"Old Ironsides" by Oliver
Wendell Holmes September 16, 1830
Ay, tear her tattered ensign down! Long has it waved on high, And many an eye has danced to see That
banner in the sky; Beneath it rung the battle shout, And burst the cannon's roar; The meteor of the ocean air Shall
sweep the clouds no more.
Her deck, once red with heroes' blood, Where knelt the vanquished foe, When winds were hurrying o'er
the flood, And waves were white below, No more shall feel the victor's tread, Or know the conquered knee; The
harpies of the shore shall pluck The eagle of the sea!
Oh, better that her shattered bulk Should sink beneath the wave; Her thunders shook the mighty deep, And
there should be her grave; Nail to the mast her holy flag, Set every threadbare sail, And give her to the god of
storms, The lightning and the gale!
This was the popular name by which the frigate Constitution was known. The poem was first printed
in the Boston Daily Advertiser, at the time when it was proposed to break up the old ship as unfit for service. I subjoin
the paragraph which led to the writing of the poem. It is from the Advertiser of Tuesday, September 14, 1830:--
"Old Ironsides.--- It has been affirmed upon good authority that the Secretary of the Navy has
recommended to the Board of Navy Commissioners to dispose of the frigate Constitution. Since it has been understood that such
a step was in contemplation we have heard but one opinion expressed, and that in decided disapprobation of the measure. Such
a national object of interest, so endeared to our national pride as Old Ironsides is, should never by any act of our government
cease to belong to the Navy, so long as our country is to be found upon the map of nations. In England it was lately determined
by the Admiralty to cut the Victory, a one-hundred gun ship (which it will be recollected bore the flag of Lord Nelson at
the battle of Trafalgar), down to a seventy-four, but so loud were the lamentations of the people upon the proposed measure
that the intention was abandoned. We confidently anticipate that the Secretary of the Navy will in like manner consult the
general wish in regard to the Constitution, and either let her remain in ordinary or rebuild her whenever the public service
may require."--New York Journal of Commerce.
YOUNG HOLMES
The minister, the doctor and the lawyer, all in their early years. Rev. Abiel Holmes (left)
was the poet's father who may have been the inspiration for the poem "Old Ironsides." A youthful Oliver Wendell Holmes (center)
as a law student about the time he wrote the famous poem at age 21 in one quick inspirational session in 1830. His son Oliver
Wendell Holmes, Jr. during the Civil War, about the time of his romance with Dover, NH's Lucy Hale, and before his esteemed
career as a Supreme Court Justice.
Abiel Holmes and early OWH pictures from The Life and Letters of Oliver Wendell Holmes, 1896. OWH Jr.
photo appears in various sources.
OLD HOLMES, OLD IRONSIDES
Oliver Wendell Holmes died in 1894 at age 85. When he "passed to the other shore" on October
7, the USS Constitution was still afloat and being used as a receiving ship at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. The photo above
shows a veteran's group during a gala party held aboard "Old Ironsides" in 1891, before it was towed to its permanent home
in Boston in 1997.
Holmes photo from Life and Letters of Oliver Wendell Holmes, 1895. Ironsides photo from US Navy, Patch
Collection, Portsmouth Athenaeum.
Howl At The Moon is known as the world's greatest rock 'n' roll dueling piano show. Howl is the perfect
place to host bachelortte parties or corporate events.
The Big Bear bald eagles, Jackie and Shadow, have been nesting in Big Bear Valley since 2013, This is the first time
in three years that they have successfully hatched eaglets. In 2019, they had two chicks; and in 2022, they had one. This
year they had three eaglets, but one of the three eaglets that hatched in early March did not survive a storm. It passed
away on March 13, 2025.
NAMING CONTEST
The "Friends of Big Bear Valley" (FOBBV) are hosting a naming contest for the two surviving eaglets.
The Friends are inviting the public to submit name suggestions until March 28, 2025.
The FOBBV is asking for gender-neutral name suggestions and is accepting donations of $5 for one entry, $10 for three entries,
or $25 for 10 entries. The final names will be chosen by Big Bear Valley elementary school students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th
grades. The winners will be announced on April 1, 2025.
EAGLE CAM
The FOBBV operates a 24/7 live webcam of Jackie and Shadow's nest, which has drawn thousands of viewers worldwide.
The organization relies on donations to maintain the livestream, which is free from advertisements. Donations are appreciated!
The Bald Eagle is a large, powerful bird that has been the national symbol of the United States since 1782. It is a member
of the Accipitridae family and is found near large bodies of water throughout North America. Here are some key facts about
the Bald Eagle:
EAGLE BEHAVIOR & HABITAT
SIZE: 3 feet in length, 6-7 feet in wingspan, and 10-14 pounds in weight.
HABITAT: Found near large bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and coastlines.
DIET: Primarily feeds on fish, but also eats other small animals and carrion.
CONSERVATION STATUS: Listed as a species of Low Concern, but was once endangered due to habitat destruction, hunting, and
pesticide use.
INTERESTING BEHAVIORS
Bald Eagles are known for their impressive eyesight, which allows them to spot fish up to a
mile away. They are also skilled thieves, and have been known to steal food from other birds.
NESTING: Bald Eagles build large nests, called eyries, which can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and measure 10 feet wide and 6 feet
deep. These nests are often used for many years and may be added to over time.
MATING: Bald Eagles form long-term monogamous relationships, with some pairs staying together for up to 20 years.
BREEDING: Bald Eagles typically breed between March and May, with the female laying 1-4 eggs per clutch.
HUNTING: Bald Eagles are skilled hunters, using their sharp talons and strong wings to swoop down on their prey. They can
also steal food from other birds, such as osprey and hawks.
MIGRATION: While some Bald Eagles are migratory, others are resident birds that stay in their year-round territories.
Some Bald Eagles migrate from Canada and Alaska to the contiguous United States each winter, while others remain in their
year-round territories. Those that migrate typically travel in large groups, often with other species such as osprey and hawks.
HUNTING TECHNIQUES: Bald Eagles are skilled hunters, using a variety of techniques to catch their prey. Some of their methods
include:
DIVING: Bald Eagles will swoop down from high altitudes, using their sharp talons to snatch fish right out of the water.
PERCHING: Bald Eagles will perch above a body of water, scanning for fish and other prey below.
STEALING: Bald Eagles will steal food from other birds, such as osprey and hawks.
PREY: Bald Eagles primarily feed on fish, but will also eat other small animals such as; rabbits, squirrels, mice, and
carrion.
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and The Migratory Bird Treaty Act Overview
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) and The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) are two federal laws of the United
States that protect birds, including eagles. Here's a brief overview of each act:
BALD EAGLE CONSERVATION STATUS
The Bald Eagle is no longer considered an endangered species in the United States. In 2007, the federal government removed
the Bald Eagle from its endangered species list, and in 2024, New Jersey removed the Bald Eagle from its endangered species
list, citing a remarkable comeback for the species.
Regardless, the Bald Eagle's status remains of "special concern" in New Jersey, and the species is still protected under The
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Additionally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has
proposed listing three subspecies of the Bald Eagle as endangered and two species as threatened under The Endangered Species
Act.
It's worth noting that while the Bald Eagle is no longer considered endangered, conservation efforts are still necessary to
protect the species and its habitats. Ongoing monitoring, habitat preservation, and public education are key to ensuring the
species' continued success.
THE PROTECION LAWS: Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA):
was enacted in 1940 to protect Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles
The Law prohibits the taking, possession, sale, purchase, barter, transportation, and exportation of bald and golden eagles,
including their parts, nests, and eggs
The Law allows for certain exceptions, such as: •
Permits for scientific research, education, and conservation
• Permits for Native American tribes for cultural and spiritual purposes • Permits for the use of eagle parts
in traditional crafts and ceremonies
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA):
was enacted in 1918 to implement international treaties with Canada, Mexico, and Japan to protect migratory birds
The Law prohibits the taking, possession, sale, purchase, barter, transportation, and exportation of migratory birds, including
their parts, nests, and eggs
Covers over 800 species of birds, including waterfowl, songbirds, raptors, and game birds
The Law allows for certain exceptions, such as: • Permits for hunting and trapping under specific regulations •
Permits for scientific research, education, and conservation • Permits for the use of bird parts in traditional crafts
and ceremonies
KEY PROVISIONS & PENALTIES
Both acts have similar provisions and penalties for violating the laws. Some key points include:
Penalties: Up to $100,000 in fines and/or up to one year in prison for individuals, and up to $200,000 in fines for organizations
Permits: Required for activities such as hunting, trapping, and possession of bird parts
Reporting: Required for the sale, purchase, and transportation of bird parts
Import and Export: Prohibited without a permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service
Sottile Park Online Worldwide (SPOW) is a virtual cybercast park, offering users the ability to explore various locations
around the world through established web links. The cyber portal is named after Anthony W. Sottile, civic leader & family
man from The Heart of The Berkshires of New England. Virtually located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, SPOW! allows users to
"travel around the world in one day" or "visit the world in 80 seconds." The website provides media links, add-ons, and promotional
tools for users to enhance their knowledge and experience, online.
Copyright 2010 to Present JDS / John David Sottile
