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| Thinking of that propeller underneath the ship |
Recently
I was able to purchase a small coin that was minted with the purpose to raise
funds for the historic ship
USS Olympia. The metal used in the coin minting was
taken from a propeller off the vessel itself.
Thinking about how this small coin makes its impression on me. The basis
for this being something other than just a small piece of metal versus something
that has great significance to me is a matter of questions and knowledge. Every child learns the 5 ‘W’s and 1 ‘H’ that
form our foundation for learning questions. Without realizing it, what makes an
artifact trash to one person but treasure to another, is just a matter of
questions and knowledge. Without delving
into philosophy, an artifact is unique to every individual.
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| USS Olympic Coin |
Concerning
this coin, the breakdown is simple.
What
is this coin, or specifically what is this coin from. As mentioned, the coin
was created from the propeller of a United States naval ship named the USS
Olympia. That means that where the Olympic went, this metal, also traveled.
Which leads to the question of where.
Where
has this coin been? Well besides the forge and mint, we know that in its prior
life it sailed the world, and at a crucial point it was under the waves
in Manila harbor. The crucial point is another important ‘W’ representing when.
When is answered with a number, 1898. In
1898 this coin was part of navel engagement during the
Spanish-American War.
Holding this in my hand flashes through me a connection to the time, the place,
and the event that nothing read nor viewed can reproduce. This little coin was
at, was part of, and was there when this mighty event took place. In presence it
served as witness to all that happened. From
the explosion of the Maine, to the declaring of war, to the squadron fight in
the harbor, to Admiral Dewey ordering maneuvers of his flagship, to the
steersmen turning the wheel, altering the speed that propeller, to this same
metal resting in my palm.
All connect in a line, which continued to change
right up to the date I received it in the mail. The other question terminology
only branch out the connections this small coin brings even further.
Who has impacted the history of this
clump of brass? William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt,
Admiral Dewey, and now
myself. Only the acknowledgment and excitement of history can bridge those
together. Asking why only further broadens the social and historical processes.
Why was the coin fashioned? Why was the Olympic famous? The last wordage is the
‘H’ in ‘how’.
How did the coin come
to the previous owner? How many miles has this brass traveled in one form or
another? Knowing the answers to all these questions is what makes this coin
more than just a coin. The answers to those questions are what make this cease
to be a piece of metal and become an artifact unique to me.
On a side note, the historic cruiser is in dire need for funding as it seems threatened to be be scrapped if a permanent solution can not be found for the upkeep of this historic vessel. I can't understand how the federal government doesn't have this ship on a historic mooring somewhere due to it's place in history. Please make donations to the
current site of the ship in Philadelphia.
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| USS Olympia today |
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