New York Central Railroad

Two Grandfathers

By William Kennedy, Contributor
October / November 2000

October 1, 2000 by Leave a Comment

William Kennedy on his unsung origins. My grandfathers, George Kennedy and Peter McDonald, died before I was born. I came to know something of them through talks with my parents and other relatives, a few artifacts, death certificates and obituaries, and two photographs that defined them for me forever. Both photos are working-class portraits. The portrait of George … [Read more...] about Two Grandfathers

May 31, 1821

The Cathedral of Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary, the first U.S. Catholic cathedral, is dedicated in Baltimore. The cathedral, now a Basilica, was envisioned by John Carroll, America’s first bishop, who was the founder of the American Catholic hierarchy and Georgetown University. It was designed by renowned architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe. Carroll, whose father was born in Ireland, laid the cornerstone of the cathedral on July 7, 1806, but he did not live to see its completion, having died on December 15, 1815. During its first year over 200,000 people visited the cathedral. Pope John Paul II made two visits to the cathedral.

Two Grandfathers

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