ST. AUGUSTINE IS THE OLDEST CITY in the United States. It is also the last “Friends and Family” stop on this leg of our Grand Tour. John’s sister Jean “Charlotte” and daughter Carli moved down from “Joisey” about fifteen years ago and took root.
Jeanie "Charlotte" at Charlotte Street
We have all aged in the eight years since our last visit—so much for the Fountain of Youth nonsense, Ponce. Despite Covid and a few hurricanes, not much has changed in St. Augustine. Castillo de San Marcos still dominates the waterfront, bars and restaurants are in full-swing and art galleries line Aviles Street, the oldest street in town.
Ponce might not be ageing . . . but we are!
Catillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine icon
Nao Trinidad, a replica of the flagship of Ferdinand Magellan’s fleet that sailed around the world, was in port. Trinidad, the original, led the fleet from Seville, Spain in 1519. Ferdie and his men weren’t merely hearty lads, they were freakin’ crazy. Nao Trinidad isn’ much larger than the lifeboat/tenders on today’s cruise ships. Only 18 of the original 270 men and one of the five ships, Victoria, completed the circumnavigation of the globe in 1522.
Aviles Street, oldest in the US
St. Augustine lighthouse
We wandered around the old part of town after a nice lunch—I finally got my oysters, po’boy style. After a visit to the St. Augustine lighthouse for a stroll, Jeanie dropped us back at the hotel to rest and wash up. Then it was pizza and family lore at her apartment.
Daddy George at Corning NY
Study photo for Esso NY State map
Patriots signing up for the Revolution, Esso Bi-Centennial Calendar (most of the men are Dad)
Study photo for "I Am the Good Shepherd"
Jeanie somehow became the custodian of the odds and ends of our family’s stuff; some antiques and some just old, Grandma Charlotte’s family crest, photos and a series of Esso Bi-Centennial maps featuring our father. A local artist used him as a model for a series of Esso state maps and a Bi-Centennial calendar, paperback book covers and even a church hymnal—George as the Good Shepherd. Good grief!
