In writing Sam and the O'Malley Brothers, it required a minimal amount of research but research was necessary to confirm time-period facts. Trivia buffs will appreciate some of my findings.
1. In 1899, the White House was called by different names. However, there is a difference of opinion as to which was the appropriate name. I was able to find numerous historical maps of Washington D. C. Most showed the Executive Mansion or the President's House. But I did find one map that did in fact show the White House. In 1901, President Theodore Roosevelt officially named the residence as the White House but it was commonly known by the local residents of Washington, D. C. as the White House prior to this date.
2. In 1899, the security at the White House was almost non-existent. I found one photograph (date unknown) where the gate to the White House was wide open with no one in sight. Therefore, it is plausible that Alice O'Malley and her three sons could have entered the White House grounds and greeted President William McKinley. Secret Service protection of the President did not come into being until 1902 following the assassination of President McKinley in 1901.
3. In 1899, the Oval Office did not exist. The first Oval Office was built by President William Howard Taft in 1909. In 1929, the West Wing caught fire and the Oval Office was moved to its current location.
4. In 1899, the White House had electricity. Electric lights were first installed in 1891.
5. In 1899, the Supreme Court was not in its current location. The Supreme Court was located at the Capitol in the Old Senate Chamber from 1860 until 1932 when it was moved to its current site.
6. In 1899, the Smithsonian Institution did exist. The Smithsonian Institution was founded in 1846 but in 1899 it was meager in comparison to today.
7. Today, the Sign of the Cross is recited, "In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit". But in the early time periods of this novel, it was recited as "In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost".
8. The Pledge of Allegiance was written by Francis Bellamy, a Baptist Minister, in 1892. Originally written "I pledge allegiance to my flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." Over the years, it was modified
four times to what we recite today, "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United
States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all".
9. In researching the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912, I was amazed to learn that there were only enough lifeboats to accomodate 1178 persons yet there were a total of 2224 passengers and crew aboard the RMS Titanic that fateful night. Also, it was a fact that many of the lifeboats were half full when they were launched.
10. Originally in the book, I had Theresa say during her graduation speech that she and Johnny were going to go to Notre Dame. This was in 1948, however, the first woman to graduate from Notre Dame was in 1972. I knew that if Notre Dame was an all male college then there had to be an all female college nearby. Further research revealed that St. Mary's College was located literally across the street from Notre Dame.
11. I have been a fan of Notre Dame football for years. I have always considered it an
Irish college until it dawned on me while I was doing my research, that the name Notre Dame
is French which is literally translated as "Our Lady". The University was founded by Reverend
Edward Sorin, CSC, a French Priest, on November 26, 1842. The Irish connection apparently
came from Reverend William Corby. CSC, the son of an Irish immigrant and the fact that
many students at Note Dame were of Irish descent. Father Corby was the president of the
University of Notre Dame on two separate occasions between 1866 to 1881. He was
formerly a Chaplain during the Civil War. He has been memorialized in statue as he gave
general absolution to the Irish Brigade prior to going into battle at Gettysburg (See Picture).
The 69th New York Infantry was a part of the Irish Brigade. They had the moniker of the
"Fighting 69th", which at times, were referred to as the "Fighting Irish". There is conjecture as to whether
or not this is where the term "Fighting Irish" originated. There are several other possible scenarios. I leave this issue for the Notre Dame alumni to debate.
