Die Like an Egyptian

What's this, you say?  

The authentic ashes of a mummified Egyptian Prince in Vermont?  Yes, it's true!  This news may not be new, as you can easily find information about it, but it was an interesting story to me.  

Travel to West Cemetery in Middlebury and you will find the grave of Amum-Her-Khepesh-Ef, who was mummified in 1830 B.C.  - yes, I said B.C., making this grave site the oldest human being, buried in Vermont. 

Henry Sheldon

A man named Henry Sheldon, was an amateur art lover and collected an assortment of treasure from around the world.  

Mr. Sheldon learned to read and write at a very young age, and even built his own organ that he played.   He developed a love of collecting from his brother, with whom, obtained autographs from famous politicians and authors of that time by soliciting them in writing.   

By the age of 20, he moved out of his mother's home and quickly rose in the ranks of society.   The brick house in which he lived, is now the same location of the Sheldon Museum, today.  He worked in a plethora of jobs, ranging from working in a railroad station to a saloon, from a marble quarry to a music store.  

He found his real niche in life, as a collector.  The henrysheldonmuseum.org, states, "Henry was in his late 50s when he found his calling as a collector, and, eventually, museum proprietor. His collecting career commenced with the purchase of a Roman coin for one dollar in 1875. By 1880 he had developed an extensive coin collection representing 50 countries over many centuries, which he displayed in cabinets accompanied by biographies of the associated rulers."

In 1866, Sheldon got wind of a mummy for sale in New York, and subsequently purchased it.  A mummy, in good condition is an animal or human being that has had it's internal organs removed, and in it's place is treated with resins and various herbs for the purpose of preservation.  The body is then slathered with herbal oils, much like corn on the cob.  Finally, the body is wrapped in long strands of linen before it is interred where it was intended to remain for eternity.

But, the mummy of the prince that Mr. Sheldon had received was in a significant state of deterioration, with serious signs of neglect and rot.  Henry Sheldon was disappointed, but at that time, had no legal recourse, nor could he demand repayment for damages.  He simply placed the box in his attic, and there the prince remained until Sheldon's death in 1907.

On a side note, though the mummy itself was in a very poor state, it was not without historical significance.  The mummy was the infant son of Senusret III, King of Egypt, and his wife Hathornhotpe.

Wikipedia, citing several other resources gives this fascinating information about Amum-Her-Khepesh-Ef's prominent father:  

"Senusret III was a pharaoh of Egypt. He ruled from 1878 BC to 1839 BC during a time of great power and prosperity, and was the fifth king of the Twelfth Dynasty of the Middle Kingdom. He was a great pharaoh of the Twelfth Dynasty and is considered to be, perhaps, the most powerful Egyptian ruler of the dynasty.

Consequently, he is regarded as one of the sources for the legend about Sesostris. His military campaigns gave rise to an era of peace and economic prosperity that reduced the power of regional rulers and led to a revival in craft work, trade, and urban development.   Senusret III was among the few Egyptian kings who were deified and honored with a cult during their own lifetime."

After Henry Sheldon died, George W. Mead, who incidentally became a director of the Sheldon Museum, discovered the remains in Sheldon's attic.   Upon learning of the royal lineage, he decided to give the young prince a proper burial and had the remains cremated.  He then buried the remains in his own family plot.  

The tombstone is engraved with an Ankh, a Christian cross and an Egyptian-style bird.  The Egyptian symbols represent life and immortality.   I assume the cross would be George Mead's own faith incorporated into the stone.  The grave reads, 

"Ashes of Amum-Her-Khepesh-Ef Aged Two Years Son of Sen Woset 3rd King of Egypt and his wife Hathor-Hotpe 1883 BC".

According to the Sheldon Museum's website, "The Sheldon Museum, the oldest community-based Museum in the country, has welcomed visitors and researchers since 1884."  

This museum hosts a proverbial boat-load of wonderful educational kits, and more information can be found by clicking here.

No Laughing Mattter

Gardner Quincy Colton was born on February 17, 1814, in Georgia, Vermont.  Colton may not be a household name, but many of you who suffer from dental phobia(s), may have him to thank for being the first person to administer nitrous oxide (which you know as laughing gas) a general anesthetic for surgical procedures.  

Image Source: oddballfilms.blogspot

Colton was somewhat of an ostentatious showman, who traveled around the country, lecturing on topics such as philosophy, chemistry and the telegraph. He had a formal medical education, but never actually graduated.  Instead, he quit medical school, after discovering that he had a calling to the stage. He was paid $535.00 for his initial demonstration of the use of nitrous oxide which happened to turn out as a moment of serendipity, if you will.   Though, I could not find out where the event occurred, I did find out how, and why, the gas was employed for the first tooth extraction.  

Gardner Quincy Colton

A Connecticut dentist, by the name of Horace Wells attended one of Colton's lectures where he was scheduled to be a volunteer for a molar extraction.  While he was there, another young volunteer suffered a laceration to his leg while under the influence of a moderate dose of laughing gas.  The young man's name was Sam Cooley.  Cooley reported no pain when the injury took place.  Wells was intrigued, as he thought that the effects of laughing gas, as it related to Cooley's injury, may be employed as a pain free way of having teeth extracted, as one may experience an inability to feel or to be aware of [dental] surgery.  "Wells' offending molar was extracted the next day in his office by his partner, dentist John Riggs (1810-1885). Gardner Coulton presided as anaesthetist."  -Source: general-anaesthesia.com

Dr. Horace Wells

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is mixed with oxygen, and is frequently employed when one must undergo dental surgery.   It is known as "laughing gas" due to the euphoria after inhaling it.  In general, the gas has no color, it is not flammable, and has a "slightly sweet odor and taste."  It is inhaled by a small plastic mask that fits over the nose, and aids in relaxation. 

Colton then went to California with high hopes during the gold rush.  He never made any money and it is interesting to note that his brother Walter was the Civil Governor of state. 

In 1863, Colton returned East and established a successful company with two dentists, where he adapted the techniques of anaesthesia which he had practiced earlier.  Interestingly, no patient deaths occurred, as the laughing gas was mixed with oxygen to prevent asphyxiation, and it also prolonged the effects of nitrous oxide. 

Colton proffered advise on laughing gas' use:  "Instruct the patient to take full, deep and slow inspirations of the gas and hold the lips and nose so as to allow no particle of common air to enter and dilute the gas. By this means, anaesthesia will be reached in from forty-five to sixty seconds." 

During his practice, between 1864 and 1897, Colton and his associates reported that they successfully extracted teeth under the administration of nitrous oxide anaesthesia from tens of thousands of dental patients.

Dr Gardner Quincy Colton, died August 9, 1898, in Rotterdam, Holland. He had been visiting Europe, and preparing to return home when he succumbed death, brought on by old age.

DID YOU KNOW....

"Laughing Gas" is also used as an oxidizer in rocket propellants, and in motor racing to increase the power output of engines. At elevated temperatures, nitrous oxide is a powerful oxidizer similar to molecular oxygen.

Mark C. Marchbanks, D.D.S., gave  this list, entitled, "Things that May Surprise You about Nitrous Oxide" on April 1, 2014:

"There is a lot more to nitrous oxide than just its use as a sedative. It may be unusual to say this about a gas, but there are a lot of interesting facts about it…

Bacteria in oceans and soil emit nitrous oxide.

The discovery that nitrous oxide helps to relieve pain happened in 1800, but it wasn’t really used for that purpose until 1844, and wasn’t widely used by dentists until the 1860s.

It is nicknamed “laughing gas” because of so-called “euphoric” effects of inhaling it. If you aren’t laughing up a storm after inhaling nitrous oxide, you may be reacting to it by just acting sleepy.

Most people usually experience five stages of sedation: light-headedness, a tingling sensation in the arms and legs, a warm feeling, a feeling of euphoria, and then a sleepy feeling.

“Laughing gas parties” with nitrous oxide were all the rage for the British upper class in the late 1700s.

Nitrous oxide is used in the food industry as well. It helps to give aerosol whipped cream volume. It is used in cooking spray as a propellant. It is used in bags of potato chips so the bags are puffy, which prevents your chips from being crushed.

Nitrous oxide can be used by women in childbirth, and is being used more and more often in hospitals and birthing centers. It doesn’t get rid of the pain, but it does take the edge off a bit. Many women like it because it can be used at any time during labor, there are no serious side effects, it doesn’t require an IV or catheter, and they can still move around during labor.

Nitrous oxide is considered very safe for your child to use while at the dentist. It will help them to relax. Once it is turned off it is flushed quickly from the body, and he or she can stay awake while the dentist is filling their cavity. However, younger children may not want to wear the mask for nitrous oxide, and it may make some children may feel nauseous.

The exact mechanism of how nitrous oxide works isn’t really understood. It seems to act on the brain in many different ways at once.

Many dentists offer scented nitrous oxide to their patients, which may include strawberry, vanilla, mint, or other scents to choose from.

Nitrous oxide works rapidly, and can relax a patient within 3 minutes. It is eliminated from the body about as quickly.

Patients who are afraid of needles may find that nitrous oxide relaxes them enough to face that needle poke.

If you are having nitrous oxide you may not want to have a big meal before you head to the dentist. A big meal combined with nitrous oxide may result in nausea. However, your stomach shouldn’t be empty either—a small meal hours before your appointment is best.

Nitrous oxide is cheaper than IV sedation.

No one is allergic to nitrous oxide. It is safe for those who have diabetes, epilepsy, liver, heart, or cerebrovascular disease, although if you have a respiratory disease you should discuss that with your dentist.

A Tomb with a View

"To be buried while alive is, beyond question, the most terrific of these extremes which has ever fallen to the lot of mere mortality."  

~ Edgar Allan Poe, 1850: "The Premature Burial" 

heavymetalartwork.com

Dr. Timothy Clark Smith's unusual grave can be found in New Haven, Vermont, and his grave (and other's like it) is the subject of today's post.  

He was an educated man, who had traveled the world.  He received a Bachelor's degree from Middlebury College, and became a doctor upon graduating from the University of New York in 1855.  He "worked as a teacher, clerk in the US Treasury Department and physician. He was a staff surgeon for the Russian Army from 1856 to 1857. Smith was US Consul in Odessa, Russia from 1861 to 1875, and Galatz, Romania from 1878 to 1883." 

Dr. Smith suffered from Taphophobia, which means he was deeply fearful of being buried alive. More precisely, he feared being buried alive, as the result of obtaining some form of a sleeping sickness which would ultimately be falsely determined that he died.

"The Raising of Lazarus"  Rembrandt

His fear was not entirely irrational, however.  "Vivisepulture" is to be buried while still alive.  During  the 1800's, there was a rash of epidemics like cholera, smallpox and even the plague, and contemporary medicine as we know today, had not yet been perfected.  Now known as the Lazarus Phenomenon, diseases of the heart, though rare, could sometimes fool an attending physician into thinking the heart had stopped, and he may pronounce an individual dead.  Then that individual would naturally revive or return to life.

odd nerdrum, buried alive

The gruesome reality, mostly during the mid 1800's, was that there were over 200 recorded episodes of people "almost" being entombed and almost 150 cases of actual live burials!  And the horror continues with 10 people being dissected before they were actually dead, and 2 incidents where embalming procedures began on the living!

For many during the Nineteenth Century, the fear of premature burial became an obsession, after several people were pronounced dead, and during their wake or funeral, suddenly returned to life from a comatose or unconscious state.  These stories, were highly publicized in newspapers across the country, and the macabre Victorians took the only action they could - allowing bodies to stay lying in wait for days and even weeks on end - to ensure their death.

"The Death of Albine", by John Coliier

Some, with the financial means to prepare for the event of accidental burial, devised elaborate tombs in which a bell was installed over the head of the deceased and a cord which lead from the bell was placed in the body's hand; hence, any movement from within would signal an alarm.  

Source:  eduexplica.com

Other patented inventions included the "safety coffin" which consisted of a "movable periscope-like pipe which provided air and, when rotated or pushed by the person interred, indicated to passersby that someone was buried alive." 
When one considers decomposition and gravity, much like the proverbial tree in the forest, the bell probably did ring, but  would there be no one there to hear it?

Upon installing pipes that were concocted for the purpose of listening for any returning signs of life, the rich may have employed attendants to wait near the tombs, lest a bell would ring or a voice to be heard, so that they could run or call for help. 

Others who were less fortuante, financially, had simpler means of assisting anyone who came back to life by placing shovels and/or crowbars in caskets.  

I shudder to think of how a weakened body, most likely suffering from oxygen deprivation and dehydration, and at the discovery of being trapped in complete darkness - the extreme psychological fear that one would experience, how they  could excavate themselves from under 6 feet of dirt, would indeed be indicative of Lazarus.

Image (cropped) from roadtrippers.com

So, perhaps Timothy Clark Smith's fears were not so irrational, after all.  How else can I describe his own grave planning, than "facing his fear"?  He designed his own "safety grave", by rigging his tomb so that his hand would rest on a bell and from this coffin extends a breathing tube.  Directly over his head he installed a window, so that one may peer down into the grave to look at him and ensure that he was really dead.  

unknown source:  google images

"Because he feared being buried alive, he was interred in a specially designed grave. His face is positioned beneath a cement tube that leads from beneath the ground to the surface, and ends at a 14x14 inch plate glass window. In addition to arranging Smith so he could see the surface if he was alive, he was buried with a bell in his hand so he could signal for help." -Source:  findagrave.com

According to my research the actual burial vault has an arched stairwell, that is covered with stone in the lower part of the mount.  It leads to two rooms.  One room for his beloved wife, and the other containing the remains of Timothy Clark Smith which was constructed with the "viewing window" at the top of the shaft.  

Source:  findagrave.com

Source: sevendaysvt.com

As you can see, today, the window has a greenish, mossy appearance, with a good deal of condensation that has collected over the years.   While the window was in pristine condition, it is said that one could peer down to look upon his skeleton, and lying next to him was a hammer and chisel.  It is also entirely unclear as to whether or not a bell was installed in this grave, and his hand placed upon a rope connected to it.  

Dr. Timothy Clark Smith's grave is located in the Evergreen Cemetery in New Haven, Vermont (near Middlebury).

An example of a "Mortsafe"

To read about how some graves were designed to keep bodies "in" the grave, you can read about the Mortsafe on Vermont DeadLine, here.

LIQUID GOLD - Heady Topper

WHAT'S THE BUZZ?

Hops...hOpS...HoPs!

Vermont's own "Heady Topper" was voted the best beer in the world.  

"GoNewEngland" states, "according to the beer rating  It's worth the drive to Vermont just to taste this brew, which has received perfect "100" scores from both RateBeer and Beer Advocate."  

It is quite literally, the Holy Grail, of beer.  Here is a link which shows its rating on Beer Advocate:

http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/27039/16814/

Shortly before I quit drinking, about 3 years ago, I discovered Heady Topper and it was (is) absolutely, hands-down, the nirvana of all unfiltered beer.  

A beautiful golden-amber shade, it is a fragrant, delicious ambrosia from the beer gods.  

And yup, this world class brewski is produced right here in Vermont and it is a family run business.  

This double IPA is deeply steeped in an abundance of (six) hops which is complimented by an after taste of gentle waves of sweet and alluring citrus (grapefruit...ya, I said grapefruit), a hint of pine, some tropical fruit with just the right amount of malt. And, with a content of 8% alcohol, it packs a decent punch.  

Serious beer drinkers are wise enough to sip, taste and enjoy.  It's all about content and quality.  A glass of Heady Topper should be treated as if it contains gold. 

This beer is so freakin' popular, beverage shops, coops and markets even have to advertise on what days it is made, and when delivery will be made. 

People stand in line for delivery outside of stores and markets who sell this product, starting an hour or two before delivery is scheduled to be made.  No one is there for a measly four-pack. Most are there for a case or 24 cans.  What ever they can get their hands on!   And just like that! it is immediately sold out. 

Those selling the beer, have to calculate how much is being delivered and then advise the crowd that there is a cut off point, and the rest of you are out of luck, as it is typically sold out on the day it arrives.  

Those who have vacationed here in Vermont, and were turned on to Heady Topper,  reportedly drive back to Vermont from various states, just to get their hands - and mouths - on another case or two.   It's THAT good.... Out of this world....mind-blowing.... get the picture, eh?

Most stores do not reserve it for you, nor will they allow you to purchase more than one case at a time, due to its popular demand. 

To add insult to injury for those who are waiting for delivery, Heady Toppers are only sold in a four-pack, to the tune of around $14.00.   

Well worth every penny to any beer connoisseur. 

Heady Topper was originally introduced at a local brewpub, in 2003.  Cleverly named, the establishment was known as The Alchemist, and it was located in downtown Waterbury. John and Jen Kimmich are the owners. It was closed when Tropical Storm Irene blew through Vermont, in 2011, as it devastated downtown Waterbury.  

And before you ask, the brewery is currently NOT open to the public.

To prove my point about how good this liquid gold is, Heady topper has even hit the black market.  You can read about it, on stowetoday.com:

http://www.stowetoday.com/waterbury_record/news/business_news/article_daa66ff4-fa04-11e2-aaeb-0019bb2963f4.html

The history of how it all started can be found here.

When visiting Vermont and if you are driving, please be safe!  Should you decide to drink a Heady Topper or two, bring with you a designated driver, 

call a friend, or call a cab.  Be wise, don't drink and drive!

Peace and Love,  ~Denise

by © Denise Goodwin, All Rights Reserved, November 1, 2015

Spirits of Halloween

The Sun God has died and is returning to the womb of the "Great Mother".  The transition is powerful, as he begins to grow and prepares for rebirth at Yule.  The "veil" is now the "thinnest".  Enter Ye, Olde Spirits!  

To best describe "The Veil" as it pertains to All Hallow's Eve, would be an invisible world, shrouded in mist and mystery, from which the Dead exist or remain.  The Dead are more restless than ever, on this day as they have lingered between Heaven and Earth in a Spirit realm, awaiting this night; and, tonight, the veil is the weakest.  This will allow the spirits to pierce the mists and mingle with us, on our mortal plains.  At this time, there is no separation between these two worlds, and it is believed that the Dead wander freely among us.

Source: trinelibre.tumblr

According to our ancient and pagan ancestors, the veil is the thinnest today, between the living and the dead.  Fairies and spirits arose from earthen mounds and it was believed that tricks were played on the living.  To allow entry and departure of those spirits, windows and doors were left open all night so that the dead could return to their respective realm(s). 

Tonight, don't forget to open all of your doors and windows, a little before and after midnight, lest a spirit may remain.

After tonight is over, many of us may feel a sense of nostalgia, as we enter the winter months. Perhaps it is the build-up and the festive nature Halloween, itself, for which many have planned costumes and events.  Once this night is over, we begin to reflect back to the previous summer months and the carefree feeling that is connected to that season.  

Source: thelivelyplanet

Here in Vermont, our farms are harvested and rows of severed cornstalks are all that remain in our fields.  Hay has been bailed and stocked in the barns.  Pumpkins, mums and bright leaves are abundant; and,  their bright colors are a gentle reminder of the proverbial calm before the storm, as winter is imminent.  

We begin to plan for Thanksgiving and our respective families somehow seem dearer.  We remember those who have gone before us, and a certain sadness creeps into our hearts.  But alas! we trudge forth, as humility and faith replaces those feelings.  

We begin to dig out our mittens, scarves and hats....our winter coats and boots.  We locate the ice scrapers, brooms and shovels.  Last year's left-over bucket of salt is dug out of our garage and put near our front doors. Usually after the first snow fall, it dawns on us that we need to have our winter tires put on our cars and service stations suffer and influx of those, like me, who put this off until the inevitable occurs.  

A bit of Folklore....

"The Celts believed that many trees were inhabited by spirits or had spirits of their own. From this ancient respect for the power of trees came the expressions 'touch wood' and 'knock on wood' " 

Source: mysendoff.com

THE VEIL  

The veil shifts, and from the gossamer mists,

Spirits wake, to wander from the Underworld.

Pumpkins rise from their summer graves,

Among the bittersweet, bedeviled tendrils.

And vines of sour grapes are crushed to wine,

Strained sweet to sip from silver vessels.

The trees dismiss sanguine fruit and leaves.

The scent of Autumn fills our senses;

Seasons shift to bleed their yearly menses.

Blood red bleeds from the leaves of trees.

In admiration, we watch as they fall and swirl,

Summer's warm breeze and daylight fades,

Crows gather in murder, like shadowy thieves;

Silently perched, as if a Great Observer.

Since the dawn of all creation,

The spirits return from the fires that burn,

or slip through clouds and precipitation.

Original Poetry by © Denise Goodwin; 

HaAll rights reserved.

Have a safe and blessed holiday, my friends!