A Daughter's Gratitude on FATHER'S DAY



September 1945
Dad on leave in Wisconsin
posing with his three children 



Daniel F. Baugniet served in the military during WWII. Though he never saw combat, Daniel fully realized what was expected of soldiers, and the likelihood of his being shipped to a warfront. His first cousin had joined the Army in 1941, and received the Purple Heart after being seriously wounded.

While my father served in the military, my mother accepted the responsibility of maintaining a normal home life. Once the war ended, Dad arrived home safely. He was prepared once again to support and care for his family, which had increased to four children upon my birth in late 1945.



Dad holding Gail while wading
in the cold water of Lake Michigan
1947 

Although soft-spoken, Dad's infectious laughter sent a wave of smiles around the room at any gathering. Throughout his life, he was affectionately known to family and friends as Danny. He was from "the old school" where part-time side businesses supplemented the salary of a 40-hour a week job; and wildlife, fresh fish, and home-raised chickens complemented grocery store purchases.

His family never experienced hunger - or a lack of desserts. Dad loved to finish off meals with something sweet. We didn't know we were "spoiled" with daily helpings of ice cream, homemade pies, and bakery goods. Sunday morning breakfast meant bacon and eggs, topped off with frosted coffee cake with raisins.

If he wasn't working or fishing, Dad spent his time maintaining or fixing things around the house. Then he started building and selling residential homes on property we had called "the back yard" most of our lives. Friday night was one of the few times he relaxed in front of the television. He enjoyed watching boxing (Rocky Marciano and Sonny Liston come to mind), some wrestling, and Gunsmoke. He and Mom had several card clubs that filled their Saturday evenings, late into the night with midnight "snacks" - served to counter the brandy old-fashioneds.


50th Wedding Anniversary
celebration at Fox Hills in Wisconsin

Dad died in 2004. I am extremely grateful that I was granted the opportunity to know my father and enjoy his love and quiet sense of humor for almost sixty years.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, Dad, and Aloha

to all fathers on this Sunday of celebration!

*****

Haiku & History of Hale Koa and Green Flash

Hale Koa view

 

Landscaped lawn to pristine beach

 

Military sound

The Hale Koa celebrated its grand opening on October 25, 1975 with a traditional Hawaiian blessing and a royal procession. The hotel and grounds are open to all ranks of the US military for rest and relaxation.

Although not a member of the military, I have had several opportunities to visit this military hotel complex in Waikiki. My sister is a retired Air Force Reserves Colonel, and she enjoys her time there during frequent visits to Honolulu. Sisters in Crime/Hawaii, my writers' group, has also held holiday luncheons there, hosted by retired military/fellow writers.

Of all the photographs I have taken on the grounds of Hale Koa (Hale - House; Koa - Brave, Fearless; Hale Koa: armory, barracks), one I failed to snap was of the Green Flash I viewed at sunset one evening. I was at the hotel’s beach bar as the sun reached the horizon, touching the blue sheen of the Pacific. To my surprise, and great pleasure, a green flash appeared and, for an extended moment, lingered. This occurred in 1995, the only time I have ever witnessed the illusive Green Flash. 

While I prefer to think of witnessing the sight as a mystical experience, a scientific explanation for the cause of the Green Flash when the sun meets the ocean can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_flash

*****

DAMNED IN PARADISE/THE MASSIE CASE #TrueCrime #Murder #Mystery

Damned In Paradise, A Nathan Heller Novel by Max Allan Collins is a fictional accounting of The Massie Case. Though no more or less dramatic than the true crime stories written about the case, it is easy reading, very true to “fact” as the facts are known and recorded, and includes an alternate suggestion for a possible outcome, also based on recorded fact. My time was well-spent reading this novel. 

 

Other stories relating the same researched details of the case include:

Rape In Paradise by Theon Wright, with intro by Glen Grant;

Something Terrible Has Happened by Peter Van Stingerland;

Local Story by John P. Rosa (copyright 2014) examines the events from

a new perspective raising questions involving universal awareness;

Hawai‘i’s Scandal by Cobey Black; and

Honor Killing by David Stannard. 

Finally, there is The Massie Case by Peter Packer and Bob Thomas copyrighted 1966 when information was released, though it had always been available. This true crime, uncensored story tells in detail the known facts and speculation of an alleged gang-rape in the Hawaii Territory in 1931-1932.

 

 

 

The authors used all information available to them and published their accounts of racial violence and murder, the actions of a husband and mother to avenge a hateful act, and the defense presented by a world-renowned attorney, Clarence Darrow. 

The Massie Case was released in 1966 along with two other books (Rape In Paradise by Theon Wright; Something Terrible Has Happened by Peter Van Stingerland;) relating the story in similar fashion. The words “notorious” “sensational” and “controversial” accurately describe events surrounding this series of tragedies, but the reader new to this tale may find their application unexpected and shifting. 

What did happen that late night in 1930s Waikiki? 

Was a young married Caucasian female raped multiple times? By a group of local boys? The ones she identified? What circumstances led up to whatever did happen, and why did someone else have to die before an uncomfortable peace was established? 

Whether you read the true crime stories or the novels, the facts shimmer and shift equally. And unless you have ice water in your veins, you will develop opinions and draw conclusions. The events that became known as “the Massie Case” is that kind of a case.

 

Next up for review:

Devil’s Gate

by

Clive Cussler