We had a list of things to do today. We needed to clean the boat, do some shopping, get a prescription filled, and play tourist. After some discussion on whether to clean the boat or shop, we decided to shop first and clean later. We got Brian’s prescription turned in at a Rite Aid one block from the marina, then went to a grocery store and liquor store (just across the street from each other) about six blocks away but on the other side of the Oswego Canal. The town has repurposed an old train crossing into a pedestrian walkway, providing a new view of the water area. We’ve been using a collapsable hand truck over the past three years to haul our purchases to the boat. Well, it lost a wheel just a few hundred feet from the boat. Honestly, we didn’t think we bought all that much. Brian thinks he can repair the thing when we find a hardware store. During lunch on the boat, we realized we needed a few additional items — like champagne for celebrating our monthly wedding anniversary on the 12th (tomorrow) and, a few gluten-free food items while they are available. While Linda cleaned the inside of Splash Down, Brian picked up his prescription, the gluten-free items, and
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| Outside of Ft Ontario |
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| Inside of Ft. Ontario |
most importantly, the champagne. After a short rest, we walked over to
Ft. Ontario for our touristy bit. We learned more about American history, not just the War of 1812. Prior to our visit, we did not know the British occupied this area of New York after the American Revolution and did not leave until 1796, thirteen years after the Treaty of Paris in 1783 and two years after Jay’s Treaty was signed between the United States and Britain resolving issues lingering after the Treaty of Paris dealing with war reparations and trade. We also realized how history can be misrepresented. When we were in Canada, the documentation (historic markers, interpretive placards, and information papers) openly talk about the American’s invading Canada during the war of 1812 and the defensive build up on their part in fear of a full-scale invasion — one of the big reasons for Canada’s Rideau Canal. Unfortunately, their material failed to mention any portion of Britain invading the United States, burning the capital in Washington, or even where British were sheltering. Ahhh, the “fog of war” — and history. We also learned the fort was the only refugee shelter for Europeans fleeing their homelands during World War II. Approximately 1,000
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| Refugees at the camp |
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| Refugee housing |
were authorized by President Franklin Roosevelt to be brought over from Europe in 1944 to be kept here until the end of the war, with the promise that they would return to their homeland afterward. Houses, schools and training centers were built. A lively arts and music program began. All this activity with good acceptance and support by the locals. In 1946, the refugees were allowed to leave, but most decided to remain in the United States when they learned that their homeland and families were badly disrupted. The displays of their life and times during this period included photos of a wedding and the first birth at the fort, followed by a 55 year ceremony with the bride and daughter returning from California to Oswego. To hear of their assimilation into the United States gave us hope for the current influx of refugees from war torn countries. We returned to Splash Down and Brian began searching for gluten-free restaurant options nearby since tomorrow is 100% chance of rain and we will eat on the boat (and drink a little champagne). Just up the road from Alex’s On the Water restaurant is
G.S. Steamers Bar & Grill which offered gluten-free pizza, a rare and wonderful end to an interesting day.
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| Splash Down seen from the fort |
