Column Archives - Sightseers' Delight

Walking in Leatherlips’ final steps

June 1, 2013 Todd DeFeo

Wyandot Chief Shateyaronyah was known as a friend to the white settlers who lived in what is today Central Ohio. So strong was his word, according to legend, he gained the nickname Leatherlips.

South Georgia city planning Paula Deen museum

May 29, 2013 Todd DeFeo

Break out the butter. Residents in the South Georgia city of Albany are planning to open a museum dedicated to one of its more famous native daughters: Paula Deen.

At 90, the Rand McNally atlas is as iconic as the American road

May 23, 2013 Todd DeFeo

By 1924, the automobile craze was in full swing, and the open roads were calling motorists.

Washington’s personal copy of the Constitution touring the country

May 5, 2013 Todd DeFeo

A rare book containing President George Washington’s personal copy of the Constitution and other important documents will be displayed at the LBJ Presidential Library as part of a nationwide tour.

Picking baseball’s best teams: 19th century edition

April 2, 2013 Todd DeFeo

In honor of opening day, here is a brief look at five of the greatest teams to ever take the field. Before the turn of the 20th century, that is.

History happened here: Alcatraz closed 50 years ago this month

March 26, 2013 Todd DeFeo

It’s hard to believe, but it’s been 50 years since the infamous Alcatraz closed as a federal prison.

More than just beaches, Curacao has culture, history

June 25, 2012 Todd DeFeo

The island of Curacao is one of the ABC islands, along with Aruba and Bonaire. While there are plenty of beaches on the island and Curacao is known for its scuba diving, there is much more than just sand and sun on this Caribbean hotspot that is worth exploring.

Railroad Days: Turn back the clock 145 years

April 7, 2007 Todd DeFeo

The Andrews Raid, also known as The Great Locomotive Chase, ultimately failed. But days later, the Southern Confederacy newspaper proclaimed it “the most extraordinary and astounding adventure of the war.” More than an “astounding adventure,” the raid was near genius.

Ford among best of the Boy Scouts

January 7, 2007 Todd DeFeo

History likely will remember Gerald Ford as the president who pardoned Richard Nixon. But, Ford’s greatest accomplishment may be one he attained long before reaching the White House: He made the rank of Eagle Scout.

Not the average Wednesday afternoon

October 27, 2004 Todd DeFeo

On an October afternoon 123 years ago yesterday, Wyatt Earp, two of his brothers and Doc Holliday walked along the streets of Tombstone, Ariz., and into history. Earp, who arrived in the town almost two years earlier hoping to strike it rich, found himself in the middle of an epic showdown n the “Gunfight at the OK Corral.”