Monthly Archives: November 2023

Abraham Lincoln and Thanksgiving

Posted on November 17, 2023 by Allen Mesch

Statue of President Abraham Lincoln and Little Known Author (Author’s Photograph) On October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the following Thanksgiving Proclamation: The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields … Continue reading →

Posted in Scratch Pad | 1 Comment

“It’s a Scandal! It’s a Outrage!”

Posted on November 14, 2023 by Allen Mesch

The Song from Oklahoma! It’s a Scandal! It’s a Outrage! is a song from the 1943 musical Oklahoma! Traveling salesman Ali Hakim has just been pushed into marrying Ado Annie Carnes by her father, Andrew Carnes. In the musical, Hakim is the … Continue reading →

Posted in Scratch Pad | Tagged Max Hightower, Oklahoma!, Sherman High School | 2 Comments

Letter to Mrs. Lydia Bixby

Posted on November 11, 2023 by Allen Mesch

In the autumn of 1864, Massachusetts Governor John A. Andrew wrote to President Lincoln asking him to express condolences to Mrs. Lydia Bixby, a widow believed to have lost five sons during the Civil War. Lincoln’s letter to her was … Continue reading →

Posted in Scratch Pad | Tagged Veterans Day | Leave a comment

Out of Control

Posted on November 6, 2023 by Allen Mesch

I am disappointed to be writing this post. I have held adjunct faculty positions at Texas Women’s University, Southern Methodist University, and the University of Texas at Dallas. I have also taught classes in the SAIL program at Collin College. … Continue reading →