GRANT

[J. Beckert]

Thanks, Hess!

[LincolnMan]

The interesting things one learns on this Forum (like Grant's aversion to rare meat). Speaking of Grant- I have never been to his tomb. If any Forum members have pictures of his tomb it would be great if some were posted. Has the tomb been renovated? I had heard years ago that work was needed on it.

[BettyO]

Quote:Yes it was Grant, but he had the dislike of seeing bloody (rare) meat long before the war.
I have a friend like that-his dislike of seeing ANY juice from his meat has him get all his steaks burnt almost to a charcoal crisp!
Such a waste of good meat.....

General Grant wouldn't like to dine with me, then. I love my meat bloody and "on the hoof!" I can't eat anything "well done" - yuk - "shoe leather!!"

[L Verge]

My former son-in-law would have made Grant throw up. He likes his steaks braised for about twenty seconds on each side and then served. We have actually been to restaurants where the chef has come out and refused to cook it that way because of health regulations. One made him sign a waiver that he would not hold the chef or restaurant liable for any sickness. Yes, it was embarrassing! Notice that I said "former" son-in-law. He had much worse traits, however, than liking raw meat. Sorry for the mother-in-law comment...

[Eva Elisabeth]

Is it true that the cowboys tenderized their steaks by putting it for a certain time under the saddle while riding? (The Huns and Mongols were said to do so, too.)

Sure Grant was glad not having been a Spartan warrior. For sustenance they were fed a staple soup made of boiled pigs' legs, blood, salt and vinegar. Allegedly, a man from Sybaris (Italy) after tasting the Spartans' black soup remarked: "Now I know why the Spartans do not fear death".

[HerbS]

When it comes to Presidents-Grant is given a bad"Rap".I would always ask my students-Do the Times make the man,or-Does the man make the Times?

[LincolnMan]

Grant's second-great grandson- U.S. Grant Dietz-is very active in preserving the Grant legacy- including the Tomb. There was a rennovation recently. Anyone been there?

[Rob Wick]

I've only been to Manhattan once, but never made it to Grant's tomb. I know during the 80s and 90s it was in pretty bad shape and was a magnet for the homeless and for drug users. Joan Waugh in her book U.S. Grant American Hero American Myth talks about the history of the tomb and how Grant is remembered by Americans. It's worth a look.

Best
Rob

[LincolnMan]

Rob, sounds good-I'll check the book out.

[Hess1865]

Joan Waugh's book is an excellent read!

[LincolnMan]

I just bought the book on Amazon- for 99 cents!

[LincolnMan]

Grant's Detroit house is still standing on the former Michigan State Fairgrounds. There is now a shopping complex build near the house- including a Meijers. I haven't heard anything recently about relocating the house. I will keep everyone posted. I think it quite sad that even someone with the stature of Grant- the man "who saved the Union" is largely forgotten.

[Gene C]

Bill, is the house a museum?

[LincolnMan]

Gene: the public used to be able to tour the house. It has been closed now for a number of years. The is a Michigan Historical Marker posted at the site.

[LincolnMan]

Oddly enough, there is a statue of Grant in Muskegon, Michigan. Not sure if there is any connection between Grant and the city. I've never been there but it's on my list of places to go.