Steampunk Research: Ericsson and Iron Clads

John Ericsson - Mechanical Engineering Guru

John Ericsson, like Nikola Tesla, is truly one of the unsung heroes of engineering, innovation, and technological developments. This extraordinary man was working on SOLAR energy projects and designs in the 1870's! YES - 1870's!

A hands-on mechanical engineer - he is known for his advancements in nautical design, steam engines, and caloric engines.

Most notably, he is known for his design and manufacture of the Monitor Iron Clad ship for the Union Army during the American Civil War.

Before I started my research on the American Civil War, images of the land battles between blue and gray clad soldiers came to mind. We so often hear of the Westpoint graduates who lead armies on both sides of the war, but let me tell ya, there was a whole heck of a lot happening between the respective naval forces, too. One of the main goals of the Union Navy was to form a blockade to prevent the flow of resources needed in the south. Remember, the north was the seat of industrial power and there were many goods and services supplied by the north to the south.

One of the most famous naval battles took place on March 9, 1862 between Ericsson's Monitor and the Confederate Iron Clad, the Merrimack (Virginia). The battle lasted for five hours and ended in a tactical draw.

In Olav Thulesius' book, The Man Who Made the Monitor:A Biography of John Ericsson, Naval Engineer, Thulesius details Ericsson's life and the challenges he faced to bring his designs to fruition. As with any new technology, there were traditionalists who viewed Ericsson's propeller designs (now a naval design staple) and plans for an iron clad sub-aquatic vessel as pure folly. In the end, he proved that his designs were worth far more than their initial investment for fabrication.

The Monitor designed by John Ericsson, built 1861-1862,
Image courtesy of the Naval Historical Center.

For a sense of scale, here is a picture of some of the USS Monitor officers on deck near the turret.

Image courtesy of the Naval Historical Center.

Why am I so interested in John Ericsson? Well, the hero of my latest steampunk series obtains a position as an apprentice engineer employed by John Ericsson.

Here is another interesting tidbit I read in Thulesius' book... there was a slave woman named Mary Louvestre who was owned by a ship's chandler in Norfolk, VA. Like a scene out of a spy novel, Mary Louvestre copied the drawings and plans of the Merrimack (Virginia) and smuggled them north to Union Naval officials. Hmmmm....I feel a short story brewing.  :D

Steampunk Research: Ohio's Part in The Underground Railroad

As a kid growing up in Cleveland, OH, we talked about The Underground Railroad and Ohio's role in helping escaped slaves flee north, every year during Black History Month.  To be honest,  I really didn't realize how extensive a network of houses (conductor stations), universities (Otterbein & Oberlin to name two), and communities (Africa - East Orange, Westerville, Cleveland, etc.) existed until I started doing my own research.  When I think about the number of people who quietly worked together for a common good, I am overwhelmed.

Provided by the Westerville Historical Society and Westerville Library

There were steamship crews, some populated with escaped slave crewmen, who helped shuttle groups across Lake Erie into Canada.  Once in Canada, some escapees secured passage to Europe and other parts of the world.  Quilts, lamps, hitching posts, flowers, and all manner of items were used by conductors to designate if their home was safe, already occupied, or in danger of being raided by slave catchers.  Whole communities came together to feed, clothe, and outfit traveling groups of escapees.

There were patches of Ohio occupied by southern sympathizers, too.  These areas were avoided at all cost.  As you can see from the map above, there are very few 'straight shots' north through Ohio!

Once I am finished with my first manuscript in my series, I will do more research on what happened once the groups crossed Lake Erie into Canada, where they settled if they decided to go to Europe, and what life was like if they decided to stay in Ohio.

Steampunk Research: Mid-1800 University Physics Lab

The week of July 4th, I traveled to Ohio to visit with family.  During this trip, I ventured down to Westerville, Ohio to do some research for my work-in-progress.

Let me take a moment to give a HUGE note of thanks to Beth Weinhardt - Westerville Historical Society and Westerville Library, and Stephen Grinch - archivist at Otterbein University.  Both were incredibly giving of their time and could offer amazing details off the top of their heads!

Otterbein University is my alma-mater for my master's studies.  It was founded in 1847.  Since it's inception, it has accepted women and people of color as full students, faculty, and members of its campus community.  Many of the buildings and homes around the campus were stops on the Underground Railroad that helped escaped slaves find freedom before and during the Civil War.

Since one of my main characters is a science professor at Otterbein, Stephen was kind enough to pull some photos of the the science labs from the time period of my research. <BTW, How cool is that???>  I will use the pictures he provided to help me with my setting descriptions.

Towers Physics Lab around the time of the Civil War
Photo courtesy of Otterbein University Archives

I will continue to share interesting tidbits of information from my research in future posts.

In the mean time, let me know what you think!

My Favorite Corset Maker

I must admit, I was a little nervous when I started looking for corsets to complete my Steampunk costumes.  Skirts & blouses were easy to find, but a corset.....now that's a whole different matter. So, I did what I always do, I turned to Etsy to look and learn.  I found:

Damsel in this Dress

I'd actually heard about Damsel in this Dress from several ladies I met at a writing conference.  I fell in love with their use of patterns, prints, colors, and texture. They really have a superb eye for design.  Most importantly, their designs come in a broad range of sizes.  Recently they produced a "Look Book" that showed how their skirts and corsets can be combined to make western, futuristic, Steampunk, and fantasy (and much more) themed costumes.  I especially love their Tieranny skirts and bustle accessories that allow you to mix and match pieces to create a variety of outfits.

Their sizing instructions were easy to follow and the corset(s) I purchased are designed for support and all day comfort.

My understanding is that Damsel in this Dress will have a booth at Portland's Gear Con 2013.  I will be sure to swing by and say, "Hi!" and perhaps leave with a wallet that is several dollars lighter.  :D

To view their full offering, visit their main website.

Damsel in this Dress Vixen corset with full length bustle skirt.
 (The Vixen corset comes with a removable hood.  Brilliant!)

Welcome to Morgan's Compendium

Welcome to my new blog!!

Like all things Steampunk, here you will find an eclectic mix of objects, images, and stories from my adventures.  I may even include the occasional arts & craft project in celebration of the DIY (do-it-yourself) spirit of the Steampunk community.

Who am I and why am I doing this blog?

My name is Morgan Mechan.  "Mechan" is short for "mechanical" and "mechanic."  I am an author working on a young adult, Steampunk novel based in 1860 Virginia.  (Yup, I'm writing multicultural Steampunk adventures.)  I'm also a mechanical engineer who earned a Bachelor of Science at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH.  Needless to say, the geek girl in me jumped with glee when I started to learn more about Steampunk culture, gadgets, and costumes.

Recently, I was asked to sit on some author panels at Portland's Gear Con 2013.  So, if you are there, please say "hi" to the new girl - that would be me!  (I will be sure to include pictures of my first Steampunk gathering in upcoming posts.)

In the mean time, here is my latest find....

Steamed Up Designs

My dear friend, Mel, is the creative genius behind Steamed Up Designs.  The link above takes you directly to her Etsy store.  I have the honor of being her very first customer!

Mel uses a variety of found objects in her designs.  Notice that the anchor piece for the necklace below is a door hinge!  Brilliant!  Though I already own the piece pictured below, trust me when I say that there are loads of other GREAT finds on her sight.  Check it out and let me know what you think....

Thanks for stopping by!  <3 Morgan