its history it is the actually people of the town. Where as a painter paints what he sees or feel Buba is merely acting as a mouth piece for the people of Braddock.
3. What do you think is moving and/or powerful about the content of the film and the manner in which it is presented? How are Tony Buba’s films different from National Geographic and/or other kinds of historical documentaries?
The parts of Buba’s documentaries that I found moving were the struggles of the people, such as the kids showing him to the destroyed school house, and the downfall of a once prosperous town. However I also found the unity and nostalgia for Braddock very powerful as if it would bring hope for a rebuilding of the town that once was.
I haven’t seen many documentaries of National Geographic or otherwise, but Buba’s documentaries were not just facts upon facts or a timeline of events. It incorporated the past, the present, and hopes for the future. But most importantly the film maker didn’t script the story Buba let the town and the people tell the story themselves.
4. How do you think the ‘everyday’ is used in Tony Buba’s films? Why do you think he chooses to film everyday people and places?
Everyday is used to create familiarity for the viewers; it allows the everyday people to relate to the everyday situations. Also it allows for the true story of the town to be heard. In most films the wealthy and elite are normally the ones interviewed and featured in films but this is allowing for a more accurate picture of the town since most towns are majorly made up of everyday people.
5. If you could produce a similar film on a particular place, what would it be about? What particularities would you show? What histories would you expose? Who would you interview?
I would do a film on South County, Rhode Island. I would make sure I showed the founding and building of the area, the expansion and significant events that greatly influenced the development; such as the separation of South Kingstown and Narragansett (now rivals). The histories I would expose would include territory disputes with the Narragansett Indians, the burning down of the casino, and the prominent family histories. For this film I would interview older generations to see how it has change, young kids to get their take on the county, as well as prominent figures such as the mayor.
Official information lays out objective facts that are chosen to be publicized. Art allows the many viewpoints of one event or place to be expressed allowing the viewer to interpret it themselves. Also it draws in various types of people not just history buffs for example but those who want the pieces for artistic value and gain knowledge as well.
An example of this would be Buba’s documentary on the steel mill closing although the documentary had a comic style it was getting personally viewpoints from people on the closing of the mill and the effect it would have on them. If you were to look up the closing say from town record it would most likely not mention the effects it had on the local people.
2. Why do you think Tony Buba chose to do a film about the places, histories, and people of Braddock instead of paint a picture or snap a photo? How does his medium (film) provide him with a different kind of voice?
I think Tony Buba chose Braddock because he had personally history there. He also knew that just like an individual’s history cannot be captured in one photo neither can a towns. A single picture cannot tell an entire story. It may tell of a specific place in time or an event and may be able to capture the emotion but it would not be able to capture the history and experiences of the many citizens of Braddock.
The medium of film provides Buba with not only his voice but the entire towns. Since the film includes the everyday people of Braddock it is not just how Buba sees the town and interprets its history it is the actually people of the town. Where as a painter paints what he sees or feel Buba is merely acting as a mouth piece for the people of Braddock.
3. What do you think is moving and/or powerful about the content of the film and the manner in which it is presented? How are Tony Buba’s films different from National Geographic and/or other kinds of historical documentaries?
The parts of Buba’s documentaries that I found moving were the struggles of the people, such as the kids showing him to the destroyed school house, and the downfall of a once prosperous town. However I also found the unity and nostalgia for Braddock very powerful as if it would bring hope for a rebuilding of the town that once was.
I haven’t seen many documentaries of National Geographic or otherwise, but Buba’s documentaries were not just facts upon facts or a timeline of events. It incorporated the past, the present, and hopes for the future. But most importantly the film maker didn’t script the story Buba let the town and the people tell the story themselves.
4. How do you think the ‘everyday’ is used in Tony Buba’s films? Why do you think he chooses to film everyday people and places?
Everyday is used to create familiarity for the viewers; it allows the everyday people to relate to the everyday situations. Also it allows for the true story of the town to be heard. In most films the wealthy and elite are normally the ones interviewed and featured in films but this is allowing for a more accurate picture of the town since most towns are majorly made up of everyday people.
5. If you could produce a similar film on a particular place, what would it be about? What particularities would you show? What histories would you expose? Who would you interview?
I would do a film on South County, Rhode Island. I would make sure I showed the founding and building of the area, the expansion and significant events that greatly influenced the development; such as the separation of South Kingstown and Narragansett (now rivals). The histories I would expose would include territory disputes with the Narragansett Indians, the burning down of the casino, and the prominent family histories. For this film I would interview older generations to see how it has change, young kids to get their take on the county, as well as prominent figures such as the mayor.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Fickes Hall
I am currently living in Fickes Hall. Fickes at one time was an affluent family’s home. It is hard to imagine what it must have looked like while the Fickes family resided here due to the many conversions that had to be made in order to make it suitable as a dorm. The only real glimpse comes from the few rooms on the first floor.
Just like typical mansions of that time the front hall is massive in size. However, contrary to trends it is not that dark, there is not a large use of heavy, dark woods. The darkest room to me is off to the right, what might have been the library. The walls are dark as well as the furniture, it gives off a dreary feeling. If this room was the library it makes sense it would be darker since people tend to go to libraries for solitude and peace.
The parlor on the opposite side of the entrance hall is white, bright, and airy. There’s a fireplace, common in old homes, as well as a piano. I can picture the family having gatherings or parties there common for the time. The big room could hold many people while still feeling open drawing more inwards.
My favorite room is what is now the computer lab but was at one time a solarium. These sunrooms must have been an architectural trend at that time since the Mellon house has one as well. This addition sows the wealth status as since a solarium was a functionless extravagance.
There was not that much historical background on Fickes Hall or its residences available. Fickes Hall was built in 1927 by Edward Fickes. Besides Edward Fickes being an aluminum pioneer I could not find any other biographical details. This could be due to Mr. Fickes having no family and living in this home alone, or there were just no records of the Fickes family. It is hard to infer, however, what the historical interactions within Fickes were without any historical context to go on.
However I was shocked by how recent Fickes was constructed; it was built again in 1927 and was donated to Chatham College in 1946; only after 19 years. Thus there is not that much history within Fickes that does not pertain to Chatham.
The history of Fickes does indeed influence the interaction we today have with the building. There have been many stories of ghosts and haunting that I have even heard in my few weeks here. There are rumors of the ghosts of Andrew Mellon’s son who once stayed here, or a baby that fell out of a window, as well a woman who committed suicide here. A few girls over the years have reported to Campus Safety and Security weird occurrences in their rooms such as doors opening and shutting as well as hearing yelling or feeling a presence of a person that they could not see. These could all be rumors or paranoia however, the past of Fickes does still affect those still living there today.
A positive way we still interact with the past of Fickes is through the Fickes Eggnog. The first Friday in December there is a Holiday Ball but first everyone congregates in Fickes to mingle and have refreshments. This is reminiscent of the lavish parties thrown in the early 1900’s in homes like Fickes.
I have always liked to imagine how people lived in years past so living in an old mansion allows my imagination to run wild. When I am upstairs I feel like I am in any old dorm. But the first floor is a different story. I love walking through old buildings and wondering who was there before me or finding the weird little quirks old houses have. There is so much detail put into the building everyday can reveal something new. I don’t know how I feel about the ghost stories, I don’t really believe in ghosts but if I ever hear weird noises I am going to be VERY scared. Overall trying to do historical background and analyzing where i am lving does make me feel more connected.
Just like typical mansions of that time the front hall is massive in size. However, contrary to trends it is not that dark, there is not a large use of heavy, dark woods. The darkest room to me is off to the right, what might have been the library. The walls are dark as well as the furniture, it gives off a dreary feeling. If this room was the library it makes sense it would be darker since people tend to go to libraries for solitude and peace.
The parlor on the opposite side of the entrance hall is white, bright, and airy. There’s a fireplace, common in old homes, as well as a piano. I can picture the family having gatherings or parties there common for the time. The big room could hold many people while still feeling open drawing more inwards.
My favorite room is what is now the computer lab but was at one time a solarium. These sunrooms must have been an architectural trend at that time since the Mellon house has one as well. This addition sows the wealth status as since a solarium was a functionless extravagance.
There was not that much historical background on Fickes Hall or its residences available. Fickes Hall was built in 1927 by Edward Fickes. Besides Edward Fickes being an aluminum pioneer I could not find any other biographical details. This could be due to Mr. Fickes having no family and living in this home alone, or there were just no records of the Fickes family. It is hard to infer, however, what the historical interactions within Fickes were without any historical context to go on.
However I was shocked by how recent Fickes was constructed; it was built again in 1927 and was donated to Chatham College in 1946; only after 19 years. Thus there is not that much history within Fickes that does not pertain to Chatham.
The history of Fickes does indeed influence the interaction we today have with the building. There have been many stories of ghosts and haunting that I have even heard in my few weeks here. There are rumors of the ghosts of Andrew Mellon’s son who once stayed here, or a baby that fell out of a window, as well a woman who committed suicide here. A few girls over the years have reported to Campus Safety and Security weird occurrences in their rooms such as doors opening and shutting as well as hearing yelling or feeling a presence of a person that they could not see. These could all be rumors or paranoia however, the past of Fickes does still affect those still living there today.
A positive way we still interact with the past of Fickes is through the Fickes Eggnog. The first Friday in December there is a Holiday Ball but first everyone congregates in Fickes to mingle and have refreshments. This is reminiscent of the lavish parties thrown in the early 1900’s in homes like Fickes.
I have always liked to imagine how people lived in years past so living in an old mansion allows my imagination to run wild. When I am upstairs I feel like I am in any old dorm. But the first floor is a different story. I love walking through old buildings and wondering who was there before me or finding the weird little quirks old houses have. There is so much detail put into the building everyday can reveal something new. I don’t know how I feel about the ghost stories, I don’t really believe in ghosts but if I ever hear weird noises I am going to be VERY scared. Overall trying to do historical background and analyzing where i am lving does make me feel more connected.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
What I know as home
When I think of home I think of my family, friends, and my hometown. My immediate family consists of my mom, dad, and older sister. Although my family is small we are very close, my mom is my best friend as cliché as that is. We hang out all the time and talk about practically everything. I always grew up in a tight knit extended family. My mom’s side is Italian so we always bonded over big meals and lots of stories. My father’s side is much larger with a feeling of knowing there is always someone there when you need them.
I’ve always been a homebody so my house is a large portion of what I think of when I think about home, the comfort of my family room couch and the tranquility of my bedroom. I know home is not necessarily a tangible place; however; the house I grew up in is a symbol or foundation for the memories created and the familiarity of my home.
I grew up in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. Rhode Island is the smallest state in the US and is frequently confused with Long Island, New York. My favorite part of where I grew up is a tie between the size and the beaches, both which I took for granted while I was there.
Driving from one tip of Rhode Island to the other takes no more than 45 minutes. Everyone knows everyone either personally or through someone else. We only have one city, which most people wouldn’t even say qualified and thrive on tourists we don’t like.
Rhode Island is the ocean state and is full of beaches! I enjoy the beach most during every season but summer. If you don’t belong to a beach club or private beach, however, you rarely go because of the tourists. To get a parking spot you have to get up at 8 a.m. even when you live 5 minutes away. It’s always crowded whether people are lying on the beach or walking the wall. I never go in the ocean because it is always too cold, but I love the sand between my toes and the peaceful breaking of the waves.
Another trademark of my home are all of Rhode Island’s little quirks. We have to die for Italian ice, Dels, as well as many ma and pa ice cream shops. We’re all horrible drivers that think it’s everyone else’s fault and are horn-happy. Rhode Islanders don’t use the letter “r” when they are supposed to and do when they’re not. Just like all places Rhode Island for me as many little things that make it home.
There are many material items that hold great significance to me due to the connection it makes to important people or events throughout my life. The most significant item is probably my blanket. It is a pink and white checkered blanket that I have had since I was born. It used to be a big blanket that my mom used when I couldn’t sleep and she would sleep with me. When I got a little older she cut it into three pieces. I lost two and only have one remaining. I have slept with since I can remember. It reminds me of being young and connects me to my mother as well as smells like home. I probably took it for granted until I came to college, it is the one item that holds the most connection to my past, family, and home.
I’ve always been a homebody so my house is a large portion of what I think of when I think about home, the comfort of my family room couch and the tranquility of my bedroom. I know home is not necessarily a tangible place; however; the house I grew up in is a symbol or foundation for the memories created and the familiarity of my home.
I grew up in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. Rhode Island is the smallest state in the US and is frequently confused with Long Island, New York. My favorite part of where I grew up is a tie between the size and the beaches, both which I took for granted while I was there.
Driving from one tip of Rhode Island to the other takes no more than 45 minutes. Everyone knows everyone either personally or through someone else. We only have one city, which most people wouldn’t even say qualified and thrive on tourists we don’t like.
Rhode Island is the ocean state and is full of beaches! I enjoy the beach most during every season but summer. If you don’t belong to a beach club or private beach, however, you rarely go because of the tourists. To get a parking spot you have to get up at 8 a.m. even when you live 5 minutes away. It’s always crowded whether people are lying on the beach or walking the wall. I never go in the ocean because it is always too cold, but I love the sand between my toes and the peaceful breaking of the waves.
Another trademark of my home are all of Rhode Island’s little quirks. We have to die for Italian ice, Dels, as well as many ma and pa ice cream shops. We’re all horrible drivers that think it’s everyone else’s fault and are horn-happy. Rhode Islanders don’t use the letter “r” when they are supposed to and do when they’re not. Just like all places Rhode Island for me as many little things that make it home.
There are many material items that hold great significance to me due to the connection it makes to important people or events throughout my life. The most significant item is probably my blanket. It is a pink and white checkered blanket that I have had since I was born. It used to be a big blanket that my mom used when I couldn’t sleep and she would sleep with me. When I got a little older she cut it into three pieces. I lost two and only have one remaining. I have slept with since I can remember. It reminds me of being young and connects me to my mother as well as smells like home. I probably took it for granted until I came to college, it is the one item that holds the most connection to my past, family, and home.
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