TERRE HAUTE — In the past, I’ve written about how different religious movements and economic crises affected our ancestors. The same argument can be made for weather. What does weather have to do with genealogy? Perhaps more than we think.
In 1595, a minister named John King wrote, “Our years are turned upside down; our summers are no summers; our harvests are no harvests.” Something was happening to the earth which greatly affected our ancestors. The temperature was getting colder.
The Little Ice Age was a period of about 400 years in which the temperature of Europe and North America was colder than average. It started around 1450 and lasted until about 1850. It had it ups and downs within this long period with the coldest intervals being in the 1600s and the 1700s. Estimates are that the temperature was down by about 2 degrees Fahrenheit at the coldest points.
First let’s look at what was happening in this time period. Medieval Europe had enjoyed a warm period. It looks like the same was true for North America. This mild period of 1000-1400 allowed Norse explorers to settle Greenland. But beginning in the late 1300s, warm summers started becoming less dependable. By the mid-1400s things were worse. The tree line in the Alps gradually lowered as glaciers grew and advanced. This led to some of the higher alpine villages being covered and obliterated. The production of grapes, which was common in England, northern France, and Germany in Medieval times ceased. Fishermen reported large amounts of sea ice in the North Atlantic. Eskimoes were spotted kayaking off the cost of Scotland.
Winters were harsh and rivers and bays that had previously never frozen, did freeze up. This includes the Thames in England and New York harbor. The growing season became shorted by up to three weeks. Crop yields were inconsistent and low. This led to less livestock production and famine. Some farms and even villages were abandoned. People who were fighting to survive famine were even more vulnerable when the Black Death (bubonic plague) came along in about 1350. In Greenland, the Norse settlements died out due to a lack of food production by 1400.
In a time without thermometers and temperature record keeping, scientists have discovered and studied the Little Ice Age through different methods. Writers of the time described the harsh weather. Paintings of the period (especially from 1565 to 1665) depicted many winter scenes, and the painted skies showed significantly more cloud cover as the percentage of open sky decreased. Tree-rings and ice core samples taken back to this time show that trees were growing slowly and ice was mounting during these years.
What caused the Little Ice Age? There are several theories, but most say it was a combination of events. During this time there was a near absence of sunspot activity on the sun (this means the sun is emitting less energy and heat to the earth). Then, as more snow fell and glaciers enlarged, these white areas reflected the sun’s rays away from the earth causing increased cold. Another theory involves carbon dioxide, the greenhouse gas. As large populations in Europe died due to the plague, their farmlands and villages went back to forest. More trees means that more carbon dioxide was being taken out of the atmosphere (a good thing in 2009, but maybe not so good then), and this could have contributed to the cooling effect. Another factor could have been an increase in volcanic activity. Volcanoes spew their gasses and ash into the atmosphere and this, like industrial pollution, blocks the sun’s rays.
Next week we will discuss the year without a summer.
History
GENEALOGY: What does weather have to do with genealogy?
- History
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Looking back: In 1988, the drought caused water shortages in Parke and Vermillion counties
The drought caused water shortages in Parke and Vermillion counties. Both Montezuma and Cayuga were selling record amounts of water to farmers and residents of neighboring towns.
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Federation of Genealogical Societies conference in August
The Federation of Genealogical Societies will stage its 2013 conference Aug. 21-24 at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne.
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Historical perspective: Engraver Fahnestock among local headlines in 1856
While perusing antique Terre Haute newspapers, the following story by editor-publisher Robert N. Hudson in the April 2, 1856 issue of the “Terre Haute Daily Express” attracted attention:
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Terre Haute fortunate to have a fine symphony orchestra
We are fortunate in Terre Haute to have a fine symphony orchestra as one of our entertainment venues.
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Looking back: In 1988, the Children’s Science and Technology Museum of Terre Haute opens in Central Christian Church
Eighty persons attended the opening of the Children’s Science and Technology Museum of Terre Haute, housed in the lower level of Central Christian Church, 720 Larry Bird Ave.
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Genealogy: Any community can take advantage of cultural tourism
Cultural tourism is a subset of the tourism industry that focuses on a region’s cultural heritage, lifestyle, history, geography, art and architecture. We may think of it as something elaborate and grand, like traveling to Europe or Africa to experience the culture of our ancestors, but it can take place in almost any community.
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Historic treasure: Fold-up map fit in glove box of Model T
My maternal grandparents used to love to tell the story of how they decided on the driver/navigator orientation on their road trips after their retirement.
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Histori9cal perspective: Mace and Hyde included among significant educators
Since this column was launched in January 1995, it has emphasized notable accomplishments of past and present Wabash Valley residents.
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Historical perspective: The death of newspaper publisher George M. Allen
The name of George Murdoch Allen, editor and publisher of the Terre Haute Express for 16 years, is rarely mentioned today.
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Genalogy: Gen Gathering site a great opportunity to volunteer
Gen Gathering is a website that aims to match volunteers who have access to resources and are willing to do someone a favor, with researchers who need help.
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Looking back: In 2003, Terre Haute Police Department resumes bicycle patrols downtown
In 2003, members of the Terre Haute Police Department resumed bicycle patrols in the downtown area.
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Historical treasures: Horses, buggies and the Fouts and Hunter Carriage and Manufacturing Company
In her history of the Fouts and Hunter Carriage and Manufacturing Company, Mae Hunter Weinstein wrote that her father, William Robert Hunter, always had a song in his heart. Maybe that joyful spirit helped Hunter and his son keep the company going from the Civil War through World War I.
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GENEALOGY: Info sought on people buried in Clay County
This week, we have several queries.
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HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: O.C. Simonds’ ideas launched Fairbanks Park
Among the first serious efforts to beautify the landscape near the Wabash River in Terre Haute occurred early in the 20th Century.
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LOOKING BACK: 1988: The Waffle House closes after 21 years
Dorothy Jerse looks back at local history from 10, 25 and 50 years ago as reported in the Tribune and Tribune-Star.
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Historical Treasure: Davis Gardens: Once one of the largest greenhouses in world
Another rainy spring day kept me out of the garden so I decided to research some gardening history at the Vigo County Historical Museum.
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Historical Treasure: The 1947 Terre Haute Phillies and the history of baseball in America’s Crossroads
As another spring blossoms, it is time for another season of baseball to descend upon the city of Terre Haute.
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HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: George Lance dominates intercity golf rivalry in 1927
What was expected to be a close match between two Terre Haute golfers for the 1927 Indiana Amateur Golf championship turned out to be a cakewalk.
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GENEALOGY: Follow ‘Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs’
I recently read an article called “Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs,” by Tamara Hemmerlein, Hoosier Heritage Alliance Coordinator for the Indiana Historical Society
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LOOKING BACK: 1988: Teachers issued rubber gloves to use in management of blood, other body fluids
Dorothy Jerse looks back at local history from 10, 25 and 50 years ago as reported in the Tribune and Tribune-Star.
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Historical Perspective: Wabash Valley is home to prominent comedy opera stars
Comic opera, a genre consisting of light hearted musicals, was introduced in Europe during the 17th century.
In the 19th century, several female vocalists from the Wabash Valley, earned national celebrity by using that art form to excel. -
Looking back: In 2003, Storm rips off half of Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof
A Saturday morning storm ripped off half of the Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof and caused heavy damage in Allendale. Wind gusts topping 60 miles an hour brought down power lines and trees throughout the county. Hail almost an inch thick and 1.5 inches of rain fell in less than an hour.
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Abundance of shoe stores existed downtown
Spring to me means putting away heavy winter sweaters and bringing out fun lighter sundresses. It also means the possibility of shopping for a new dress or even new shoes.
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Genalogy: Handwriting in 1700s-1800s Copperplate or English Round Hand
The primary style of old handwriting in the mid 1700s through the 1800s is sometimes called Copperplate or English Round Hand. This style of writing is much more recognizable and readable than the older Secretary Hand style discussed last week, and it is much less ornate as well.
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The death of Irish Kate Preston
The lifeless body of Catherine Preston, commonly referred to as “Irish Kate,” was found Saturday morning, Oct. 5, 1895, on a sandbar at the western edge of the Wabash River wagon bridge.
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Looking back: 2003: Sherertz sets nine-hole school record
Terre Haute North Vigo High School’s nine-hole record at Hulman Links was broken by golf team member Matt Sherertz who shot a 4-under-par 32 in a team-record win over Northview.
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Historical perspectives: Railroads were models of innovation and growth in Haute
Railroads have played an important part in the building of our nation and in the history of Terre Haute. It is no small wonder that these amazing machines were turned into children’s toys, as well as models for the more mature train enthusiast.
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‘Foreign’ letters to confuse a genealogist
Any serious family researcher will at some time or another encounter old documents in an older handwriting style that need to be read and deciphered.
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1988: 700 teachers unite in protest
At least 700 teachers were absent from their Vigo County School Corp. schools as part of a job action to protest lack of progress in contract negotiations.
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Genealogy: Vigo County Gold Star Honor Roll
FamilySearch International recently announced “the release of significant new enhancements to its web services that allow visitors to collaboratively build their family tree online, preserve and share precious family photos and stories, and receive personal research assistance–all for free.”
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