Cl'Che aims to raise mental health awareness with her new single Positive.

Cl'Che aims to raise mental health awareness with her new single Positive. She believes mental health awareness is something people need to hear about because we’re all dealing mental health especially in these times. She believes people need to hear something different. She aims to promote mental health awareness through conversations and singing.

You can hear and feel the artistic expression when listening to her new single. This is music which actually touches people. The song Positive is a powerful song. The song serves as inspiration to keep people motivated. She admits her mental ain’t all the way where it needs to be yet. She is trying to be a good sport about life. Her authenticity shows in this song. Cl'Che is extremely talented and always has been.

History behind the Schloss Triangle in New York City explored.

Schloss Triangle is one of the lesser known parks of New York City and is one of the lesser known parks of Brooklyn. This news article will explain the history behind Schloss Triangle. 

Schloss Triangle was named in tribute, honor, and in memory of local civic activist Irving Schloss. That is why the park carries the name “Schloss Triangle”. The Schloss Triangle is bound by Neptune Avenue, East 12th Street, and the diagonal route of Guider Avenue. (Ref: https://hiddenwatersblog.wordpress.com/2019/08/09/squan/)

The tiny triangular park known as Schloss Triangle the site of the confluence with Coney Island Creek at the present-day corner of Guider Avenue and East 12th Street, just shy of Neptune Avenue and the tracks carrying the Brighton Line at Neptune Avenue & East 12th Street in 1929. Both creeks led towards the confluence. At this time the section of Coney Island Creek here had been filled with Guider Avenue laid atop the course. (Ref: Sanborn Map of Brooklyn, 1929, Sheet 237)

Schloss Triangle was the site of the confluence at Neptune Avenue & East 12th Street in 1940. Small amounts of improvements and renovation were done to the tiny triangular park at the busy intersection despite being located in a relatively open area during that time. Road widening had made accessibility to the park easier for residents of the Brooklyn area and borough. (Ref: https://nycma.lunaimaging.com/luna/servlet/detail/RECORDSPHOTOUNITARC~35~35~1437947~143899:dpr_18840)


Ragweed was once a problem which plagued this tiny triangular park in the 1970s. The ragweed spread pollen and gave those with allergies hay fever. Hay fever sufferers bitterly complained to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and to the New York Department of Highways about the general discomfort for hay fever victims as ragweed causes sneezing, coughing and general discomfort for hay fever victims. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/463429624/)

The New York Department of Highways along with New York City Department of Parks and Recreation began a campaign to aid city hay fever sufferers in 1970. The ragweed was cut by workers before being burned and discarded in a landfill. (Ref: New York Daily News, September 4, 1970)

Department of Highway workers attack ragweed growing on a traffic island at E. 12th St. and Neptune Ave., Brooklyn, as department begins a campaign to aid city hay fever sufferers. Workers here cut weed before burning it. The weed, whose pollen causes sneezing, coughing and general discomfort for hay fever victims, grows along local streets and will be the target of a drive for the next 30 days.

The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation currently owns the chunk of land collectively known as Schloss Triangle. Colleen Alderson, Chief of Parklands and Real Estate, is in charge of long term stewardship of parklands only. (Ref: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/schloss-triangle/map)

The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation has listed the conditions of Schloss Triangle as Acceptable. The overall condition is Acceptable with a heavy sense of cleanliness. (Ref: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/schloss-triangle/inspections)


Schloss Triangle is a nice but tiny triangular park for being located in a congested area of Brooklyn. Being located near the water gives the park a beautiful sense of scenery and feeling.

One reviewer on Google Maps describes Schloss Triangle as being, “Very small space and congested with cars” and reviewer on Google Maps describes Schloss Triangle as, “Nice being by water”.
(Ref: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Schloss+Triangle/@40.58315,-73.9561482,19z/data=!4m15!1m7!3m6!1s0x89c2446878e569ff:0x14b380e62115e3b1!2sGuider+Ave+%26+E+12th+St,+Brooklyn,+NY+11235!3b1!8m2!3d40.5830522!4d-73.9571406!3m6!1s0x89c244687b98d833:0xd18dbbf879554566!8m2!3d40.5827631!4d-73.9570035!9m1!1b1)

Schloss Triangle is located at 89-91 Neptune Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, US 11235.

A dive into Sledgehammer Sink. One of Austin’s lesser known sinkholes.

Sledgehammer Sink is another one of Austin’s lesser known sinkholes. Not too many people know about this sinkhole because this sinkhole is in a relatively hidden location. This news article will explain what Sledgehammer Sink is.

Sledgehammer Sink is a geologic recharge feature that is a sinkhole with rapid filtration to the Northern Edwards Aquifer which contains a possible habitat for/of endangered karst invertebrate species. (Ref: https://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=76741)

Brown beetle and the Two Cave Brown beetle are the endangered karst invertebrate species which inhabit Sledgehammer Sink/Dead Dauber Pit. (Ref: https://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=192775)

Geologic and biologic assessments from 2004 identified a cluster of 5 recharge features with rapid filtration to the Northern Edwards Aquifer and a feature on the TxDOT property, known as "Dead Dauber Pit"/ "Sledgehammer Sink." Sledgehammer Sink is located directly in the proposed extension of North Lake Creek Parkway and within TxDOT's proposed Preserve. The proposed extension of North Lake Creek Parkway poses as a threat to the habitat of endangered karst invertebrate species. So TxDOT established a 450-foot buffer for Sledgehammer Sink/Dead Dauber Pit to protect possible habitat for endangered karst invertebrate species. (Ref: https://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=66593)

Sledgehammer Sink is currently owned by TxDOT and is a feature on the TxDOT property.

Sledgehammer Sink is located across from 9500 North Lake Creek Parkway, Austin, Texas, US 78717.

A look at one of Austin’s lesser known sinks called Rattlesnake Sink.

Did you know Sunset Valley has a secret sinkhole? Rattlesnake Sink is one of Austin’s lesser known sinkholes which not many people know about. This news article will explain the environmental features of Rattlesnake Sink.

Rattlesnake Sink is a sinkhole located in the Indian Grass Prairie Preserve along Williamson off of Brodie Lane and Home Depot Boulevard. The sinkhole is located along northern edge of the area.  This sinkhole is a sensitive karst feature which is home to a variety of invertebrate species. The sinkhole is composed of two main chambers located approximately 700 feet above sea level. (Ref: https://www.sunsetvalley.org/home/showpublisheddocument/250/637735384638870000)

Rattlesnake Sink is a sinkhole which is a recharge feature for the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone. Rattlesnake Sink is bisected by Williamson Creek, which is composed of Mixed Alluvial Land. Mixed Alluvial Land is comprised of beds of exposed limestone and gravelly alluvium. (Ref: https://sunsetvalleytx.govoffice2.com/vertical/sites/%7B8963FD9D-CEFE-410A-A38B-1611D53E7AA1%7D/uploads/%7BFE34051C-72F3-482E-BF6A-48C94AC66340%7D.PDF)

The geological formation of this sinkhole is quite unique and interesting. Rattlesnake Sink developed as vertical shafts from porous limestone several million years ago. This karst formation is typical of many throughout Central Texas. The karstified limestone acts as an aquifer where water can be stored and later extracted by humans. Dissolution associated with karst development in central Texas limestone has created a complex underground water flow network that includes sinkholes large enough for humans to access. Rainwater travels through the network, controlled by the Balcones fault system, until it reaches the water table. (Ref: https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC48Q5D_sunset-valley-is-sinking?guid=007eb7a0-f4c9-47f4-b77d-50cce146b2e3)

However Rattlesnake Sink is not safe to explore because of the presence of rattlesnakes and other wildlife. Rattlesnake Sink is supposedly home to lots of wildlife. Rattlesnake Sink is located in the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone which is an environmentally sensitive area. If there are signs of human activity in the sinkhole, then that means water from the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone would be polluted. 2 million people in Central Texas rely on Edwards Aquifer for drinking water.  

Rattlesnake Sink is located about 20 feet south of Home Depot Boulevard in a shaded area surrounded by trees and shrubbery. Rattlesnake Sink is located at 5886 Brodie Lane, Austin, Texas, US 78745. (Ref: http://www.austinexplorer.com/Locations/MapLocation.aspx?LocationID=18200)

A look at one of Austin’s lesser known caves called Sunset Valley Cave.

Did you know Sunset Valley has a secret cave? Sunset Valley Cave is one of Austin’s lesser known caves which not many people know about. This news article will explain the environmental features of Sunset Valley Cave.


Sunset Valley Cave is a cave located in the Indian Grass Prairie Preserve along Williamson off of Brodie Lane and Home Depot Boulevard. The cave is located along northern edge of the area. Sunset Valley Cave aka Goat’s Head Cave is a recharge feature for the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone. This cave is a sensitive karst feature which is home to a variety of invertebrate species. The cave is composed of two main chambers located approximately 700 feet above sea level. (Ref: https://www.sunsetvalley.org/home/showpublisheddocument/250/637735384638870000)

Sunset Valley Cave is bisected by Williamson Creek, which is composed of Mixed Alluvial Land. Mixed Alluvial Land is comprised of beds of exposed limestone and gravelly alluvium (Ref: USDA, 1974).

Sunset Valley Cave developed as vertical shafts from porous limestone several million years ago. This karst formation is typical of many throughout Central Texas. The karstified limestone acts as an aquifer where water can be stored and later extracted by humans. Dissolution associated with karst development in central Texas limestone has created a complex underground water flow network that includes caves large enough for humans to access. Rainwater travels through the network, controlled by the Balcones fault system, until it reaches the water table. (Ref: https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC48Q5D_sunset-valley-is-sinking?guid=007eb7a0-f4c9-47f4-b77d-50cce146b2e3)

Sunset Valley Cave has vuggy and burrow porosity. Permeability associated with burrowed zones, breccia and cavern porosity. Permeability associated with collapsed zones resulting from dissolution of evaporites. Fracture porosity and permeability associated with faulting. (Ref: https://www.twdb.texas.gov/publications/reports/contracted_reports/doc/94483045.pdf)

A majority of Sunset Valley Cave is composed of Tarrant and Speck soils. Tarrant soils are well-drained clay soils found atop limestone. Speck soils are reddish brown and also overlay a limestone substrate out of vuggy and burrow porosity. Limestone and clay compose a majority of this cave. (Ref: https://sunsetvalleytx.govoffice2.com/vertical/sites/%7B8963FD9D-CEFE-410A-A38B-1611D53E7AA1%7D/uploads/%7BFE34051C-72F3-482E-BF6A-48C94AC66340%7D.PDF)


However Sunset Valley Cave is safe or legal to explore without getting permission from the City of Sunset Valley. It’s neat to walk by it near the trail. Sunset Valley Cave is supposedly home to lots of wildlife. (Ref: https://austin.com/indian-grass-prairie-preserve-and-sunset-valley-nature-area/)

The reason why it is not safe or legal to explore Sunset Valley Cave is because of environmental sensitivity. Sunset Valley Cave is located in the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone which is an environmentally sensitive area. If there are signs of human activity in the cave, then that means water from the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone would be polluted. 2 million people in Central Texas rely on Edwards Aquifer for drinking water.  

Sunset Valley Cave is located at 5886 Brodie Lane, Austin, Texas, US 78745.

Exploring Headquarters Flat Sink/HQ Flat Sink. Another one of Austin’s lesser known sinkholes.

Headquarters Flat Sink/HQ Flat Sink is one of Austin’s lesser known sinkholes which not many people know about. This news article will explain the significance and environmental features of Headquarters Flat Sink/HQ Flat Sink.

Headquarters Flat Sink/HQ Flat Sink is a sinkhole which is a 46-acre internal drainage basin within the recharge area for the Edwards aquifer associated with Barton Springs. HQ Flat Sink is a research site centers on a 46-acre internal drainage sinkhole catchment. The fate of runoff in the basin is a sinkhole--runoff cannot escape the basin. (Ref: https://www.austintexas.gov/watershed_protection/publications/document.cfm?id=228332)

Below is the history of Headquarters Flat Sink/HQ Flat Sink.

Ira Yates was the previous landowner of Headquarters Flat Sink/HQ Flat Sink. He owned the land where Headquarters Flat Sink/HQ Flat Sink and Flint Ridge Cave is located on. Ira Yates reported that HQ Flat Sink “takes considerable water after rains”. (Ref: Russell, 2004)

In 1984, Bill Russell believed Headquarters Flat Sink/HQ Flat Sink was a significant recharge feature. So he cleared rocks and debris around the entrance to enhance recharge there. He described an estimated 170 m3 depressed area in the drainage leading to the sinkhole that had to fill before surface flow could continue to the cave. Russell estimated the catchment area drained “an extensive area to the south and west” of about 6.5 hectares (16 acres). Much of the known extent of the sinkhole had been investigated by cave explorer Mike Warton in the 1980’s. The cave was mapped to a depth of 10 m (32 feet).

A second hydrogeologic study conduced in 2000 describes surface drainage and karst development on the Headquarters Flat Sink/HQ Flat Sink on J17 tract. This report described surface flow on the J17 tract to be primarily sheet flow toward Danz Creek tributary of Slaughter Creek. It describes HQ Flat Sink as a “small sink” and noted “the recharge potential to the aquifer from the sink is probably small to medium since the surface opening is moderate in size but the drainage area affected by the sink is relatively small.” From the surface entrance the report believed the HQ Flat Sink “appears to pinch close at about 5 feet.” (Ref: Ford, 2000)

Over a single 2002 rain event, during which the ground was near saturation prior to precipitation, the amount of discrete internal runoff to HQ Flat Cave was 42% of the rainfall. Over a 1140-day interval under average precipitation conditions, discrete internal runoff to both HQ Flat Sink Cave and Flint Ridge Cave diminished to 3% of precipitation. (Ref: https://digital.lib.usf.edu/content/SF/S0/07/16/53/00001/K26-05342-JWARP_2014062616500532.pdf)


A report representing a 505-day water budget from April 2, 2004 to August 20, 2005 for HQ Flat Sink was studied. Measured evapotranspiration and internal runoff was subtracted from measured precipitation over a 505-day water balance from the South Austin based Headquarters Flat Sink/HQ Flat Sink research site in order to measure diffuse infiltration at a site scale. (Ref: https://www.austintexas.gov/watershed_protection/publications/document.cfm?id=228332)

From 50 to 85 percent of recharge to the aquifer is derived from streams originating on the contributing zone, located up gradient to the north and west of the recharge zone. Runoff reaching the HQ Flat Sink drain (3% of average precipitation) is comparable to runoff reaching the creeks outside of internal drainage basins. HQ Flat Sink research site water balance interval is 142% higher than average annual.(Ref: Wilcox, 2008)

    The authors state "The results from the 505-day water balance at HQ Flat Sink are strikingly similar to results a similar water balance study reported by Dugas et al. (1998) where 65% of rainfall left as ET, 5% of precipitation became runoff, and 30% of precipitation recharged the Trinity Aquifer".

(Ref: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Central-Texas-ET-Tower-Data-and-Annual-Precipitation_fig3_276045676)

The monitored water balance components of HQ Flat Sink that were measured for a year period (348 days), included the discrete recharge to the cave drain, evapotranspiration flux using an eddy covariance system mounted on a 15-meter tower, and soil moisture using insitu sensors and gravimetric analysis. Over the year test period, where rainfall totaled 106 cm, 58% left as evapotranspiration, 8% recharged directly through the cave drain, and 34% recharged diffusely across the internal microbasin of the cave site. The total recharge was measured to be 42% of the rainfall within the test basin. (Ref: https://www.austintexas.gov/watershed_protection/publications/document.cfm?id=186248)

The water balance for HQ Flat sink shows similar recharge and evapotranspiration percentages to other karst areas. Over a one year period, about 42% of the rainfall within the HQ Flat microbasin recharged the Barton Springs segment, with 33.5% infiltrating through the soils into the underlying bedrock and about 8% flowing into the cave drain at the lowest point of the sinkhole as discrete recharge. The rainfall measured over the reference year was 30% above the local average rainfall of 81 cm. Over the 30.5-month period of record for HQ Flat, the discrete recharge declined from 8% to 5.7% of the total rainfall. (Ref: https://www.austintexas.gov/watershed_protection/publications/document.cfm?id=186248)

The volume of discrete recharge to Flint Ridge over the year test period was 25% more than HQ Flat, although this is expected since Flint Ridge has a proportionally larger catchment area. The percentage of rainfall over the catchment area that entered Flint Ridge over the same year was 9.5%, which is surprisingly similar to the 8.4% of discrete recharge measured at HQ Flat despite their apparent differences, such as the large surface depression diverting flow from HQ Flat.

Typical soil thickness depths within the HQ Flat microbasin were found to be 60 cm or less on the northern half of the catchment basin, and about 0.2 cm or less on the southern portion. Assuming an average 30 cm soil depth, the estimated maximum change in soil moisture storage from a very wet period to a dry period (or vice versa) is 7 cm. The typical variation in soil moisture storage of 7 cm represents 7% of rainfall over the 12-month test period and declines to 3% over the 30 month test period.

In 2005, TxDOT commissioned a detailed site-specific investigation of soil conditions in the project area. Reports from those studies are attached. During the investigation, professional soil scientists and hydrogeologists conducted field studies within the FRC drainage basin and the Headquarter Flat Sink. (Ref: https://www.austinmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Flint-Ridge-Letter.pdf)

An injection on May 5, 2005 in HQ Flat Sink, two miles southwest of Blowing Sink, likely did not pass through Blowing Sink Cave but instead flowed east. (Ref: https://www.austintexas.gov/watershed_protection/publications/document.cfm?id=196480)

Headquarters Flat Sink/HQ Flat Sink is located at 12512 Red Mesa Hollow, Austin, Texas, US 78739.

Exploring the Indian Caves in New York City, New York. One of New York City’s lesser known attractions.

Tucked away in a corner from the hustle and bustle of New York City on Manhattan Island is one of New York City’s lesser known attractions which is a plethora of caves called the Indian Caves which are located in a park called Inwood Hill Park. These caves provide shelter and solace for those wanting to escape the busy hustle and bustle of New York City. A sanctuary for those wanting to escape the noisy crowded inner city.

Now not many people know about the plethora of caves which are located on the eastbound perimeter of Inwood Hill Park. Not even longtime residents. Which is why the Indian Caves is one of New York City’s lesser known attractions.

Indian Caves was created by the tumbling of rocks during a glacial retreat more than 30,000 years ago. That is why there is water in some parts of the caves. That also explained the moisture in the environment. (Ref: https://myinwood.net/the-indian-caves-of-inwood-hill-park/)

Indian Caves serve as the prehistoric roots to New York City and to the State of New York. Indian Caves had once served as dwellings. The Rechgawawanc clan of the Weekquaeskeek tribe of American Indians used the Indian Caves as a place of residence. The Rechgawawanc clan of the Weekquaeskeek tribe had been using Indian Caves prior to the 1600s. (Ref: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/inwood-hill-park)

The majestic “Indian Caves” of Inwood Hill Park were once used as a seasonal camp by the Lenape people who lived in the region before the arrival of explorer Henry Hudson. These caves were also used as a historical Indian gathering place. (Ref: https://myinwood.net/the-indian-caves-of-inwood-hill-park/)

The Lenape Indians lived in various structures throughout the year. During the summer months, the women and children lived in wigwams in Inwood Hill Park.  They also found shelter in natural rock caves located on the east side of the park. The caves ran very deep and had a network of tunnels. (Ref: https://manhattanstepbystep.tumblr.com/post/43930723680/native-american-caves-inwood-hill-park-manhattan)

Although the majority of the native population left the area by 1715, several of these native New Yorkers continued to live in the Inwood Hill area. (Ref: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/inwood-hill-park/highlights/12342)


Young people going off to look at and explore Indian Caves was a part of life in New York City during the 1890s. Carriages were always waiting at the station and young people would jump into them to go explore cemeteries and caves. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/image/50446066/?terms=%22Indian%20Caves%22&match=1)

Alexander Chenowith (Alexander Crawford Chenoweth) uncovered and rediscovered Indian Caves while doing some archaeological digging in Inwood Hill Park with local historian William L. Calver in 1895. They discovered Indian Caves had once served as dwellings. Local historian William L. Calver first discovered Native American tools and middens (heaps of shell and refuse) in Inwood Hill Park. (Ref: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/inwood-hill-park/highlights/12342)

Chenoweth’s 1890 exploration of the caves was carefully documented by the New York Sun.

[Mr. Chenoweth dug away the dirt until he found an easy entrance to a chamber in which a man in stooping posture might crawl about with some difficulty. The chamber was dry, and the dirt on the floor was soft. Mr. Chenoweth began turning it through with his trowel.  Many pieces of pottery, some as large as a man’s hand, a few as large as a man’s two hands, lay in little pockets of the sediment. After six hours of digging Mr. Chenoweth had all the fragments of six pots of curious forms and unique manufacture.  As he pushed ahead the next day he found a dark exit from the first chamber to a second one.  The exit was a hole in the rocks; half filled with dirt, and altogether so small that before being cleaned a man would have to crawl through it.  With a torch Mr. Chenoweth discovered that the second chamber was about eight feet square by five feet high… The comparative regularity of the walls of the second chamber, its considerable size, and its difficulty of access led him to believe that it was the main room of a cavernous retreat.

In the meantime, he has been cleaning out the first chamber.  The removal of the dirt has left it a rough room about 4 ½ feet high and 6 feet square. On the rocks at the beginning of the passage to the second chamber, and down below the level of the original layer of dirt, Mr. Chenoweth found evidence of repeated burning of hot fires.  On the floor of the chamber at the foot of the burned rock, he came upon rude hearthstones, a dozen or more pieces of deer’s antlers, some eight or ten inches long, and all burned, several big sturgeon scales yellow with age and scorched, and scores of bones of many other animals that Mr. Chenoweth has been unable to identify from the scanty and burned remains.  Above the burned rock and bones there is a crevice in the rocks that apparently served as a chimney for the inhabitants of the cave.

Among the many implements found by Mr. Chenoweth near the entrance of the interior passage, the most curious is probably a knife with a flint blade and a bone handle… The knife was complete when Mr. Chenoweth uncovered it.  As he raised it the flint blade dropped from the hollow end of the antler bone in which it was fitted.  

Near the knife Mr. Chenoweth uncovered a flat oblong piece of polished slate, two by four inches, with three neatly bored holes in it.  Near it was half of a similar bit of slate…The gorget found by Mr. Chenoweth is worn away in little corrugations from one side of the middle by some soft substance.]


During the Great Depression of the 1930s, many families lost their homes and found shelter inside of these caves. Sometime during the 1930s, the city filled Indian Caves with cement so nobody could live inside. However this method of prevention did not prevent homeless people from living there. (Ref: https://manhattanstepbystep.tumblr.com/post/43930723680/native-american-caves-inwood-hill-park-manhattan)

Although the majority of the native population left the area by that point, several of these native New Yorkers continued to live in the Inwood Hill area until the 1930s when Parks Commissioner Robert Moses used Works Progress Administration (WPA) money and workers to initiate a massive reconstruction of Inwood Hill Park. (Ref: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/inwood-hill-park/highlights/12342)


The Indian Caves are still used by Native American Indians today. Homeless people also use Indian Caves as a place of shelter. So be careful not to disturb them. However the park rangers make sure they don’t stay long. Of course that doesn’t stop the occasional homeless person from squatting inside a cave.

Know this before you go visit and explore the Indian Caves. If you continue along the path to the left and head southwest, you'll eventually pass the Indian Caves on your right. Some caves, actually rock overhangs, are still visible. (Ref: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/shorakkopoch)

When entering via the North end the park where Shorakkopock Rock is take a left, walk about 500 feet and then take a right up the final dirt path which leads up to the caves (fourth dirt path up to the right in all, the first one doesn't lead to the caves). Walk straight up the path and the first boulder you come to on the path is Indian Cave. (Ref: https://www.mountainproject.com/route/120164501/indian-cave)

There have been cases of people using the Indian Caves at Inwood Hill Park to live in them over the years. Residents of New York City would use Indian Caves as shelter.

One example is the case of Miss Hattie Barnes.

Miss Hattie Barnes was using Indian Caves for shelter as she had lost her position as a stenographer and typewriter at General Electric Inspection Company because she could not do the character of work required. She had sent most of her money to her brother which left her penniless without any amount of money. She used Indian Caves as shelter. Miss Hattie Barnes was arrested on the afternoon of Thursday, September 1, 1904 at Central Park and was committed to Bellevue Hospital by the courts. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/image/468719045/?terms=%22Indian%20Caves%22&match=1)

She had survived by eating refuse of food left over from/by picnic parties. Doctors feared that exposure and trouble have affected her with a form of paresis. There was an examination of her sanity ordered by the New York State Court. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/345070281/)

Brooklyn had lost sight of the famous Miss Hattie Barnes during the early part of the 20th century as confirmed in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle newspaper. Miss Hattie Barnes had been missing for quite some time. Brooklyn Daily Eagle had no clue as to her current whereabouts. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/image/55323699/?terms=%22Miss%20Hattie%20Barnes%22)

Another example is the case of Summer Lee.

Summer Lee had been taking a solitary journey during the summer of 1925 with a legislator named Lord John. Him and Lord John took refuge at the Indian Caves while out on their solitary journey in New York City. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/24071432/)

One great regret they had, and that was to leave their old camp behind. Not only for the sake of the others which remained there, but even more because we were losing touch with friends, family, and workers. They hoped to return to the Indian Caves in the near future. (Ref: Galveston Daily News, Page 6, Wednesday, July 29, 1925)

One famous example is the case of Princess Naomi, the last surviving Indian on Manhattan Island. Anthropologists and archaeologists believed Princess Naomi was living in Indian Caves in 1936. (Ref: New Yorks Times, November 15, 1936)

Princess Naomie went on to tell the reporter, “Back in the woods a bit is what’s called an Indian cave, but between you and I and the gate-post, I don’t believe Indians ever lived there. It leaks.  Oh, here comes Chief White Eagle. My tribalman.”


 

The Indian Caves are located at 600 West 218th Street, New York, New York, US 10034. That is near the intersection of Broadway & Dyckman Street.

Plimpton Playground. One of the hidden treasures of the Bronx.

Not many people know this but Plimpton Playground is one of the hidden treasures of the Bronx borough of New York City. Only so many people know about Plimpton Playground since this playground is smack dab in the middle of the Bronx.

New York Daily News once called Plimpton Playground one of the worst parks. Plimpton Playground was listed as one of the top-five worst parks in New York City by New York Daily News back in 2006. A lot of the soft surfaces ripped apart or with sections missing. You see paint chipped and peeling, or hooks on swings that could catch a child's clothes. The park's management is legally responsible for resolving these issues and fixing any broken structures. If a child is hurt, parents can take action, especially if it's because of something that's not maintained or secured properly. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/410314069/)

“Among the worst listed by NYPIRG are Fort Tryon Park in Washington Heights, Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn and Saturn Park, Staten Island.”

[Among the worst listed by NYPIRG are Fort Tryon Park in Washington Heights, Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn and Saturn Park, Staten Island. Queens' Linden Park and Ogden Plimpton playground in the Bronx also are listed in the top-five worst parks. "You see a lot of the soft surfaces ripped apart or with sections missing," said Yves Antenor, project coordinator for the Bronx. "You see paint chipped and peeling, or hooks on swings that could catch a kid's clothes. "The park's management is legally responsible for this stuff," said Antenor. "If a child is hurt, parents can take action, especially if it's because of something that's not maintained or secured properly.”]

But Plimpton Playground has improved since then due to significant upgrades and extensive renovations by NYPIRG. Plimpton Playground is no longer a dilapidated playground and park.

Plimpton Playground received $500,000 for upgrades to comfort stations and play areas in 2014. Plimpton Playground was redesigned and reconstructed. This had led Plimpton Playground become one of the hidden treasures of the Bronx. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/584013605/)

“Among those are the Edenwald Playground, Fort Four Playground and Ogden Plimpton Playground, which will each receive $500,000 for upgrades to mini-pools, comfort stations and play areas. The Office of Management and Budget provides strict guidelines for programs looking to receive funding from the borough's ambassadors.”

“The new sites brings to 56 the number of green spaces picked for overhauls under the initiative, which is pumping $285 million into parks in high poverty neighborhoods, officials are expected to announce Monday. The play spaces - Almeda Playground in Queens, Abraham Lincoln and Audobon playgrounds in Manhattan, La Guardia and Weeksville playgrounds in Brooklyn and Garrison, Plimpton, and playgrounds 174 and 134 in the Bronx - will be redesigned and reconstructed. "For health, for relaxation, and for happiness, great neighborhoods need the great neighborhood spaces the Community Parks Initiative creates," said Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver.”


Plimpton Playground, a space that has seen minimal improvements over the past 20 years, has been completely re-envisioned and revitalized, with wonderful upgrades made to the entire park. New York City’s small parks and playgrounds are the under-appreciated jewels of their park system. Plimpton Playground is one of the Bronx’s under-appreciated jewels. (Ref: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/plimpton-playground/pressrelease/21733)

“Plimpton Playground, a space that has seen minimal improvements over the past 20 years, has been completely re-envisioned and revitalized, with wonderful upgrades made to the entire park,” said Parks Commissioner Silver. “Thanks to Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Community Parks Initiative and a $4.43 million investment in this park, the West Bronx now has a beautiful brand new playground for all to enjoy.”

“The proposed upgrades for Plimpton Playground will enhance the park as a great escape for families living near Plimpton Avenue, West 172nd Street and Edward L. Grant Highway in my district,” said Assemblywoman Latoya Joyner (D-Bronx, 77th AD). “Now, with this investment from Mayor de Blasio and NYC Parks Commissioner Silver, the Community Parks Initiative will infuse Plimpton Playground and other similarly under-funded and overlooked neighborhood parks like it in the Bronx and across the City with much needed improvements that can help ensure families in our community are granted access to superb parks that are built to last for generations. These investments will improve the quality of life for my constituents and ensure the community has a say in what their local neighborhood park should look like.”

"New York City’s small parks and playgrounds are the under-appreciated jewels of our park system. But too many have languished for decades without adequate upgrades and renovations--especially in our low- and moderate income neighborhoods,” said Council Member Mark Levine, Chair of the Committee on Parks. "The Community Parks Initiative has injected new life into dozens of these special places already, and I am thrilled that nine more parks will now be receiving similar investments.”


Plimpton Playground is located at 1440 Plimpton Avenue, Bronx, New York, US 10452.

History of Dullnig Wells in San Antonio, Texas explored.

Dullnig Wells is one of the historic hot springs of San Antonio, Texas which was highly famous during the 20th century. This was also one of San Antonio’s hot sulphur wells. Dullnig Wells was also known as Dullnig’s Wells.

The Dullnig Wells were in existence as gassers before the Civil War of the 1860s and the pioneer days. These prehistoric hot springs preceded anything in Texas. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/588087252/)

The Dullnig Wells were named after George Dullnig as the Dullnig Wells were/was located on the Dullnig Ranch which was owned by George Dullnig. George Dullnig discovered the Dullnig Wells while out on the search and excavation for mineral and oils as well as gas. (Ref: https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/george-dullnig)

Dullnig Wells were/was located on located on what was once a 1,000-acre ranch owned by George Dullnig, who immigrated from Austria in 1853. He and his wife had 14 children and dreamed of building a model farm with fruit trees, corn, cattle and horses. After twelve costly attempts to find water, he found only crude oil, natural gas and sulfur water. Finally resigning himself to the production of oil and gas instead of fruit and livestock, his wells produced the first oil in Texas, fifteen years before the Texas oil boom of the famous Spindletop in Beaumont. The natural gas was pumped along a one-inch main into the ranch house, making it the brightest-lit building in South Texas! The bubbling sulfuric water was siphoned into tanks and sold as a "cure-all". (Ref: https://www.ecisd.net/Page/668)

Dullnig's mineral wells were reported by the San Antonio Gazette newspaper to have black sandy loam soil on splendid valley lands for cultivation. The black sandy loam soil was used for mud baths for the wells. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/38699445/)

Dullnig Wells was slimly patronized although the water quality was said to be as good a Terrell Hot Wells and Harlandale Baths. Dullnig Wells only had small bath houses and are not reached by street cars. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/50944191/)

The medicinal waters at Dullnig Wells come from the bowels of the Earth. The air was pure and the scenery was charming. (Ref: https://newspaperarchive.com/san-antonio-daily-light-apr-04-1900-p-8/)

Home to have yourself cured of almost any or all ills that the human system is heir to if you will but visit the great natural sanitarium the Dullnig Wells and drink and bathe in those medicinal waters coming from the bowels of the Earth. The air is pure and bracing the scenery is charming and the very kind and courteous attention.

Tho flow of petroleum at the Dullnig Wells was not only copious but the petroleum itself is of excellent quality and especially for lubrication. There are at least a dozen wells in the county and city where petroleum has been found. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/84405684/)


The Dullnig Wells were in existence as gassers before the Civil War of the 1860s and the pioneer days. These prehistoric hot springs preceded anything in Texas. However the old Dullnig Wells were drilled in 1886. These mineral, oil, and gas wells were the first recorded production in Texas, appearing on reports of 1889. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/386075818/)

From 1889 to and including 1895, the total output of the State, so far as is now known, was but 361 barrels, valued at $1,999, all of which came from the Dullnig wells, near San Antonio. This was lubricating oil and the aver­age price per barrel was a little over $5.53. This price may be contrasted with the prices that maintained shortly after the opening of the Spindle Top field, near Beaumont, Jefferson county, 1901-1902, when oil was sold as low at 18 cents a barrel. (Ref: https://repositories.lib.utexas.edu/bitstream/handle/2152/28697/2013-X-0503-RascoeElder.txt?sequence=3)


In 1890, Fort Worth Daily Gazette had reported the pressure at the Dullnig Wells increases instead of diminishing. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/84405684/)

After George Dullnig died in 1908, his family leased a two-story wooden ranch house nearby and made it into Dullnig Wells Hotel and Bath House, a spa where San Antonians sought cures for rheumatism from its 11 mineral water wells. City dwellers came to the screened cottages for weekend vacations "out in the country".

Herbert Gregory took over the ranch house and operated the Dullnig Wells Hotel and Bathhouse until 1925. The structures were demolished in 1935. The water stopped flowing and Dullnig Wells shut down. The property was sold for housing development in 1940s. (Ref: https://www.edwardsaquifer.net/intro.html)


A dedication of a marker on Loop 13 on the edge of the city, commemorating the nearby old Dullnig wells, drilled in 1886, were held in 1956. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/386075818/)

“A dedication of a marker on Loop 13 on the edge of the city, commemorating the nearby old Dullnig wells, drilled in 1886. These oil and gas wells were the first recorded production in Texas, appearing on reports of 1889.”


The Dullnig Wells were located on Loop 13, San Antonio, Texas, US. 6 miles from City Hall.