If you've watched a few episodes and feel like I've earned it, be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any new content when it comes out. Also be sure to check out The Gettysburg Museum of History and their store at www.gettysburgmuseumofhistory.com. Thanks!

@IansModRite

Жыл бұрын

Pretty sure I subbed half way through the first video I watched. You rock dude, some of the best produced and most honest history content on this platform!

@anthonythomas1504

Жыл бұрын

You could mention it's in KCMO at the beginning or EVER!

@TheHistoryUnderground

Жыл бұрын

@@anthonythomas1504 - I guess that I assumed that anyone who had access to KZread had access to Google as well. 🤷🏻‍♂️

When my aunt died we inherited a lot of her old stuff and among the old photos and furniture in the attic I found a little box that contained a watch. The note accompanying it said it was worn by my great grandfather during WW1 - He served in the British Army and was wounded in the Somme in 1916. We worked out that he was just past his 18th birthday when he was wounded. He was shipped back home to Ireland and died in 1945 from blood poisoning aged 47. I still have that watch.

@TheHistoryUnderground

8 ай бұрын

Wow!

@elainebarry4990

Ай бұрын

Do you know what battalion he fought in? Where was he from in Ireland

@celticlofts

Ай бұрын

@@elainebarry4990 : Unfortunately no. I don't know anything about his military service other than what was on the note. I do know that he was from Dublin as some of his family are buried very close to him in the old Bluebell cemetery there. I can only assume that if he and his family were from another part of the country they would have been buried there. I wish I knew more.

My great grandad fought in France in WW1. He served in Company M, 107th Regt, 27th Division US Army. I have is complete uniform, medals and photos.

@scottbivins4758

3 ай бұрын

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🦅

I've been through this museum back in the '80s. It was only the 2 buildings and the basement was storage. They had a mock-up of a trench and it was very realistic. My Grandpa was in the 32nd Division, 107th Engineers Co D. He built the 1st wooden fence around Quentin Roosevelt's grave. I have a piece of that plane that my grandpa turned into a 'Crush-proof' for his matches. I also have his leggings, overseas hat, gas mask, safety razor (never used), many, many postcards, German photos of Hindenburg, Ludendorff, Kiser Bill that he took off German prisoners, and his helmet. All great treasures to me. Grandpa died when I was 10 years old. Just the other day I pulled out his war stuff, as I often do, and remembered the stories he would tell me. How I wish now that I am 69 I could talk to him. Thanks for this video!

We visited on November 11, 2018 for the 100th anniversary of the Armistice in honor of my grandfather who was in the 332nd Infantry Regiment, the only US fighting force sent to northern Italy. He was part of the Battle of Vittorio Veneto that was fought from 24 October to 3 November 1918.

@greendragon4058

Жыл бұрын

I hope he's resting in peace if you weren't for him a lot of us would not be here

@mythgreatbritain

Жыл бұрын

@@greendragon4058 There would be more if they had turned up earlier

WW1 flying Ace Captain James McCudden is from my home town, there is a street named after him, McCudden Row and recently they added a memorial stone for the 100 years 🇬🇧

@tee1up785

2 жыл бұрын

❤️❤️❤️🫡🫡🫡

@coreycole2786

Жыл бұрын

🇬🇧

@patientzero6075

Жыл бұрын

🇬🇧

My grandfather a Canadian WWI veteran, requested that poem to be read at his funeral. He told us all the time that his brother died in Flanders Field. But I can't verify that. This was amazing thank you for doing this video.

@TheHistoryUnderground

2 жыл бұрын

Wow. That is amazing. Thanks.

I know you post about people giving you crap about this channel.... I have to say, this is the best history channel on You-tube, hands-down. Thank you for all you do !

@TheHistoryUnderground

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks. I really do appreciate that.

@cynthiaclarke3979

Жыл бұрын

Thank you..

@ruthl3ssstudio163

Жыл бұрын

People are giving him crap? What?!

God Bless my grandfather pfc. Will Albert Gribble who worked in the medical department and was from Tennessee who enlisted in 1917 and passed away in 1962.Whenever possible I visit his final resting place in Arlington National Cemetery.God Bless all those that died or survived the War to End All Wars.

As a KC native, I love that you visited the memorial. It’s so beautiful.

You mention that you are always learning something new. What is so remarkable and uniquely wonderful is that you are always sharing those new things with those of us who are so fascinated by your channel. Cannot thank you enough.

@TheHistoryUnderground

Жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you

My great uncle Mech. Ferdinand Williams 30, died September 2 1918 and is buried at the Flanders Field American Cemetery and Memorial. His brother Charles was a wagoner , survived the war, and is buried in Pinelawn National cemetery on Long Island , New York. Thank you for sharing this with us. While I know the history,seeing the artifacts really brought it home.

That museum looks absolutely brilliant! I’ve grown up with the Canadian war museums, they’re pretty good. THAT museum is one to visit.

The way in which you create, edit and produce your content is so simply...human. I look forward to everything you share with us. I feel connected to the history in which you share on a very personal level, and even though I've never met you, you feel like a good friend who we can all connect with. I share your passion for history and your videos are always a calm way to wrap up an often hectic, stressful and chaotic day.

@TheHistoryUnderground

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! So glad that the content on the channel has connected. 🙂

Local boy here and former volunteer at the National World War I museum. A few things about the objects that you mentioned in your video; -There are 9,000 poppies in No Man's Land under the glass bridge, each one representing 1,000 combat deaths for a total of 9,000,000 dead. And this is only for those killed in combat; not the civilians or those that died during the Spanish Flu epidemic than began in 1918. In Flanders, the poppies were like a wildflower in that region. After a battle died down, the landscape would be blasted clean. But with the niter in the shells that exploded and the dead bodies of soldiers and horses in no man's land, the poppies would spring up out of the ground and often be the first thing that would regrow out of the destroyed landscape. -The tank is actually not American, but a French FT-17 tank. It got stuck during the 1918 Fall offensives and knocked out by a German 77mm field gun (an example of which is exhibited nearby) to the rear engine compartment, and shrapnel balls were found there during conservation. This was recovered by a US maintenance battalion and dragged to a tank park where parts and tanks could be repaired and repurposed. I can't remember how it came to the US, I think it was part of a private collection at one point, before it was purchased and restored by the museum. -I have walked by Hindenberg's coat and hat many times and I have never noticed his initials embroidered in the hat. Good eye! -The upper exhibit halls (one of which where War Remains is set up) were actually the original parts of the museum when it opened in 1926. The lower part where the main museum is now started construction in 1998 and was reopened in 2006 with designations of being the National WWI Museum and a National Historic Landmark. The exhibit halls feature rotating exhibits and also are the resting places of the remains of the Pantheon de la Guerre, a massive cyclorama that was painting during the war by two French painters and their team. It toured the world before it was stored in (I believe) a warehouse in Baltimore as WWII broke out before it could be shipped back to France. It was rediscovered after the war and was bought by an American Restauranteur. It was severely damaged from water and improper storage and he gave it to a local Kansas City painter and muralist to see if it anything could be salvaged from it. The largest parts that were salvageable were put into the exhibit halls (with some patch jobs and additions that were not part of the original composition), and the museum holds other pieces that were damaged but still saved. Sadly, the rest of the roughly 300 yds of painting that so many people put their time and effort into was destroyed. Well done and hope you had some burnt ends while you were here!

Billy Bishop is a Canadian Ace. There is an airport named after him in Toronto, Ontario (it is also called the Island Airport). This episode was beautifully done. Informative, entertaining, funny. Thank you for everything you do to bring history to us.

JD, why is it you post videos only about extremely incredible and impressive places and experiences? My bucket list is growing with each video. I hope I can get to a fraction of the places on the list, including this museum. Just mind-blowing.

@TheHistoryUnderground

2 жыл бұрын

🙂

This is a museum for my bucket list. Thank you for sharing. My grandpa was in WW1, my mom told me he suffered from what we call now PTSD. So terrible what these men went through and even suffered more after the fighting was done.

@baronedipiemonte3990

2 жыл бұрын

What's worse is that soldiers who succumbed to PTSD in the trenches/on the field were too often accused of cowardice. The Movie "Paschendale" about one of the Canadian efforts touches the subject. My uncle was an American army combat physician in France 1917/18

@RIFFRAFF104

2 жыл бұрын

Wasn't it called shell shock back then?

I live just twenty minutes from there and I try to go there every year because it's such an amazing museum. What I found last time was a picture of Harry Truman when he was in the army as an artillery officer. He's with his whole unit and I just like finding out when some presidents were at one time in the military. Doesn't always make for a good president of course, but still

I like the fact they told the entire story from all sides… even before the United States got involved. Artifacts were amazing… thank you

As a veteran, WWI has always fascinated me more so than WWII. Trench warfare was absolutely brutal. Then the development of macine guns and air support/ dog fighting- that's when these things were first used on a large scale; but the artillery was something to behold. King of battle.

Amazing museum. How does this dude not have a million subscribers yet? Always incredible production value, content and narration. One of my favorite channels by far. Thanks and keep it up, sincerely. It is beyond appreciated.

@TheHistoryUnderground

2 жыл бұрын

Too ugly for a million. 😅

@FourStatesNoise

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheHistoryUnderground 😂 In all seriousness though, your hard work is appreciated. Would love to see you and other channels like the American Battlefield Trust just continue to grow in viewership and exposure. The content is very important and the noteriety is merited. Thanks for taking the time to reply JD.

The “automatic rifle” as it was called at 11:05 is a Chauchat. It was also heavily use by the Americans so there at 8mm lebel and 30-06 variants.

Never knew that museum existed what a great experience. I use to have a original uncle Sam poster that use to be in a glass case in the orderly room when I was in the army. They were going to throw it away I asked if I could have it and had it on the wall in my room. I put it in a poster tube when I came back to the states and had it for 40 years. In 2014 I was in the process of moving to Texas and I threw it away, when I got out here I was watching antique roadshow on PBS and they had that dam poster on the show placing a 10,000 value I couldn't believe it, that just made my day. The person who designed it is the reason that makes it valuable life is funny.

I learned so much in this video! You are a terrific narrator, tour guide & historian! Thank you!

@TheHistoryUnderground

Жыл бұрын

Thanks 🙏🏼

My son and I went to the museum a few years ago but we are both visually impaired (Legally Blind) and so had trouble reading a lot of the information (It also takes us longer - approx 3-4 x to read); so, I really appreciated your descriptions of the different aspects. Your time and efforts are appreciated sir (I read the description but did not see your name mentioned). Have a good day/night.

I haven’t even finished watching the video and I had to stop to say: You do just beautiful work.

@TheHistoryUnderground

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

With much respect I want to commend you, for the emotion that you allow to flow through you, when you visit these places. You often show great excitement that is contagious, when you visit so many of these sites, but it was refreshing to hear that slight wavier in your voice, at 30:14. Rest in Peace, ALL of those who had fought and died in war.

This is one the few places that you have been to, that I have actually been to myself! That is an incredible museum, and well worth a trip!!

@TheHistoryUnderground

Жыл бұрын

👍🏻

if a remeber correctly you are a teacher and you a providing history better than any text book, even on a college level. truely incredible.

I ment to say keep doing the WW 1 stuff. I love it!

Would love to see more WWI stuff if possible… particularly Belleau Wood… the Marine unit I fought with in present day, 2/6 Golf Co. back then “80th company” served and fought well as a whole regiment and think that would be a good topic to visit … thanks again for the great episode and continued solid work

I never clicked so fast. Edit: I'm in awe. It touched everything from civilians, soldiers and the higher ups from land sea and air. There's so much I recognized from just bf1 alone. You're so lucky to have see and been there in person!

@TheHistoryUnderground

2 жыл бұрын

And I didn’t even show a fraction of what is there!

Was literally just scrolling KZread thinking 🤔 " I wonder when history underground is going to post again, I hope it's today!" 🥰

@TheHistoryUnderground

2 жыл бұрын

😅👍🏻

My grandparents were always involved in the VFW Buddy Poppy program so I grew up around it . My grandpa served in the Pacific in WW2 so they practically lived at the local VFW. Lacy Kelly Post #3036. Rest In Peace grandpa you are sorely missed.

That VR experience is a good idea. There's always new ways to teach history. The more interesting history is to learn, the more likely a person is to remember. History is the memory of humanity. It is important for a person to learn their history, and from the history and experiences of others. Another interesting episode, thanks for posting.

I lived in Kansas City for years and really enjoyed bringing guests to this Museum. Great job on all that you shared. I really liked how you brought to life some of the articles in the exhibition.

Ohh I am interested in seeing this. I am an amateur Canadian Historian of WW1. All of my family served in WW1 and I have catagorized a great deal of information on those that fought, died and lived from my family. Cheers !!!

No Commentary Gameplay has a run thru of the war remains exhibit. It will give you chills!

I go to this museum every year and bring someone who hasn’t been. And you pointed out a couple of things that I’ve missed. Thank you.

The Poppy is the national symbol of Remembrance in Canada and other Commonwealth countries .. we wear a poppy on our lapel for the 2 weeks leading up to November 11th to honour those who fought in all wars

I'm at the point where i just like the video before i watch it because i know it's gonna be good. Did not fail again JT!

@TheHistoryUnderground

2 жыл бұрын

😅👍🏻

What an amazing museum. Seems very well done. That immersive experience seemed like a game changer for museums. Great job as always JD.

@TheHistoryUnderground

2 жыл бұрын

👍🏻

My Mom's Father served in the U.S. Navy during WWI, I'm going to have to visit this museum one day. Thank you for sharing!!!!

Will I ever get to this museum? 50/50. It’s great to know that there is a great memorial to those soldiers. You bring these locations to life like no other. You are getting quite a reputation as a great historian to be able to get behind the scenes. Excellent work!

My great grandad fought in WW1 from 1915-1919. He was in the King's regiment and was 16 when he went. We have his demobilization paper's and his Identity papers. He was wounded 6th July 1916 and also 19th October 1918. After the war, he was transferred to Army reserve's and would of had to enlist with the Royal West Kent regiment if anything happened. It was amazing to find. He was awarded 3 medals and had 2 wound stripes on his sleeve. Wasn't bad enough to be sent home. Must have seen some horrendous things!

I actually work at the WW1 museum, i love everyday I spend there. I always learn something new every time I go through

@TheHistoryUnderground

Жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thanks for the work that you’re doing there.

That VR tour looks like a heck of an experience

@TheHistoryUnderground

7 ай бұрын

It was wild.

The Imperial War Museum, in London, has a massive gallery dedicated to The Great War. I keep telling myself I need to go back and see what's changed, over the years. But this museum has now been added to my "If I ever get States Side, I must visit this place" list!

@1RiderPale

2 жыл бұрын

I’ve been there, 39 years ago when I visited England. Just too much to see in a couple of hours, immersing is an understatement.

@orbtastic

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, it's a great museum. Definitely can't do it justice in one day. The Holocaust section is deeply depressing but an essential experience. Leeds Armouries is also fantastic.

@GlasgowCeltic88

2 жыл бұрын

@@orbtastic the IWM have 5 locations in the UK: IWM North, in Manchester. Duxford airfield, in Cambridgeshire. HMS Belfast. The Churchill War Rooms and the main IWM in Lambeth. To do ALL 5 locations would take a week. I'm 39 and I've not done IWM North or the War Rooms lol

@GlasgowCeltic88

2 жыл бұрын

@@1RiderPale a LOT has changed since then. I was last there as a 15yr old school kid, 24 years ago and in that time I know they've updated their Galleries and moved stuff about.

@orbtastic

2 жыл бұрын

@@GlasgowCeltic88 Yeah true. I've never been to the Manchester one, which is my closest but been to the main London one numerous times. I've never been to Bovingdon either but realise that's not IWM.

My Grandfather was an expert at facial reconstruction for soldiers who were maimed by gas in WWI. He lived in Denver and worked as a Mortician there. He was asked, because he was so good at what he did, to come to Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center, to help the Doctors in the OR reconstruct the faces of Men who survived, albeit horribly maimed by the gas. He didn’t actually do the surgery, but directed the Doctors.

History Underground and Dan Carlin now that a team. Thanks J.D

I dragged my husband and kids on an 8 hour drive to see this museum - specifically War Remains, because Dan Carlin is the reason I will NOT SHUT UP about the Great War. My daughter and I wore historically appropriate clothing that I had sewn for us - including Votes For Women sashes. We got sooooo many compliments from the museum staff! Also had Arthur Bryant's. Best damn brisket I've ever eaten.

brilliant - love it - and the stories !!

That looks like a WILD experience! Looking forward to part two! Thanks for this.

That remains section...put history to life...that's awesome video

@TheHistoryUnderground

2 жыл бұрын

Oh man. It’s indescribable.

If you're ever in the Washington State area the Fort Lewis Army Museum is an amazing experience with all the vehicles and the local history. Its held within a historic building as well.

This museum is worth the trip, the Hindenburg uniform was unbelievable.

If you want to visit a really disturbing place, go to Verdun, France. You can visit the claustrophobic old forts, see the shell craters, and visit the Douaumont Ossuary, with the remains of more than 100,000 soldiers.

@GhostofSicklesleg

2 жыл бұрын

Vlogging Through History did a series of videos Verdun and the Douaumont Ossuary. I know of Verdun but learned about Douaumount Ossuary seeing his video on it. It’s a vary sobering place and I recommend his videos. Here is a link to # 1 kzread.info/dash/bejne/apOXu7SzpMe8maw.html

@GhostofSicklesleg

2 жыл бұрын

Actual it’s episode # 2 but his WW1 series is very respectful and educational, like JD here he presents a subject matter and makes you want to learn more.

I remember learning all the words to In Flanders fields in grade school, and i still remember it all. Crazy how much better are memory was when we where younger lol

Another amazing video! So well done. You did a great job condensing what could easily be an all day visit into a short time period. I live in KC and try to go a few times a year. I always see something new.

So glad you did a video about the WWI Museum. It's one of my favorite museums and I see something new every time I go. Great video, great place. Thanks, JD!

@TheHistoryUnderground

2 жыл бұрын

One of my favorites as well.

I made the obvious assumption that this museum was in DC when I saw the thumbnail but was absolutely delighted to learn it’s only about 3 hours away in Kansas City!

I love this place. Born and raised in KC, have lived and travelled all over…this is still my favorite museum, and quite honestly just one of my favorite places to be

My grandfather was in the Shropshire light infantry, his name was John Beck he was involved in the Somme however because he was well educated and in fact a bank manager and could speak fluent French he was asked to be an interpreter on a motorcycle, because the lines were always broken he spent months ducking and riding with messages between the English and French lines, he survived because of this and was one of a handful of men who came home, he only spoke to my mother once about his service, i have his medals

My father was in the Maryland 317th Trench Mortar Battery. 42d Rainbow Divison. He was in France during WWI. He spoke fluid German. His buddies told replacements that he was a captured German soldier that they kept as a mascot. After the war he was the editor of the Rainbow Reville their newsletter.

That is really great World War 1 Museum and I didn't know that existed because they didn't teach much on World War 1 and showing this kind of helps people understand what war really is like so you take care j.d. God bless you and your family thank your family for letting you go around showing this history so we will know the most people can't get out there to see this stuff

Top Notch Job!! You deserve a television show!!

Fantastic video, You always bring history to life. Can't wait for part 2. Thanks JD, great job!!

My high school makes us go here for a history lecture, and my teacher didn’t even go over this thing as well as you did. Thank you very much.

My GrandDad Was a Korean War Vet And passed on About 5 years ago But Some of my Best Childhood Memories were in Detroit and Even Flint 30 years ago At The Sloan and Longway Planetarium . He re-enacted Revolutionary War And I experienced the Life Canvas Tents no Nets - Full Regalia with Forced Lol marches Summer Time in Leather and Lots of Linen. Fort Toronto and Ticonderoga Were some of The Best Trips To Spend time with Grandpa and Be a Living History For others to Watch and Hopefully Learn from the Past!

Another top notch video! Thank you!

I should put this museum on the 'Bucket List'. Covering all aspects is typical to your great videos. Thanks.

@HumanLikeMan

2 жыл бұрын

13 hour drive, I'm adding this to my must see in retirement list as well.

Good friends of ours just added a brick for her grandfather who served in this war...my 5th time through the museum. I agree with others, I always learn something new. A Kansas City treasure!

That was AWESOME!! Thank you so much. I love your videos and learning about history.

My grandfather fought in WW11. He was with the American troops. He was one of the first troops to go into one of the big concentration camps. He would never talk about what he saw. He didn't come home the same man. My grandfather drank until the day he died. It was so sad.😢😢

I loved my visit to this museum--my daughter and I went….I loved it so much! Great place,

Lucky enough to live bout 20 minutes from it....outstanding place

I’m very proud of Canada’s role in WW1 well before the Americans joined. The Ardennes, Paschendale, Vimy Ridge. We were a mighty force. All through school on Remembrance Day (November 11th at 11 am) In Flanders Fields was a ritual part of our assembly and then Taps. Billy Bishop was a good Toronto boy and helped the US to build their airforce. Wop May and Roy Brown, Canadian Aces took on the Red Baron and common belief is Wop May shot the Red Baron down.

2:25 : You’ve worked with Dan Carlin?? Outstanding

My grandfather fought for the Kaiser, he had some lung damage from the gas. He was a calvary soldier. I learned alot but the war, but to see the pieces first hand is so important.

Now I have to take my mother to this. Her father was in WW1 and never really spoke to his kids about what he experienced. Maybe I can take her and she can get some understanding as to why he remained silent on the subject.

@TheHistoryUnderground

2 жыл бұрын

It’s a really great museum.

Seriously. There has got to be some type of treatment available to those of us who need it. Please, tell me there is. There has to be. At least there has to be support groups that you can join right... I mean maybe not locally but... maybe by region or state level type support groups ???? I'm seriously hooked on this channel !! I mean come on.... Ok, with all kidding aside... the quality of each of your episodes is just over the top good, and the knowledge of history & events in every single one, just unbelievable. It all combines to hook a person ! You are true ambassador of history.

I am going to have to check that out sometime. I love learning about WW I. Speaking of, I got to meet the last living American WWI veteran in 2005. While I do not remember his name, I do remember him telling me he was an ambulance driver. He was Pretty cool to talk to and learn from. He passed 2 years later. I was in Afghanistan at the time of his passing..

Man`s inhumanity shown toward his fellow man just never ceases to amaze me.......

We were just there over Memorial Day weekend. It was an amazing, incredible experience.

We were there 2 weeks ago. We did war remans and the museum Saturday and it was so awesome we went back on Sunday and did them both again.War Remains was incredible.

I'm glad you covered the museum and exhibit. I listened to a podcast back in April that had Dan Carlin on and he talked about the War Remains exhibit, so it's been on my radar. Definitely some place I want to visit.

@TheHistoryUnderground

2 жыл бұрын

Oh man. It’s awesome.

best guy on KZread for history . maybe one day you come to the UK and make us look good JD. there are many history channel but none are done in cool southern tone and loads or resect ..I love being a child of history and JD makes it look cool

Great memorial and museum! I’m glad you’re able to go to a lot of sites!

@TheHistoryUnderground

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

My great great grandfather Wesley Lamonda fought In ww1 he was a part of the 26th US field artillery

Another great video JD. I always look forward to new ones. thanks for all that you do to keep the memories and details alive.

Amazing museum and amazing stories. Thank you this video, J.D.

I have no idea how you remembered all facts and small major factors in the wars of our time which is incredibly fascinating to hear.

At first glance the second helmet in line looked like it had 'Pingu' on top with a red beak!🐧"HOOT HOOT!"😂

An excellent episode from an excellent world class museum! It's too bad that the First World War did not prove to be ""the war to end all wars." Thank you for covering this J. D.!

Glad you brought up Germany's comms w/ Mexico. It seems that most think the Lusitania was the catalyst.

I went to this museum last summer. It was amazing and so week organized. Very interesting to say the very least. When I wasthere last year, they had a 4d virtual reality experience done by Steven Spielberg. Don't forget to go upin the tower. Amazing view. Absolutely amazing!!! Go to Kansas City, Missouri and see this!! 👀

From the Brit side of "The Pond"... They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old.Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them". We WILL remember them..... May their souls R.I.P.

Wow! All those ships destroyed by the Germans! That is just wow! I had no idea. Thanks JD for this video!

@TheHistoryUnderground

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, that was eye opening.

Twenty-five years ago when I attended the VFW National Convention in KC, the National lWWI monument and museum was closed because it condemned and unsafe for people to go inside. It had been neglected for about 75 years with little or no maintenance on the facility. At that time it was an embarrassment to the nation and it was in danger of torn down.