Frosted, Pitted Cat's Eye Beach Marbles

There are several theories about why historical glass marbles occasionally wash up on the world's beaches, even today. Here is one reason:

In the late 1800s an inventor named Hiram Codd designed a glass soda bottle that used a marble as the stopper at the top.  Similarly, the Japanese glass Ramune bottle was also sealed with a marble stopper and many times with blue stoppers.  These two bottle styles were used in the United States and around the world and likely account for a great many of the beach marbles that been found (and occasionally still be found) along shorelines globally.  When a bottle was discarded, often at sea, the bottle would break against the rocky shore and the marble might stay intact and tumble for years or likely for decades! Historically, marbles were like playtime currency for children.  Finding a bottle and breaking it to get the marble out was quite common.  

Sea glass and beach glass are different.  Sea glass refers to salt water glass and beach glass refers to fresh water glass. The fine patina of sea and beach glass comes from the glass slowly dissolving in the water.  The PH of fresh water is different than salt water so the glass does not dissolve as readily.  It still dissolves and will develop the same patina over time, but it takes much longer in fresh water.  

In the old days because sea and beach glass has been around as long as we have had glass it was said to be mythical "Mermaid Tears".  It was said that everytime a sailor drowned at sea, the Mermaids would cry and the sea glass was their tears washing ashore. 

Everywhere sea glass is found and it is found everywhere its value is partially determined by its color.  This is because only a few items were stored in red, blue, lavender, purple or pink glass containers.  Likewise, certain rare tints and shades of these popular colors are found. 

The pits in the surface of the glass, giving it its soft feel, come from a process called "hydration" where the soda and lime used in making the glass is leached out of the glass leaving the small pits.  The soda and lime also often react with minerals in the sea waater forming new mineral deposits on the surface that give the glass a "sparkling" appearance.

Founding these marbles are difficult and rare though you just might find one.  If so, consider it your lucky day.

Barcelona Beach ⛱️ 

One of the special experiences about Barcelona Beach and the entire Lake Erie shoreline is the beautiful beach glass one can find that has washed ashore over time.  All along the Lake Erie shoreline this unique glass that can be found in various colors, shapes and sizes.  

Beach glass is broken glass that's been discarded into an ocean or lake where it is transformed by the tumbling, churning powers of those bodies of water as it breaks into smaller pieces, floats around rocks, sand and waves until it is converted into a beautiful flawless, glass gem with no rough edges remaining.  The process can take from 30-50 years to even up to 100 years or more depending on ocean currents and tidal conditions. One day the finished glass is tossed by the waves and appears onto the beach where it remains until it is discovered by a keen-eyed beach glass enthusiast perhaps wedged into the rocks or just lying on top of the sand.  

Orange sea glass is the rarest sea glass color.  It comes from old glassware items such as bowls, bottles, vases and other decorative glass items.  Very rare Cobalt Blue, the "sapphire" of the beach came from such apothacary items as Milk of Magnesia, Vick's Vapo Rub, Noxema, Nivea and Bromo Seltzer bottles along with some presciption bottles and perfumes.  The extremely rare red pieces or "rubies" of the beach might come from perfume bottles, the tail lights of old automobiles, lanterns and traffic light lenses or even some types of old beer bottles like the bottles made by Anchor Hocking for Schlitz Beer in the 1950s.  Pink, lavenders, purples, lime greens and other rare shades came from things like perfume bottles and art glass. Greens, browns and aquas came from beer and soda bottles and nearly every other source like Clorax Bleach bottles.

Sea glass goes back in history for as long as man has had glass. Like precious gems, beach glass is rare and beautiful.

So travel to your nearest beach this summer season, start looking down near the water's edge and find your own beach glass of all colors, shapes and sizes. 

If you'd rather find beach glass found along the shores of Lake Erie in a store, I suggest you travel to Erie Pa and visit a store called Relish Studio & Gallery located at 3835 W. 12th Street.  I visited this amazing studio and gallery owned and operated by Jennifer Reed on my July birthday.  If you haven't been, GO! Jennifer is a talented beach glass artist and is ready to welcome you with a warm smile as soon as you walk in the front door.  Her studio is directly off the gallery so you can look in and see her talented staff working on pieces for the gallery or you can take a piece of found beach glass to her for creation into a beautiful piece of jewelry.  If you haven't been, go see Jennifer.  If you have been, plan a return visit to see her new and exciting pieces throughout her beautiful gallery. 

 

Russ Illig of Raven Sound

Russ Illig is from Erie PA and was the sound technician for the Bemus Bay Pops. He could be seen on the sound platform or among the crowd at every concert.  Thank you Russ for your professionalism and for your friendship throughout the Pops years.

"The Pops years in Bemus Point were special for myself and for everyone who  experienced the floating stage and all the talented musicians that performed on it from across the United States and Canada.  It was my pleasure to work for Dan and Sue Dalpra."

Russ Illig

The Warner Theatre, An Historic Landmark

Erie PA

Since its grand opening in 1931, the Warner Theatre has established itself as a major cultural center for the Erie region.  Millions have passed by the freestanding original ticket booth or kios made of solid bronze through the beautiful front doors stepping into the luxurious gold-gilded grand lobby.  The patrons see the beauty of rich tapestries and French gold-backed mirrors.  A regal staircase with exquisite bronze banisters leads them through an archway of marble and draped tapestry to the mezzaine.  European glass and crystal chandeliers create soft lighting that enhances the grandeur of a structure unmatched in stature, opulence and beauty.  

Warner Brothers, today one of the world's largets producers of film and televisio entertainment, commissioned the building of the Warner Theatre in 1929.  The design goal for their luxury movie palaces was to create an environment "twice as rich and three times more fanciful than life".  Designed by architects Rapp & Rapp, the theatre was constructed at a cost of $1.5 million Depression-era dollars!  The Chicago architectural firm built some of the nation's most ornate theatres including New York City's Times Square Paramount. Rabb & Rabb represented partners, Cornelius W. Rabb and George L. Rapp.  The company based in Chicago was founded in 1909.  Active from 1906-1965 the office designed over 400 theatres including the Chicago Theatre in 1921 and the Oriental Theatre in 1926.  Others were the Uptown Theatre in Chicago completed in 1925 and the Shea's Buffalo completed in 1926. 

Warner Brothers also appointed the world-renowned Rambusch Studios in New York City to decorate the interior.  Rambusch created a lavish art deco interior that would invite generations of theatre-goers to a palace of magnificence and fantasy.  Considering the quality of the design and cost of the building materials used, the theatre would be virtually impossible to replace today.  It was Erie's first and has remained Erie's only deluxe downtown picture palace with a seating capacity of 2,250.

When the Warner Theatre opened its doors April 10, 1931 more than 8,000 colored lights illuminated the 10-ton marquee that announced the feature film on opening night, The Millionaire starring James Cagney.  Excitement and wonder of the patrons regarding the palatial splendor of the breathtaking new showplace filled the atmosphere!  And it does to this day!

In its early history, the theatre hosted various traveling shows.  As well as presenting the pick of the major film releases, the theatre became an important link in the vaudeville circuits of the 1930s.  On November 8, 1931, the Warner formally initiated a vaudeville season.  Bob Hope made an appearance that November telling stories while sitting downstage on a barrel. 

The Warner Theatre's stage has been host to many world-renowned performers through its years which include the following:  Tony Bennett, Milton Berle, Victor Borge, George Carlin, Johnny Cash, Chicago, Nat King Cole, Harry Connick, Jr., David Copperfield, Sammy Davis, Jr., Tommy Dorsey, Bob Dylan, Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, B.B. King, Jay Leno, The Letterman, Guy Lombardo, Johnny Mathis, Lorrie Morgan, Righteous Brothers, Mark Russell, Jerry Seinfeld, Andy Williams, Trisha Yearwood and many others.  

The Warner Theatre's Mighty Wurlitzer organ Opus 2153 once rose out of the floor and into the corner of the orchestra pit providing music for vaudeville shows and accompanied the early talking motion pictures.  Warner Brothers eventually donated the organ to the Western Reserve Chapter of American Theatre Organ Enthusiasts in 1969.

The Warner was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.  Today, it hosts concert and Broadway theatre performances and is home to the Erie Philharmonic directed by Maestro Daniel Myer.

Maestro Daniel Myer

Erie Philharmonic Orchestra

Fast forward to 2023 and the good news is the Warner Theatre now has its second organ thanks to Dennis and Margaret Unks from Millcreek PA.  They had an amazing theatre organ in their home and eventually decided to donate it to the Warner Theatre.  During a long career in the organ supply business, Mr. Unks spent 25 plus years collecting parts and building the organ. 

"Well, it really goes back to 1965.  It's an accumulation of parts that I've collected over  many years and of course this is about as large as you're going to get for a home installation".  The Wurlitzer console is big and through Wi-Fi, it played ranks of 1,500 pipes built into two chambers in the lower level of the Unks' home.  It was tied to percussion instruments, pianos and several hidden instruments behind the wooden shades that swelled the sound of the organ including chimes, xylophone, sleigh bells and a glockenspiel.  

The timing of the gift was perfect with the final phase of the Warner Theatre restoration on the horizon at the time Dennis made his offer to the Warner.  Where to house the organ as well as chambers for its pipes and other instruments were all included in the design phase that saw the theatre's stage and dressing room areas expanded.  

Organs like this, with a history of playing live music during silent movies, are enjoying a wonderful resurgence of appreciation for movie nights, classical music concerts, pops, educational tours and much more.  The Unks 1924 Wurlitzer organ 21-rank is double the size of the pipe organ the Warner Theatre housed between 1931 and 1969.  A distinct type of pipe organ, the theatre organ took the place of the orchestras that would play music and sound effects to accompany silent films. One person could perform on a theatre organ what it might take several orchestra members to play.  More than 6,500 theatre organs were installed in theatres across the United States in the early 20th century, but only about 40 remain in their original homes today.  

A little background about Dennis and Margaret Unks goes back to when they first met in 1958.  The location was in the summertime in the Motor City better know as Detroit, Michigan.  Margaret Duffy rode in the backseat while another couple drove her through the suburbs of Detroit on the way to pick up her future husband.  It was their first date and that is when she heard it upon her arrival to meet Dennis Unks .. Dennis playing the organ, an electronic organ popular in most homes, at the time. She still recalls the song, a beautiful rendition of Lullaby of Birdland which singers such as Ella Fitzgerald have famously performed.  The music Dennis Unks played that day wasn't uncommon for the times even if it seems so today.  Had he never met Margaret, he likely never would have met her father who introduced Dennis to the man who put a crazy idea in his head!

"Dad knew someone who had a pipe organ in his home," said the now Margaret Unks, whose father coincidentally installed church organs for a living.  "It was small, but Dad took him to see it.  Dennis came out and said .. "someday we have to have this and here we are".  ""Here" turned out to be the couple's Millcreek Township home and the rest is history! 

"The possibilities for the Warner are exciting. The console will live on stage in a piano storage room and then when we need to use it we can roll it onto the stage, set it up, plug it in and we're ready to go.  The organ can activate the pipes from anywhere on stage because it is wireless."

Steve Weiser

Executive Director, Erie Philharmonic Orchestra 

At the time the Unks organ Millcreek Dennis and Margaret were sad to see it leave their home, but they were very pleased the Warner Theatre will be its new home.

"Well, the difficult thing about it is giving the organ away because it has been part of this home for over 20 years, but it's going to find a good home and we're happy that it is going to the Warner Theatre.  It igoing to be exposed to many people including kids who have no idea what something like this is all about".

"Having to part with the organ will be similar to losing a member of the family.  The whole process is certainly bittersweet".

Dennis Unks

This organ is a special gesture to the Warner Theatre, to its patrons and to the City of Erie. Thank you, Dennis and Margaret Unks.  The keyword is .. posterity.  

 Bicentennial Tower

Erie's Landmark

The Bicentennial Tower located at 1 State Street was built in 1996 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the founding of the City of Erie and has become a "must-do" for tourists and locals alike.

While on the top observation deck, 138 feet above Presque Isle Bay, you can see in every direction and enjoy stunning views of Lake Erie, Presque Isle, the City of Erie and outlying areas.  In fact, on a clear day it's possible to see all the way to Long Point in Ontario, Canada 27 miles away! 

The Bicentennial Tower is more than just an observation deck.  It is the key feature of Erie's bayfront and Dobbins Landing which includes numerous restaurants, historical sites and boat tours.  

 Presque Isle State Park

Presque Isle State Park is a 3,200 acre sandy peninsula that arches into Lake Erie.  As Pennsylvania's only "seashore", Presque Isle offers its visitors a beautiful coastline and many recreational activities including swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, bicycling and jogging.

The neck of the peninsula is attached to the mainland four miles west of downtown Erie.  The park creates Presque Isle Bay which is a wide and deep harbor for the City of Erie.  The bay attracts many pleasure boats and worldwide freighters making Erie an important Great Lakes shipping port. 

Presque Isle is a favorite spot for migrating birds.  Because of the many unique habitats, Presque Isle contains a greater number of the State's endangered, threatened and rare species than any other area of comparible size in Pennsylvania.

Whether you come to enjoy the sandy beaches, study ecological diversity or learn about the historical significance of the peninsula there is something for everyone at Presque Isle State Park.

The Presque Isle Lighthouse historically nicknamed the "Flash Light".  The height is 68' and it was opened in 1872.  It became automated in 1962.  The lighthouse was added to the National Registry of Historic Places on August 4, 1983.  Visitors, for a nominal fee, may climb the 130 steps to the top of the tower for a breathtaking view.

Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry Monument

Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial was established to honor those who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812 and to celebrate the long-lasting peace among Great Britain, Canada and the United States.  The Memorial, a Doric column rising 352 feet over Lake Erie is situated 5 miles from the longest undefended border in the world. 

Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry (August 23, 1785-August 23, 1819) was an American naval commander born in South Kingstown, Rhode Island.  A prominent member of the Perry family naval dynasty he was the son of Sarah Wallace Alexander and United States Navy Captain, Christopher Raymond Perry and older brother of Commodore Matthew C. Perry.

During the war against Britain, Perry supervised the building of a fleet at Erie, Pennsylvania.  He earned the title "Hero of Lake Erie" for leading American forces in a decisive naval victory at the Battle of Lake Erie receiving a Congressional Gold Medal.  He is remembered for the words on his battle flag, "Don't Give Up the Ship" which was a tribute to the dying command of his colleague Captain James Lawrence of the USS Chesapeake.  He is also know for his message to Major General William Henry Harrison written in a letter which read in part, "We have met the enemy and they are ours."

The entire message read as follows:  Dear General,  We have met the enemy and they are ours, two ships, two brigs, one schooner and one sloop.  Yours with great respect and esteem.

Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry

If you haven't experienced Presque Isle State Park and all that it has to offer, treat yourself to a day at the beach or simply take the scenic drive to the end of the peninsula as I did on my recent birthday.  

Julie Milnes

"Nothing beats catching a musky on Chautauqua Lake"

Julie Milnes

Jason Milnes

"Chautauqua Lake is a premier fishery and a popular destination for anglers of all skill levels.  The lake is home to a variety of fish species including walleye, musky, bass and panfish. The best time to fish on Chautauqua Lake depends on the species you're targeting.  Walleye are typically caught in the Spring and Fall while bass can be caught continually throughout the year.  There are also great opportunities to catch a variety of species while ice fishing in the winter months.  

If you're looking for a challenge, try fishing for musky on the lake.  They're the apex predator and they are not easy to catch, but if you're successful .. it's a feeling like no other!" 

Jason Milnes

Julie with Todd Young

Todd Young is one of the famous Chautauqua Lake Musky guides. Todd took Jason and Julie on a fishing trip for their first wedding anniversary.  Their 10 year wedding anniversary is in 2024 so they are hoping to relive this fishing experience. Perhaps with a bigger fish story to tell.  The sign on Jason's cottage should read .. Gone Fishin'.  Maybe I'll find him that sign and its message!

Todd is the owner of Muddy Creek Fishing Guides and along with Vance Kaloz they offer a full service musky charter business on Chautauqua Lake.  Todd is licensed by the NYSDEC and has over 35 years of experience. He caught some of his first muskies in these waters in the late 1970s and considers Chautauqua Lake his favorite musky water.  Todd has numerous tournament wins on the lake and truly enjoys Chautauqua's versatile fishery.  Trolling the deep waters in the northern basin can be very productive.  Musky season runs from the last Saturday in May through November.

The guys at Muddy Creek target muskies, only, which allows them to keep in touch with lake and fishing conditions  By doing this they can offer their clients the best possible chance at catching fish each and every day throughout the season.  They do cater trips to folks of all ages and through the years they have had men and women from 5 to 97 years of age .. land muskies! 

Fishing is done aboard 18' or 20' Ranger boats.  These boats are rigged with high quality mapping GPS electronics and are fully equipped with fish handling tools, safety equipment and all the tackle one would need for their trip. 

Muddy Creek Fishing Guides is located in New Castle PA at 438 Hunt Road.

mcfishnguides.com

724-674-3839

muskyman1969@yahoo.com

Thank you, Jason for providing me with your family fishing photos and your personal knowledge of musky fishing.  Happy Fishin'!